best paid soldiers - Historum

**bartieboy** · November 21st, 2012, 11:13 AM

We all know that soldiers are not exactly the best paid people in the world.
People who join the army don't do it to get rich, they mostly do it for the secured pay, three meals a day and the adventure.
Still I'd like to know which soldiers get the best pay check at the end of the month.
Would it be the Swedish soldier because of the high living expenses in his country? or would it be the soldier in a dictatorship that has to buy the loyalty of its army?

And how is this in history? Are you aware of any very badly paid or very well paid armies?

**Gorge123** · November 21st, 2012, 11:17 AM

I think the Roman Army they were paid pretty good,

now mordern day

net)

Canada[1]
United Kingdom
United States
France
Germany
Japan
Russia
Italy

**Bish** · November 21st, 2012, 11:34 AM

Interesting table Gorge. But does this take into account things that soldiers get cheap, or free, that civilians in their own country would have to pay for.

**Gorge123** · November 21st, 2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bish

Interesting table Gorge. But does this take into account things that soldiers get cheap, or free, that civilians in their own country would have to pay for.

you mean the benefits?

yakmatt · November 21st, 2012, 11:45 AM

Does pay include plunder?

Todays US Army is well paid if you include benefits like education and health insurance.

**bartieboy** · November 21st, 2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakmatt

Does pay include plunder?

Todays US Army is well paid if you include benefits like education and health insurance.

Yes, if they if you can translate it to the amount of cash a soldier gains on such benefits.

**Spartacuss** · November 21st, 2012, 12:11 PM

In the badly paid in history aspect of the op, I would say the Continental Army and American militia of the American Revolution.

Edit: Rather than make another post, I'll continue here.

Today, "best paid" would have to be relative to the particular nation's economy. Here's a piece, aired in June, 2012, by a San Diego television station reporting on the impact of cuts in the federal food stamp program on enlisted military families in that area. A rather substantial portion of the population in and around San Diego.

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/jun/21...-face-food-st/

**Bish** · November 21st, 2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorge123

you mean the benefits?

I mean things like cheap food and accomodation. Cheap or free utilities. Free health care. I guess it will vary from army to army.

Lord Lucan · November 21st, 2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartacuss

Today, "best paid" would have to be relative to the particular nation's economy. Here's a piece, aired in June, 2012, by a San Diego television station reporting on the impact of cuts in the federal food stamp program on enlisted military families in that area. A rather substantial portion of the population in and around San Diego.

San Diego's Military, Civilian Families Face Food Stamp Cut | KPBS.org

I thought those american foodstamps were for unemployed or something like that

Is there really jobs in US so badly paid that one cant buy a food for his family with what he earns?

**Gorge123** · November 21st, 2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Lucan

I thought those american foodstamps were for unemployed or something like that

Is there really jobs in US so badly paid that one cant buy a food for his family with what he earns?

i think so,like the bottom listed... but mainly worked by teenagers...maybe....

not sure if true
Top ten lowest paying jobs. http://www.myplan.com/careers/top-ten/lowest-paying.php

1.
Food Preparation & Serving Workers (including fast food)

$18,120

2.
Cooks - Fast Food

$18,230

3.
Dishwashers

$18,330

4.
Shampooers

$18,890

5.
Dining Room & Cafeteria Attendants & Bartender Helpers

$18,900

6.
Counter Attendants - Cafeteria & Coffee Shop

$18,990

7.
Cashiers

$19,030

8.
Hosts & Hostesses - Restaurant, Lounge & Coffee Shop

$19,190

9.
Amusement & Recreation Attendants

$19,450

10.
Ushers, Lobby Attendants & Ticket Takers

$19,610