President Obama orders 1.3 percent military pay raise next year, is this enough, do we deserve more?

2015-08-29T14:48:14-04:00

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/28/obama-pay-raise-order/71336514/

Obama orders 1.3 percent military pay raise next year

In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Obama called the move unfortunate but necessary.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-08-29T15:02:51-04:00

As the debt increases the military takes less. Who would have thought differently given the low esteem the CINC has for it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 29 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-08-29T15:08:51-04:00

Well, there's millions of workers who would kill for a steady paycheck, much less a raise, so we are still very fortunate.. Plus I think we purposely ignore the regular Time In Service and promotion raises we get all the time. .

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-08-29T15:12:05-04:00

no and yes

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-08-29T15:12:21-04:00

no and yes

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 29 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-08-29T15:26:46-04:00

Of course we deserve more but with the "Fiscal Conservatives" (More like Deadbeats). In Congress that might be the best we do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-08-29T15:34:30-04:00

1.3 is probably enough to put most in the next tax bracket, lol.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-08-29T16:37:16-04:00

Look at the annual raises our civilian counterparts get. Whether or not you think we are paid enough, we have more stability in terms of predictability for income and raises/promotions during our career.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 29 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-08-29T17:01:16-04:00

He sure knows how to alienate the military and drag down morale.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Aug 29 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-08-29T17:35:45-04:00

Ought to noted that while the House committee recommended the 2.3% raise, the NDAA passed by the House doesn't specify an amount.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 29 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-08-29T18:19:54-04:00

He is a paper Commander In Chief. This military is weary, tired, and wounded. He is turning his back on those who sacrifice the most for the country. He is no War President.

Response by Meagan Ahmad made Aug 29 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-08-29T22:20:22-04:00

I don't think it's even keeping up with the cost of living going up but that also depends on which duty station you're assigned to.

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Aug 30 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-08-30T10:44:55-04:00

THAT IS A SLAP IN THE FACE WHAT A DISGRACE

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-08-30T13:04:01-04:00

SGT Efaw (Mick) G., all great points, and let's not forget the almost 20K in federal taxes that were taken out. The Army is damn lucky that I love my job because I'm not doing it for the money or for my health.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 30 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-08-30T13:55:51-04:00

Our troops deserve better. If congress can continue to make obscene money for what was envisioned by the founders to be a part time job, the least we can do is pay our troops what they deserve!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-08-30T20:10:27-04:00

Most of us are overpaid as it is. This pay raise will be much appreciated but it isn't necessary.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-08-30T20:21:46-04:00

It is my sincere belief that military pay should AUTOMATICALLY, at a minimum, increase with the rate of inflation. Anything beyond that is bonus (a bonus that my AD/ Guard/ Reserve brothers and sisters definitely deserve).

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Aug 30 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-08-30T20:40:02-04:00

we did volunteer to be in the military, no one forced us to... active duty do pretty well, free housing, untaxed food, free food living in the barracks, clothing allowance, conus etc... yes its a very dangerous job, but still we do alright.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Aug 30 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-08-30T23:41:03-04:00

And he is giving 150 billion to Iran.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 31 at 2015 6:40 AM

2015-08-31T06:40:39-04:00

While 1.3% annual raise is not a lot it is in line when you look at what most in the marketplace are getting and you cannot forget about the massive debt and deficits we still run. It is tough medicine that the raises are not larger but that is not unique to the US Military. There are years there are no raises where I work and 1% years and sometimes a 2% year, that is about as large as an annual raise gets. If you want more you have to do more, get promoted, take on more responsibility and work more hours etc. That is the way it works most places.

There are a number of very solid benefits such as medical, dental, housing/food, GI Bill, retirement at 20 years that are income enhancers you shouldn't forget about.

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence either. Everyone knew the pay scale (or should have known it) when the enlisted/commissioned. If you joined for significant advancement of income you might have selected the wrong career path.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 31 at 2015 7:13 AM

2015-08-31T07:13:21-04:00

Honestly, I think Government Employee Cost of Living Allowances should be set on "Auto Pilot."

They should match inflation per a specified standard, like the consumer price index, and then every Census Year (every 10 years), we do an azimuth check, to determine whether they have fallen out of line. Therefore if it is 1.8 percent in 2018, we get 1.8%. If it's .3% the following year, that's what we get. When we get to the Census, then we get Congress back involved and they go "Yup looks good" or "Skip 1-X years, because it's out of line."

