Charles Shetron: Real minimum wage should be based on military paychecks

The minimum wage should be $8.92 per hour. How could I come up with this number? Very simple, according to data published in the February Newsletter of the Military Officers Association of America; an E1 (private) member of the military earns $18,561 a year. This magnanimous sum is for someone who has had extensive training, is on-call 24/7 and in combat could work 24 hours a day or more without overtime.

For a little more perspective, an E5 (sergeant) with eight years service, infinitely more training and responsibility and more stressful working conditions, makes $35,400 per year. Currently some in the political class have their shorts in a knot over a $15 minimum wage, which, based upon a 40-hour work week, is $31,200 per year for jobs requiring not much more than showing up. In comparison to the military, and viewed from the standpoint of human effort and individual contribution to society, the foregoing suggested minimum wage, calculated on a private’s pay for a 40-hour work week, is, in my opinion, more than adequate.

This story was originally published March 3, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Charles Shetron: Real minimum wage should be based on military paychecks."