Going back to the wage thing -
It should probably also be noted that the military wage is in addition to medical coverage, job training, subsidized housing, discount plans all across the country, paid vacation time, and other benefits that are often also extended to immediate family members.
I don't know what the tax rate is on military income, or if that number is after taxes or not.
Someone making 30k a year in the USA, after an average 15-20% tax deduction, probably wouldn't be able to afford medicare and rent in the same month.