I think they make more than they should. My first paycheck in 1985 was $385.Today's Military is better paid than what is reflected in the actual pay charts. Base pay+BAH+Rations+clothing allowance= good money.
Example: An E-6 Staff Sergeant at Fort Sill w/ 10yrs service makes a total of $5,114.00 a month if married. $61,370.00 a year is not bad money at all. Add to that the fact that if they retire at 20 years without further promotion, they will receive $1925.85 a month for the rest of their life, $23,110.00 a year. Furthermore this does not include any VA entitlements based on injuries or Educational benefits received through the various GI type bills. Never gonna get rich as a Soldier, but you can be more than comfortable in the end.
This is all public record @ 2017 pay rates.
David