Veterans pull 6 figures by collecting retirement, disability and social security? First, your retirement is reduced dollar for dollar for any disability you might receive. Second, Military people pay into social security and their pay is taxed, just like everyone else. You think veterans, who have paid into SS, are not entitled to get their SS like everyone else? What do you think the odds are of getting killed or wounded or maimed in a combat area? A whole lot better than Police and firefighters. Many military occupations are more dangerous as well just because of what is involved. While in the military, you are on duty 24/7. Yes, you may be at home but the amount of time away from home is much more than police or firefighters and you are subject to recall at any time. Twenty years is a very long time when you are in the military. My last two years, I was able to spend about 5 months at home. How does that compare to police or firefighters, who also retire after twenty years?