How Much Did You Get Paid When You Joined The Military? My Take Home Pay Was $457 a Month as a (Army) Private in 1990?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:09:59 -0400

How much did you make when you joined the military? Back then I got paid on FRIDAY AND BROKE ON MONDAY!! (was not making too much-no family but me, myself and I). Times have changed since the days of your era. Who remembers the Green JUMPs Statement?(DA 3681-6) and getting once a month pay out the finance cage. Yes you had to salute the payroll officer. I remember in Basic Training getting American Travels checks and the Senior Drill Sergeant/1SG keeping it in a safe. Getting once a month pay(cold hard cash), this was before surepay, it was known as casual pay before direct deposit kicked in before the internet. I am referring to 1989-1990. Much respect to all the Army Veterans (Private Pay) who got $75 dollars a month in 1949. The Private in 2015 makes about $1430 a month(under 4 months). Use the link below if you served in the DOD since 1949.

http://www.militarypay.com/MilitaryPayCharts.php

Military Pay Charts | 1949 to 2016 plus estimated to 2050 | Military Retirement Calculator |...

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Sep 5 at 2015 8:14 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:14:28 -0400

I shall never forget it.....$111.00..............................That was take home, before the red cross, AER, Chaplain etc....

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 5 at 2015 8:18 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:18:40 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I don't have an LES back from 1975, but I can tell yo my starting pay as a private was $102.00 a month and some cents, it went up to $112.67 or something like that when I got promoted to E-2 and then just kept going up along with promotions and the annual raises each January. It was pretty nice when I retired after 37 years as an O-6 though!

Wanted to clarify that the $102 and $112 were the net amount. Can't remember what the gross amount was. All I can remember is I was broke before the 15th of the month for a long time! Thatnk goodnees for the barracks and mess hall, and the day room to watch TV!

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 5 at 2015 8:19 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:19:57 -0400

Seems to me that it was about $93. At any rate it was less than $100. As as E5 I got about $300.

Response by SGT Eric Dziekan made Sep 5 at 2015 8:22 PM

SGT Eric Dziekan — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:22:19 -0400

I was in the same boat joining in 1989

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 8:34 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:34:58 -0400

$ 85 per month. Sept 1960. First payday in October (advanced pay)

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 5 at 2015 8:49 PM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:49:06 -0400

ha ha ha. This is awesome. I took home 610.00 my first month, but I was an E2. I still have all my LES's from the day I joined. It amazes me how many Soldiers do not these days.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 5 at 2015 8:53 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:53:40 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, when I enlisted on 9AUG69, E-1 pay was $115.20 per month!

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 5 at 2015 8:55 PM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:55:37 -0400

$374.40 as a Pvt in 1976. Interesting that the military pay raise at the time was 5%. What has Uncle given the military over the past decade, less than 2% each year?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 9:13 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 21:13:53 -0400

Good question, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. When I joined up in June 1975, my gross basic pay as a PV2 was $383.40. I remember struggling when I got married in 1976. My pay wasn't much higher then.
http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/charts/historical-military-pay-rates.html

Historical Military Pay Rates

The Defense Finance Accounting and Service (DFAS) maintains an archive of historical pay charts dating back to 1949. You may find it interesting to see how the current military pay compares to what servicemembers made in the past.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 5 at 2015 9:37 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 21:37:46 -0400

Oh my Gosh! I don't have a clue.

I went in 10 months delayed enlistment so I can have the job I wanted....a two yr degree...didn't have to go to text school because of the last two things and started out with more pay than most who just got out of basic....but I still don't have a clue how much I made back then.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Sep 5 at 2015 9:51 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 21:51:28 -0400

$463.00 per month as a PV1. Once I got my Airborne Wings I made an extra $83.00 per month.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 5 at 2015 10:15 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:15:24 -0400

When I enlisted in Nov 1974 basic pay was $344 and change and take home was about $265 after laundry, Soldier's Home, SGLI, and Federal tax and Social Security. Since my home sate was Pennsylvania which didn't take state tax for military personnel stationed outside the state I kept a little more than my company mates.
FYI LTC Wayne Brandon Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC Private RallyPoint Member MSG Andrew White

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 10:30 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:30:27 -0400

1985: E-1 w/less than 4 months $573.60
1993: E-4 w/ 4-6 years $1170.00

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 5 at 2015 10:31 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:31:43 -0400

You mean I was supposed to get paid?

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 5 at 2015 10:34 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:34:41 -0400

Mine was about $551.40 for an E1 in 1982 before anything was deducted...

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 5 at 2015 10:36 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:36:51 -0400

$99 ... 1967 ... before deductions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 10:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:59:18 -0400

In 1965 I made $67 a month which works out to be $2.23 a day, which works out for an 8 hour day to be 28 cents an hour. I'm being lenient on the 8 hours. It was usually more like ten hours a day. We couldn't go anywhere so I sent mine home. I sent nearly all of my pay in Vietnam home and by the time I got home I had enough to pay cash for a 1967 Camero SS. I bought the first one sold from a neighboring city, La Porte, Texas.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 11:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 23:06:06 -0400

Thought Some of you may find this enlightening, shows US Military Pay Rates for all grades from 1949-present. Makes me very happy to be serving in this era.

Edit: Whoops, I missed where CW5 Montgomery already posted this.

Historical Military Pay Rates

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 11:21 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 23:21:29 -0400

$108 a month in January 1970.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 12:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:07:43 -0400

What PVTs make today is CSMs make in 1980 something. Even saw a retired E7 friend of mine's LES, and it was about $100 less than what PVTs make today

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 6 at 2015 12:24 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:24:31 -0400

I'm with SFC Everett Oliver bringing home the whopping $111 or thereabouts in the summer of '71. Funny thing is when I was E-2 aboard ship, there wasn't anything to spend money on so we would leave it on the books and get a "big" check when we got back to home port.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 12:54 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:54:08 -0400

1990 pfc USMC $450.00 w/ wife and son

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 12:59 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 00:59:26 -0400

I think my gross was like 457 or close to it... lol.. 1974....

Response by LT Charles Baird made Sep 6 at 2015 1:09 AM

LT Charles Baird — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 01:09:16 -0400

In 1985 as an E1 in the Army my Gross pay was $573.60 a month so I probably took home about $350 a month I would guess.

Response by CPL Sean Grogan made Sep 6 at 2015 2:55 AM

CPL Sean Grogan — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 02:55:22 -0400

I do not have my LES any longer, but after taxes etc., my take home was $417.14 as an E-1 in 1987.
For those of you who maybe do not remember what the gross pay was during your time, you can see the history of the pay rates here:
http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/charts/historical-military-pay-rates.html

Historical Military Pay Rates

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 5:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 05:53:20 -0400

as an E1 in basic training, I brought home just over 400 bucks a month, but they wouldn't let us keep very much cash on us. It was either send it home or travelers checks.. that was in 1992.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 7:47 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 07:47:37 -0400

After reading the posts here I must have been paid les than I remembered. Maybe my $85 was after basic and promotion to E-2?

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 6 at 2015 8:39 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 08:39:22 -0400

I still have almost all of my LES's from when I was in. I know, I know, why do I keep such things. Well, this thread is the reason. Someone asked and I can answer it exactly.

I received my first LES as a private in the Marine Corps in October 1981 (I went active on Sept 25 1981). My base pay was $551.40 for the month. Since I was still in boot camp at the time they were still deducting for uniforms and basic issue and the like. I still owed the Corps $138.26. Yes, we started out in the hole owing them money. After uniforms, taxes and SGLI I pocketed $327.47.

Of course I didn't see any money until graduating from Parris Island. That is when they explained all of the deductions for uniforms and initial issue etc. I must have looked confused.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Sep 6 at 2015 8:54 AM

PO1 Matthew Murdock — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 08:54:55 -0400

I was taking home 900 or so a pay as a fireman in Japan in 2004

Response by 1SG Bill Schrier made Sep 6 at 2015 9:53 AM

1SG Bill Schrier — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 09:53:22 -0400

I made "gross" $78.00 per month in June 1963. Then there was laundry, haircuts, and personal items. When all was said and done you were expected and did live on less than $50.00 per month and you were paid ones per month not twice. During my 25 years career I watched our young troops make more and more and you know what ? They were worth it !

Response by RADM Jay Yakeley made Sep 6 at 2015 9:56 AM

RADM Jay Yakeley — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 09:56:51 -0400

As an O-1 in 1967 I made $220/month

Response by RADM Jay Yakeley made Sep 6 at 2015 10:01 AM

RADM Jay Yakeley — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 10:01:37 -0400

As an 0-1 in 1967 I made $220.00/month

Response by SFC Jason Porter made Sep 6 at 2015 10:02 AM

SFC Jason Porter — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 10:02:46 -0400

692.00 a month back in 1991 FT Dix NJ basic training. As if 2012 as a E7 I was at about 4200.00 before retirement.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 10:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 10:16:34 -0400

$350.00 was my take home pay as a private in 1999. $350!! Amazing good thing the paycheck wasn't the reason I decided to join.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Sep 6 at 2015 10:25 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 10:25:03 -0400

Mine was the same as yours. I came in, in 1989.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 6 at 2015 2:21 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:21:11 -0400

I dont remember how much I was paid but looking online (the age of Google...isnt it wonderful!!) it told me something like 570 net... Now I dont know about you guys but man let me tell you !!!! Not only was my room free, but I got these awesome threads and meals fit for a king !!! got to travel alot and shoot cool new weapons and play with a bunch of new playtoys to include camping gear !! Yes...Puts hands behind head and kicks feet up on the coffee table... I think the average American citizen could not EVER say that about their lives.... Those were the days... thoughts fade off to a distant time, not so long agoooooooo.....

