Income Boost: Senate Approves a 5.2% Military Pay Raise for 2024

ByArmyConnect™ Reading Time: 9 minutes

Your military Pay Raise is Pending a Full Review of the Defense Authorization Bill and Approval by the House of Representatives

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Service members understand service is not a ‘get rich scheme.’ But just like any organization, decent soldier pay and benefits help attract talent and maintain the force. A military pay raise is a hotly debated topic year after year. Fortunately, Senate lawmakers backed plans for a 5.2% pay raise for troops, which is the largest increase in almost a decade. This pay raise is a much-needed relief for the military personnel who not only risk their lives for the safety of the country, but face inflation, longer hours, low retention, and poor career satisfaction.

Introduction

After months of negotiations and debates, the U.S. Senate finally passed its first draft of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, approving a 5.2% pay raise for troops in 2024 (Reed and Wicker 2023). This generous amount had been proposed and discussed weeks ago, but because of conflicting claims and ideas, it was unclear whether this will be the final decision. Today marks a historic moment for both the U.S. Senate and the country’s troops, as the bill unanimously passed with bipartisan support. This 5.2% pay raise for troops is the largest since 2010, when troops received a 3.4% pay raise. We expect this bill to bring in a crucial additional $1 billion for military personnel and is an action that will be well-received by all service members. However, Senate lawmakers held back on more ambitious plans to boost junior enlisted pay. Instead, they opted to study the idea of higher base salaries for the lowest-paid service members, which could bring in an additional $2.2 billion in pay raises. The passing of the defense authorization bill is a significant victory for all service members, their families, and the country. The 5.2% increase in soldier pay provides much-needed financial support for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. It is an important step towards creating more equitable wages for the armed forces, besides being an appreciative gesture of their patriotism and bravery (Senate Armed Services Committee 2023).

Background of the Situation

The U.S Senate recently passed a draft of the annual defense authorization bill, approving a 5.2% pay raise for troops in 2024. Senators discussed the increased amount proposed weeks ago, but because of conflicting claims and opinions, it was uncertain that this would be the final decision. The bill is expected to bring in an additional $1 billion for military personnel, which is estimated to help bolster the financial security of service members and their families across the country. On top of this, the bill also sets aside funds to study the idea of higher base salaries for the lowest-paid service members, which could bring in an additional $2.2 billion in pay raises. This is a crucial victory for both the U.S. Senate and the country’s troops as it will allow them to better serve the country.

What is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)?

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual bill passed by Congress that allows the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense (Reed and Wicker 2023). The bill includes provisions for military personnel, their benefits, and the acquisition of military equipment.

Were there Previous Attempts at a Soldier Pay Increase?

Military pay raises happen each year to varying degree and success. In 2019, the 3.1% pay raise was the largest pay raise that troops have seen in nine years. However, the raise was still well below the 3.9% that the Democrats had proposed, and this difference created a great deal of controversy. In 2020, a 2.6% pay raise passed with the National Defense Authorization Act. There were many in Congress, and by service members, who recognized this as too low. This debate between the two parties has been ongoing for some time, sparked by the long-standing differences between their respective views on the military’s budget. The Republican party had historically pushed for more conservative pay raises, whereas the Democrats had been more eager to increase the pay for troops. In 2021, the Senate authorized a 3% pay raise for troops, but again, this was lower than the 3.2% proposed by the House. This time, however, the Senate could break the deadlock and reach a compromise.

National Defense Authorization Act Military Pay Raise 2024 Solider Pay

What is Included in the President’s Budget Request?

The President’s FY 2024 Budget Request for the Army has proposed some significant changes that will impact military personnel (The Office of Management and Budget 2023). One of the most notable changes is a pay hike for military personnel. Under the National Defense Authorization Act, the proposed pay increase will be 2.7%, which is higher than the 2.0% increase in the previous year. But the President requested a 5.2% military basic pay raise, 3.9% basic allowance for housing increase, and 3.4% basic allowance for subsistence increase (The Office of Management and Budget 2023). Under the Biden Administration’s proposal, military pay would see an increase of 5.2% in 2024, representing the greatest hike since the 6.9% average pay rise for military personnel in 2002. Consider that “Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of Active Duty personnel are in pay grades E3 to E6” many military members currently serving started their career between 2017-2022 (Department of Defense, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy 2018). This increase will help to ensure that military personnel are receiving a fair wage for their service and dedication.

