INTRO
Pay & Allowances 101
Understanding your compensation is the first step toward strategic financial readiness. This guide breaks down the core components of your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), helping you master your entitlements and plan for long-term security.
Basic Pay Explained
The foundation of military compensation is Basic Pay. Determined exclusively by your pay grade and total years of service, this monthly salary is standardized across all US military branches. It is the primary taxable component of your income and increases through military longevity and rank-based promotions.
Pay Grade Structure
- E-1 — E-4 (Junior Enlisted): Initial training phases and tactical mission support duties.
- E-5 — E-6 (NCOs): Key technical leaders responsible for unit-level personnel and training.
- E-7 — E-9 (Senior NCOs): Primary advisors to command staff on operations and readiness.
- O-1 — O-3 (Junior Officers): Direct leadership of platoons, flights, or specialized mission units.
- O-4 — O-6 (Field Grade): Staff officers and commanders overseeing departmental operations.
Housing Allowances (BAH)
The Purpose of BAH
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) provides equitable housing compensation based on local rental markets when government quarters are not provided.
Rates & Calculation
Your allowance rate is determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status, ensuring you can afford median local rentals.
PCS & Readiness
Manage your allowance during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves to maintain financial readiness and bridge the gap between locations.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
The Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is designed to offset the cost of meals for military service members, ensuring nutritional readiness across the force.
- Standardized monthly rates for Enlisted and Officers
- 100% tax-free allowance for individual sustenance
- Annual adjustments based on USDA food cost changes
Special & Incentive Pays
Hardship Duty Pay (HDP)
Additional compensation for service in locations with living conditions substantially below CONUS standards.
Hazardous Duty Pay
Extra pay for duties involving significant risks, such as flight deck operations or parachute jumping.
Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)
Incentives for volunteering for high-demand or difficult-to-fill assignments within the force.
Enlistment & Retention Bonuses
Critical cash incentives provided to attract and keep personnel in essential military career fields.
Official Portals & Further Resources
Access your accounts and official military pay documents through these verified government portals. Stay updated with current base pay tables and allowance adjustments directly from the source.
For deeper insights into your benefits, we recommend reviewing official DoD publications. These resources provide the regulatory framework for all entitlements discussed in this guide.