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 6 at 2015 2:51 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:51:55 -0400

Ok I did some homework!!! the minimum wage back in 84 was 3.35. the average work week was 5 days at 8 hours which would bring a persons take home pay to 562.00 a month and an annual salary of 6782.60. A Pvt with less than 4 months cleared 573.60 a month and 6883.20 annually. after 4 months we received 596.40 Monthly and 7156.80 annually. This would mean that since a soldier is paid 24/7/365 that we earned about half of what a civilian earned???

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 4:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 16:15:20 -0400

Hopping into the "way back" machine: Sept 65...$78.00 gross..about $66.00 and change...enough for toilet articles and a pitcher of 3.2 beer at the PX. :-)

Response by MSgt Paul DAdamo made Sep 6 at 2015 4:28 PM

MSgt Paul DAdamo — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 16:28:37 -0400

In 1971 I made $138.00 a month. I was rich. Gas was 29.9¢ a gallon and I drove a VW.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 6 at 2015 4:45 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 16:45:33 -0400

$78 a month

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 6 at 2015 5:26 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 17:26:26 -0400

I don't recall the exact number, but I do remember that it was less per month than I had withheld from my paycheck every week as a machinist just before I went in.

Response by SGM Gregory Hoppe made Sep 6 at 2015 6:01 PM

SGM Gregory Hoppe — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 18:01:10 -0400

$68.00 a month.

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Sep 6 at 2015 6:58 PM

Sgt Lew Dunham — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 18:58:03 -0400

a lot less in 1973 ....

Response by SSgt Ed Lewandowski made Sep 6 at 2015 8:54 PM

SSgt Ed Lewandowski — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:54:10 -0400

about 200 15th and end of month thru tech school

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 6 at 2015 9:25 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:25:27 -0400

In Jul 69 I made about 450/mo after taxes. That included 386 base pay, 100 flight pay, and housing allowance. It was a big step up from $1.25/hr or about $120/mo after taxes I made working part time while in college. And we had 2 kids!

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 6 at 2015 9:35 PM

SSG John Erny — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:35:16 -0400

$699 per mont gross in 1988 as I recall, I forget the take home but it was not much. I thought I was doing real good after 12 months when the GI bill deduction ended and I was on jump status. Jump Pay was $110 at the time.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Sep 6 at 2015 9:37 PM

1SG David Lopez — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:37:46 -0400

I don't recall how much it was for a Private E-1 in January of 1982, but it seemed like a lot to me. If I learned one thing in the Army, it was to manage my money well. It was not enough to get into much trouble, just enough to keep me happy. They fed me, housed me, employed me, and took the time to teach my rock of a brain a thing or two. I learned that You Can Be All You Can Be. It was fun, challenging, adventurous and I got paid to do it. I loved it and will miss it my entir life. Yes it is a Young Mans Army. As a grown up now, I save most of my earnings for my retirement years. The Army taught me well :)

Response by SFC John Birks made Sep 6 at 2015 9:41 PM

SFC John Birks — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:41:07 -0400

Yup! Looks about right.. Funny, I almost forgot about the JUMPS statement.. Mine are buried in storage somewhere..

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 6 at 2015 9:42 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:42:52 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I don't remember how much I made, but I remember standing in the pay lines to get cash lol. In one notable instance, we were being paid in a compartment a couple of decks above a missile magazine, where an inspection found material dripping from some missiles (it was assumed to be nitro, iirc), and that pay line cleared as fast as I've ever seen it!

Response by 1SG C75101 . made Sep 6 at 2015 10:48 PM

1SG C75101 . — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:48:29 -0400

In 1964, an E-1 received 78.00/month. I'm pretty sure that as a SGT in Vietnam, with no taxes, I might have made somewhere around 190-200 month. Like many I didn't have any place to spend money. A pallet of Bud (80 cases) was 240. Whores were 2.00 a throw. 200 joints of good Canbodian Red was 3.00. jack Daniels was about a 1.25/btl.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 6 at 2015 11:40 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 23:40:40 -0400

2 chickens, 3 magic beans, and a bowl of stew....lol. It was a long time ago.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 7 at 2015 2:22 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 02:22:11 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL see, now you are going to make me have to go and dig through boxes....LOL.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Sep 7 at 2015 2:40 AM

SGT Robert Hawks — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 02:40:51 -0400

As private in basic training at Fort Dix NJ in 1984 I made $527.00 a month. That's $3.29 hour or $26.32 a day for eight hours and five days a week and we all know basic is more 12 hours a day six to seven days a week depending which phase your in.

Response by CDR Brian Rinaldi made Sep 7 at 2015 4:09 AM

CDR Brian Rinaldi — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 04:09:48 -0400

I was a Seaman Recruit in 1976 making about $300 per month. Beer money!

Response by PVT Bruce Webb made Sep 7 at 2015 8:28 AM

PVT Bruce Webb — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 08:28:08 -0400

I grossed 85.80/ month!

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 7 at 2015 8:56 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 08:56:00 -0400

When I started Basic Training on October 18, 1972 the pay for E-1's was $288.00 a month.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 9:40 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 09:40:45 -0400

I put down E-4 on my work applications. The employers look at me as if I wasabi alien!

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Sep 7 at 2015 10:55 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:55:42 -0400

As a Private E-Nothing in '64 my base was $84 or so. After taxes, deductions and the mandatory savings bond it worked out to about a dollar a day. Jump school would have added $55 to that but I went off to Korea from Benning. We did get $13 a month overseas duty pay there.

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Sep 7 at 2015 12:24 PM

SGT Brian Nile — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 12:24:33 -0400

I made $960 in 2000 Sarge!

Response by SMSgt Dan Powell made Sep 7 at 2015 2:29 PM

SMSgt Dan Powell — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 14:29:35 -0400

I don't remember the exact ammount, but I do remember that I finally broke $200/month when I went to Viet Nam and received combat pay, no taxes and overseas pay.

Response by CSM Jesus Febo-Colon made Sep 7 at 2015 2:37 PM

CSM Jesus Febo-Colon — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 14:37:35 -0400

Wao! I just calculated how much I got paid back in 1983... For 39 days (23 Jun-31 July 1983), I was paid $515 (net pay)... Which came out to about $13 a day or a glorious $.55 an hour (considering that we really worked 24 hours a day in basic training under the watchful eagle eye of our Vietnam Vets Drill Sergeants!). I will tell you what... I felt like a rich man with that kind of money... After I got paid by the pay officer (who made me do the "body twist" for taking my eyes off of him while I was counting my hard earned cash), I bought a black and white TV for $150 (with rabbit ears for reception... color TVs were just out of my reach then...), Paid the barber for my haircuts, and sent money to my mother and still had enough left for a coca-cola and a bag of M&Ms... :-P

Response by SCPO Lee Pradia made Sep 7 at 2015 3:09 PM

SCPO Lee Pradia — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 15:09:15 -0400

I remember base pay of $ 573.00 per month in 1984. $233.00 every 2 wks plus meals, room and board, couldn't beat that with a stick.

Response by SFC Oscar Estep made Sep 7 at 2015 4:09 PM

SFC Oscar Estep — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:09:37 -0400

According to the Pay Charts for 1988 I made $630.70 per month as a Private E-1. I guess I did, but I mostly remember being broke, sitting around and reading second hand Reader's Digests or some other book that was left on the shelf by some other bored Soldier. I kept track of the time of day by waiting on the Mess Hall to open. Tbh, there are times when I wish that I could go back and revisit those days. I don't miss the boredom or the inevitable details that always popped up, but I do miss the simplicity of those times.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Sep 7 at 2015 4:10 PM

LTC Donell Kelly — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:10:59 -0400

"Joined" as a senior in Nursing school in 1970 as an (?) E-2 or E-3 (would have to dig out my first DD-214 to know for sure). It was a lot of money at the time! :-)

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 7 at 2015 6:04 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 18:04:23 -0400

$933~ as a contract E2. Would have been $770.00.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 7 at 2015 7:13 PM

SPC Luis Mendez — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 19:13:03 -0400

I was Drafted. My first pay in 68 was around $97 or so. However then and now, keep in mind that we/you live in post, slept in Barracks, were/are on call 24/7. In other words we then and you now are paid even while asleep or for 24/7 time periods regardless or activity. You're a soldier 24/7, on call 24/7 must respond 24/7. If awaken you must get up and get ready for duty. Therefore you're being paid even while asleep, resting, fooling around, on leave all 24/7.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 7 at 2015 9:10 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:10:00 -0400

I joined in 1983 as an E3, got paid $668 a month before taxes. I also remember "Pay Day Activities" Standing in line, reporting for pay, getting paid in green backs, then being ushered to the next table where we had to put most of our pay in money orders. In basic we were allowed to only keep $40 in our pocket (Ft Knox).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 9:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:52:41 -0400

$307.29 (Dec 29173)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 11:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 23:21:02 -0400

I believe in 97 it was $830 a month.

Response by PFC Kevin Chadwick made Sep 8 at 2015 12:04 AM

PFC Kevin Chadwick — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:04:33 -0400

I know that at my first permanent duty station I got into trouble with check cashing places near post - made little enough that it didn't pay the bills and it cost me - I was 19 and made a lot of 19 year old decisions - like dropping out of college and joining the army to support some girl I didn't know and married anyway because of a previous 19 year old decision...long story short, I didn't make enough!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Sep 8 at 2015 2:14 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:14:27 -0400

I hope the L.E.S. below will resize appropriately. Net was $210 for 01-30 June. Gross was $327 and I took a $60 advance to leave basic for the weekend and fly home for my first wedding anniversary. This was my very first paycheck in the ARMY and I have every L.E.S. in my military briefcase.
Rick

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Sep 8 at 2015 2:49 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:49:48 -0400

My first Paycheck in 1994 was $232

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 8 at 2015 5:26 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:26:29 -0400

My gross pay was $400 some odd dollars in 1982

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 9:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 21:26:54 -0400

Pay Chart shows I got $ 143.70, but after taxes, etc. I walked out with about $ 86 bucks.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 8 at 2015 10:35 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 22:35:27 -0400

My base pay was < $419.40/mo in bootcamp.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:43 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 04:43:36 -0400

Yup, thats about right. I came in the Army in 1989 and take home was approximately $450. I am impressed that you were able to find the old LES. I've got one somewhere but not all the way back to E-1.