When I say Government Employees, I mean ALL government employees, from the GS1 to the President, and including the military. Do we really need to spend precious Legislative time debating this every stinking year?

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Aug 31 at 2015 7:52 AM

2015-08-31T07:52:10-04:00

I know you all miss the two and/or three percent raises from Bush.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 31 at 2015 8:57 AM

2015-08-31T08:57:14-04:00

The military will never see the rampant pay raises that were prevalent in the 80's and 90's. It's a different time with a different economy and we need to recognize that. We've been at war longer than many who have years on earth. I think the military needs a pay raise to keep in line with inflation, but not because they're in the military as the only reason. You chose this life for whatever reason, and stuck with it. With that said, you are in this for more than the money. The economy is trying to make a comeback, and when it does, maybe then there will be a larger annual raise. I don't think anyone in office can change this now, being that we're strapped for cash as it is, from the constant OPTEMPO, and weapon systems needed to support the warfighter. Maybe we need to look past the LES and look into what causes it to be what it is, and not what we wished it to be.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 31 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-08-31T13:56:58-04:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member Chief, I was lucky, middle of my career we received lucrative pay raises and Locality pay increases. As time went on and the administration as well as economy changed I watched our pay raises stagnate. Do I believe everyone who raises their hand to serve deserves to be paid at the top tier of income for this job, yes. Do I believe that would be fiscally responsible, no. We do, currently, have great benefits from Tricare, retirement, on base facilities, MWR, housing, subsidence allowance, combat tax zone exclusions, PX, Commissary, and more, but one life lost in the service of our country is a life which can never be replaced. Further, if they begin to erode the benefits package then I reserve the right to elect a "Service Members do not get paid enough answer." I had a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) once ask me, "what is your life worth? Is it worth E-7 pay, if yes, then in my mind we get remunerated an amount which is fair." Is it perfect no, but 1.3% is better than 0.0%.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Aug 31 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-08-31T16:34:00-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-08-31T16:52:54-04:00

I don't think this is really about the money. It can't be. We fought two wars simultaneously. Military members and retirees just want to feel significant. Like our contributions to this nation matter to the top tiers of the government. Most of us are never going to be the same as we were before we joined. 2.3% percent is a small price to pay for the sacrifices we've made.
I agree, we all volunteered to join. I get it. But a little appreciation at the top would go a long way. I certainly don't need the extra bump in pay but I know many soldiers who are barely eeking by with a family of 4 or more. They could certainly use the extra $100 or so a month.

Response by PFC Terry Kuehner made Aug 31 at 2015 5:16 PM

2015-08-31T17:16:39-04:00

Of course yes by al means 1.5 in raises 5.4 % rise in cost of living

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-08-31T19:55:13-04:00

It amazes me how short sighted many of you are on the subject of getting the 1.3 pay increase. You justify your comments in the "here and now" talking about already received cushy benefits and inferring a view of nice cars in the parking lot.
Friends these pay raises go beyond the here and now. When you are deployed for extended periods you are not fully compensated for your time nor the possibility of getting killed! When you are on something as simple as the CQ in the barracks and have to do your security checks at 3 am are you able to put in for overtime?

Folks the clock is ticking and there will be a time when you have to embrace the suck. Trust me, Uncle Sam always gets his pound of flesh. Work and ask for every pay raise and benefit you can get; there may not be an opportunity when you really need it!

Response by SMSgt John Clifford made Aug 31 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-08-31T21:08:47-04:00

Hate to burst a bubble, but the President can not "order" a pay raise for the military. Only congress can control military pay.

Response by TSgt Bill Kerlee made Aug 31 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-08-31T21:14:26-04:00

we need fair pay!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-08-31T21:31:28-04:00

Wow. A big whopping 1.3% pay raise. So for every $1000 you get $13, BEFORE taxes. Yet, Obama wants the minimum wage to increase to $15 per hour. In some states that a 100% pay raise. I think it is insulting.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Aug 31 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-08-31T23:25:03-04:00

I hate to say, I had the dubious distinction of meeting members of congress once a year for a few years, when the "budget" would come up to ask for pay increases. Democrats ttypically wanted a larger increase, and Republicans wanted small or no increase. We deserve it AND if you look historically at the COLA, it is supposed to mimic the growth rate, which it hasn't in a decade or so. Sucks huh?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 7:45 AM

