The Nation - News from June 18, 1986

A career in the military offers many people an opportunity to earn more money and benefits than their civilian counterparts of the same age, a report by the General Accounting Office says. The typical serviceman is earning roughly 15% more in salary and allowances and 57% more in various benefits than his average civilian counterpart of the same age. The striking difference in benefits can be attributed primarily to the military retirement system, the reports says.