Response by CPO Don Lamb made Sep 9 at 2015 9:04 AM

CPO Don Lamb — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:04:19 -0400

The best I can remember it was about $300 after taxes a month in 1976. Maybe a little less.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Sep 9 at 2015 2:09 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:09:55 -0400

$65 a month.

Response by Sgt Edward Allen made Sep 9 at 2015 4:39 PM

Sgt Edward Allen — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:39:08 -0400

I was getting a whopping $501 as a Pvt, Was thankful for the pay raise to $568 as a PFC. But was still able to lend money to a Master Guns when he needed a hand. Now, I can't imagine living on 500 a month.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:41:13 -0400

2002: 981/ month as an AB. Sharp increase to 1100(ish)/ month after 6 months. But for me, I was an E-3 6 months out of basic, so my pay jump was a little sharper.

Response by Sgt Edward Allen made Sep 9 at 2015 4:45 PM

Sgt Edward Allen — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:45:39 -0400

How about, when did you have the least amount of money on travel. Arrived at LAX in Oct 1985 as a Sgt with 500 yen in my pocket. That was when I learned, never travel on Oct 1. New fiscal year and no budget to request advanced travel or pay. Thank God for my parents loaning me money for gas to drive back to North Carolina.

Response by SFC Tracy Johnson made Sep 9 at 2015 10:33 PM

SFC Tracy Johnson — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:33:35 -0400

Man, that green LES brings back memories. I was just telling my wife the other day that I remember in basic training get paid about $300 and I thought I was king of the world! LOL!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Sep 9 at 2015 11:56 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:56:20 -0400

Cool.... I wish I still had my first LES... Much less, as I was an E1 in 1980.

Response by SSgt Kristi Aldridge made Sep 10 at 2015 6:15 PM

SSgt Kristi Aldridge — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:15:01 -0400

I got 288.00 lol
it was 1992 and I was an E-1

Response by SFC Kevin C. made Sep 10 at 2015 6:50 PM

SFC Kevin C. — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:50:31 -0400

Well I had to jump up and dig mine out. Still not sure why I still have all those LES's after all these years? But here is mine from 1978.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Sep 10 at 2015 7:54 PM

CPO Randy Francis — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:54:26 -0400

I was a PFC in the Army in 1982 and apparently made $642.60 a month until I graduated jump school and got an extra $90.00 a month for jump pay. I was richer than I could imagine.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Sep 10 at 2015 8:02 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:02:21 -0400

My pay as an E1 was $1105.50. That is crazy i make 100 dollars more then that a month as an apprentice now ahahah so sad.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Sep 10 at 2015 8:14 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:14:18 -0400

$78 a month in 66

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 11:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:51:18 -0400

LMAO

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 11 at 2015 3:51 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:51:04 -0400

As an E-1 in 1992 I was making $726.60 a month gross. Minus $100 off the top for SGLI along with taxes it was probably closer to $500.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Sep 11 at 2015 2:12 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:12:00 -0400

Base pay for an E-1 in 1982 was $551.40. By the time I was done wit all my deductions I saw $350 per month.

Response by SSG Al Vadnais made Sep 11 at 2015 8:26 PM

SSG Al Vadnais — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:26:55 -0400

I think my first JUMPS statement was about $30 more in 91'. It's hard to remember that far back.

Response by SN Craig Ralston made Sep 12 at 2015 3:39 AM

SN Craig Ralston — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 03:39:08 -0400

through boot camp I was making about 350 a month, sent it all home and dont think I ever saw it again

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 6:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 18:03:42 -0400

$132.00 and I still managed to buy drinks for everyone at the bar......that was a long time ago though.

Response by SFC James Billings made Sep 20 at 2015 5:04 AM

SFC James Billings — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 05:04:57 -0400

I joined the US Army in June, 1959 as a 17 year old out of high school, as a recruit E - 1 the pay was $77.00 per month before taxex

Response by CPL(P) Bret Farritor made Oct 19 at 2015 9:14 AM

CPL(P) Bret Farritor — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:14:32 -0400

Well, I don't think I have my first 'Green' Statement but my 'Base Pay' was $646.20. Serious cash!

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Dec 2 at 2015 3:53 PM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 15:53:05 -0500

My basic pay as Pvt E1 in late 79 was $448.00 per month I think take home was a bit more than $300.00. By time I graduated Jumps School and made E2, basic pay was at 500 a month with $55.00 Jump Pay. Sometime in 81 "I Think" it came up to be paid 2 times a month, I remember thinking that my once a month take home pay was around $375 so I wrote down I would like to get $150.00 mid month pay (I should have wrote 50%) I made Sgt in 83 with Basic Pay of around $900.00 per month plus BAQ and Sep rations, was married with 2 children and still received $150.00 Mid month pay. My Stereo was in the pawnshop a lot in them days!

Response by Lt Col Will Marshall made Dec 8 at 2015 12:57 AM

Lt Col Will Marshall — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 00:57:29 -0500

$288.44, before taxes and other stuff the the US Navy said I needed to pay for!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 14 at 2016 9:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 21:44:22 -0500

It does not matter. Non of it does or make sense. Now that I am retired my wife takes all my money and dignity. I am relegated to being a domestic hussy.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 14 at 2016 10:24 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 22:24:39 -0500

$77.10 per month

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jan 14 at 2016 11:01 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 23:01:42 -0500

Hundred 'n' two bux per month. The good news was that, in my basic unit, you had ZERO chance to spend it other than for necessities and cigarettes somebody else would fetch from the PX.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 15 at 2016 12:06 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 00:06:05 -0500

My take home pay in 1974 as an E-1 was $262.80 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
You could buy a lot more in 1974 than today in so many ways. Gas was about 35 cents, cigarettes were less than 50 cents, sodas were about 20 cents I think, etc.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 12:16 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:16:15 -0500

I made a whopping $109.50 a month in June 1968. The money lasts when you do not have the opportunity to spend it.

Response by SGM Gregory Hoppe made Jan 22 at 2016 12:15 PM

SGM Gregory Hoppe — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 12:15:17 -0500

The grand total of $67.00 a month. I was to get that and spent most of it on military stuff.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jan 22 at 2016 1:56 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:56:33 -0500

Wow, pay didn't change much through the 80's did it? Your LES shows $669.60 as an E-1 in 1990. Mine was $642.40 in 1983. $27 doesn't account for much inflation over a period of 7 years!

Response by SSG Jason Trammell made Jan 25 at 2016 4:33 PM

SSG Jason Trammell — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 16:33:28 -0500

I looked at the pay charts and it can't be right, it says my base pay before taxes was 832 as a Private under 3 months, but, I know my base pay was 770, before taxes, so I don't know where those paychart number comes from.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jan 25 at 2016 9:32 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 21:32:18 -0500

The pay chart is interesting. Things really were as dismal as I remembered. I made $96.90 as a private and never went over about $300.00. It is also interesting to see that a private today makes as much as a major general did when I was in. I actually made more money doing side jobs. In fact I didn't even cash my checks for about six months. As a result I got chewed out by finance who claimed that I was screwing up their accounting. In those days just about everyone E7 and below was doing something on the side if they were stationed anywhere that it was possible.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jan 25 at 2016 9:34 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 21:34:10 -0500

I came in 1986 and my take home was $374

Response by SFC Justin Rooks made Jan 28 at 2016 12:29 PM

SFC Justin Rooks — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:29:33 -0500

I made the same as you SFC. I even remember having to report to the pay officer to get it in training phase too!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 10:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 10:52:11 -0400

I remember filing my taxes in 1986. E4, married with 2 kids. After deductions my "net taxable income" for the year was a negative $500.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made May 5 at 2016 11:56 PM

SSG Karl Fowler — Thu, 05 May 2016 23:56:50 -0400

in 1973 my first check was $307.00

Response by SGT John Hamby made May 6 at 2016 12:26 AM

SGT John Hamby — Fri, 06 May 2016 00:26:12 -0400

when i joined back in 1989, i earned $501 per month for Basic Training, and $500 per month for AIT

Response by CWO2 Richard Rose made Aug 20 at 2017 10:58 AM

CWO2 Richard Rose — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 10:58:42 -0400

I recall $60 paydays. Then $340 @ E-4, approximately $400 @ E-5. E-6 in 1977 was under $800 per month.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2017 12:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:23:50 -0400

I know my take home in 1965 was $76.00. Enough for laundry, shaving gear, maybe something for my self and a pitcher of 3.2 beer.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Aug 20 at 2017 12:47 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:47:00 -0400

$125 a month and didn't know what to do with it!

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 20 at 2017 1:03 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:03:04 -0400

Military.com is not accurate. I went in in August 68 at 113. E5 over 2 was 341, E5 over 3 was 363. Of course there was that bonus of 55 a month for getting shot at.

Response by SCPO Ysmael Ramos made Aug 20 at 2017 1:20 PM

SCPO Ysmael Ramos — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:20:15 -0400

In 1968 I was receiving $89 am month. Single and living on base. Back then the dollar went a lot further. If you think about how can you live with that amount in one month.

