The following is in response to Tim Guerin’s letter, published Jan. 18.

It appears that Guerin’s son did not properly prepare for his deployment to Iraq. Prior to deployment, his son could have made arrangements to have a portion, or all, of his monthly pay electronically deposited in his checking account to cover his Internet costs.

Guerin states that, “A soldier’s base pay is barely poverty level.” He did not state what rank his son has obtained, how long he has been in the Army, or whether he is single or married. The monthly basic pay for a serviceman withtwo years’ service for an E-2 is $1,502; for an E-3, $1,679; and for an E-4, $1,840. Increased rank and time in service will greatly increase those values.

In addition to the basic pay, a serviceman is entitled to other pay and allowances, such as hardship duty pay, housing allowance (if married), imminent danger pay, etc. Some allowances are also tax free.

Guerin’s son volunteered to enlist in the regular or reserve Army or the National Guard. I am sure that the benefits and hardships of enlistment were explained to him before he was sworn in. This type of service is a necessary job but does not entitle one to unlimited benefits.

I give thanks for Guerin’s son’s military service to my country.

Doug Cooper, Norway