Is the Military Getting a Raise?
The United States military has been facing various challenges in recent years, including a shortage of personnel, increased operational tempo, and the need for modernization. One of the ways the military addresses these challenges is by offering pay raises to its service members. But the question remains: is the military getting a raise?
The Short Answer
Yes, the military is getting a raise. In fact, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been providing pay raises to its service members for decades. The raises are designed to keep pace with inflation, recognize the value of service members’ contributions, and help recruit and retain talented individuals.
The Longer Answer
The military pay raise is determined by the President of the United States and is based on the recommendations of the Defense Budget Request. The Defense Budget Request is a comprehensive document that outlines the DoD’s budget and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The request includes a recommendation for a military pay raise, which is based on various factors such as:
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): This is a percentage increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation.
- Promotion and Career Progression: The military wants to ensure that service members are incentivized to stay in the service and advance in their careers.
- Recruitment and Retention: The military needs to attract and retain talented individuals to maintain its operational tempo and meet its mission requirements.
Pay Raise History
Here is a brief history of military pay raises in the United States:
| Year | Pay Raise Percentage |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3.1% |
| 2019 | 3.1% |
| 2018 | 2.6% |
| 2017 | 2.4% |
| 2016 | 1.6% |
| 2015 | 1.8% |
| 2014 | 1.8% |
| 2013 | 1.8% |
2022 Pay Raise
For 2022, the military pay raise is 2.7%, which is slightly higher than the previous year’s raise. This raise is based on the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2021.
What Does the Pay Raise Mean for Service Members?
The 2.7% pay raise means that service members will receive an average increase of $850 in their annual base pay. Here are some examples of how the pay raise will affect different ranks:
- E-1 (Private): $20,616 (2021) → $21,366 (2022) = $750 increase
- E-5 (Sergeant): $31,839 (2021) → $32,679 (2022) = $840 increase
- O-3 (Lieutenant): $51,851 (2021) → $53,351 (2022) = $1,500 increase
- O-6 (Commander): $81,351 (2021) → $83,551 (2022) = $2,200 increase
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military is getting a raise in 2022. The 2.7% pay raise is designed to keep pace with inflation, recognize the value of service members’ contributions, and help recruit and retain talented individuals. While the pay raise may not be as high as some service members would like, it is an important part of the military’s overall compensation package.
Additional Resources
- 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4350
- Department of Defense (DoD) Budget Request: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/FOIA/FOIA-Request/DoD-Budget-Request
- Military Pay Charts: https://www.military.com/pay-raise