Response by PFC Charlie Bias made Sep 6 at 2017 11:18 AM

PFC Charlie Bias — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 11:18:21 -0400

$639.01 per month before taxes.

Response by PO3 Scot Fahey made Sep 6 at 2017 11:46 AM

PO3 Scot Fahey — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 11:46:54 -0400

E4 in 1980, another sailor who was. O-4, same last name made O-5. By way of error his promotion paperwork was placed in my service jacket. For a few days I was accidentally a USN Commander. Pay went to the bank, so when I got back to shore and was able to check my mail, I took this to my Division officer (an O-4) he agreed it was a goof. Yes I had to give the money back. At least on paper I was an O-5 for a short time

Response by SSG Ben Gilstrap made Sep 6 at 2017 11:48 AM

SSG Ben Gilstrap — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 11:48:42 -0400

Ya'll got paid money? We got food in a chow hall (sometimes), camping experiences (no tents) and a fitness instructor (sometimes it was personal instruction).

Response by LCDR Glen Palo made Sep 6 at 2017 12:03 PM

LCDR Glen Palo — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:03:32 -0400

In 1971, my monthly E-3 pay was 180.90 gross before taxes.

The good news was a 12oz glass of beer in the EM club was 15 cents.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Sep 6 at 2017 12:23 PM

SFC Oddie Brown — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:23:10 -0400

I remember on payday you would line up outside the 1SGs door. If you got paid by direct deposit, which was new, he gave you a pay statement. If you didn't have direct deposit he gave you a voucher. You would take the voucher to the pay cage and get paid in cash. I was in Germany so you could go to the bank and change it for marks. In 1984 the mark rate was around 3.50 to a dollar. You could take a hundred dollars and get 350 marks. A beer was around 1.50 marks so you can see how much beer you could buy. Food was cheap too especially pizza and pasta. I would have marks left over every month. Great times and great memories.

Response by Col Randy Hagan made Sep 6 at 2017 12:24 PM

Col Randy Hagan — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:24:01 -0400

That's ok ... when I came on active duty in 1971, I was an E-2 at my first permanent party base, living on base and having a meal card. My take-home pay was $69 each payday. When I retired as a Col 40 years later, my take home was just a little bit higher.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Sep 6 at 2017 12:30 PM

CPL Mark Andersen — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:30:23 -0400

I made $695.40 a month as an PV2/E-2 when I went in 1985, and $966.30 when I got out as a CPL/E-4 in 1989.

Response by CW2 Rob Janke made Sep 6 at 2017 12:31 PM

CW2 Rob Janke — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:31:16 -0400

Base pay was $288.00. Sure worked for going after promotions!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 6 at 2017 12:45 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:45:24 -0400

$144/mo gross and no other benefit. Pinned on E-2 and got a whopping $5/mo raise. That'd be '71. Now in '76 O held two pieces of promotion paperwork. Sign one of them. E-5 at $538 or O-1E at $738. Played Moneyball.

Response by PFC John Hopping made Sep 6 at 2017 12:47 PM

PFC John Hopping — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:47:37 -0400

I know I made more as an E1 in 1987 than my dad did as on O1 in 1965

Response by SFC William H. made Sep 6 at 2017 12:57 PM

SFC William H. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:57:57 -0400

Received about $90.00 gross per month in 1965. Supplemented this by pulling duty for others when possible. If you were poor, there was nowhere to go but up. Thought I was rich!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 6 at 2017 12:59 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:59:48 -0400

As a 2nd Lt in 1969 my basic pay was about $440/mo along with $100 flight pay. Housing allowance was around $150 if I remember correctly, but we lived on base.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 6 at 2017 1:06 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:06:59 -0400

$438.00 1987, Private E-1, that was much less than the car payment and insurance on my Ford Mustang GT at the time. I actually took a severe cut in pay as I was making 48k a year in Houston, Texas when I joined this Nation's Army serving.

I have a pay stub in green just like SFC Joe Davis, I will find it.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 6 at 2017 1:37 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:37:16 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL My pay as an E-1 in Marine Basic-- January 1968 was $95 it went to $102 July of that year.My pay in combat in Vietnam as a L/cpl was just over $200 including the hazard pay. lol

Response by SSG Diane R. made Sep 6 at 2017 2:23 PM

SSG Diane R. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:23:04 -0400

I can remember getting $311 as a private E2, this would have been in the summer of 1976.

Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made Sep 6 at 2017 2:24 PM

CSM Michael Sweeney — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:24:01 -0400

I still have my first LES for January 1970. The base pay was $124. After taxes and the advance pay we received at the first of the month for items required to be bought at the PX, the take home that month was 11 dollars. Which was fine. All I needed was quarters for the pay phone. I was single and that first month I had more money than I ever had up to then. Of course we were marched to the gym where we had to report to the pay officer and get our pay in cash. I got a dollar bill and a roll of quarters. By 1999 when I retired, it was a bit better.

Response by MCPO Chuck Feeney made Sep 6 at 2017 2:27 PM

MCPO Chuck Feeney — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:27:46 -0400

1967, as an E-2 I got paid every two weeks, $37 on the first wednesday, then $39 on the second. No idea why it wasn't $38 every payday. Donated blood at a local blood bank for $15 every 6 weeks.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Sep 6 at 2017 3:27 PM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:27:21 -0400

What a difference a few years make. I enlisted in '84. My first check pay day was $430...BEFORE TAXES.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Sep 6 at 2017 3:33 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:33:14 -0400

As I recall, my takehome pay as an Airman First Class, living in the dorms, and eating at the Chow Hall, was just over $300 a month in 1983. FYI: In my civilian job the year prior to entering into service, I was pulling in $350 a month, with a free two bedroom apartment, and free cable TV.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 6 at 2017 3:37 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:37:48 -0400

I think I received about a little over$300 minus taxes. It's been 40 years since I saw my LES from then.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Sep 6 at 2017 3:56 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:56:45 -0400

In 1999, as an E-3, I was getting $1117 a month. After taxes and biweekly split, I think it was roughly $734 a pay period. Of course, I was getting BAH on top of that as my then-wife was still living back home while I went through BMT. And yet my paycheck was still only 2nd highest in my dorm.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 6 at 2017 4:52 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:52:55 -0400

$97.00 gross. 1966

Response by 1SG Stephen Burgess made Sep 6 at 2017 4:53 PM

1SG Stephen Burgess — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 16:53:22 -0400

$658.20 a month before taxes and deductions. So, probably about $400 a month. Joined the Army in 1987 as an E-1 and 24 years later had earned $0.00 in bonuses at retirement.

Response by MSG Andrew White made Sep 6 at 2017 5:02 PM

MSG Andrew White — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:02:58 -0400

IN 1976 343.00 I WAS ROLLING!!! LOL

Response by SGT David Petree made Sep 6 at 2017 5:05 PM

SGT David Petree — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:05:54 -0400

We got a pay raise made big bucks $110.00 . I was rich !!!!! in 71.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Sep 6 at 2017 5:08 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:08:54 -0400

Joined in 1990 as well. I remember that pay well SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 5:25 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:25:25 -0400

MSI cadets make 300 a month today. Times have sure changed...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 5:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:36:21 -0400

I believe I do have my boot camp LES'. 1984 for me. Will have to remember to look at what I was making. I was a contract E2 through boot-camp though so will be different than a typical E1. All USMC.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Sep 6 at 2017 7:54 PM

Jerry Rivas — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 19:54:54 -0400

1n 1974, my gross pay for 1 month was $164.00.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 6 at 2017 8:00 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 20:00:24 -0400

Pretty Sure I Still Have My LES but not going to dig it our but I'm pretty sure it was Significantly Less than that in 76 when I Joined.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Sep 6 at 2017 8:01 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 20:01:44 -0400

$138.30/month as a PFC in 1970. I was single, living on base, eating at the mess hall--thought I was making good money.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 6 at 2017 8:17 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 20:17:52 -0400

$267.68, that was my first Army pay day..

I just recently shredded all my LES hard copies, I had every one Oct 1985 until they did away with the printed and distro'ed LES every month.
I saved just one, my first which was a payday of $267.68 for the month of October 1985 (I was only in 15 days that 1st month)

Response by SFC William Farrell made Sep 6 at 2017 8:41 PM

SFC William Farrell — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 20:41:35 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Stephen F. . you young whippersnappers you, I think that was my whole years pay in 1969. Never though of saving pay stubs! Actually I seem to remember my first paycheck being about $74.00!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 9:05 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:05:44 -0400

I just gave you #50!!!

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Sep 6 at 2017 9:10 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:10:07 -0400

288 before takes 1972

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Sep 6 at 2017 9:18 PM

Sgt Albert Castro — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:18:38 -0400

Wow! I used the pay chart provided here. How in the hell did we survive back then? I guess the dollar was still worth a dollar and gas was like 25 cents a gallon in 74 so we got by some how. I do remember I made a little more than the guys in the Barracks. I was married when I went to Basic so I got paid "Separate Rats" because I lived off base all 4 years. Hell you can't even make a truck payment today on the 400+ a month I made as an E-4 when I separated. And yet here I am, a retired old fart livin the dream. Somebody give the Troops a raise! God Bless our troops.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Sep 6 at 2017 9:39 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:39:51 -0400

My first LES in September '69 was $94 less $2.50 for laundry, a dollar for the cup & flower fund, $5 for SGLI and $2 for the Red Cross. Netting a whopping $ 83.50 resulting in 4 twenties, three ones and a Kennedy half dollar. "Don't spend it all in one place, soldier"...

