What have you done to this point? Seems a little extreme to hire help, but: Does the wife work? How many kids? Special needs? Commuter?
I don't think you'll be gone constantly, and you should get a little seniority in a reasonable time frame. Not to mention that affording help on first year (really about 15 mos) pay will pretty much negate any take-home pay you'll get. Maybe move to base and/or have the wife cut back at work?