[van-man]

You guys talk about the "military" as though it were only one institution. There are many branches and many capacities that one could elect to serve in. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Gaurd, National Gaurd all offer a huge variance in career opportunites. And with a college education, Grizz, you could enter as an officer, so long as you are still within the age requirements depending on branch; and start out making well over 50k with practically free insurance. And additionally, 1/2 to 2/3 of your total pay in the military is tax free!
I don't know a single officer in the Air Force, who stayed the full 20yrs, that wasn't making over 100k before they retired...