2015-09-01T07:45:03-04:00

I do not think we make enough for what we are asked to do, however we volunteered so we should make the best of it. When you add in your BAH, BAS and other entitlements our pay looks a lot better than people trying to say they only have a salary in the 20k range. I understand the frustration and agree however when making a point we should include all of our benefits instead of hiding everything and only counting our base pay.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Sep 1 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-09-01T10:42:03-04:00

An insult by all angles and every perspective.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Sep 1 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-09-01T11:36:01-04:00

If you joined the military to get rich you guessed wrong. 1.5% is not going to solve you economic problem if you have one, bu then again it is better than nothing which millions on the outside have received lately.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Sep 1 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-09-01T11:49:06-04:00

This is the price of War(s). We serve and I agree that although these so called raises are not large it is better than none.
0 or 1.3%

The Virginian-Pilot
© August 29, 2015

President Barack Obama wants to limit military pay raises to 1.3 percent, the Military Times has reported.

Obama informed House and Senate leaders in a letter Friday of his proposal, saying it was part of a strategy to rein in defense spending, the newspaper said.

“As our country continues to recover from serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare …, we must maintain efforts to keep our nation on a sustainable fiscal course,” Obama wrote. “This effort requires tough choices, especially in light of budget constraints.”

Obama said administration officials do not believe the level of the raise will hurt the military’s ability to recruit and retain service members.

A 1.3 percent raise would follow 1 percent raises in both 2014 and 2015, the lowest annual military pay increases in the all-volunteer era, which began in 1973.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 1 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-09-01T13:12:14-04:00

No, you do not deserve more. We are trillions of dollars in debt. We cannot, nor should we ever feel like the POTUS should just pay us more. The taxpayer has to bear the burden of every increase. It is not only them, but also those are underprivileged who will go without as no one will vote to increase taxes in an election year. So how do we pay for it, we take away from something else: Sciences, healthcare, research, education, welfare, Social Security, just to name a few. And before bemoan welfare, and I know some of you will, it is something that is needed. We would be a lot worse off without it. So while this may alienate some of you, the thought that you deserve more...Do you think your worth more than say a school teacher, someone who has a Bachelors or Masters Degree? How about that EMT/Firefighter, who is making $400 a week and running 10-15 calls a day, dealing with MRSA and other infectious diseases? The Police Officer who makes $30,000 a year in some small town in rural America, and has to deal Meth, and other drugs? How about the Farmer who puts in 12-18 hour days, only to see his crop destroyed by mother nature? Him how about the Fisherman who goes out and battles rough seas, has to go out further and further, and has to deal with foreign vessels taking stocks from our waters?

You get a paycheck every month, BAH, retirement, healthcare, MWR, Legal Services, Dental Services, and host of other services, that the above don't get for free. Your upset the POTUS didn't recommend you for what...3%. Give me a break.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-09-01T15:24:08-04:00

I do have to remind myself that this is opinion based and everyone can speak their opinion without flak. While I feel the 1.3% is better than nothing, I do feel that it doesn't represent what all that we do and sacrifice. People mention the stability, though ALL forces were just down-sizing. We talk about great benefits though Tricare is increasing 1 Oct. They want to cut our BAH down. They want us to keep doing more and more with less. Should we be better compensated? I feel that we should. I read that our pay raises are better than the civilian sector but if we are receiving less that the going rate, how is the Military's better? Working a full time second job, within a year I will get a dollar per hour raise. If you go off my 40 hour week, do the math, that's $1920 more a year. But my 1.3% is around what..around $480 a year. So that's better??? Now, say that I make rank. Add all that up and I make around another $600 a month. Then add that 1.3% pay raise and I'm making $1080 a year. I'm still making over $800 (pay raise) more a year at a civilian job where I don't have to work several hours over my shift, don't deploy, don't TDY every other week, have 10 other additional duties, family wondering if I will come home alive and the list could go on. With the Military, you bust your butt, come in early every day, do everything they ask and it's called "doing your job." Civilian side, at some places, actually appreciate it. I've been thanked more times in a short time there vs the Military but....then again, I didn't sign up and serve to be thanked all the time. I'm glad to have served but when it comes time to retire...I'm retiring and thank all those that have, are now and will serve in the future.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 1 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-09-01T15:36:03-04:00

I will accept it.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-09-01T16:25:16-04:00

$13 extra dollars per $1000. It will probably push some into another tax bracket, which will cost you more in taxes. The real question is what do politicians make and what are they getting for a payraise?

