January 1, Congress Plans Major Base Pay Boost For Enlisted Troops

Congress unveils plans to significantly boost enlisted troops’ base pay. This move aims to address quality of life issues and improve recruitment and retention in the military.

A bipartisan panel of the House Armed Services Committee has proposed six recommendations for military compensation. Among these is a 15% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, which the committee plans to legislate next year.

Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama said, “We intend to take all of these recommendations and put them into the national defense authorization act.”

Other recommendations include increases to housing and food allowances, better compensation for military childcare workers, easing the burden on military spouses, and improving healthcare access. The panel also calls for “fully funding” housing programs to modernize deteriorating barracks.

Lawmakers plan to implement every recommendation, despite facing major budget constraints. They argue that improving quality of life is crucial for resolving the military’s recruiting crisis.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who co-led the panel, said, “Military quality of life is a central national security issue, and we can no longer ignore the clear warning signs.”

A RAND study found that about 25% of service members are food insecure, with most of those troops being early to mid-career enlisted personnel. Service members living on base were more likely to be food insecure than those living off post.

Since 2020, basic pay has lagged behind inflation, according to the report. Pay increases for junior enlisted service members have also lagged behind those of more senior enlisted personnel.

The president’s defense budget request for fiscal year 2024 included the largest troop pay raise in over two decades at 5.2%. Congress authorized a 4.2% pay raise in the defense budget for the prior year, alongside a small increase to the separate Basic Needs Allowance. However, both Republican and Democrat members of Congress argue that these pay raises are insufficient to outpace inflation.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston said, “With inflation affecting everything from gas prices to groceries to rent, some Soldiers and their families are finding it harder to get by on the budgets they’ve set and used before.”

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

Source