10
10
0
There are the constant hubris over pay and benefits but is the course we are on will cripple the military once again. Back in the 70s and 80s military pay was shameful and hampered by a Congress that really does not like us. Some support the military and this comes from both parties. I got the help I needed so I get the need to help the common man and the poor.
I chafe at the notion that a strong military is not important and that our country is special in some ways. What is your take?
I chafe at the notion that a strong military is not important and that our country is special in some ways. What is your take?
Military Pay
Future
Pride
United States
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 32
Capt Jeff S.
When I joined, the Private Sector made more than the military in an equivalent job. After I retired, that changed. The Public Sector now makes more than the Private Sector.
That's backwards. The Public Sector should NOT make more than the Private Sector for doing the same job. The draw for the Public Sector was job security and benefits which weren't there for the Private Sector, hence their increased compensation. We cost the taxpayers enough with our benefits and we have to start thinking about this $20 Trillion debt the country is facing. We can all think we're entitled but if the country defaults, you can kiss your pay goodbye.
That's backwards. The Public Sector should NOT make more than the Private Sector for doing the same job. The draw for the Public Sector was job security and benefits which weren't there for the Private Sector, hence their increased compensation. We cost the taxpayers enough with our benefits and we have to start thinking about this $20 Trillion debt the country is facing. We can all think we're entitled but if the country defaults, you can kiss your pay goodbye.
(1)
(0)
7
7
0
Overpaid??? Really? Overpaid!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
SSG Daniel Deiler, PO1 (Join to see), SFC (Join to see), SFC Brian Lehnhardt, SSG Kevin McCulley.
SSG Daniel Deiler, PO1 (Join to see), SFC (Join to see), SFC Brian Lehnhardt, SSG Kevin McCulley.
(7)
(0)
Cpl Brett Wagner
PO1 Jacob Dronzin - I know while out at sea a normal work day is 16+ or at least when I was in maybe different now. I think that makes up for your leave. I know I owe you a call and will do so after the New Year.
(1)
(0)
SSG Daniel Deiler
I think we are paid about right. Free health care. Paid 30 days leave per year. Free housing and utilities if on post or compensated adequately if off post. Paid to eat. Paid schooling and training. Encouraged to be with family at medical appointments (in my experience). An average of at least one 3 day weekend per month. There are many long days/hours and deployments, but I feel I'm paid very well for the work I do to be honest. We do a lot of unnecessary BS such as hours and hours of resiliency training and mandatory online classes and extraneous "check the block" paperwork. And approximately 60K per year in compensation plus retirement?!? I'll take it!!!
(1)
(0)
7
6
1
SSgt Larry L Ol I remember this and those pieces of fecal matter on the hill, as usual, gave themselves a huge pay raise. I voted that I am under paid now since I have taken $15,000 in pay cuts since 2010.
(7)
(1)
SSG (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see), so I show you proof of what you did, you post a subsequent acknowledgement of the "error" as well as an apology then three days later you down-vote me? Isn't that a bit juvenile, emotional and vengeful? Sad.
(3)
(0)
Cpl Brett Wagner
SSG Andres Redondo & SSgt L Ol - Can you believe the integrity of CPT Yi? Thanks for outing this dude. One thing to vote someone down then not give a reason why then deny you did it and come back three days later and do it again. What a tool! lol ;-)
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Cpl Brett Wagner and SSgt (Join to see), no doubt. Very little integrity or honor indeed.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I can see plenty of reasons to down vote this post, such as calling the elected representatives of the people of the United States fecal matter... however the other behavior doesn't make any sense.
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
I was so overpaid it wasn't funny. 3 hots and a cot and the ability to shoot people, dang collecting a paycheck on top of all that seemed criminal. Now Hollywood actors that make a thousand dollar for 30 seconds of camera time and US Government officials who can't make decisions, they are the underpaid folks.
(5)
(0)
Cpl Brett Wagner
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca - Damn it sir I forgot about that killing part without having to go to prison... you are right over paid it is. Maybe that is why 1Sgt James Nolan thinks they are over paid? With his being a cop and allowed to shoot people and choke them out and not getting in trouble...