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made Sep 6 at 2017 9:41 PM

Sgt Albert Castro — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:41:17 -0400

Oh I seperated in 78.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Sep 6 at 2017 9:45 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:45:42 -0400

I do not recal, if if my feeble memory is right that is about what I was making as a Sgt.

Response by LTC Bill Koski made Sep 6 at 2017 9:48 PM

LTC Bill Koski — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:48:18 -0400

Plenty! I had so much fun in basic training back in 1984! I believe 668.70 for being an E2. After that, it was 89 and change for a Drill weekend plus a tuition waiver for college. I learned how to throw hand grenades, shoot m-60 machine guns, learned to be a Mortarman, even was tested on how to salute. Was tear gassed, it was fun, really was.

Response by Sgt John H. made Sep 6 at 2017 9:48 PM

Sgt John H. — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:48:44 -0400

I remember having to break ice in our rented mobile home trailer toilet to flush... We would always run out of fuel towards the end of week three. It was either food or fuel. Once comrats and BAQ came through, we thought we were rich! We celebrated by going to pizza hut. 1974

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Sep 6 at 2017 10:08 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 22:08:35 -0400

@ SFC Davis: I joined in March 1985 as an E-1...I'm sure is is wasn't more than what you received.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 6 at 2017 10:17 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 22:17:07 -0400

Jumps! 100/month as a Cadet. Then you would go to the field and they took back 72 for field chow on a three day FTX.

Response by SSgt Bob Mobbs made Sep 7 at 2017 12:11 AM

SSgt Bob Mobbs — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:11:38 -0400

I don't really recall what my E-1 pay was when I enlisted in Aug 71. However, when I was promoted to E-2 it was $149.10 per month. And, 6 years later when I separated as an E-5 (over 6) it had jumped all the way up to $696.00

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Sep 7 at 2017 12:30 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:30:00 -0400

I had joined the AF Reserve on My 17th Birthday in 1970 and by Friday I was on my Way to Lackland AFB. Along with 100 other new Reservists. When we got to Lackland they divided us up among 8 flights. We were hoping to stay together.
Of course that was not to be.. pay day came along and we got $50 partial pay and of course after deductions it was more like $40. I think I turned into a stingy Scotsman while in basic.. I had entered as a E2 and would be A1C when I graduated basic. When that final day came I went to that pay window and received a tidy sum. That wasn't all of it. The other 1/2 was as a voucher.. I had worked for my great Aunt cooking at her restaurant. I would go back there and pick up where I left off, I hoped. So between working there 30 hrs a week and receiving drilll pay one weekend a month .
I'd be ok.. (one factor was that I was still in school.. I went through a lot of hoops to Make my game plan work.. There were certain rules had to be bent.. The Reserves is the same as a part-time job, correct? And you just give me permission to go to this part time job in the summer.
There were other hoops too.. maybe discuss those later.. one would be the State Dept of labor. It seemed that after
Have completed a drill weekend.. officially
I had been on duty 36 hrs. I explained to them it was subject to duty not on duty. Actually I had been credited three 8 hr days. It looked better than 2 12 hour days
(Being a minor, that raises eyebrows at Dept of labor, they didn't care if I was in
Reserves or not it's still too many hours)
So.. what I had to do was cut back hours the week.before drill and the week after drill so I didn't have more than allowable hours against school hours. And they checked on me too! There were other kids that worked there too and since they
Checked on me, they got looked at too.
A couple quit and went elsewhere to work.
So they could get more under the table hours. I was in good with my 1SG and Cmdr and trng NCO. And another Officer that had connections who could find drill time at other units. Since I was being watched so much where I worked.. It was hard getting the hours . So I talked to that Captain. He got me a weekend at Wright-Pat. That was 180 mi total from where My home was. From Selfridge it was further.. I kept quiet about that.. and some other weekends I got at other bases. Aunty was good at keeping my being gone extra weekends.. my grades were good and that Dept of labor woman got with the school district about that.. Prob'ly if they suffered they'd Force my Aunt to cut my hours.. I was between a rock and a hard place.. I didn't know what it was to go out and have fun as a kid after I got to be 15.. sure I got to a movie house occasionally.. a beach I think I'd been to about 8 times during the summer.
I was into working.. I had a good place to work. I got those drill days that year and that fattened up my account and fattened up my duty time.. what I had on the books. I had a good time in the Reserve, I worked hard for them, and got to go places . I couldn't afford to go to otherwise. I had and learned a lot of responsibility and to be accountable for my actions and for others when I did 1st Cook duty . When that opportunity in the springtime came up and was offered to me, I went for it. My hard work paid me back by presenting the opportunity to go active and fill a slot. There was another slot and another Sgt. took it. It worked good for me and I didn't have to report
Until after June 5. We got a sitrep control
His 1 year anniversary date isn't until June
22nd. Not a prob.. they TAD'd me to the Reserve unit at my gaining base. They loaned me to the AB GP at my gaining base until the 22d and then I'd be turned over and all the transfer paperwork finalized.. Easier said than done as the saying goes.. From autumn the year before to spring I dodged the bullet between the Dept of Education and Dept of Labor about my hours. And grades.. my grades were Bs and Cs and a A Here and there. Remember a book called the "CIA fact book"? Those didn't get released until the next year after they
Came out. They were in the base archives just as soon as they were released. Schools and civilian libraries might get them mid year.. As soon as I could I accessed them for report material.. about different countries.. I got a lot of bang for my buck while in the AFReserve and the Regular AF. I seen/been to a lot of places I would of only read about.. learned leadership skills and time management skills .
Considering all what the AF taught me,
Clothed me and sheltered me when it came time to rest And what I gave back to them I think I got a real good deal. .I only hoped I could have given them more years, but that wasn't meant to be.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 7 at 2017 1:02 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 01:02:54 -0400

1961-$56.25 a month after taxes plus $33.00 Jump Pay or Overseas Pay. Later another 30.00 pro pay. The whole thing doubled 1 Oct 63.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Sep 7 at 2017 1:20 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 01:20:21 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL We did not get paid in boot camp. They gave us Monopoly money to spend at the gee dunk. But it came out of our pay. As an E-2 I got $97 a month before taxes. When I went to sea in 65 sea pay was $8.00 a month.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Sep 7 at 2017 8:17 AM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 08:17:06 -0400

I have every jumps statement I ever received. One of the things I was told from the get-go was "Hang on to these - don't lose 'em! The army has a habit of "losing" stuff and if you want to retire you may have to prove you were even here and this is the best friend you've got!" Well, it was good advice and at the time the army calculated my retirement points they had "lost" about 6 months of my career from '75 - '76. These came in real handy and the points were restored.

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Sep 7 at 2017 2:39 PM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 14:39:52 -0400

620.40 was gross pay in 1985 bring home was around 450.00 I was so glad to get on flight status after ait. Was a nice 110.00 pay raise.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2017 3:30 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 15:30:13 -0400

I'm not sure we had LESs in 78 when I came in, but I don't have one. We got paid in cash at my first duty station Japan. I found a site with old pay scales and it appears base pay for PVT in 78 was $397.50. So, assuming about 20% for withholding, SGLI etc. that should have left $318/mo net, or $159 on 1st and 15th. Seems about right and it was a lot of money for me at that time. A haircut was about $1.50, a beer at the club about 50 cents. We had a meal card and free lodging, so other than uniforms and misc. spending it left plenty of cash. Definitely a lot more than my Dad got in WWII with 1st ID, $50/mo. It gets worse before then, 1922-1940 at $21/mo.

https://www.navycs.com/charts/1978-military-pay-chart.html
https://www.navycs.com/charts/1942-military-pay-chart.html
https://www.navycs.com/charts/1922-enlisted-pay-chart.html

1978 Military Pay Chart

1978 US military basic pay charts reflecting a 6.2% raise effective on October 1, 1977 and continued to be in effect until September 30, 1978.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Sep 7 at 2017 4:24 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:24:57 -0400

$375 twice a month as an E-1 with a family. Rent was $375. Interesting times I can tell you. No jobs for my spouse either. 3,000 applied for the single opening at a local fast food place.

Response by SPC Ralph Saldivar made Sep 10 at 2017 11:31 AM

SPC Ralph Saldivar — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 11:31:11 -0400

Shit still makes cry inside. Always broke , yet single with NO bills to speak of. Things are better now for the troops. My son just grad'd OSUT ( 11B) with some $ 4K in the bank.

Response by SP5 Eugene Adams made Mar 29 at 2018 11:28 PM

SP5 Eugene Adams — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:28:13 -0400

Base Pay as an E-1 was $85.00 per month in 1963

Response by LTC Charles Hamilton made Aug 16 at 2018 3:18 PM

LTC Charles Hamilton — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:18:24 -0400

1967 2Lt $303.00

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 16 at 2018 3:21 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:21:39 -0400

I think in 74 after jump pay ($55) it was as an E3 $180.

Response by LTC Charles Hamilton made Aug 16 at 2018 3:32 PM

LTC Charles Hamilton — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 15:32:36 -0400

I bought my ‘67 Camaro in that yr in Lubbock and drove it to my first duty station - Ft Benning. Put 12,000 mi on it and left it with my mother to sell and went to VN for two yrs. bought a ‘69 SuperBee when I came home.

Response by SSG Wesley Clowers made Aug 17 at 2018 12:09 AM

SSG Wesley Clowers — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 00:09:54 -0400

And the private makes more today and is still broke before his next paycheck

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Aug 17 at 2018 6:16 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:16:31 -0400

I joined the National Guard in 1989 I started as an E-3 because of my college credits and made around $95 a month I believe. Been a long time since I have seen one of those old green Jumps forms

Response by SP5 Tom Brown made Aug 17 at 2018 8:02 PM

SP5 Tom Brown — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:02:34 -0400

I got drafted in 1966.... pay was $92 a month.....