Besides the pay hike, there are a few other highlights of the President’s Army FY 2024 Budget that are worth noting. One of the major priorities is modernization, with the Army looking to invest in new technology and equipment to improve its capabilities. His request includes investing in new aircraft, weapons systems, and other technologies that will improve the Army’s ability to respond to threats. Recently, the Army introduced the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle.

Another key focus of the budget is readiness. The Army is looking to increase its readiness by investing in training and resources that will help to prepare soldiers for a wide range of scenarios. This request includes investing in new training facilities and equipment, as well as increasing the number of soldiers who are trained in critical areas such as cyber security and intelligence. The Army continues to improve physical and mental readiness through H2F investments in personnel and facilities.

Overall, the President’s FY 2024 Budget Request for the Army is focused on ensuring that the military is prepared for the challenges of the future. His budget request supports a Total Army military end strength of 951,800 (Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller 2023):

  • Regular Army: 452,000
  • Army National Guard: 325,000
  • Army Reserve: 174,800 

What is the Controversy Surrounding the New Increase?

Although the 5.2% pay raise was approved by the Senate, there is still some controversy surrounding the increase. Many service members feel that the 5.2% raise is still inadequate, and that they deserve more. Some groups are concerned that this increase will disproportionately benefit officers, as they make up most of the military’s highest ranks. In addition, there are also concerns that the additional funds are being mismanaged. Reports of the Department of Defense (DoD) allocating funds to projects that have little to do with the military impedes quick passing of any requests. Some call into question the effectiveness of the additional funds, as well as the military’s ability to allocate funds efficiently.

Additionally, the 2024 NDAA includes Senator Wicker’s Merit Act, which “would help preserve the performance-based warfighting ethos of the military and stop the toxic, so-called ‘equity’ agenda at the Department of Defense at its source (Office of Senator Kevin Cramer 2023).” The act mandates accountability for all expenditures for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming across the Department of Defense.

Why did the Senate lawmakers hold back on more aggressive plans to boost junior enlisted pay?

The Senate lawmakers opted to study the idea of higher base salaries for the lowest-paid service members instead of more aggressive plans to boost junior enlisted pay. Senators made this decision to ensure that the funds were used efficiently and that the benefits were distributed fairly among all service members.

Reactions to the Increase

Despite these criticisms, the 5.2% pay increase for troops has been largely well-received. The increase has been lauded by service members, their families, and veterans’ groups alike. Many supporters expressed appreciation for the additional funds, while those that are considering joining the military have also voiced their approval. This raise will no doubt provide a financial boost to service members and their families. The extra money can cover daily living expenses, medical bills, and other costs associated with military life. Furthermore, the extra funds can provide much-needed financial security for families of service members who are deployed overseas.

What’s Next for the Pay Increase?

The 5.2% pay raise for troops is a major victory for both the U.S. Senate and the country’s troops, but it is just the beginning. Senate lawmakers have showed that they will continue to study the idea of higher base salaries for the lowest-paid service members and are confident that they will reach a compromise. The 5.2% pay raise for troops will no doubt have a positive impact on the lives of service members and their families. The additional funds will provide much-needed financial security for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. It is an important step towards creating more fair wages for the armed forces, besides being an appreciative gesture of their patriotism and bravery.

Conclusion

The passing of the defense authorization bill is an important victory for the U.S. Senate and the country’s troops. The 5.2% pay raise for troops is the largest pay increase that troops have seen in nine years and will provide much-needed financial support for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. This pay raise has been well-received by service members, their families, and veterans’ groups alike. Although there is still some debate surrounding the increase, it is no doubt a step in the right direction for all service members and will go a long way towards creating more fair wages for the armed forces.

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