How does pay work in the army?

Johnathon Greer — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 16:59:38 -0400

Im aware that we have basic pay as a private. But do we automatically get housing and food allowance or is that something we have to apply for?

Response by SPC Trevor Boggs made Aug 1 at 2018 5:07 PM

SPC Trevor Boggs — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:07:05 -0400

It depends. If you're a single E1-E5 with no dependents you'll be living in the barracks on post and will not get Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). You'll also most likely be given a meal card (so no food allowance) unless your unit has a high operational tempo, in which you would get Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). Once you make E6, you will be required to move out of the barracks and live in On/Off-post housing.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 1 at 2018 6:24 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:24:12 -0400

First, if money is the only thing that is getting you to put on a uniform you may want to rethink the decision. Second, you get base pay, that's it. Housing and Sustenance Allowance are authorized for married personnel and those of certain rank, position, or duty assignment.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 1 at 2018 7:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:48:50 -0400

Uniform allowance is paid on your birthday.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Aug 2 at 2018 5:20 AM

SGT Ej P. — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 05:20:05 -0400

I think you mean "Base Pay" that's everybody's salary meaning that's what you make as per your rank and time in service (years). Outside of that varies just like what everybody else said ( MAJ Ken Landgren SGT Joseph Gunderson SPC Trevor Boggs )

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 2 at 2018 5:58 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 05:58:08 -0400

If you are married you apply for both. If you are single you get neither, they give you quarters and a Dinjng Facility. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2018 6:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 06:22:22 -0400

Don't let money drive you to join, a lot of people made that mistake. Your base pay is what you will receive, go online and look it up you will be able to see what your base pay is per the ranks.

Good luck, you can also look over the MOS's also for any branch.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 3 at 2018 11:25 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 23:25:44 -0400

The service is responsible for housing/paying and feeding you. If you are unmarried, then you will (normally) live in the barracks and eat at the DFAC as part of your contract.

Response by SGT John Ball made Mar 1 at 2022 11:44 AM

SGT John Ball — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:44:06 -0500

If money is a driving force in your life, then you will be disappointed in the Army. As the old adage goes, "They say that in the Army the pay is mighty fine, they give you 100 dollars and take back 99."