Calm down everyone you know me and know I am kidding. :-) I am on the side of the cops they are really getting the crappy end of the stick now a days.
Calm down everyone you know me and know I am kidding. :-) I am on the side of the cops they are really getting the crappy end of the stick now a days.
(3)
(0)
5
5
0
Overpaid?????????? I think not. Why do you think people get out of the Military for?? The will get more in the civilian sector. Though its getting a lot better now.
(5)
(0)
SSgt (Join to see)
Hey I hear you. People in my unit would get out and work for the NWS and start at like GS-13 or higher. Those jobs were hard to get but I would work for free as long as I had my special people and pets....
(3)
(0)
4
4
0
Vote of not sure. And here is why. Military wages are really good these days. Cpl Brett Wagner before you bite my head off, hear me out. (that was humor)
Right here in Alabama for example, a E-5 (AF SSgt) with 10 years of service makes more than a Police Officer with comparable time on the street. This is not to say that military pay is all it should be, and it is not to berate the pay of the local Police. But it is to put things in perspective.
How do you put a viable dollar figure on the guys who are fighting overseas? Don't know.
What I can say is that the military IS earning a good wage these days (when you take all the bennies into consideration).
The pay IS good enough nowadays that in many cases, there is loss of income upon separation and entry into civilian job market. Not always, but in many cases. Makes those decisions difficult (I didn't really have that problem when I got out the first time, because we didn't make a lot.
What I AM certain about is that junior enlisted families should not have to take WIC or Food Stamps to make it. And I know that many do. That tells me that the junior grades need some revamping, which of course would indicate that they all do.....which is why I voted Not Sure.
If you do a true analysis of hours worked vs hours paid, the calculation would probably put the salaries lower than they actually are (kind of like the Gov't).
Right here in Alabama for example, a E-5 (AF SSgt) with 10 years of service makes more than a Police Officer with comparable time on the street. This is not to say that military pay is all it should be, and it is not to berate the pay of the local Police. But it is to put things in perspective.
How do you put a viable dollar figure on the guys who are fighting overseas? Don't know.
What I can say is that the military IS earning a good wage these days (when you take all the bennies into consideration).
The pay IS good enough nowadays that in many cases, there is loss of income upon separation and entry into civilian job market. Not always, but in many cases. Makes those decisions difficult (I didn't really have that problem when I got out the first time, because we didn't make a lot.
What I AM certain about is that junior enlisted families should not have to take WIC or Food Stamps to make it. And I know that many do. That tells me that the junior grades need some revamping, which of course would indicate that they all do.....which is why I voted Not Sure.
If you do a true analysis of hours worked vs hours paid, the calculation would probably put the salaries lower than they actually are (kind of like the Gov't).
(4)
(0)
Cpl Brett Wagner
1stSgt James Nolan - I am not being disrespectful but it sounds like you're getting cheated. If the median pay for a "Patrol Officer" is $48,700 in Birmingham, AL that means some are getting paid more than that otherwise you could not get $48k as a median.
About over time, so if you sacrifice and work the overtime you get paid more no matter how little it is more. Well I am salaried like in the military and every hour past 8 in a day and 40 in a week I suffer from dilution. Also today's salary jobs are not like they once were when you could take time off and still get paid. If you work < 8 in a day or < 40 in a week you have to take PTO or unpaid leave. I have been working 8+ hours a day since 1999 not getting paid for it. Heck sometimes weekends and holidays.
I got to visit a couple of USAF bases and stayed in AF BEQ and maybe that is the kind of benefits that make people think the pay is on the mark. The first time I stayed at an AF base I was put in a 2 man room that had a TV and a remote and maid service. A lot nicer than Cherry Points 4-5 man rooms which were heaven compared to the squad bays and quonset huts I had stayed in before that.
About over time, so if you sacrifice and work the overtime you get paid more no matter how little it is more. Well I am salaried like in the military and every hour past 8 in a day and 40 in a week I suffer from dilution. Also today's salary jobs are not like they once were when you could take time off and still get paid. If you work < 8 in a day or < 40 in a week you have to take PTO or unpaid leave. I have been working 8+ hours a day since 1999 not getting paid for it. Heck sometimes weekends and holidays.
