Coalition to Senate: Increase troop pay and benefits - Think it has a chance?

2015-06-09T10:56:51-04:00

Coalition officials estimate that those planned benefits trims and similar proposals enacted over the last two years will cost a married midcareer enlisted service member with two dependents about $5,100 in purchasing power annually. For a midcareer officer, the lost benefits total more than $6,400.

But Pentagon planners have argued the reduced pay raises and benefit adjustments are needed to keep military personnel costs from overwhelming other accounts, especially as lawmakers rein in military spending following years of aggressive growth during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/pay/allowances/2015/06/08/military-coalition-senate-letter-pay-benefits/28678405/

Coalition to Senate: Increase troop pay and benefits

The group of outside advocates wants Congress to back more generous plans supported by the House in next year's defense budget.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 9 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-06-09T11:02:57-04:00

They have so many things going on with the military it will probably get lost in the mix.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 9 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-06-09T11:04:31-04:00

Like a snowball in Hades!!

These bums need to come together and put a plan together. Yes a comprehensive, researched P-L-A-N not, let's chop BHA for dual couples and let's cut combat pay and let's change retirement packages all as separate bills and measures.

IN the civilian world we don't see raises or COLA for years at a time so the military is no different.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-06-09T11:09:12-04:00

We still have a Congress? I thought they were all on vacation, when are they going to find time to vote on this?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 9 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-06-09T11:42:48-04:00

Rein in military spending! People, military spending is what keeps this country free and it creates jobs and more industry. Look at all the crap that gets passed through legislation that is a waste and move those dollars to the military (that creates jobs, keeps young Americans employed and trained, develops better citizens (minus a few), and creates industry to keep that machine well oiled. There are so many second and third order affects to downsizing and reducing military spending that it is mind-boggling! Why are we cutting? There are other ways to balance a budget - cut out the entitlements that keep growing our entitled population. If you can't find a job or you are on welfare then let's get these people into the military and train them to stand on their own two feet. Get them a job in Washington DC working part0time for Congress! I realize that can't account for all of the entitled population we have created, but it’s an idea. Sorry to ramble!