Understanding the 2017 Military Pay Scale: A Comprehensive Guide
As a member of the armed forces, it’s essential to stay informed about the current military pay scale and benefits. The 2017 military pay scale reflects the changes made by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. In this guide, we’ll break down the 2017 military pay scale, including the various pay grades, allowances, and benefits that come with serving in the military.
Military Pay Grades and Ranks
The military pay scale is based on a combination of rank and time in service. The pay grades are divided into three main categories: enlisted, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. Here’s a brief overview of each category:
- Enlisted Personnel: Enlisted personnel make up the majority of the military workforce. They are divided into nine pay grades, from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major).
- Warrant Officers: Warrant officers are technical experts in their field and are divided into five pay grades, from W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) to W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5).
- Commissioned Officers: Commissioned officers are leaders in the military and are divided into ten pay grades, from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General).
2017 Military Pay Scale
The 2017 military pay scale reflects a 2.1% increase in basic pay, which is the largest pay raise in five years. Here’s a breakdown of the 2017 military pay scale by pay grade:
| Pay Grade | 2017 Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| E-1 (Private) | $1,733.10 |
| E-2 (Private First Class) | $1,942.50 |
| E-3 (Specialist/Corporal) | $2,054.70 |
| E-4 (Sergeant) | $2,353.50 |
| E-5 (Staff Sergeant) | $2,654.90 |
| E-6 (Technical Sergeant) | $3,035.40 |
| E-7 (Master Sergeant) | $3,455.10 |
| E-8 (Senior Master Sergeant) | $4,012.40 |
| E-9 (Sergeant Major) | $5,053.80 |
| W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) | $3,308.70 |
| W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2) | $3,896.50 |
| W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3) | $4,637.10 |
| W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4) | $5,455.80 |
| W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5) | $6,508.40 |
| O-1 (Second Lieutenant) | $3,287.10 |
| O-2 (First Lieutenant) | $3,788.90 |
| O-3 (Captain) | $4,774.80 |
| O-4 (Major) | $6,107.70 |
| O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel) | $7,760.50 |
| O-6 (Colonel) | $9,501.60 |
| O-7 (Brigadier General) | $12,537.60 |
| O-8 (Major General) | $15,653.40 |
| O-9 (Lieutenant General) | $18,920.20 |
| O-10 (General) | $20,537.60 |
Military Allowances
In addition to basic pay, military personnel also receive allowances to help offset the cost of living. These allowances include:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): This allowance helps cover the cost of housing, including rent and utilities.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This allowance helps cover the cost of food.
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This allowance helps offset the cost of living in areas with a high cost of living.
Military Benefits
Military personnel also receive a range of benefits, including:
- Healthcare: Military personnel and their families receive comprehensive healthcare through TRICARE.
- Education Benefits: Military personnel can receive education benefits, including the GI Bill, to help pay for college or vocational training.
- Retirement Benefits: Military personnel can receive retirement benefits, including a pension and access to the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Home Loan Guarantees: Military personnel can receive home loan guarantees, making it easier to purchase a home.
- Shopping Privileges: Military personnel have access to on-base shopping facilities, including commissaries and exchanges.
🔍 Note: Military benefits and allowances can vary depending on individual circumstances, including time in service, rank, and deployment status.
Conclusion
The 2017 military pay scale reflects a commitment to supporting military personnel and their families. From basic pay to allowances and benefits, military personnel receive a comprehensive compensation package that helps them serve with pride. Whether you’re just starting your military career or are a seasoned veteran, understanding the 2017 military pay scale is essential to making the most of your service.
What is the 2017 military pay scale?
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The 2017 military pay scale reflects a 2.1% increase in basic pay and includes nine pay grades for enlisted personnel, five pay grades for warrant officers, and ten pay grades for commissioned officers.
What are military allowances?
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Military allowances, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), help offset the cost of living for military personnel.
What benefits do military personnel receive?
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Military personnel receive a range of benefits, including healthcare, education benefits, retirement benefits, home loan guarantees, and shopping privileges.
