Original Message

Where did you get $61K?

BASE pay for a 12 year O-4 in $8900 per month, and for a CW3 $6200 per month

Pilots at 12 years of aviation service get an additional $1,000 per month.

Average BAH (which is not taxed) is $1500 per month for the US. 

So a 12 year CW3 is making $8700 per month, which comes to $104,400.  And I am not subtracting the $200-400 per month have to pay for healthcare with a civilian job. 

Your $61K is a little off.