Army Active Duty Pay Scale And Benefits Guide

Serving in the United States Army is a significant commitment that requires dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. In return, the Army offers its active-duty personnel a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for education and career advancement. In this guide, we will explore the Army's active-duty pay scale and benefits in detail, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect as a member of the U.S. Army.

Army Active Duty Pay Scale

The Army's active-duty pay scale is based on a combination of rank and time in service. The pay scale is divided into several pay grades, each with its own set of salary ranges. The Army uses a pay grade system that ranges from E-1 (Private) to E-9 (Sergeant Major), with officers ranging from O-1 (Second Lieutenant) to O-10 (General).

Here is a breakdown of the Army's active-duty pay scale for enlisted personnel:

E-1 (Private): $1,733.10 - $1,733.10 per month
E-2 (Private Second Class): $1,942.50 - $2,044.70 per month
E-3 (Private First Class): $2,043.70 - $2,341.40 per month
E-4 (Specialist/Corporal): $2,341.40 - $3,085.80 per month
E-5 (Sergeant): $2,654.60 - $3,692.70 per month
E-6 (Staff Sergeant): $3,057.10 - $4,438.40 per month
E-7 (Sergeant First Class): $3,475.60 - $5,158.40 per month
E-8 (Master Sergeant/First Sergeant): $4,144.70 - $6,334.50 per month
E-9 (Sergeant Major): $5,052.90 - $7,473.40 per month

And here is a breakdown of the Army's active-duty pay scale for officers:

O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $3,287.10 - $4,136.40 per month
O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,788.20 - $5,116.80 per month
O-3 (Captain): $4,519.40 - $6,523.40 per month
O-4 (Major): $5,238.40 - $7,945.80 per month
O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $6,317.10 - $9,644.80 per month
O-6 (Colonel): $7,451.20 - $12,045.60 per month
O-7 (Brigadier General): $9,223.20 - $14,371.40 per month
O-8 (Major General): $11,215.40 - $16,631.20 per month
O-9 (Lieutenant General): $13,301.20 - $18,914.40 per month
O-10 (General): $15,479.80 - $20,976.60 per month

Special Pay and Allowances

In addition to basic pay, the Army also offers special pay and allowances to its active-duty personnel. These include:

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of housing
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of food
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of living in high-cost areas
Hazardous Duty Pay: a monthly allowance for personnel who perform hazardous duties
Jump Pay: a monthly allowance for personnel who are qualified parachutists
Diving Duty Pay: a monthly allowance for personnel who perform diving duties

Army Benefits

The Army offers a wide range of benefits to its active-duty personnel, including:

Healthcare

The Army offers comprehensive healthcare benefits to its active-duty personnel, including medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits.

Education Benefits

The Army offers several education benefits, including the GI Bill, which can help pay for college or vocational training.

Retirement Benefits

The Army offers a retirement plan that allows personnel to retire after 20 years of service and receive a pension.

Home Loan Guarantees

The Army offers home loan guarantees to help active-duty personnel purchase a home.

Shopping Privileges

The Army offers shopping privileges at on-base stores, which can help personnel save money on groceries and other essentials.

Special Army Programs

The Army offers several special programs to its active-duty personnel, including:

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

OCS is a program that allows enlisted personnel to become officers.

Special Forces

The Army's Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite unit that conducts special operations.

Ranger School

Ranger School is a program that teaches personnel advanced combat skills.

Language Training

The Army offers language training to personnel who need to learn a foreign language for their job.

Army Active Duty Requirements

To join the Army as an active-duty personnel, you must meet certain requirements, including:

Being a U.S. citizen
Being between the ages of 17 and 35
Having a high school diploma or equivalent
Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Passing a physical fitness test
Passing a background check

Conclusion

Joining the Army as an active-duty personnel can be a rewarding and challenging career choice. The Army offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for education and career advancement. Whether you're interested in serving your country, advancing your education, or developing new skills, the Army has something to offer.

If you're considering joining the Army as an active-duty personnel, we encourage you to do your research and reach out to a recruiter to learn more.