Response by 1SG Daniel Swanson made Aug 19 at 2018 10:53 AM

1SG Daniel Swanson — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 10:53:37 -0400

In 1965 it was $102.30, but after taxes and that first haircut I got $87.00 for the month. Had to report and salute the pay officer and you got paid in cash.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Aug 19 at 2018 7:10 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 19:10:06 -0400

It never ceases to amaze me how little the military is paid. I have two uncles who were privates in the army and in Korea a couple of weeks after that started. 80 bucks a month. Before taxes.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Aug 19 at 2018 7:24 PM

SGM Ronald Cheatom — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 19:24:16 -0400

My base pay, as an E1, was $503.00, before taxes.

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Aug 19 at 2018 7:36 PM

SSgt Dwight Deatherage — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 19:36:04 -0400

PV1 (E-1) in 1973 was $307.20 then that years pay raise (used to be 1 OCT) was to $326.10.

It didn’t make much difference in Basic Training, but we got paid Cash (only) on the end of the month. Then I went to the PX and bought a money order and mailed it to my bank, so I could cover the $88.28 car payment. I was so happy to get Direct Deposit.

Response by SFC Jeffrey Thivierge, MA, BSN, RN made Aug 19 at 2018 9:31 PM

SFC Jeffrey Thivierge, MA, BSN, RN — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 21:31:21 -0400

Somewhere, I’ve got a copy of one of my dad’s pay statements from 1975 when he was a WO1 or CW2. His pay after taxes was $900 for the month. I marveled at it because when he died in 2009, his retirement pay was well over $2500/month.

It’s funny how you don’t think about COLA (cost of living adjustments) much when you’re in your 20s, but when you’re a retiree, you wait with baited breath for the COLA to be announced to find out if you’re getting a raise next year.

Response by SSG Michael Forsyth made Aug 20 at 2018 11:44 PM

SSG Michael Forsyth — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:44:49 -0400

In 1968 as an E-1 I got $54.00 per month take home, those days were great :)

Response by PO2 William Roderick made Aug 21 at 2018 1:33 PM

PO2 William Roderick — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:33:04 -0400

Enlisted USN Sept 1966 , base pay for Seaman Recruit (E1) , 96 dollars a month, ETS July 1970, AMH2(E5) over 4 cleared 300 a month.

Response by SSG Joseph Robinson made Aug 21 at 2018 3:31 PM

SSG Joseph Robinson — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:31:26 -0400

In 1972 I received $288.00 a month.

Response by GySgt Gunnar Ulfsax made Aug 21 at 2018 3:37 PM

GySgt Gunnar Ulfsax — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:37:54 -0400

Being a married Pvt, straight out of boot camp in 87 I received $440 a payday. That was BEQ, Comrats, base pay!

Response by SPC Jim Nemeth made Aug 21 at 2018 11:02 PM

SPC Jim Nemeth — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 23:02:43 -0400

I think in 1969 an E1 got about $80, anyway it was very much more the a E1 got in WW2. Now it is, well amazing.

Response by SPC Eric Rudy made Aug 22 at 2018 6:09 AM

SPC Eric Rudy — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 06:09:28 -0400

Went in US Army - E2 when troops were come by home from first gulf war. No bonus. I lived in barracks and ate at the chow hall for my first few years. Mostly volunteer for field duty tasks and teams, got me away from the brass and I could either do my own thing or be an acting NCO due to my age and education. But I was thinking I made take home around $800 a month which was 1991-1992. It’s all kind of a blur, when in rear I usually stayed at a girlfriends place who roomed with some local college girls so it was always a party.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Aug 22 at 2018 7:30 AM

SPC Mike Davis — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 07:30:43 -0400

$75.00 month as a Pvt. E-1. $250.00 month +P-1 pay as a E-4. 1959-1962

Response by PO1 Michael Turnbeaugh made Aug 22 at 2018 8:26 AM

PO1 Michael Turnbeaugh — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 08:26:59 -0400

In January 1971 I was making $134 as an E1 but never knew it since I didn't get paid until after boot camp. The number I remember is receiving $65 twice a month as an E2 and then seeing that an E4 made $105. Found out that he had been promoted from E2 to E4 by extending his enlistment for two years. So I decided to do the same thing when I finished training. After getting to my first duty station I was taking home $120 twice a month and sending $100 a month home. Best paying job I had held to that point. Funny thing is that my take home pay, after allotments, rarely varied from $120 twice a month over an almost nine year career.

Response by SPC Gary Cavner made Aug 22 at 2018 9:41 AM

SPC Gary Cavner — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 09:41:26 -0400

In 1980 as an E-2 I made 654.00 a month, being married I also got 280.00 a month for separate rations , and I got A variable housing allowance and basic allowance for quarters of 500.00 or so , it wasn’t much , we were broke 2 days after payday. Every month . When I was stationed over seas we didn’t even get overseas pay .

Response by SPC Gary Cavner made Aug 22 at 2018 9:42 AM

SPC Gary Cavner — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 09:42:47 -0400

It wasn’t about the money , I loved being a soldier , I loved serving , that’s the difference between my generation and todays snowflakes

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2018 3:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 15:18:35 -0400

I enlisted as an E3 in 1984, base pay was $695/month. With a wife and 2 kids, after deductions my taxable income for the year was a negative $500.

Response by PFC Josiah Schmid made Aug 22 at 2018 4:04 PM

PFC Josiah Schmid — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 16:04:27 -0400

As time goes by he got major pay raises

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 22 at 2018 5:12 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 17:12:12 -0400

...mine wasn't anymore then that in 1985, when I joined as an E-1 Private. It's funny in a strange way, how I've come full circle...I make that every two weeks now...it's been rough.

Response by MSgt Karl Lee made Aug 22 at 2018 6:53 PM

MSgt Karl Lee — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:53:50 -0400

I enlisted in Jun 1973 as a Airman Basic (E-1)..... living in the barracks/dorm and eating in the chow hall my pay was $125.00 on the 15th and the 1st of the month...... when I put my first stripe on in Nov 1973 my pay increased to $154.00! Reenlisted in the Air Force June 1976 and received reenlistment bonus of 8k....... I was God gift to the earth

Response by LtCol George Carlson made Aug 23 at 2018 1:17 AM

LtCol George Carlson — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 01:17:39 -0400

Back before JUMPS (shortly after the dinosaurs went extinct) we didn't get an LES. Our pay was calculated on a yellow "pay card" held at disbursing. It was a form peculiar to the Navy Department and identical to what my father had to calculate pay for the ship's company as a Supply Corps officer in 1943-45. We carried them to our next duty station and on leave on my way to RVN I went to an Air Force disbursing office. Fortunately, Dad had showed me how to "work" it. The AF DisbO said, Lieutenant, I have no foggy notion what to do with this thing, but if you can tell me the amount, where to record it and where to record the DSSN (Disbursing Station Symbol Number), I'll pay you whatever you say. But it's your problem if it's a wrong amount." I got paid and when I reported in to my unit in RVN, the DisbO was amazed that an Air Force DisbO had done it right. I didn't bust his bubble. I don't recall the base pay, but BAS was $47.88 (identical to 1945) and BAQ w/dep was $110.10.

Response by MSgt Alfred Lagrimas made Aug 23 at 2018 3:24 AM

MSgt Alfred Lagrimas — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 03:24:04 -0400

in 67 i remember $98 a month, every 2 wks $42, enough for a haircut n a slice of lemon meringue pie n a chocolate milkshake. then wait another 2 weeks. this is what gets me. in 68, combat pay was $55, in Desert storm it was $55. i guess going into combat was still a cheap thrill.

Response by SGT David Maset made Aug 23 at 2018 7:01 AM

SGT David Maset — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:01:51 -0400

$78 bucks a month in 1962 as an E-1. Pretty sure Pvts in 1949 didn't make over $60....

Response by SPC Rich Sigel made Aug 23 at 2018 10:12 AM

SPC Rich Sigel — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:12:41 -0400

I went in as E-2 got paid 702 a month forget what take home was after taxes.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Aug 23 at 2018 10:26 AM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:26:12 -0400

Interesting... $669 Gross for mine back in 1990. Spoke with my father. His was $79 back in 1967. He volunteered for Vietnam just for the combat $150 pay to bring it up to the $229! What an incentive - combat pay being higher than base pay...

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Aug 23 at 2018 10:29 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:29:24 -0400

In 1978 when I came in as an Army PFC I believe my pay was $383 a month.

Response by LTC John Gladin made Aug 23 at 2018 10:59 AM

LTC John Gladin — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:59:42 -0400

I started out in ‘75 at USMA with half pay of a 2LT which netted about $258 a month as I recall. Out of that we had to pay for our uniforms, books, and other academic supplies. Given that there were over a dozen different uniforms (much more expensive than active duty equivalents) plus items like overcoats in two lengths, four distinct covers, etc, it took forever to pay it all off. They did split it up into two accounts, one of which you actually had access to and that was enough for you to afford about a couple of servings of ice cream from Boodlers on the weekends (or so it seemed.)

Response by SGT David Karlstromer made Aug 23 at 2018 12:33 PM

SGT David Karlstromer — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:33:04 -0400

I entered ad an E-1 1060 a month, and 26,000 enlistment bonus with 10,000 after reporting to my permanent duty station and the rest over the next 3 years.

Response by SSG Matt Marsilio made Aug 23 at 2018 1:01 PM

SSG Matt Marsilio — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:01:31 -0400

According to the pay chart, my gross pay was 726.00 per month in '92. Take out taxes and Montgomery GI Bill and I had next to nothing. Good times.

