Is there a reason why soldiers aren't paid how they deserve to be?

SGT(P) Daniel McBride — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 21:49:28 -0500

A pro ball player can get millions but a Soldier who puts his life on the line against ISIS and the Taliban gets paid just enough to make ends meet.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 13 at 2015 9:56 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 21:56:56 -0500

SGT(P) Daniel McBride great question, my reasoning is Congress and politics are not on the same sheet of music for the veteran on pay. Oh by the way POTUS is not advocating any good raises. Its a shame, but we do it for our nation and there is no price on defending freedom and liberty in my opinion.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 13 at 2015 10:01 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:01:53 -0500

There's less of them, and the Law of Supply & Demand in a Capitalistic Society (Free Market) promotes it.

When you have a limited resource (ball players), their value goes up with their demand. Demand is relative high in the entertainment field.

When you have a relatively unlimited resource (conscription age adults), their value is static. Demand is relatively low.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Dec 13 at 2015 10:08 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:08:42 -0500

How much do you think a Soldier deserves to be paid?

Response by SrA David Steyer made Dec 13 at 2015 10:47 PM

SrA David Steyer — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:47:39 -0500

Should service members get paid more? Of course, I won't argue with that.

But I would respectfully disagree with just enough to make ends to meet. For someone who may be 18 and just out of high school the pay is pretty good.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 10:50 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 22:50:22 -0500

Army money is the easiest money I've ever made in my life. And that's a fact. If you're not getting paid enough to make it worth it to you, get out.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 11:11 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 23:11:37 -0500

Civilians like pro sports stars, but tolerate the military. When I was in, there was open hostility toward the military, so conditions have improved.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 12:58 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:58:41 -0500

Military personnel make more than most teachers or law enforcement personnel (but less than fire fighters). If you don't like your current pay there are plenty of options to drastically improve your pay, all you have to do is volunteer and pass a few prerequisite courses.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 14 at 2015 1:06 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 01:06:46 -0500

I always thought we were paid ok. Add in the benefits and it's a pretty good salary.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 14 at 2015 4:24 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 04:24:22 -0500

We are not Mercenaries. Has always been the case. Not paid nearly what we are worth and by what is expected of us but in our line of work to make the "Big Bucks" you have to be a Senior Officer or a Mercenary plain and simples and I'm just not cut out for the "Soldier of Fortune" bit.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 14 at 2015 4:25 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 04:25:08 -0500

Because we didn't join the military to get rich.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 6:39 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 06:39:18 -0500

If we paid more we would have a better pool of individuals because we could raise educational, physical standards to justify the pay. Most enlisted would tell you that they joined to pay for college which is why so many of the "good ones" only do one enlistment.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 14 at 2015 8:56 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 08:56:59 -0500

We are a volunteer Army that is employee by the government. Being that we giving housing, medical and other benefits that you would have to work a lifetime in some civilian jobs, we just aren't meant to be rich in this line of lifestyle.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 9:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 09:48:42 -0500

What were they being paid before they came into service? Most join the service with a High School Diploma, no skills, no insurance, in need of medical services (dental)...

Everything you need to do your job and live is provided for you unlike in the civilian world where you would have to purchase those items yourself.

The military spends 50 to 60 thousand dollars per soldier just to get them trough AIT. After that meals, housing, clothing, insurance, vacation time, a retirement plan, education benefits are all a part of the package.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 10:22 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 10:22:37 -0500

Being in the all-volunteer military isn't about getting paid, it's about service. I can guarantee you that what you get paid now, is no where near what I was getting even 30 years ago. Suck it up, serve with honor or get out and get a skill worthy of getting paid.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 10:40 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 10:40:30 -0500

I have spent 14+years on active duty and about 30 in the civilian workforce. When I entered the military, pay was not very good. Still, I had room and board, clothing, access to cheap entertainment, access to cheap schooling, etc.

I honestly think that overall there was little difference in my total compensation between what the military paid and what the civilian world offered.

And I do not know of any civilian retirement benefits which match what the military retirement provides.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 11:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:19:18 -0500

"Ends meet" is a misnomer. People spend what they make - often times more.
The Army gives each of us many things that the civilian world only dreams about:
Free health care (my premiums are about $14k/year)
Free housing, or subsidized via BAH.
Free food in the mess hall.
Clothing for work (officers excepted).
Education benefits good for a Bachelor's Degree at a Public University if you serve over two years Active Duty.
And then we get our base pay.
Soldiers are paid far more than they were just a decade ago. I remember the days when an E-7 made what an E-4 does now, and it wasn't that long ago.

I spend $3000 a month on things that Soldiers get for free. Apples to apples, Soldiers are pretty well compensated today.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 11:40 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:40:53 -0500

I think it's because we, as a society and a country, are somewhat out of whack, SGT(P) Daniel McBride. It's not just military folks who get short-changed. Consider teachers, and maybe even nurses. I'm sure there are other occupations you could add to the list.

We worship celebrity, and that worship translates into big money for celebrities, pro athletes, movie stars, etc.

Of course, there are at least two issues that argue against more pay for military folks:

1) We didn't sign up to get rich; we signed up to do our duty, to give something back, to defend our country.

2) Our national budget doesn't allow for much more pay for the military, due to the high numbers of military personnel.

While I agree with your sentiment, I suggest that you consider applying for warrant officer or OCS if you're looking for bigger bucks and you want to remain in the military.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 12:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 12:31:02 -0500

I joined the Army to serve my country.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 2:47 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:47:02 -0500

... don't shot me on this ...

how about too many of us ... it will cost the tax payer too much to support us?

