How Much to Buy Back Military Time?
Buying back military time is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the amount of time to be bought back, the individual’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and the applicable regulations. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to calculate the cost of buying back military time.
Understanding the Basics
The concept of buying back military time is simple: service members can purchase back their accrued leave, known as Leave Recoupment (LR), to receive immediate compensation in the form of money or additional leave time. The amount of money or leave time received is dependent on the amount of time purchased and the individual’s rank and MOS.
Factors Affecting the Cost
Several factors influence the cost of buying back military time, including:
• Rank: Service members with higher ranks receive more compensation for their leave recoupment.
• Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Certain MOSs, such as medical professionals and pilots, are more eligible for higher compensation rates.
• Amount of leave recoupment: The more leave time purchased, the higher the cost.
• Service branch: The cost of buying back military time varies across the different service branches.
Cost of Buying Back Military Time
The cost of buying back military time varies significantly depending on the above-mentioned factors. Here are some general guidelines on what service members can expect:
• Basic Military Compensation (BMC): The BMC is the standard daily rate for active duty personnel. For example:
- E-1 to E-3 (private to corporal): $35.25 to $41.25 per day
- E-4 to E-6 (corporal to sergeant): $42.75 to $50.75 per day
- E-7 to E-9 (sergeant to master sergeant): $54.25 to $63.25 per day
• MOS-based compensation: Some MOSs receive additional compensation, such as: - Medical professionals (E-1 to E-6): $45 to $60 per day
- Pilots (E-1 to E-6): $60 to $80 per day
• Time-specific compensation: The amount of time purchased also affects the cost. For example: - 30 days of leave recoupment: $1,012 to $2,475 (depending on rank and MOS)
- 60 days of leave recoupment: $2,024 to $5,050 (depending on rank and MOS)
• Service branch differences: The cost of buying back military time varies across service branches. For example: - Army: 30 days of leave recoupment costs around $1,500
- Navy: 30 days of leave recoupment costs around $1,800
- Air Force: 30 days of leave recoupment costs around $2,000
Calculating the Cost
To calculate the cost of buying back military time, follow these steps:
- Determine your rank and MOS to determine your basic compensation rate.
- Multiply the basic compensation rate by the number of days you wish to purchase.
- Add any additional compensation based on your MOS (if applicable).
- Check the service branch’s rates for any differences.
Table: Estimated Cost of Buying Back Military Time
| Rank | 30 days | 60 days | 90 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | $1,012 – $1,575 | $2,024 – $3,150 | $3,036 – $4,725 |
| E-4 to E-6 | $1,500 – $2,250 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $6,750 |
| E-7 to E-9 | $2,100 – $3,250 | $4,200 – $6,750 | $6,300 – $9,900 |
Conclusion
Buying back military time can be a complex and expensive process. Service members must carefully consider their rank, MOS, and the amount of time they wish to purchase to determine the total cost. By understanding the factors that affect the cost, service members can make an informed decision about whether to purchase back their leave.
