A self-described "Sugar Dating" site claims that over 22,000 active duty and retired military personnel are looking to connect with someone who will take care of them financially for life. SeekingArrangement also says more than 9,000 members of the U.S. military identify themselves on the site as Sugar Daddies.
The primary reason given is low pay for service men and women. Base pay for the lowest enlisted rank is $20,172 per year, according to the Business Insider. Women in particular are reportedly having a difficult time making more money in the military because they seldom reach higher ranks.
A Blue Star Families survey indicated that 10,000 respondents who are on active duty, a veteran, or the spouse of someone associated with the military feel money issues are their primary source of stress.
The site suggests that expensive dinners and gifts are not the only perks of a sugar relationship. They say sugar babies also look for mentorship opportunities, the chance expand the social and professional network, and professional development opportunities.