7 Ways Military Members Arent Getting Paid

Military members put their lives on the line to protect their country, but unfortunately, they often face unique financial challenges. One of the most significant concerns is the various ways they may not be getting paid fairly. Here are seven ways military members aren't getting paid, and what can be done to address these issues.

1. Delayed Payments

Military members often experience delayed payments due to administrative errors or technological issues. These delays can cause significant financial strain, particularly for those with families or other financial obligations.

• A 2020 survey by the Military Times found that 70% of service members reported experiencing pay errors or delays at some point in their careers.
• The same survey revealed that 45% of respondents had to wait more than a month to receive their correct pay.

Solutions

• The Department of Defense (DoD) should prioritize resolving pay errors and delays by investing in more efficient payroll systems and providing additional training for personnel staff.
• Military members should be able to easily track their pay and report any errors or discrepancies to their superiors.

2. Inadequate Hazardous Duty Pay

Military members who serve in hazardous duty positions, such as explosive ordnance disposal or combat zones, are entitled to additional pay. However, many service members feel that this pay is inadequate considering the risks they face.

• According to a 2020 report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), hazardous duty pay for military members averages around $150 per month.
• However, a 2019 survey by the Military Times found that 60% of service members believed their hazardous duty pay was not sufficient.

Solutions

• The DoD should reevaluate the hazardous duty pay scale to ensure it accurately reflects the risks and challenges faced by military members in these positions.
• Congress should consider increasing the hazardous duty pay for military members serving in high-risk areas.

3. Limited Special Pays

Military members may be eligible for special pays, such as dive pay or parachute pay, for serving in specialized roles. However, these pays are often limited and may not reflect the unique challenges and risks associated with these positions.

• According to the DoD, special pays for military members average around $500 per month.
• However, a 2018 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that some military members in specialized roles were not receiving adequate special pays.

Solutions

• The DoD should review and update the special pays scale to ensure it accurately reflects the challenges and risks faced by military members in specialized roles.
• Congress should consider increasing the special pays for military members serving in high-risk or high-demand areas.

4. Inconsistent Bonuses

Military members may be eligible for bonuses, such as reenlistment bonuses or recruitment bonuses. However, these bonuses can be inconsistent and may not reflect the value that military members bring to their roles.

• According to the DoD, reenlistment bonuses for military members can range from $10,000 to $100,000.
• However, a 2019 survey by the Military Times found that 55% of service members believed that bonuses were not consistently awarded.

Solutions

• The DoD should establish clear and consistent guidelines for awarding bonuses to military members.
• Congress should consider increasing the bonuses for military members serving in high-risk or high-demand areas.

5. Unequal Pay for Comparable Work

Military members may experience unequal pay for comparable work, particularly when compared to their civilian counterparts. This can lead to frustration and feelings of undervaluation.

• According to a 2020 report by the CBO, military members earn around 20% less than their civilian counterparts in similar roles.
• A 2019 survey by the Military Times found that 70% of service members believed they were underpaid compared to their civilian counterparts.

Solutions

• The DoD should conduct regular pay comparisons to ensure that military members are fairly compensated for their work.
• Congress should consider increasing the pay for military members serving in roles comparable to those in the civilian sector.

6. Insufficient Family Support

Military members often face unique challenges when it comes to supporting their families, particularly when it comes to childcare and education costs.

• According to a 2020 report by the DoD, military families pay around 20% more for childcare than civilian families.
• A 2019 survey by the Military Times found that 60% of service members believed that the military did not provide adequate support for their families.

Solutions

• The DoD should increase support for military families, including childcare and education benefits.
• Congress should consider increasing the pay for military members serving in roles with high family support costs.

7. Limited Student Loan Forgiveness

Military members may be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs, but these programs are often limited and may not reflect the value that military members bring to their roles.

• According to the DoD, the Military Loan Forgiveness Program can forgive up to $65,000 in student loans for military members.
• However, a 2019 survey by the Military Times found that 55% of service members believed that student loan forgiveness programs were not sufficient.

Solutions

• The DoD should increase the amount of student loan forgiveness available to military members.
• Congress should consider expanding student loan forgiveness programs to include more military members.

Military Members Not Getting Paid Fairly Image Gallery

By addressing these seven ways military members aren't getting paid fairly, we can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive system for those who serve our country. It's essential to recognize the value and sacrifices of military members and provide them with fair compensation for their service.