Posted on Sep 5, 2015
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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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
Posted in these groups: Double barred dollar sign.svg Money38326e5d Military Pay
Edited 5 y ago
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LTC Field Artillery Officer
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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!!
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PO2 William Roderick
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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.
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