How is the first month of pay calculated during Army BCT?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:18:40 -0500

I report to Leonard-Wood on Jan 07. I'm trying to calculate all of my finances out for my lovely wife before I leave. I know that pay is generally jacked for the first little bit anyways, and that $300 is deducted for my STAR card.

However, how are each of the pays calculated when it doesn't cover a full pay period? I should be receiving base pay, BAH, and after 30 days FSA. For January am I paid for 25 (ish) days, or the full month?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 7:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:43:56 -0500

You will recieve prorated BAH and base pay. It will not be the full month, it will be for the total number of days and come on the normal military pay cycle, which is twice a month.

That's if it sorts out in a timely and accurate manner without any issues. If there are issues with your pay, it may be that you wont get your full allowances for a pay check or two, and then it will come in the form of back pay.

All this should be done in reception before actually beginning basic training.

My best advice is to plan on not getting paid your BAH until the following month, same with FSA, and plan on only a partial paycheck on jan 15th, as it will only cover one week, and $300 will be deducted for the star card.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 17 at 2019 7:46 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:46:28 -0500

Your pay start from the moment you report to MEPS and is calculated whatever days you are in service for that month. So you should get 25 days as you mentioned.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 12:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:57:57 -0500

Pay calculations are sometimes done assuming each month is 30 days so your ratio will be 25/30 (.833) or 25/31 (.806)

So add your base pay and BAH and multiply by (.806) or (.833). Those numbers will be close.