Military Basic Pay

All members of the U.S. armed forces who are on an "active-duty pay" status are eligible to receive basic military pay. In addition to basic pay, members of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army may be entitled to special pay above monthly basic pay rates. Each year basic military pay rates are increased relative to the overall adjustments in the Employment Cost Index, which measures civilian pay rates throughout the U.S. economy. From time to time, an act of Congress can adjust basic pay in the military to levels above the Employment Cost Index.

Basic pay is computed on a monthly basis, using a 30-day month as a model for each payment. For service shorter than 30 days in any given month, a service member (for example, a reservist or armed forces member leaving active duty), basic pay is pro-rated.

Adjustments can be made at any time. For example, in recent years, Congress awarded "targeted raises" in basic pay for military personnel (selected enlisted and warrant officer rates) along with "longevity raises" for senior commissioned and warrant officers, and enlisted service members with more than 26 years of duty. In 2007, Congress also approved an across-the-board percentage raise in basic pay for all military personnel.

Advancements and service promotions can also affect levels in basic pay, along with annual pay raises, and other special pay that is granted for occupation-based risks (including Hazardous Duty or Combat pay), Housing, Subsistence, and Cost of Living Allowances.