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Sep 1 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-09-01T16:38:26-04:00

No but he will get more than a 1.3% raise

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Sep 1 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-09-01T18:24:29-04:00

If you pay minimum wage, you will recruit minimum wage talent.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 2 at 2015 1:24 AM

2015-09-02T01:24:49-04:00

We should get more but par for the course we get walked on.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-09-02T10:52:28-04:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member I guess it is better than the 1% we got last year and the downward trend we have seen since 2010...not that I really noticed a pay raise. I had to double check my LES to make sure we actually got one...

Source: http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2014/09/one-chart-showing-every-military-pay-raise-last-30-years/94094/

One Chart Showing Every Military Pay Raise in the Last 30 Years

Congress could soon match the lowest military pay raise in recent memory.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-09-02T11:40:47-04:00

The pay raise is always nice but if any of us were in the service for the money we chose the wrong place to be!!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Sep 2 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-09-02T12:25:55-04:00

Cost of living/inflation increases my 3% per year on average.

So, from a ****purely business perspective****, anything less than a 3% raise per year is actually a pay DECREASE... the company WILL raise it's price for goods/services to keep pace with inflation, but if it does not then raise it's budgeted expenditures for it's "Human assets" then it has increased it's profit margin on the backs of it's employees.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... the military needs to abandon it's Rank based pay scale and switch to an MOS/Rank based pay scale... stupid to send someone to school for a year, then loose them after 3 because they can make 12 times as much by getting out. Meanwhile the military keeps the idiot that goes through 17 weeks of training because they have no marketable skills in civilian life.

What I'm trying to say is military salary should closely match the civilian equivalent job... that way you have service members that stay for the right reasons... because they're called to wear the uniform.

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Sep 2 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-09-02T13:05:03-04:00

I've seen no mention of where this money is supposed to come from. We, as service members are paid through taxes, which we all bemoan paying. We also get the most political support from the party that wants to reduce taxes. If we lower taxes, how can we expect military pay to increase?

While I'm sure an entire debate can be had about the allocation of tax money, and what sectors "deserve" a larger or smaller percentage of the pie, we have to acknowledge that our salaries and jobs are a direct result of taxation. And military spending is a huge portion of the nations total budget (recent numbers suggest about 20% of the federal budget, which is somewhere around $1,000,000,000,000).

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 2 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-09-02T13:17:51-04:00

Only if you think, even with the personnel cuts, the only place to make up short falls is on the back of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines? If you do think this, you are an idiot and a pox upon you.
Of course our military deserves so much more.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 2 at 2015 4:09 PM

2015-09-02T16:09:38-04:00

It remains a sore point to me that Active Duty aren't paid what they should be. The COLAs for the last number of years have been below Federal law by POTUS edict. Further, with the cuts to BAH and increases in pharmacy and other Tricare copays (retirees more than A/D) both A/D and retirees have been taking CUTS to compensation lately...

Response by SFC George Steht made Sep 2 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-09-02T17:52:06-04:00

Isn't that amazing, Obama wants McDonald and other fast food workers, The most highly unskilled job there is to get up to $15.00 an hour minimum and he orders a lousy 1.3, maybe this is another typo, it should be 13%. It amazes me. Obama thinks someone flipping a burger, gets your order wrong 80% of the time, should get paid more than a fire fighter, EMT, Military personnel, or anyone in a High Risk Job. This is not enough, it's not a drop in the toilet, gives you a 1.3, everything goes up 15%. The taxes, medical co-pay, food prices, everything has gone up months before your receive 1.3 raise. It's a joke, should give it to the Israeli defense fund to help with their Nuclear deterrence system they will need against Iran thanks to Obama and the Politicians. You get 1.3 %, the Politicians get a 25 %. The Soldiers always get screwed but the White House makes it look like they gave the G.I the biggest pay raise ever. But many are still on Welfare and Food Stamps, How many Politicians can say that??

