There is a contingent in tech (and probably other areas like Wall Street) that is absolutely delusional about what most people consider comfortable middle class--or even upper middle class--salaries.

Those same people probably disagree about an army captain being middle class. Some would say that any public employee short of a presidential appointment is per se something below middle class. The average congressman or senator, the people on TV making all the decisions, are paid 175k/year. The president is paid 400k. Such people normally have other private income streams but that is the base pay. So anyone talking about "low six figures" as "middle class" really needs to take their head out of the sand.

It's either regional differences where people pretend that the exception is the rule [0] or rich people pretend to be "middle class" because that way the middle class will vote for the benefits of rich people.

[0] I can't afford a $2 million house, therefore I am not middle class if don't earn at least $200k.

I have not served, but my sense is that there are some additional factors at play:

* If you are deployed, I believe there may be some tax advantages?

* You may get combat pay

* Don't you still get a pension? And free/subsidized healthcare, even after you leave?

* Does a captain typically pay for housing?

All that said, your point is taken. However, I'm not sure anyone is joining the US Army to get rich.

Doesn't the army give housing and food allowances? Do you even pay anything if you live and eat on base?