Response by SFC Robert Adams made Aug 23 at 2018 3:35 PM

SFC Robert Adams — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:35:48 -0400

$143.70 per month. Subtract taxes, class Q allotment for dependents and take home was $72.

Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made Aug 23 at 2018 6:34 PM

CSM Michael Sweeney — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 18:34:40 -0400

Still have my first pay voucher for Jan 1970. The base pay for E-1 was $124.00. That was plenty for a single 17 year old. 3 hots, a cot, and new clothes were a bonus.

Response by SGT Bruce Wood made Aug 23 at 2018 10:55 PM

SGT Bruce Wood — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:55:12 -0400

1981, $501. Base pay for pvt E1

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2018 11:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:07:16 -0400

$573 gross pay in 1983 retired in 2015 with a gross pay of $5700 per month now I make close to 3 times that

Response by PO2 Paul Macas made Aug 23 at 2018 11:36 PM

PO2 Paul Macas — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 23:36:46 -0400

I got about $40/month sub pay (hazardous duty pay) and $40/month sea pay. On top of my base pay. This was around 84 or 85 Thought I was living like a king.

Response by TSgt Raymond Allen made Aug 24 at 2018 1:04 AM

TSgt Raymond Allen — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 01:04:17 -0400

Mine was 307. a month in 1973.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2018 7:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 07:47:45 -0400

Well inflation may explain some of that differential. Things were certainly cheaper in 1945. Cost of living increases are supposed to be between 1.5 and 2% per year. Hasn't happened every year, but it is better.

Response by CH (LTC) Barry White made Aug 24 at 2018 8:49 AM

CH (LTC) Barry White — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:49:52 -0400

I have a copy of my W-2 in a box somewhere and my last full year in the Navy I was an E-4 in 1970 and my pay that year was $3000. I’m pretty sure I’m remembering that correctly.

Response by 1SG Bob Riesterer made Aug 24 at 2018 3:52 PM

1SG Bob Riesterer — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:52:49 -0400

If I remember correctly...When I was drafted and entered the Army in Aug 1971 as a E-1 I was making $99.00 a month

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Aug 24 at 2018 7:26 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 19:26:35 -0400

$93.90 Gross

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 25 at 2018 12:24 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 00:24:05 -0400

$852 gross per month in 1992 as a PV2.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Aug 25 at 2018 9:24 AM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 09:24:27 -0400

In 1967 as an E-2 right out of boot camp, my pay was $64 a month......Whether I needed it or NOT!!!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 23 at 2019 8:29 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 23 May 2019 08:29:31 -0400

net pay 72 USD a month. 272 after 2 years.plus pro pay 30 usd.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 23 at 2019 8:31 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 23 May 2019 08:31:27 -0400

Now i ask for and get one hundred usd an hour.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 23 at 2019 8:32 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 23 May 2019 08:32:23 -0400

Plus my 6500 a month I get

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made May 23 at 2019 5:02 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Thu, 23 May 2019 17:02:35 -0400

My pay check as an E-1 was $ 97 a month after taxes then there was SGLI ($ 5), laundry ($ 2), the Red Cross ($5) and Cup and Flower fund ($1) donations leaving me with $84 net.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 23 at 2019 7:18 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 23 May 2019 19:18:51 -0400

Haven't the faintest idea what I was making when I came on active duty, but thanks to the internet you can look up military pay rates. In 1968 as a 2nd Lt under 2 years I made a whopping $343.20 per month. And as I recall around $75 of that went to monthly payment on my GTO.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2019 1:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 May 2019 13:12:03 -0400

Good share SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - When did they stop the "Cash Paydays" at the unit level?? In the 90s in Germany, we already had LES's and Direct Deposit, when I first enlisted (I was prior service). We still had some payday activities though on the first day of the month I believe.

The only time I received any actual cash payment, was when I received my enlistment bonus of $4500 cash in Germany (out of a $6000 bonus after AIT) at my first duty station. I was so worried at the time at having that much cash, I had it in my briefcase & went right down to the Bank on post and deposited it that same day!!

Response by SPC Rich Sigel made May 24 at 2019 7:50 PM

SPC Rich Sigel — Fri, 24 May 2019 19:50:06 -0400

I went in 1987 as E-2 made 702

Response by SGT Richard Watson made May 25 at 2019 8:53 AM

SGT Richard Watson — Sat, 25 May 2019 08:53:04 -0400

I got $93 a month in 1968

Response by SPC Irvin Harbaugh made Jun 2 at 2019 3:51 PM

SPC Irvin Harbaugh — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:51:24 -0400

$288 a month in 1972 when i first went into the Army

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Jun 2 at 2019 6:58 PM

1SG John Highfill — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 18:58:59 -0400

In 1971 I believe I was paid $73.00 all your change was donated to the Soldiers Home you were paid in cash and had to Salute the pay officer

Response by CWO4 Jerry Place made Jun 2 at 2019 9:50 PM

CWO4 Jerry Place — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 21:50:58 -0400

I remember about $80 per month paid in cash '65-'67 era as an E-2 and E-3. About 3 trips into Laguna Beach and I was broke. Always kept a large tin of Prince Albert and rolling papers in my foot locker. Had no money left for smokes. I remember it as a wonderful time -- a huge pitcher of Falstaff at the slop chute was $0.65 and we often paid in pennies, nickels and dimes. I was young, very healthy and it was a good thing I had no more money. I would have gotten into much more trouble than I did.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 9:55 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 21:55:28 -0400

As an E2 in 1990 I think I took home $280 every 2 weeks. I lived in the barracks and had a meal card. What else did I need?

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Jun 3 at 2019 6:51 PM

SSG Norbert Johnson — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:51:05 -0400

I remember being paid 72 cents per hour (if it was a 40 hour week...NOT) as my pay for volunteering for the Draft... I mean Army. I remember being told that we were working 24 hours per day back then and if that was true, then in reality I was paid 3 cents per hour of harassment during the first few months. I was E2 by the time I got out of Basic so I got an increase to 80 cents per hour if it was a 40 hour week. and by my 5th month of service I got another promotion to PFC and earned 97 cents an hour. SO why all the complaints today about Military Pay?

Response by SFC James Beason made Jun 4 at 2019 8:06 AM

SFC James Beason — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 08:06:22 -0400

E1 base pay was 87.50 a month in 1967

Response by Maj Wendell Wallace made Jun 4 at 2019 10:50 AM

Maj Wendell Wallace — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:50:27 -0400

2nd Lt in 1967. base pay was $222 a month, has to buy own uniforms.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Jun 4 at 2019 6:29 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:29:59 -0400

1970–E-2–$144.00 a month.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Jun 6 at 2019 7:37 AM

MSG Michael McEleney — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 07:37:39 -0400

As an E-1 in 1968 the pay was $95.70/month or about $42 take home every two weeks.

Response by LTC Dick Bulova made Jun 6 at 2019 1:58 PM

LTC Dick Bulova — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 13:58:55 -0400

When I enlisted in June of 1956, my E-1 pay was $68. a month.

Response by Sgt Thomas Proctor made Jun 9 at 2019 6:35 PM

Sgt Thomas Proctor — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 18:35:11 -0400

When I joined the Air Force in 1959, the first pay that I received was what was known as the flying forty because when you entered the "Green Monster", got a haircut and bought what you needed, it was all nearly gone when you came out the other door. My regular pay as an Airman Basic was $73.00 a month. The most that I ever made as an A1C, serving overseas (62-63) was $172.00 a month. A1C in the AF then is now considered Sgt.

Response by SGT Daniel Durkovich made Jun 12 at 2019 6:38 PM

SGT Daniel Durkovich — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:38:58 -0400

1986 $225 a paycheck after taxes and a $50 allotment.

Response by CPT Jim Kotva made Jun 15 at 2019 8:12 AM

CPT Jim Kotva — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 08:12:45 -0400

1978 $400.00 a month before taxes

Response by SCPO William Akin made Jun 16 at 2019 10:55 AM

SCPO William Akin — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 10:55:11 -0400

$85.00 monthly (E-2) 1960

Response by CPL Jerry Valdivia made Jun 19 at 2019 10:13 AM

CPL Jerry Valdivia — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:13:59 -0400

$87.00 in 1968 when I joined the army

Response by SMSgt Harold Estep made Jun 21 at 2019 1:03 PM

SMSgt Harold Estep — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:03:05 -0400

My first paycheck right after I joined the Air Force in 1954, was $30.00.

Response by Maj Harry Parmer made Jun 21 at 2019 9:47 PM

Maj Harry Parmer — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:47:27 -0400

When I hit the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) as a PVT E-1, January, 1965, my take home pay was $78.00 a month. Funny thing is I always had money in my pockets. Things were cheap back then. Always said it's not how much you make, it's how much you keep

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 22 at 2019 11:48 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 11:48:05 -0400

For those still in the service. If you have a SM whose family is below the poverty line, Finance can increase the pay to shrink the delta.

Response by SGM Robert King made Jun 23 at 2019 8:10 PM

SGM Robert King — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 20:10:48 -0400

I think it was around $575 before tax. Got a pay raise for hazardous duty of $86 additional dollars per month.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 23 at 2019 11:41 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 23:41:58 -0400

Aug 1974, $307.20, as E-1. Thankful I retired as 0-5.