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 6:43 PM

2015-09-02T18:43:38-04:00

It is not enough and yes we deserve MORE!!! How about 10% raise?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 2 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-09-02T19:22:44-04:00

The raise should be based on the market value / inflation value / cost of living. Overall, I do feel I was compensated pretty well while I was serving, I was able to afford some luxuries that some with my age and salary usually don't have.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 2 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-09-02T23:10:17-04:00

Congress is just trying to justify a bigger pay raise for themselves and Obama desperately wants to be remembered well when he leaves office. Perhaps he's taking a page from Al Gore and he is setting himself up as another Global Warming Czar and visionary who will help save the planet. I'm not convinced that Obama cares about the military. Everything he does is politically motivated. This Iran deal of his is the worst deal any President could have made. We essentially borrowed money and gave it to Iran so they can build a bomb. Bill Clinton was equally stupid when he tried to bribe the North Koreans and paid them to not make a bomb. Look how that turned out... North Korea and Russia are probably helping Iran with their offensive nuclear program.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 3 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-09-03T10:40:27-04:00

It is never enough because of the high cost of living!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 3 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-09-03T11:07:03-04:00

In economics the only justification for an increase in cost (salary) is an increase in demand or an increase in productivity.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Sep 3 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-09-03T11:30:09-04:00

I wish they hadn't used the term "orders". He submits his budget to Congress for approval. He doesn't order Congress or a pay raise.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-09-03T14:22:11-04:00

I dont see it as a Pay rasie, I see it as an Inflation Adjustment.
my .02

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-09-03T14:34:01-04:00

Yeah.....better than a poke in the eye as my Grandma would say.

Response by SSgt Mark Christopher made Sep 3 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-09-03T15:38:36-04:00

I do think this should be higher, but not in drastic changes. It should be closer to 2% and that would be about right, coming from a financial background here

Response by 1stLt Steven P. made Sep 3 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-09-03T15:50:31-04:00

Obama has never respected the military. No 1.3% is not an adequate pay increase but then out in the civilian world most works would be very happy with that raise. 0% is all too common.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Sep 3 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-09-03T16:25:52-04:00

If you pay peanuts you get monkeys!

Response by SGT Apollo Sharpe made Sep 3 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-09-03T18:04:49-04:00

This has NEVER been enough. Sure, it's fine for the upper ranks, but it's nothing at all for E1-E6.

Response by SFC Angeline Hoffmann made Sep 3 at 2015 6:11 PM

2015-09-03T18:11:53-04:00

I sure had more money in my pocket as a Soldier than I do as a mid-level government civilian. I would be in the poor house if I didn't have my retirement pay.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Sep 3 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-09-03T19:39:20-04:00

If you are complaining about a 1.3 percent raise today wait until you get a civilian job. Maybe your next school should be money management. Most civilian jobs don't give free medical for you and family, all paid holidays, numerous 3 and 4 day weekends, free life insurance policies, meal cards, free quarters/ VHA to pay for a house off post, 30 days paid vacations, clothing allowances, oh yeah a pay check. Yes I retired from the military, I will never regret going into the military and I will never regret getting out. The military is not for everyone and everyone is not for the military. The military is drawing down, if you think life outside it is better now is your chance. If you have enlisted in the military you shouldn't be complaining, you knew what it is all about. I am very proud to had the chance to serve and very thankful for the men and women serving today. I know what you are going thru, again, thank you all very much, no matter what some say, you guys are doing an awesome job.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Sep 3 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-09-03T20:11:48-04:00

I will never complain about a pay raise! No matter how big or how small...it could always be worse. I'll choose to be thankful for what I have and what I am getting!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-09-03T21:16:41-04:00

He can ask for but cannot order or demand and it should be a lot higher... maybe 5% especially with down-sizing....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-09-03T22:39:43-04:00

A raise of any kind is better than none. We receive a slew of benefits from healthcare, sustenance, and free education. We're doing pretty well in my opinion.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Sep 4 at 2015 4:59 AM

2015-09-04T04:59:49-04:00

Too many service members get paid far beyond what they "deserve". We're living and serving a country that has a huge national debt. Sometimes we have to sacrifice to pay off the debt. Be glad we get any kind of pay raise.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 4 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-09-04T09:47:26-04:00

With respect CW4 Private RallyPoint Member are you kidding me? The military deserves a huge pay raise. There is a reason that the "contractors" make in the six figures when they are sent over. It is because the shit that the military does is dangerous, thankless work. I really think that politicians should be earning what service members are earning, Service Members should be earning what politicians are earning. 1.3% is not even a cost of living adjustment. 1.3% is a big FUCK YOU to those who are serving.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-09-04T10:23:18-04:00

I think if we can't keep up with the civilian world, it will be tough to keep the "best and brightest" types that we most need. Will this one raise be the tipping point? Probably not. But combined with the erosion of benefits, and the chipping away at retirement, and the drawdowns placing more work on fewer people...At some point, the decision matrix will shift for enough people that it will become difficult to sustain a functional, credible military the way we have for the past 20 years.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Sep 4 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-09-04T10:53:58-04:00

To be perfectly honest I believe the SR ranks are ok where they are, They should give more to the E-5 and below. I think a significant pay raise for these individuals is well warranted. I would gladly give up my 1.3 percent in order to give these warriors more.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-09-04T11:08:25-04:00

I think the Army has a program in place where you can get out for a while to test the private sector. Give that a try. I guarantee you will get a 0% pay raise every year. Let's not forget the whole pay package and benefits, which still makes us (at least) the 3rd highest paid in the world.

