Posted on Apr 21, 2014
What do you think about the pay gap between enlisted and officers?
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Enlisted
Officers
Military Pay
Fair Pay
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 14
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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.
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SFC (Join to see)
To all, I am a veteran of 23 years and I have seen many changes in the Armed Forces. Although their is a substanial gap between pay between Officers and Enlisted, I think some may be looking at the pay difference from one perspective. Although generally speaking Enlisted Soldier do most of the manual labor and your NCO's drive the force. But the Officers have to make the decisions that may or may not break a Soldiers career or could change the outcome of a battle.
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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!
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PO2 Steve Stiles
Yeah, unless your "laborers" are highly trained to operate a nuclear reactor and held to a much higher standard of conduct and responsibility than the cooks and sonarmen, let's say, for a paltry $150/month extra. And if they let everyone have an anywhere near a decent shot at being picked up for an officer program, there'd be practically no enlisted operators and that's already a problem since so few are qualified to even sign up for it... Not saying officers shouldn't get paid more, the ones I knew earned their pay and their keep (well, mostly, haha) but the gap should be less, at the very least for the highly specialized, trained & qualified roles.
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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.
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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
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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>
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SFC Michael Hasbun
Well, I figured if we were going to use the thumbs down like petulant children, we might as well make an event of it. I was pleased you responded to the original response, but dissapointed you went the childish "I don't like it so =p" route. But oh well..(oh well, tit for tat).
In any case, stating your piece and then providing rationale is just discussion/debate 101, not a crazy tactic I dreamed up.
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SGM Matthew Quick
In my opinion, your initial response earned a thumbs down because you mentioned the point was missed...which it wasn't and you've since acknowledged that.
The second thumbs down was for your dictatorish way of saying how a response should be structured. "you can either leave it at that, or you can addres HOW it's fair." Thanks, but I'll continue to respond as I deem appropriate.
The second thumbs down was for your dictatorish way of saying how a response should be structured. "you can either leave it at that, or you can addres HOW it's fair." Thanks, but I'll continue to respond as I deem appropriate.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGM, you have been in the army for at least 20 years and some captain with 3 years in the army making more money than you?
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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CPT Zachary Brooks
Sir, all excellent points. What do you feel about increased pay for all service members when serving in specific positions such as PSG, Commander, 1SG, and CSM?
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MAJ (Join to see)
Quite frequently, we all have to act above our pay scale. When you're 'acting' PSG, CO, or 1SG you do not hold the billet. For those who are actually holding the slot one pay grade above, I wouldn't be against instituting some sort of alternate pay scale for it.
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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!
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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.
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