I got to visit a couple of USAF bases and stayed in AF BEQ and maybe that is the kind of benefits that make people think the pay is on the mark. The first time I stayed at an AF base I was put in a 2 man room that had a TV and a remote and maid service. A lot nicer than Cherry Points 4-5 man rooms which were heaven compared to the squad bays and quonset huts I had stayed in before that.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
CMSgt James Nolan I think your on to something there... the military is underpaid, however salaries (when you take inflation into account) and benefits have actually been declining in much of the civilian the civilian world.
http://www.aboutinflation.com/salary-and-inflation/average-earnings-us/us-earnings-inflation-adjusted-male-age-25-historical
http://www.aboutinflation.com/salary-and-inflation/average-earnings-us/us-earnings-inflation-adjusted-male-age-25-historical
(0)
(0)
CMSgt James Nolan
Cpl Brett Wagner No disrespect taken, however, you did go way out of context.
I too am salaried. I work way (approx 1000 hrs) over my allocated hours annually, regularly losing weekends and holidays, without compensation, from my "day job", then I turn around and military work....so I get it. But I digress
What I was doing, was using local law enforcement as a comparison, and yes, in AL, an E5 with 10 years brings home roughly $57k per year of which only $37 or so is taxable. In todays real dollars (use military.com as your pay scales for accuracy) Things are significantly different from when you and I first came in. I would be most curious to see where you pulled the research numbers for Birmingham from, because I would argue that the numbers are skewed.
In my post, I was talking about E5 (not E1 making more than local police) And, you may have skimmed over the fact that I said that troops should not have to be on benefits such as WIC and Food Stamps....
What I "voted" was not sure, because-today troops are making a good wage. I also said that I was not sure how to put a accurate wage on troops who are fighting overseas. And what I believe is that the military would be hard pressed to "over pay" someone, but I am unsure "how much is appropriate" so that was how I voted. I would love to get paid buukuu more.....
I believe that you missed my points. (and by the way, I grew up in squad bays, then multi-occupancy barracks rooms)(I have also-true story, gone to far shittier places with the Alabama Air Guard, then the USMC ever sent me, of course, we have been at war almost the entire time I have been in the service)
SSG (Join to see) I am not a math guy, but the numbers seemed to be meeting, or at least getting close to the inflation rate? I don't think that the government will ever give us raises that will outpace inflation...would be awesome, but don't think so. Did I interpret that correctly?
I too am salaried. I work way (approx 1000 hrs) over my allocated hours annually, regularly losing weekends and holidays, without compensation, from my "day job", then I turn around and military work....so I get it. But I digress
What I was doing, was using local law enforcement as a comparison, and yes, in AL, an E5 with 10 years brings home roughly $57k per year of which only $37 or so is taxable. In todays real dollars (use military.com as your pay scales for accuracy) Things are significantly different from when you and I first came in. I would be most curious to see where you pulled the research numbers for Birmingham from, because I would argue that the numbers are skewed.
In my post, I was talking about E5 (not E1 making more than local police) And, you may have skimmed over the fact that I said that troops should not have to be on benefits such as WIC and Food Stamps....
What I "voted" was not sure, because-today troops are making a good wage. I also said that I was not sure how to put a accurate wage on troops who are fighting overseas. And what I believe is that the military would be hard pressed to "over pay" someone, but I am unsure "how much is appropriate" so that was how I voted. I would love to get paid buukuu more.....
I believe that you missed my points. (and by the way, I grew up in squad bays, then multi-occupancy barracks rooms)(I have also-true story, gone to far shittier places with the Alabama Air Guard, then the USMC ever sent me, of course, we have been at war almost the entire time I have been in the service)
SSG (Join to see) I am not a math guy, but the numbers seemed to be meeting, or at least getting close to the inflation rate? I don't think that the government will ever give us raises that will outpace inflation...would be awesome, but don't think so. Did I interpret that correctly?