Keeping things in perspective, compare the basic pay for a SSG w/ 6 years TIS:
1945: $131 = $1737/mo in 2015 Dollars
2015: $2,994
In other words, a SSG today makes 72.4% more in a much safer Army. Compare casualty rates in WWII to the casualties of the GWOT.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Sep 4 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-09-04T12:45:36-04:00

Not nearly enough. Let's examine the irony of this move by Obama by looking at the average salary of a congressman/woman. If he can give $100 billion to Iran he can allocate more money for the military's' pay.

Response by CW3 Kim B. made Sep 4 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-09-04T13:08:18-04:00

If the 1.3% also include housing, clothing, food then yes it is enough. If it only included basic pay, then no.

Response by LT William Lehnert made Sep 4 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-09-04T15:58:46-04:00

I think pay is about right when the total picture is taken into account - however I have strong reservations about the defined benefit pension plans. I think they are a relic of the past and should be eliminated now - given the pace of medical advances - someone retiring at 38 for 20 years of hard work - could collect benefits for 50+ years - if they were to marry at some point - their spouse would receive them for their life. I don't believe this is a sustainable system and its not really fair to expect taxpayers to shoulder this burden. I strongly value the service - dedication - and sacrifice - but this practice doesn't make sense today. Let the VA care for those injured on duty - change the retirement for those still able to work after serving to a defined contribution.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-09-05T13:07:25-04:00

I believe we should be praising him for 1.3 percent first. He wasn't obliged to allow such raise! we should be grateful

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-09-05T22:06:13-04:00

If it makes any of you feel better, used to, when the cost of living increased annually, the disabled veterans would get the same cost of living increase in their disability pay. We would also see the same increase in our SS disability checks. I think the last time I received a cost of living raise was ten years ago. I worry every month if I'm going to lose my disability pay because the government constantly cries poor mouth, when in actuality they waste more money than all of could make in a lifetime. Just look at Obama's spending this year. Millions and millions of our money on bullshit trips. You guys could get a good raise if the damned overspending would stop. But, I think that's about as likely as disabled vets getting double what we get now. I'm not complaining about what I get. I'm complaining because you guys deserve much,much, more than you are being paid.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 6 at 2015 2:40 AM

2015-09-06T02:40:59-04:00

In a perfect world, it would mirror the percentage that Congress gets to vote for themselves. But alas, no one joins to get rich.

Response by SGT(P) Crystal Marie France made Sep 7 at 2015 5:01 AM

2015-09-07T05:01:08-04:00

Interesting. I'll take what I can get.

Response by SMSgt John Clifford made Sep 10 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-09-10T20:53:40-04:00

Ok folks now that we know the President doesn't control the pay its time for me to chime in again. In 1968 I was an SSgt (E-5) and decided not to reenlist even though my wife was pregnant. I didn't get out because of pay but for other reasons. I got a civilian job in sales and ended up making a hell of a lot of money but at a cost. The long hours and very high pressure had an adverse effect on my physical health so on the advice of my doctor I quit that sales job. So I went looking for a job and was offered a state civil service job, a retail management job, and a job as a supervisor with a security company and each position paid about $125.00 a week. What the hell, I'd been earning $250.00 a week take home in sales. The $125 a week was not a bad wage at the time and even a civilian job more closely related to my military job in electronics paid about the same. I ended up going to the Air Force recruiter who offered to put me back into my career field as a Sgt. (E-4 a reduction if one pay grade) and I accepted. Why? With pay and benefits my weekly salary as an E-4 would be about $115 a week, only about $10 less than my three civilian offers. But, by going back in the AF I would have, full medical for me and my family and I could retire in another 12 years ( I got out after 8) and would have full benefits AND A HOUSE PAYMENT. As it turns out I stayed in for more than 12 and retired with a hell of a lot more than a house payment. So, what am I trying to say here? I'm saying that military pay is not as bad as those on active duty think it is and in many cases very comparable with civilian pay. More about that later when I tell you what happened after I retired.