My brother in law joined the Coast Guard when 18 (so never saw any "combat" but was still in the "services") and after he served his 20 years, retired with full pension at the ripe OLD age of 38.
Always saved his money, lived on base housing so no housing/utility bills, and didn't buy many/any toys through his life.
At 40, he cash bought and paid off a house in Alaska, and is a Flyfishing guide with no housepayment or bills other than food and utilities.
how many other careers allow you to retire at 40 with full pension and benifits? Very Very few if any. Most people assume they'll still be working till 60-65+ to be able to retire.
yeah life sucks for him, and always fresh alaskan fish in the freezer.