(0)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
My apologies for missing the response... what it's showing is that, adjusted for inflation, the average male worker over 25, was making about 1K a week back in 1973, and that now the average is about $900 a week. It shows that people are making less money today, after adjusting for inflation, than they did 40 years ago.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
CPT Philip Yi - if you are going to vote someone down at least have the nads to comment on why you did it. BTW did you ever ride a horse? Did you ever cross a bridge?
I will assume you think you are getting paid too much like a lot of the people here. Next time I hear about a troop on food stamps I am going to provide that troop with this thread so they can come and ask all of you for that extra cash you are getting paid.
I will assume you think you are getting paid too much like a lot of the people here. Next time I hear about a troop on food stamps I am going to provide that troop with this thread so they can come and ask all of you for that extra cash you are getting paid.
(3)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
No no. I did not. I only did a survey stating military pay is "about just right". Pay is a very subjective based on individual experience. I once know a man who bought an additional house where he mobilized, given his high BAH in California, additional toys, ends up selling plasma every month to make ends meet. Not broke though.
Most of us needs financial education and save/invest our hard earned pay. But that is a lengthy topic here. Life is all about priorities. I was a SPC 4 back in 1994, I remember supporting my family with food/shelter without any problems. No toys though, just cannot afford them. Oh, no vacation either.
Most of us needs financial education and save/invest our hard earned pay. But that is a lengthy topic here. Life is all about priorities. I was a SPC 4 back in 1994, I remember supporting my family with food/shelter without any problems. No toys though, just cannot afford them. Oh, no vacation either.
(0)
(1)
CPT (Join to see)
Agreed. Marines are elite troop. Many young people join the Marines for tough training and service. With more responsibilities and rank, I am sure Marines do better financially with time. Marines kick down the door, army occupy the house. For that, mariners are highly lethal/mobile, without much field comfort, just the nature of that service. As infantry, ones can prove themselves motivated and competent will get promoted fast, then more pay. Let's change perspective. Let's pay an E1 100k a year to star, I just do not see that person has any desire to work hard and get promoted. On the Army side, many SGT did not do required training on time, they are getting passed over. Many do not manage time well and small numbers just want everything handed to them.
(0)
(0)
Cpl Brett Wagner
I apologize for the extremely long post.
CPT Philip Yi – I salute you sir. This is some of the funniest writing I have ever read. Marines do not necessarily do better financially, but you are correct we are some incredible warriors. In fact I would say the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. Far be it from me to disagree with great Army generals like these:
"I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence."
GEN. JOHNSON, U.S. Army
"The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle!"
GEN. PERSHING, US.ARMY
“If I had one more division like this First Marine Division I could win this war.”
General of the Armies Douglas McArthur in Korea,
"The more Marines I have around, the better I like it."
General Clark, U.S. Army
“Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.”
Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918
Or a fine British officer like this one.
"They (Marines) have given us our only real fight." Commanding Officer of the British, War 0f 1812
But as far as Marines making rank quickly I am sorry to say that is factual, unless it has changed greatly since I was in the Corps. In fact if you think about it for a minute it would not make sense to promote people quickly in such a small organization. Well here are the numbers and just think if you quickly promoted everyone they would all be SNCOs.
Marine Corps Active Duty Personnel by Rank/Grade
GENERAL ---------- 4
LtGen ------------ 19
MajGen----------- 32
BGen------------- 30
COLONEL -------- 696
LT COL---------- 1,931
MAJ-------------- 3,932
Capt------------- 6,708
1stLt------------- 3,791
2ndLt------------ 2,916
Chief Warrant Officer 5-------- 103
Chief Warrant Officer 4-------- 300
Chief Warrant Officer 2-------- 527
Chief Warrant Officer 3-------- 819
Warrant Officer 1-------- 445
TOTAL OFFICER-------- 22,253
MGySgt / SgtMaj / SgtMajMarCor-------- 1,601
MSgt / 1stSgt-------- 4,013
GySgt---------- 9,164
SSgt---------- 16,987
Sgt----------- 30,263
Cpl----------- 37,979
LCpl---------- 47,756
PFC---------- 20,726
Pvt---------- 7,685
TOTAL ENLISTED------ 176,174
GRAND TOTAL ------198,427
I have all the #s but to make a very long post a little shorter as you can see Army enlisted alone are over 100,000 stronger than the Corps. That and the Army’s mission, similar to the Corps, is why we work together so well. And name one grunt who does not just love seeing an army A-10 coming to the rescue.
