AS AMERICANS - What are our priorities?

The United States Army uses a complex set of variables to determine their enlisted pay scale. A soldier's rank and how long they have been in the Army influences what they are paid. They are given allowances for housing, food and cost of living. They also get pay increases for serving in combat, in aircraft and hazardous duty. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: COWBOYS / 2008
Median Salary: $1,326,720
Total Payroll: $ 146,401,600
(3 ref)

United States Army enlisted personnel serving in combat zones earn "imminent danger pay." This is several hundred dollars a month and is paid regardless of how long they spend in the combat zone that month. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: EAGLES / 2008
Median Salary: $ 978,280
Total Payroll: $ 109,557,398
(3 ref)

Soldiers performing dangerous jobs get hazardous duty pay. This includes duties like handling bombs, flying and parachute jumping. Hazardous duty pay ranges from $150 to $225 per month. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: PANTHERS / 2008
Median Salary: $ 1,117,900
Total Payroll: $ 112,114,711
(3 ref)

Hardship duty pay is paid to soldiers serving outside the continental United States in areas where the quality of life is below American standards. It ranges from $50 to $150 per month. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: GIANTS / 2008
Median Salary: $ 912,000
Total Payroll: $ 115,816,180
(3 ref)

If you are prepared to apply yourself to the most rigorous training the Army has to offer, then they are prepared to offer you a starting salary of $14,400, which can reach up to $28,000 as an E5 after only 4 years. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: PATRIOTS / 2008
Median Salary: $ 931,200
Total Payroll: $ 92,734,120
(3 ref)

You will also receive free housing, full medical and dental benefits, free and discounted travel and entertainment, paid vacations, military shopping privileges, and continuing education and promotion opportunities. (1,2 ref)

TEAM/YEAR: STEELERS / 2008
Median Salary: $ 1,001,920
Total Payroll: $ 128,815,061
(3 ref)

I love football, but I think there is something wrong with this picture. What do YOU think? Seriously, think about the big picture; what are our priorities?

(1) http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/money_basic_pay.jsp
(2) http://www.ehow.com/about_4570400_us-army-enlisted-pay-scale.html
(3) http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/teamresults.aspx?team=19