Pentagon Review Highlights Competitive Pay for Military Personnel

A Pentagon analysis released this week shows that junior enlisted troops are getting higher salaries than most citizens with comparable education and experience. According to the report, military pay—especially for members with fewer than ten years of experience—remains comparable with civilian pay.

The 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation notes that five-year experienced enlisted service members typically receive compensation of $65,000 yearly. For citizens with similar experience and a high school degree, this number puts them in the 90th percentile of income. Combining basic pay, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), the report gauges Regular Military Compensation (RMC).

Kate Kuzminski, director of the military, veterans, and society program at the Center for a New American Security, stressed junior service members' particular pressures. "Even though they may be young and have similar educational experience to their civilian peers, the nation is asking them to put their lives on the line," she urged officials on what "competitive compensation" should look like.

The results follow a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted soldiers included under the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. Inspired by recommendations by the Congressional Quality of Life panel, which aimed to improve service member retention and solve food poverty, a problem mainly impacting enlisted soldiers in military facilities, this bipartisan effort followed.

The study also shows that remuneration for senior enlisted and mid-career personnel is competitive with civilian counterparts, highlighting the military's competitive pay scale.

The research emphasizes the need of appealing pay to keep a strong and ready force among a difficult recruiting situation. "It's worth considering the mission being handed to these individuals and ensuring they are paid appropriately," Kuzminski said.

The report emphasizes the need for continuous investment in military personnel to fulfill operational needs and raise the general quality of life as the Department of Defense evaluates service member compensation.

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