What do you think about the pay gap between enlisted and officers?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:34:33 -0400

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 21 at 2014 7:52 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:52:27 -0400

It's fair.<br><br>Enlisted have MANY opportunities to commission and earn that sweet pay raise.<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.armyreenlistment.com/profile.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.armyreenlistment.com/officer.html">Army Commissioning Programs</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">10 Years Army Strong for Soldiers and Families</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 8:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 20:21:02 -0400

I don't know that it bothers me that much. In a normal business there is generally a pay gap in-between laborers, middle management, management and CEO's. The Army is no different, there is gap in between, lower enlisted, NCO's, CW's, Officers and of course those fine folks at the Pentagon.

Do I always think the officers I encounter do more work then me no. Do they have to deal with more politics then me...yup. It is what it is, want a pay raise? go drop a packet!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 9:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 21:46:28 -0400

SFC Regis,

When I was a private in the Army, I always thought the gap was unfair between enlisted and officers. As I slowly gained rank in the Army, I slowly saw the difference.

Like MSG Quick stated, "Enlisted have MANY opportunities to commission and earn that sweet pay raise".

Army is a truly the organization of new opportunity and life. Though it seems hard and complicated at times, there are many ways to become commissioned. Green to Gold, IPAP (program where Army pays the SM for all education and to earn medical degree/license?!?!), OCS, WOCS, and etc. Of course the Army won't easily give you the opportunity, you as an individual must chase it. Army won't simply sponsor everyone, she will only sponsor the dedicated ones.

Bottom line is, Officers actually do lots of work.

If anyone wants to complain about the pay, I think that specific individual already has a problem. Ever since when did Army became a entitled occupation for good pay? I joined because I love my country. I joined because I love and take pride in my profession. I joined Corps of Non-commissioned Officer because I wanted that responsibilities.

I think the gap is fair SFC Regis, however I do have to agree with SFC Leverett about CSM pay. CSM's advice is very critical to Commander's decision.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 10:46 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:46:24 -0400

SFC Regis,

The military allows us to be in charge of our careers for the most part. If we want to be promoted we have things we can accomplish to help further that want and with it comes a raise. In reality the executives in civilian workplaces make a lot more than those that provide the daily services needed to keep the businesses running. They are also in charge of many things above and beyond what those workers are aware of. This crosses over into the military in that an Officer is responsible for the action or lack there of the Enlisted and other Officers under their command.

If we want the pay of an Officer than we have the option of becoming one if the requirements are met. Overall I do not see the Gap as a negative thing just an incentive for those who choose that path.

Respectfully,

SGT Helvie

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 10:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:22:07 -0400

I don't think about it! I love what I do as a NCO and wouldn't want an officer's job. As long as we live within the means of what we make and not be envious of those that make more then all is well. I know NCOs of all ranks that have large families and their kids are not hungry. They may not drive a Mercedes during the week and have an Escalade for the weekends (though many do) but they make due with their life choices.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 10:59 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:59:32 -0400

There are a lot of factors with answering this question. It really comes down to two things; responsibility and requirements. If you look at the pay scale, I think it is pretty fair in the responsibility area. An E-7 and an E-6 at 8-10 years makes around the same amount of an 0-1 and 0-2. Keep in mind that the requirement to be an officer requires a 4-year degree. With that added requirement and their responsibility in their position, it should rate a higher pay and an Enlisted Service Member with 1-3 years. When you reach the field-grade level, you are going to need a Master's degree to continue to progress. That also should result in a higher pay. Same reason we have an OE pay scale (which is awesome). As a former Enlisted Service Member, you should be able to bring more to the table than your non prior enlisted. That should render more pay for that Service Member.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 22 at 2014 11:18 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:18:02 -0400

I would be interested in seeing us take a page from the Australian Army where their enlisted make only slightly less than their officers. The difference is much closer and it relates back to the job of the soldier more so than anything else.

You have the DOers or the lower enlisted, middle management or the NCOs, the planners and upper management, the Officers, the C-Levels or the GOs, and the information specialists or the WOs.

Its an interesting system and I like it because its more about "What do I do best" than "Where can I make the most money"?

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 22 at 2014 12:34 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:34:42 -0400

The pay gap is actually pretty narrow compared to other U.S. employers.

The question will never be if we pay what our members deserve. It is always if we pay enough to attract and retain a sufficiently ready force.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 8:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 08:02:02 -0400

we are a "voluntary" army. If you joined the military for money you are in the wrong profession. Personally I am all about helping and taking care of soldiers. I have also seen officers that take care of their troops.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2020 12:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:56:18 -0500

Perhaps once upon a time when most enlisted to include senior enlisted lacked advanced education..... but now you MUST have a degree to advance as senior enlisted. For that reason I disagree with the pay gap.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 7:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:36:12 -0500

I don’t think about it at all. I chose to enlist and had opportunities for warrant and OCS. If you want a bigger check, become an officer, or better, join the reserves and work for Elon Musk!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 26 at 2022 7:16 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 07:16:27 -0400

There is no pay gap, a gap indicates unfair or unequal pay. There are opportunities for enlisted to become Officers. It is a choice.

I will say that with hard work and dedication promotions in the enlisted ranks carried through to a rewarding career. Being with Soldiers day in and day out was my reward. Officers are stuck behind a desk from the time they join. Enlisted time is much different, for me it was rewarding. Having had turned down multiple offers to transition, it was never a question for me.

Now in retirement life is good and still no regret.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 26 at 2022 10:05 AM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 10:05:27 -0400

PVT “I don’t known” first day in unit has only one person and equipment he or she is responsible for, but 2LT “doesn’t have a clue” first day is responsible for 40(+-), supplies, equipment, training, vehicles, etc. PVT is learning how to become part of a team, 2LT is learning how to lead PLT of teams. PVT answers for everything he or she does right or wrong. 2LT answers for everything their PLT does good or bad.

Response by Cpl Tou Yang made Mar 26 at 2022 12:42 PM

Cpl Tou Yang — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 12:42:42 -0400

I keep hearing this assertion that people rather be enlisted than an officer. Either they're stupid or just stupid, I'm willing to bet on both. Only the stupids would want to be a janitor with minimum wage salary.