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 14 at 2015 3:47 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:47:09 -0500

Unlike the civilian sector. Public jobs, including the military, do not generate revenue. We don't make money, we cost money. High paid athletes, or highly paid executives generate money for the organization, so they are paid more. When they fail to perform, they lose their jobs or take pay cuts.

In the public sector, we traditionally don't get paid for performance. In the Military, we get paid by rank, not our job, nor our performance. A lackluster soldier will make the same as a top notch troop.

It's just the way it is.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Dec 14 at 2015 5:50 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:50:19 -0500

SGT(P) Daniel McBride Seeing as I got $78 a month when I enlisted , you guys aren't doing badly

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 15 at 2015 11:36 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:36:02 -0500

Would I love to have earned more? Sure. But when I enlisted, I knew what we were getting paid. There were no surprises.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Dec 15 at 2015 6:08 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 18:08:00 -0500

SGT McBride,
I see your mistake. You need to remember that you are a volunteer.
We call our occupation Military Service - a volunteer position that very few in this country apply for or are accepted to. The fact that it comes with training, room, board, medical care, and a bit of pen money is considered sufficient. If you remain a volunteer for long enough, you will also receive other gifts for your service, but know that these things come and go and change without notice.
The position calls for volunteers who are willing to be held to higher standards than the rest of the population and submit themselves to more rigorous discipline and extra more stringent rules of conduct while conducting the country's business when ever, how ever and where ever you are called to do it. You can also chose to accept as compensation your success in exemplifying ideals and virtues such as courage, honor, patriotism and service, rather than market driven career prestige and wealth.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 6:31 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 18:31:59 -0500

They knew that before they joined

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 11:08 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 23:08:20 -0500

Some areas of the country have a higher average salary than others. LA, NYC, NJ, etc. have much higher compensation averages, but the cost of living is also MUCH higher. In the areas where the military generally has installations, the cost of living is pretty low. Fayetteville, for example, has a very low cost of living, and thus has a low average pay.
In the military, your dollar can be stretched pretty far.
If you live within your means, you can do pretty well. I dont know of many industries that allow someone to start at an entry-level position, and then make in the 60k range in approx 6-8 years.
Junior NCO's make roughly this in total compensation with about 6 years in service.
Total compensation includes intangibles that 1SG Private RallyPoint Member pointed out. Such as no-cost insurance, educational benefits, tax-free housing and food allowances, etc.

Response by HN Israel Soto Alicea made Dec 16 at 2015 11:35 PM

HN Israel Soto Alicea — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 23:35:12 -0500

Pro ball players are always hounded and surrounded by a team of money hungry management teams and they thrive on giving the maximum just to take a bigger piece of it. Soldiers have no nobody but themselves and superiors who were once in their shoes. we get selected for the most part out of a class when we are within the poverty line. Theres no room for income and wealth equality for us simply because we will be too powerful. we have to be controlled in a way to just know the bare minimum and expect and accept any dilemma that comes our way.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 9:21 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 21:21:21 -0500

I think this issue speaks volumes on what the values of America really are. For everyone who think we get paid well compared to when you came is, is an asinine statement! Cost of living etc have changed also. Ok Congress salaries are determined by Congress, funded by tax payers, and are a minimum of six figures annually. People can argue all day that they get paid for the job they do and without this pay incentive there would be few Congressman. The military is paid by the government, in which tax payers pay, the military also pay taxes, the military help pay they're on salaries. Yet have no say in the pay. It is argued that we do it for our country. The same thing can be argued that Congress can do it for the country and get paid the same equivalent salaries as all military members. If Congress oppose this idea, then something is clearly wrong with the values and interest of America in which the military protects. How can two public service entities have a pay gap that enormous with the same source paying their salaries? Yet the tax payers have no say so on any of it, except for voting and we know how that works here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 11:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 11:28:19 -0500

Pro ball players are paid that much because people are still willing to part with their money. I stopped supporting or watching ALL professional sports about 4 years ago. I refuse to give ANY of my hard earned money to a bunch of overpaid crybabies who play a GAME!!!

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Dec 20 at 2015 12:15 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:15:37 -0500

Unfortunately, it is the result of a number of factors ranging from the origins of military levies to modern economics. Soldiers and service members in general (there are exceptions, e.g. SOF, etc...), are easier to find, train and replace p, and far more numerous. We rank in the millions, whereas professional athletes et al, represent an extremely small population and as a rare commodity command a relatively high price (salary) for their labor vice that of a soldier, sailor, etc...
Bottom line: Life ain't fair.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 20 at 2015 2:53 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:53:10 -0500

Salaries are subject to the same economic principles that drive the prices of everything from labor to bread and butter - supply and demand. How many people can be inspired to lay down their lives for their country? How many people can hit a curve ball with any regularity? How many people can design and build a rocket ship? How many people can perform brain surgery? How many people can sweep the floor? Now think of the relative value of each of these...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 9:23 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 09:23:37 -0500

When you actually look at what Soldirs are paid, it isn't bad at all. Civilians don't get the medical care we get. They also don't get the 3 and 4 day weekends, 30 days of paid vacation and free housing.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Jan 5 at 2016 1:14 AM

CSM Patrick Durr — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 01:14:16 -0500

Service members are more than well compensated for time and efforts made while on active duty. I spent 32 years on active duty. Never was I out of pocket or without ample compensation. Housing benefits... every dollar toward my undergraduate degree and now my dependents four year college education. Additional dollars while deployed (3 Years). No other profession pays the benefits that out military does. You can't compare professional sports to anything. They make 10 to a 100 times what doctors make...