Posted on Dec 17, 2019
How is the first month of pay calculated during Army BCT?
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I report to Leonard-Wood on Jan 07. I'm trying to calculate all of my finances out for my lovely wife before I leave. I know that pay is generally jacked for the first little bit anyways, and that $300 is deducted for my STAR card.
However, how are each of the pays calculated when it doesn't cover a full pay period? I should be receiving base pay, BAH, and after 30 days FSA. For January am I paid for 25 (ish) days, or the full month?
However, how are each of the pays calculated when it doesn't cover a full pay period? I should be receiving base pay, BAH, and after 30 days FSA. For January am I paid for 25 (ish) days, or the full month?
Posted in these groups: 
Military Pay
Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Military Pay Basic Combat Training (BCT)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Your pay start from the moment you report to MEPS and is calculated whatever days you are in service for that month. So you should get 25 days as you mentioned.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thanks for the reply, sir. It doesn't change the meat of your answer, but I won't be going through MEPS again, just a direct ship to Reception.
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You will recieve prorated BAH and base pay. It will not be the full month, it will be for the total number of days and come on the normal military pay cycle, which is twice a month.
That's if it sorts out in a timely and accurate manner without any issues. If there are issues with your pay, it may be that you wont get your full allowances for a pay check or two, and then it will come in the form of back pay.
All this should be done in reception before actually beginning basic training.
My best advice is to plan on not getting paid your BAH until the following month, same with FSA, and plan on only a partial paycheck on jan 15th, as it will only cover one week, and $300 will be deducted for the star card.
That's if it sorts out in a timely and accurate manner without any issues. If there are issues with your pay, it may be that you wont get your full allowances for a pay check or two, and then it will come in the form of back pay.
All this should be done in reception before actually beginning basic training.
My best advice is to plan on not getting paid your BAH until the following month, same with FSA, and plan on only a partial paycheck on jan 15th, as it will only cover one week, and $300 will be deducted for the star card.
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CPT (Join to see)
I'm not a finance guy, so dont quote me on this- but at the E3 payrate (based on your profile), you should get roughly $495 for that first week.
Subtract the $300 they put on the star card and you're looking at $195ish for that first mid month paycheck.
Not including any other deductions.
Subtract the $300 they put on the star card and you're looking at $195ish for that first mid month paycheck.
Not including any other deductions.
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SPC (Join to see)
Sir, thanks for the info. I'm counting on not receiving pay at all until the Feb 01 payday. I'm no finance guy either, but your numbers make sense to me!
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) the times and processes change. Back when I enlisted we missed the first pay check because of the $300 debt to the star card. I think back then, a PFC was at about $1100 in base pay. So, a week subtracting $300 we got nothing! Lol.
Your Drill sergeants should go over your LES with you as well so you can see your pay and allowances and make sure everything is accurate.
Best of luck!
Your Drill sergeants should go over your LES with you as well so you can see your pay and allowances and make sure everything is accurate.
Best of luck!
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Pay calculations are sometimes done assuming each month is 30 days so your ratio will be 25/30 (.833) or 25/31 (.806)
So add your base pay and BAH and multiply by (.806) or (.833). Those numbers will be close.
So add your base pay and BAH and multiply by (.806) or (.833). Those numbers will be close.
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