I am a civilian contractor working for the Army.  I read the article ["Cheap Labor," Sept. 20]
about what soldiers really make per hour and was amazed at the items Navy Times left out when
figuring in the hourly salary for the military.

Did the Navy Times take into account that every holiday in the civilian world turns into a four-
day holiday in the military?  Did it subtract the large volume of personal business that
is conducted by military personnel while they should be performing their tasks?

Parent-teacher conferences, children's performances, doctor appointments, car repairs, college
classes, counseling, haircuts, shopping, going to the gym, sporting events -- in the civilian
world we have to take leave or time off to take care of personal business.

Did Navy Times subtract commanders who give passes our liberally for myriad reasons, which
do not require soldiers to take personal leave time, which is already generous?  Did it
subtract for the hours of war stories around the water cooler when no work is being
accomplished?  Did you figure in the 20-year retirement versus the 30-year plan of the
civilian world?

I agree that no price can be put on the sacrifice that soldiers make defending this great
country.  The soldiers are in my prayers daily.

However, please do not invite me to the pity party for the active-duty military about benefits.

-- Signed, Army Reserve Lt. Col. ***** *******