I just payed my first month's rent since coming to Portland. I've been able to go this long because it was my credit card that secured us the apartment we're living in. Because of that, my roommates covered me until the GI bill started paying for housing. For those who don't know, the new GI bill pays the former serviceman what is referred to as BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, which is based on the standard of living of the area in which the recipient is stationed in (Actually, I think there is a correlation between the BAH and minimum wage of the area). Part of the problem lies in the fact that the VA pays the benefit for the month prior, i.e., I got payed this month for going to school last month.
What all this means is that I racked up a $10,000 debt just to get here, and its been sitting there, collecting interest, until I could get the money to start paying it off (Of course, that includes the debt I already had). This means that if I pay $100/month, it will take me 8 years and four months to pay of my credit card. And that doesn't take into account the interest. Maybe I could use this math crap I'm learning (or trying to learn) to figure it out.
Anyone out there thinking of joining the US military, keep in mind: use your in-service benefits!!!! Don't hemorrhage money the way I did, save as much as you can. Eat at the chow hall, don't go out drinking every night, or buying a bunch of useless crap you'll lose in three months, or spending all of your money on strippers. If you want college, go while you're in. The Tuition Assistance program pays for any college classes you take while you're Active Duty. You won't get a Bachelors' in four years, (you'll only be going to school part-time), but you could get an Associates'. And by saving money, you won't end up incurring massive debt you can't pay off. Learn from our government's mistakes. Don't get started on debt, climbing out is a bitch. Kinda like Sgt Phuorng. Except not so nice to look at.