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BASE FITNESS CENTER

Did any of you other fitness center regulars notice a big increase of people exercising this week? People waiting for stationary aerobic equipment, weight machines, etc. I had trouble finding an open locker. All the active-duty [personnel are] back from holiday leave. Lots of New Year’s resolutions is my guess. It’s not a bad thing, but I wonder how long will it last?

— forcedj

By the middle of next month, things should be back to normal.

— firenomore

OFFICER BAH VERSUS ENLISTED BAH

Can someone please tell me why an O-1 gets more basic allowance housing than a sergeant and so on? They already get more pay, why do they get to live better?

— kenny10

They’re officers. Part of the perk of taking the time to go to college, get a degree and then be commissioned is a better standard of living. It’s almost Officer 101.

— Bearstone

Because they made a smart decision and did what it took to earn a commission and better standard of living. Officers get paid more because they have a much higher level of responsibility, same as in the civilian world and everywhere else. In exchange for doing more work and getting more responsibility, they earn more benefits and pay. It’s the American way. If you [are] looking for equality, then meet the same standards as the person you want to be equal to. If you want to get the same benefits as the guy who has achieved more than you, move to a socialist or communist nation.

— SKLAV

VOTING RIGHTS

I don’t understand how I can participate in a half-dozen online surveys a year that I don’t have to identify myself, but to execute a right that I am serving and fighting for, I have to give up my anonymity [“Service members prefer online voting,” Jan. 11]. Bob Carey [who heads the office responsible for helping military and overseas absentee voters] needs to figure out a better way to help absentee voters (a.k.a. those of us serving in harm’s way).

— BHASSELL