Housing is usually a shared apartment on base with high restrictions. Kinda like a college dorm room with lots of rules. Heath care is okay, it is free, which is nice, but military hospitals sometimes do not attract the best and brightest. We had some issues over the years. You get about $300 or so for a food allowance each month unless you live on base, then you get crappy chow hall food.

You will usually not make E4 until you hit your 3 year mark. The reg says you must have two years time in service. There are plenty of privates walking around Afghanistan right now.

I'd suspect the military jobs have substantially better job security, as well.

That is a two-way street. You are also not allowed to leave.

For many it's the last job they ever have...