How Much is Air Force Clothing Allowance?
The United States Air Force (USAF) provides a clothing allowance to its members to cover the costs of maintaining their uniforms and personal clothing needs. This allowance is tax-free and is intended to ensure that airmen are able to maintain a professional appearance while also being financially responsible.
What is the Air Force Clothing Allowance?
The air force clothing allowance is a monthly stipend provided to airmen to purchase and maintain their uniforms and personal clothing. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the individual’s pay grade, rank, and years of service.
How Much is the Air Force Clothing Allowance?
The air force clothing allowance is based on a table of allowances, which is published annually by the Department of Defense (DoD). The table shows the monthly clothing allowance for each pay grade and rank, from E-1 to O-10. Here is a breakdown of the clothing allowance for 2022:
| Pay Grade | Rank | Clothing Allowance (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Airman Basic | $33.00 |
| E-2 | Airman | $35.00 |
| E-3 | Airman First Class | $37.00 |
| E-4 | Senior Airman | $40.00 |
| E-5 | Staff Sergeant | $43.00 |
| E-6 | Technical Sergeant | $46.00 |
| E-7 | Master Sergeant | $50.00 |
| E-8 | Senior Master Sergeant | $54.00 |
| E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant | $58.00 |
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant | $60.00 |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant | $65.00 |
| O-3 | Captain | $70.00 |
| O-4 | Major | $75.00 |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel | $80.00 |
| O-6 | Colonel | $85.00 |
| O-7 | Brigadier General | $90.00 |
| O-8 | Major General | $95.00 |
| O-9 | Lieutenant General | $100.00 |
| O-10 | General | $105.00 |
As you can see, the clothing allowance increases with rank and pay grade. However, it’s important to note that these amounts are subject to change and may not reflect the actual allowance received by airmen.
What is Included in the Clothing Allowance?
The air force clothing allowance is intended to cover the costs of the following items:
- Uniforms and uniform components
- Boots and shoes
- Clothing and accessories (e.g. hats, scarves, gloves)
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Alterations and repairs
- Personal grooming items (e.g. haircuts, shaving supplies)
How to Get the Most Out of Your Clothing Allowance
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your clothing allowance:
- Keep track of your expenses: Keep a record of your clothing purchases and expenses to ensure that you are staying within your allowance.
- Shop smart: Look for sales and discounts on uniforms and clothing to get the most value for your money.
- Consider used or second-hand items: You can find gently used uniforms and clothing at a fraction of the cost of new items.
- Prioritize: Focus on the most important items, such as uniforms and boots, and put off less essential purchases until later.
- Review and adjust: Review your expenses regularly and adjust your budget as needed to ensure that you are staying within your allowance.
Conclusion
The air force clothing allowance is an important benefit that helps airmen maintain their uniforms and personal clothing needs. By understanding the amount of the allowance and what it covers, airmen can make the most of this benefit and stay financially responsible.
