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Is the military getting a raise in 2024?

Is the Military Getting a Raise in 2024?

The US military has been facing budget constraints and personnel shortages for several years, which has led to concerns about their ability to maintain their global presence and respond to emerging threats. As a result, the question on many people’s minds is whether the military will receive a raise in 2024.

Current Military Pay

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Before we dive into whether the military will receive a raise in 2024, let’s take a look at the current state of military pay. As of 2023, the basic pay for active-duty military personnel ranges from $1,733 per month for a private or seaman recruit to $15,583 per month for a four-star general. Here is a breakdown of the current basic pay rates for enlisted personnel:

RankMonthly Basic Pay
Private (E-1)$1,733
Private First Class (E-2)$1,930
Specialist/Corporal (E-4)$2,330
Sergeant (E-5)$2,601
Staff Sergeant (E-6)$2,864
Sergeant First Class (E-7)$3,354
Master Sergeant/First Sergeant (E-8)$4,156
Senior Master Sergeant/Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9)$5,221

2024 Military Pay Predictions

So, will the military receive a raise in 2024? The answer is yes, but the amount of the raise is still uncertain. According to the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the military pay raise for 2024 is projected to be 4.6%. However, this percentage is based on the Economic Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which is a complex formula that takes into account factors such as inflation, cost of living, and the budget.

Why a Raise is Necessary

A pay raise is necessary for several reasons:

  • Recruitment and Retention: The military is facing recruitment and retention challenges, with many service members leaving the military due to low pay and poor quality of life. A pay raise can help attract and retain new recruits and retain existing personnel.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in the US is increasing, and military pay has not kept pace with inflation. A pay raise can help military personnel maintain their standard of living and keep up with the increasing cost of living.
  • Morale: Military personnel are often deployed and separated from their families, which can take a toll on their morale. A pay raise can help improve morale and show appreciation for their service.

Obstacles to a Raise

While a pay raise is necessary, there are obstacles that need to be overcome:

  • Budget Constraints: The military is facing budget constraints, and a pay raise may not be feasible at this time.
  • Prioritization: The military has to prioritize its spending, and a pay raise may not be considered a priority over other budget items.
  • Politcal Will: A pay raise requires political will and support, which may not be forthcoming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the military is projected to receive a raise in 2024, but the amount of the raise is still uncertain. A pay raise is necessary to address recruitment and retention challenges, the cost of living, and morale. However, there are obstacles that need to be overcome, including budget constraints, prioritization, and political will.

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