There's plenty of taxpayer money distrbuted to various military actors overtly and as bribes. To see who gets the most benefits you'd have to wait and see who steps in when US government looses ability to tax people or tries to enact something that reduces money stream into military complex significantly.

It's way more educational to look at countries where it already happened at least once.

Sometimes military removes government, sometimes it sides with government and kills enough people to quench the unrest.

The military in the US is a great opportunity for young people (just out of high school) who can't afford college. They identify and promote talent. I know several ex Army guys who served and they are top notch people to work with. The Army paid for them to get masters and phd degrees. They also turned them into great managers who get things done. If you are young and poor but have ambition and drive, the US Army is a great choice.

I also admire the overall benefits program. Great health care, pensions and perks such as USAA memberships are really valuable. So it's difficult to put a number on their total compensation. It's much more than it seems and passes down (somewhat) to future generations. For example, my children can be USAA members because my father was in the Army in Vietnam (50 years ago).

I think you’d be surprised.

E4 enlisted make $27k per year. Crap right? But their housing and food is paid for. That $27k is entirely discretionary.

If you’re serving in Atlanta Georgia, take home is $22k per year. So about $1,900 a month, after housing and food.

That’s why so many enlisted buy motorcycles and new Camerons. It’s a good chunk of money when your 22.

Are defense contractors not supposed to make a lot of money, especially if the military-industrial complex will exist in one form or another?