I'm considering going to the air traffic controller academy... but I'm having issues understanding the pay scales.

1. It says the base pay for being a recruit is 17k a year, NOT including locality pay. Later it says, "you're compensated $79.20 per day for food, lodging, etc". Is that $79.20 the locality pay for Oklahoma City, where the academy is?

2. The locality pay rates are listed as percentages. Percentages of what?

3. The general public pay for the academy is 17k... and then it says "Veterans Recruitment Appointment" and lists the pay as 33k. I'm an Iraqi war veteran who recently separated from active duty (no I wasn't an air traffic controller). What does that mean, and does it apply to me?

Thanks in advance!