I don’t think I ever suggested giving a private a 500% raise, from $18,378.12 to $100,000. The kid at McDonalds running the French fry station gets paid $14,500, don’t you think a private deserves a little more? How about a GS-1 Step 1 makes $22,336 IMHO I think a private deserves more than a GS-1 Step 1. But maybe I do not understand all the other great benefits a private gets.
Also you mention a person getting paid $100,000 a year not being motivated, lazy, to work hard. That must mean every GS-13 and above is unmotivated and lazy.
All I can relate to is what I had at my time of service. One of the best benefits we had on base was a 1,000 sqft weight lifting gym. Concrete floors even some homemade weights coffee cans filled with concrete. We had a doctor who tried to sew a piece of my friends ear to his nose after a motorcycle accident. Gosh those were really good benefits I guess I just took them for granted.
Your absolutely right CPT Yi we should punish everyone because of a few lazy people who can’t manage their time and money. Hey here is an idea how about we train them in boot camp not to be scumbags and after boot camp if they insist we don’t promote them and we honor them with a Big Chicken Dinner otherwise known as a Bad Conduct Discharge?
Nah! That will never work.
CPT Philip Yi – I salute you sir. This is some of the funniest writing I have ever read. Marines do not necessarily do better financially, but you are correct we are some incredible warriors. In fact I would say the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen. Far be it from me to disagree with great Army generals like these:
"I can never again see a UNITED STATES MARINE without experiencing a feeling of reverence."
GEN. JOHNSON, U.S. Army
"The deadliest weapon in the world is a MARINE and his rifle!"
GEN. PERSHING, US.ARMY
“If I had one more division like this First Marine Division I could win this war.”
General of the Armies Douglas McArthur in Korea,
"The more Marines I have around, the better I like it."
General Clark, U.S. Army
“Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.”
Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918
Or a fine British officer like this one.
"They (Marines) have given us our only real fight." Commanding Officer of the British, War 0f 1812
But as far as Marines making rank quickly I am sorry to say that is factual, unless it has changed greatly since I was in the Corps. In fact if you think about it for a minute it would not make sense to promote people quickly in such a small organization. Well here are the numbers and just think if you quickly promoted everyone they would all be SNCOs.
Marine Corps Active Duty Personnel by Rank/Grade
GENERAL ---------- 4
LtGen ------------ 19
MajGen----------- 32
BGen------------- 30
COLONEL -------- 696
LT COL---------- 1,931
MAJ-------------- 3,932
Capt------------- 6,708
1stLt------------- 3,791
2ndLt------------ 2,916
Chief Warrant Officer 5-------- 103
Chief Warrant Officer 4-------- 300
Chief Warrant Officer 2-------- 527
Chief Warrant Officer 3-------- 819
Warrant Officer 1-------- 445
TOTAL OFFICER-------- 22,253
MGySgt / SgtMaj / SgtMajMarCor-------- 1,601
MSgt / 1stSgt-------- 4,013
GySgt---------- 9,164
SSgt---------- 16,987
Sgt----------- 30,263
Cpl----------- 37,979
LCpl---------- 47,756
PFC---------- 20,726
Pvt---------- 7,685
TOTAL ENLISTED------ 176,174
GRAND TOTAL ------198,427
I have all the #s but to make a very long post a little shorter as you can see Army enlisted alone are over 100,000 stronger than the Corps. That and the Army’s mission, similar to the Corps, is why we work together so well. And name one grunt who does not just love seeing an army A-10 coming to the rescue.
