Compensation Funds

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SALARY: UNDERSTANDING MILITARY COMPENSATION

Don’t be misled by the basic military pay tables, as a soldier’s total compensation package in the Army includes more than just the basic pay. Allowances for housing, comprehensive health care, and other benefits are also part of the package.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to develop and implement personnel policies that ensure fair and competitive compensation and entitlement systems for military personnel. We formulate and administer Department of Defense (DoD) policy on Military Personnel Compensation for the total force, chair the DoD Armed Forces Tax Council, and take action on tax-related legislation, litigation, and administration.

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Many businesses offer discounts to military families. As a soldier, you may be eligible for discounts on various items, ranging from DVDs to family vacations.

MILITARY COMPENSATION

Providing appropriate military compensation packages, including wages, health care, reenlistment bonuses, retirement, leave, dependent benefits, and survivor benefits, is crucial to attract and retain skilled personnel in the active duty and reserve forces. RAND has conducted extensive research to provide policy recommendations for developing compensation options that support a military workforce capable of achieving a nation’s strategic goals.

COMPENSATION FOR DEPLOYED SOLDIERS

In the unfortunate event of a deployed soldier, only their loved one, family member, child, fiancé, or sibling who has been designated as the next of kin is entitled to the compensation fund. The compensation plan typically includes $500,000 cash per month for 6 months, along with other entitlements, on behalf of the deployed serviceman/woman.