The profession of arms is unlike any other with unique requirements, a distinctive culture, and a work environment like no other. Because of the armed force’s need for exceptional skills and knowledge, its pay and benefits must take these factors in mind in order to attract and maintain qualified personnel.

It is important that both the military members and their family members understand how military pay and allowances work so I am going to begin a series of articles to familiarize both the military members and their family members of what they get paid and why. We’ll begin with the most basic of entitlements and then expand into some of the ones that are less common.

The military compensation package is a complex system made up of about 40 different pay and allowance items and can be very confusing to the uninitiated. Not every member is entitled to every pay and allowance. There are many factors that determine which ones a member is entitled including, grade, time in service, marital status, duty location, duty status, military specialty, as well as numerous other requirements.

Military entitlements are established by law and are subject to change. Military pay and allowances policy and guidance is established in the DoD Financial Management Regulation (DODFMR), Volume 7A, Military Pay Policy – Active Duty and Reserve Pay. DODFMR Vol 7A Military Pay. Some entitlements are established in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Joint Travel Regulations.

The information is current but may not be 100% complete or inclusive. All military pay and allowances are based on satisfying a variety of requirements, so if you think you are entitled to an item covered, we encourage you to check with your local Finance or Personnel Office to determine any requirements for your specific situation.

Military Pay & Entitlements Series
1. Introduction
2. Basic Pay
3. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) – Food Allowance
4. Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAH) – Housing Allowance
5. Common Deductions
6. How to Read Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
7. Uniform and Clothing Allowances
8. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
9. Special and Incentive Pays
10. Additional Special and Incentive Pays
11. Overseas or Station Allowance
12. PCS and Travel
13. Special Situations

Military Pay & Entitlements Series – Printable Version of the Whole Series

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