Response by GySgt Ken Norwood made Jun 27 at 2019 1:16 AM

GySgt Ken Norwood — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 01:16:54 -0400

As a PFC I had $6.25 taken out every month to buy a savings bond. It took 3 months to get a $25 bond. After taxes my take home pay was $21 the 1st & 15th if the month, $42 per month take home.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jun 28 at 2019 2:15 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:15:17 -0400

Mine was way less then your's but not by much, I joined in 1978

Response by SGT Gary Vaught made Jun 29 at 2019 7:54 AM

SGT Gary Vaught — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 07:54:29 -0400

I only took home $65 my first paid day, but it was enough.
Lucky for me I went up to E4 in first 7 months, then four months later was getting combat pay and got field promotion to E 5

Response by MSG Bruce Bjorklund made Jun 30 at 2019 1:16 PM

MSG Bruce Bjorklund — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 13:16:19 -0400

I enlisted in 1972, so a little less than this

Response by 1SG William Rodman made Jun 30 at 2019 9:00 PM

1SG William Rodman — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 21:00:30 -0400

I got paid $93 dollars per month when I enlisted in January, 1969.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 30 at 2019 9:21 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 21:21:49 -0400

My base pay was $288 as an E1 in 1972. I had a wife and 2 kids when drafted so I also received allowances of $105 and $245

Response by LCpl Douglas Elfving made Jul 1 at 2019 12:22 AM

LCpl Douglas Elfving — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:22:04 -0400

$95.70 / month when I enlisted in the Marine Corps in Jan 1968

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Jul 2 at 2019 10:57 PM

SSG Richard Hackwith — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:57:55 -0400

I joined in 1964, base pay for E-1 was $78 a month, cleared about $50.

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Jul 3 at 2019 11:00 AM

1SG Robert Rush — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:00:27 -0400

If I remember correctly, I received around $123 some in 1969.

Response by SP6 Dale Graham made Jul 3 at 2019 5:01 PM

SP6 Dale Graham — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 17:01:14 -0400

Was right there with you....Basic Aug 1989. Drill Sgts were on an elevated perch with M16's as you picked up your pay.

Response by SSgt Warren Henthorn made Jul 5 at 2019 9:15 AM

SSgt Warren Henthorn — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 09:15:38 -0400

$78 a month 1967.

Response by SSgt Warren Henthorn made Jul 5 at 2019 3:58 PM

SSgt Warren Henthorn — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 15:58:33 -0400

$78 in 1967.

Response by MSG William Wold made Jul 6 at 2019 1:52 PM

MSG William Wold — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 13:52:21 -0400

I went in the Army September 4, 1970. My W2 from the Army in 1970.

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Jul 7 at 2019 11:48 AM

MGySgt Joseph Magyar — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 11:48:57 -0400

78 DOLLARS MONTH 1958

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Jul 7 at 2019 11:49 AM

MGySgt Joseph Magyar — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 11:49:56 -0400

$ 78.00 1958

Response by SSG Robert Marshall made Jul 7 at 2019 6:37 PM

SSG Robert Marshall — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 18:37:09 -0400

$87.00

Response by CW4 John Wheatley made Jul 12 at 2019 2:22 PM

CW4 John Wheatley — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 14:22:52 -0400

1963 E 1 $ 78 net $72 gross ,net for an E 3 $99 E4 under 2 years $120 E 4 over 2years big bucks $180

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2019 3:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 15:16:43 -0400

It’s funny how one can get nostalgic from seeing a little piece of paper like that. I believe entering as a PFC I was somewhere around $400.

Response by SGT Rafael Morales made Jul 18 at 2019 6:44 PM

SGT Rafael Morales — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 18:44:38 -0400

In 1966 I got paid $70.00 dollars a month and 75 cents for a haircut. Also had to buy my own toiletries. As a PFC e-3 I got paid $105.00 a month. As a specialist 4 E-4 in Nam I was making about $400.00 a month. That included overseas and combat pay.

Response by SP5 Brian Sinykin made Jul 19 at 2019 9:47 AM

SP5 Brian Sinykin — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 09:47:33 -0400

I got $250 a month in 1965

Response by SGT James Bullard made Jul 26 at 2019 5:38 PM

SGT James Bullard — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 17:38:51 -0400

Back in 1966 as a Private E-1, the pay was $97 a month, as an E-5 in 1968 I was paid $380 a month, paid one time a month.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Jul 28 at 2019 11:44 AM

SPC James Seigars — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 11:44:56 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis, Jr. , When I went in as an E-2 back in 1985 my gross pay was $695.40 and when I got out in 2012 an incoming E-2 was making $1,671.30 which is over double what I paid for my first car after I graduated Basic ($800, I also lived at home & had no bills so I was able to pay cash). It’s hard to believe that inflation is so bad that Service People today make about three times what we did (Even a E-5, my highest rank, went from making $1192.80 to making $3,012.90 with 24 years of service) and yet most still can’t even do what I did & pay cash for a vehicle.

Response by SSgt Barry McQuade made Aug 2 at 2019 2:35 PM

SSgt Barry McQuade — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:35:05 -0400

1966 I made $66.00 a month in basic training.

Response by MSgt Mayo Sifford made Aug 8 at 2019 7:36 PM

MSgt Mayo Sifford — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 19:36:49 -0400

My first pay was $75 (1947) but with haircuts (50 cents), laundry (5.00), Insurance (6.00), Cigarettes (4 cartons, 6.00), toiletries (5.00) I didn't have much left. Some guys had similar expenses and sent money home as well. Better than $21 per day once a month.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Aug 14 at 2019 4:28 PM

MSG Don Burt — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:28:38 -0400

I was rolling in cash right out of high school 1960 with Mom signing for me at 16 yrs. old....wow, I was raking in $72/month and six months later it was $78 and when I made E-3 it was a whopping $108...man, I was on a roll...when I made SP-4, I was then getting $144 and then to SP-5 was $160 and when I was discharged 1963 I was making $160 + Pro Pay $60+ overseas pay and maxed out at $250. Great days and great rank and great tour! Good Ole Days!

Response by SSG James Johnson made Aug 16 at 2019 3:57 PM

SSG James Johnson — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 15:57:46 -0400

How about $78 a month, October, 1965

Response by LTC John Griscom made Aug 20 at 2019 7:46 AM

LTC John Griscom — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 07:46:01 -0400

My base pay as a 2LT in August 1964 was 222.00. Went up in Oct to 241.
Hated being the Class A agent (payroll Officer).

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Aug 20 at 2019 5:29 PM

MSG Lonnie Averkamp — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:29:03 -0400

GROSS Pay when I want in was $124.50 per month. After Basic and AIT, I went to Noncommissioned Officer Candidate School, and went to E-4. Pay for that rank was $231.60 per month. I thought to myself, "Man. What am I going to do with all that money?".

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Aug 20 at 2019 5:54 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:54:11 -0400

In the Marine Corp 1959 I got $78.00 a month. As a Cpl. on Okinawa 61-63 I got $120.00 a month and in the Army as a SP/5 with Foxhole pay ($50.00) and being married I received $496.00 a Month. Civilians in Vietnam carried side arms had Vietnamese working parties built things in the Jungle and made $1,500.00 a months Tax free as we did. Semper Fi.

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Aug 20 at 2019 8:47 PM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:47:19 -0400

When I enlisted in 1967, a Pvt/E1 made $99/mo before deductions. When I made PFC/E2, that bumped up to $103/mo. When I was in Vietnam, we also got $8/mo as overseas pay, and $65/mo combat pay. When I made LCpl/E3, my pay was $108/mo. When I was in Vietnam, I left it all on the books except for a little poker-playing money and had about $2,200 in my pocket when I rotated back to the world. Over a period of time, I bought myself a Bulova Accutron watch (wish I still had it), a gold USMC ring, and the rest I eventually spent on wine, women and song, and the rest foolishly. I don't remember what my pay as a Cpl/E4 was, but my pay as a Sgt/E5 was about $247/mo. When the all-volunteer armed forces came in (early 70s), President Nixon and Congress were gracious enough to almost double our pay to attract volunteers and make service people want to stay in. Nevertheless, as a SSgt/E6 at Camp Pendleton, CA, my pay was low enough that I qualified for food stamps had I wanted them (I didn't). I recall when the base pay for a Pvt/E1 hit the $500/mo mark, and I recalled that in 1967 the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps didn't make that much monthly. At that time we were told to wait until we were sergeants before we got married (we couldn't afford it), and most Marines I knew couldn't afford cars, either. How the times have changed!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 20 at 2019 9:13 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 21:13:07 -0400

1966 my take home pay was 72 dollars a month. Once i made e5 it was 272. Plus I was drawing pro pay. All I know is now I am 70. I get 44000 in military retirement. 22000 in social security and 12000 from my OPM pension.

Response by SSG Steven Bison made Aug 20 at 2019 10:24 PM

SSG Steven Bison — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 22:24:40 -0400

IN 1967 I was making $40.00 a week take home I joined the Army and my base pay jumped to $90.45 a month R&B

Response by CMSAF Charles Hallgren made Aug 26 at 2019 9:22 AM

CMSAF Charles Hallgren — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 09:22:32 -0400

I was paid 75.00 a month in april of 1948

Response by SPC Jacob Viano made Oct 23 at 2019 9:50 PM

SPC Jacob Viano — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:50:53 -0400

I earned $856/month when I first joined in 1998

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Nov 17 at 2019 2:00 PM

1SG Cj Grisham — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:00:23 -0500

I remember as a young private with a spouse trying to make my $575 paychecks last a month.

Response by SPC Roger Giffen made Feb 23 at 2020 4:09 PM

SPC Roger Giffen — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 16:09:34 -0500

All I remember was my gross wasn't even $300 in 74

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Feb 24 at 2020 1:02 AM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 01:02:46 -0500

1961. Ft. Knox. 83.00 a month. Cold cash. Had to have a snappy salute for the pay officer.

Response by SCPO William Akin made Feb 24 at 2020 5:10 PM

SCPO William Akin — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:10:32 -0500

In 1960 I had to PAY the Navy $89.00 a month to let me serve on ship that was new in the Boxer Rebellion..
Top that if you can ;-)