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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Responses: 282
MSG William Wold
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I went in the Army September 4, 1970. My W2 from the Army in 1970.
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SSgt Warren Henthorn
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$78 in 1967.
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SSgt Warren Henthorn
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$78 a month 1967.
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SP6 Dale Graham
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Was right there with you....Basic Aug 1989. Drill Sgts were on an elevated perch with M16's as you picked up your pay.
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1SG Robert Rush
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If I remember correctly, I received around $123 some in 1969.
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SSG Richard Hackwith
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I joined in 1964, base pay for E-1 was $78 a month, cleared about $50.
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LCpl Douglas Elfving
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$95.70 / month when I enlisted in the Marine Corps in Jan 1968
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1SG William Rodman
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I got paid $93 dollars per month when I enlisted in January, 1969.
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MSG Bruce Bjorklund
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Bd59659
I enlisted in 1972, so a little less than this
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SGT Gary Vaught
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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
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