I don’t think I ever suggested giving a private a 500% raise, from $18,378.12 to $100,000. The kid at McDonalds running the French fry station gets paid $14,500, don’t you think a private deserves a little more? How about a GS-1 Step 1 makes $22,336 IMHO I think a private deserves more than a GS-1 Step 1. But maybe I do not understand all the other great benefits a private gets.
Also you mention a person getting paid $100,000 a year not being motivated, lazy, to work hard. That must mean every GS-13 and above is unmotivated and lazy.
All I can relate to is what I had at my time of service. One of the best benefits we had on base was a 1,000 sqft weight lifting gym. Concrete floors even some homemade weights coffee cans filled with concrete. We had a doctor who tried to sew a piece of my friends ear to his nose after a motorcycle accident. Gosh those were really good benefits I guess I just took them for granted.
Your absolutely right CPT Yi we should punish everyone because of a few lazy people who can’t manage their time and money. Hey here is an idea how about we train them in boot camp not to be scumbags and after boot camp if they insist we don’t promote them and we honor them with a Big Chicken Dinner otherwise known as a Bad Conduct Discharge?
Nah! That will never work.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
I would opt for the idea that it's about right....at least right now counting the benefits & perks of military service. Over the last 10-15 years, we have made up ground lost through less than supportive presidents and congresses, but if we don't work to maintain our standing, we will revert to the way things were which I presume is the target point of the article.
I know that we have some junior members (E1-E4) who struggle, and probably always will at those paygrades. It seems systemic. However, I remember a time when it was common to see the E1-E4 crowd with a spouse and single child living on food stamps, WIC, welfare, etc and staying in fleabag off base housing because there was on base housing for families.
If congress is serious about reducing government spending, let them start with the pay, benefits, perks and retirement plan that's in place for congress.
I know that we have some junior members (E1-E4) who struggle, and probably always will at those paygrades. It seems systemic. However, I remember a time when it was common to see the E1-E4 crowd with a spouse and single child living on food stamps, WIC, welfare, etc and staying in fleabag off base housing because there was on base housing for families.
If congress is serious about reducing government spending, let them start with the pay, benefits, perks and retirement plan that's in place for congress.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
If a politician can get paid 100,000 a year and vote his pay up why cant I get a bit of a boost? After all I am entrusted with millions of dollars in equipment and who do you think has to pay for it if it is lost damaged or stolen? I got a Family after all.
(3)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
3% average inflation can use at least a 3% annual pay increase. I remember 10% saving interest during combat deployments, up to $10k a year. Why not offer that in peace time. It sure will provide the right amount of incentives for Joe to save more. How about invoice pricing plus 500 dollars for all military? 1 percent who protect the other 99 percent population can use some real patriotic dealerships around the bases. Also laws to protect military in family issues. Spouse cheating or busting credit limit when their soldiers are away fighting and dying for the nation get jail sentence/lose child custody/pay Joe back, no question asked. Now the UCMJ holds military personnel accountable, which is good, but we need civilian laws to protect Joe when he/she is NOT at fault. One will see a whole lot less military depression or suicides!
(0)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Any congressman who drafts reasonable pro-military family bill and work hard to get it passed/signed into law got my attention and respect. As a military officer, I choose, personally, not to vote while in uniform. Once retired, I will participate actively in veteran affairs, and VOTE.
(0)
(0)
SPC(P) Micah Lavigne
Sir The best we have is the Soldiers and Sailors Relief act but if a Soldier talks with a skilled attorney (I used avvo at times to get research) they can find state laws that are greyed out that can protect the Soldier. But it doesnt make the problems go away. But the SDP is a great idea. Or no taxes (atleast while in service) why do I have to pay for my paycheck (and yours, and my CSM's, and my Soldiers) We are one of the only Career Fields that pays for a paycheck. Yeah i know it aint going to get removed but a tax free pay check makes it easier. Or the army gets insured...lol
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Well, I believe everyone should pay taxes for a collective good, such as national defense.
That said, what must you pay to be fair?
That said, what must you pay to be fair?
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
SSgt (Join to see), I do not think our current military is overpaid and I would hope that pay cuts do not occur.
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google