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About to execute this right now and I see some interesting numbers being thrown around for the NPV of my pension. The numbers you are seeing are really the top
by CobaltFire 5y ago
About to execute this right now and I see some interesting numbers being thrown around for the NPV of my pension.
The numbers you are seeing are really the top of the iceberg; my actual take home as a retired E7 is likely to be about twice what the pay numbers would tell you due to VA disability.
So after a take home of around $72k/year and essentially free medical for my family for life, as well as my children’s college paid for (my degree was paid while on AD so they get my GI Bill), we still need to factor in Space A flights, tax free shopping, cheaper gas, gym access, beach accesses, cheaper groceries, etc. etc.
The most recent numbers I saw were something north of 2 million for anyone E6+ who gets 100% VA disability, which is pretty common.
That said, I rarely recommend the career to people. The costs incurred really aren’t worth it unless you get the equivalent of a lottery ticket.
- WalterBright 5y ago> free medical for my family for life, as well as my children’s college paid My dad was career Air Force. The free family medical ended when I was 18. PX privileges ended at 21. No money at all for college.
- CobaltFire 5y agoAll of that is conditional of course; you are correct in suggesting that those benefits end at those times typically. Some situations change that; one of my children is special needs and may never be independent so would stay in my healthcare for life. The transfer of GI Bill is relatively recent but if your father was even 0% disabled (I don’t think there’s a vet that isn’t) California would have waived your tuition to any state school after you became a resident. There are other situations that result in free college.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]