<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military pay is not all that bad but is isn&amp;amp;#39;t all that great, either. It would be hard for a high school recruit with no work experience to find a better starting wage. However, for an enlisted member with years of experience, trained in a critical technical specialty, it&amp;amp;#39;s not all that great when compared to wages for a similar civilian job.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Military Base Pay Is Not Tax-Free&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Everyone gets base pay, and it&amp;amp;#39;s the same regardless of what military service you are in. It&amp;amp;#39;s based on an individual&amp;amp;#39;s rank and the number of years you&amp;amp;#39;ve been in the service.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Base pay is taxable unless you are actively serving in a designated &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/united-states-military-pay-charts-3346234&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;1&amp;quot;&amp;gt;tax-free combat zone&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. You&amp;amp;#39;ll pay federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes on your basic pay. &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/income-tax-guide-for-military-members-4052435&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;2&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Some states&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; do not tax military pay, while a few others won&amp;amp;#39;t tax it unless you are stationed within the state. The state in which you list with military finance as your &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-legal-residence-and-home-of-record-3332817&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;official residence&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;amp;#34; will determine the state tax rules you fall under.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Guard and Reserves&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;During basic training and job school, or any other time performing full-time duty (such as the two weeks &amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;ECAiYKsQMEMUkQum4ye-eQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/active-duty-3332036&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;4&amp;quot;&amp;gt;every year active duty training&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, or if mobilized), Guard and Reserve members receive the same pay as active duty members. During weekend drills, however, the pay scale is different. Guard/Reserve members receive four days worth of pay for each weekend drill. See &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/guard-reserve-drill-pay-charts-3346269&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;5&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Guard/Reserve Pay Chart&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Annual Pay Raises&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Each year, Congress passes the Defense Appropriations Act and the Defense Authorization Act, which contain pay raises for military personnel. It gets adjusted to help keep military pay from lagging too far behind civilian pay, but that is dependent upon politics.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Military Pay vs. Civilian Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Whether or not you consider military pay to be fair compensation when compared to civilian pay depends on several factors, including the specific &amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;rMJCvDSybSyoieGDtAPBYA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-enlisted-jobs-3354010&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;6&amp;quot;&amp;gt;military job&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0that you sign up for. Some of the techie jobs are underpaid compared to the civilian sector, as well as a few of the comparable management (officer/senior NCO) jobs. But when you look at total compensation, a lot of us are pretty close.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Look at\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://www.careeronestop.org/jobsearch/findjobs/state-job-banks.aspx&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;7&amp;quot;&amp;gt;America&amp;amp;#39;s Job Bank online&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0and type in your MOS/AFSC/Rating (or the one you&amp;amp;#39;re considering, for the those thinking of joining the military) in the area you want to work. Pretty surprising the range of pay for most of them, and when you consider the additional qualifications many civilian jobs require, the military&amp;amp;#39;s even more of an advantage, because it hires you without experience or training, and provides that to you, free of charge.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;For someone recently out of high school, with limited work experience, the military pay scale is more than fair. Once a person gets a college degree (although the military will pay for that), plus technical training (paid for too), plus 8-10 years job experience, and it starts to fade a bit for some fields. But, for jobs like Cook, Laundry and Bath Specialist, Supply, Admin, the pay is pretty comparable.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;For combat arms, you can&amp;amp;#39;t find a civilian equivalent, so what can you compare it to? If you want to be a tanker or submariner, the military is the only game in town, and you&amp;amp;#39;re getting the intangible benefits of a unique job you love to do.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Your Pay and Your First Paycheck&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Direct Deposit is mandatory for military pay. You should already have a bank account set up before you leave for basic training, and bring your account information and an ATM/debit card with you.\u00A0&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;During your in-processing, you will complete paperwork to begin your military pay. Military personnel are paid on the 1st and 15th of each month. If those days fall on a non-duty day, you are paid on the duty day, preceding. Your pay is direct-deposited into your bank account.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;So, when will you receive your first paycheck? Estimate that the first paycheck won&amp;amp;#39;t be deposited until a full 30 days after arrival. That way, if you&amp;amp;#39;re paid before that, it&amp;amp;#39;s an unexpected surprise, and if it takes the entire 30 days, it&amp;amp;#39;s what you were expecting anyway.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In any case, your first paycheck will contain all the pay you have coming to you at that point. For recruits without dependents, that means base pay, only. For those with dependents, it means base pay and housing allowance. Your first paycheck will be pro-rated to the number of days you&amp;amp;#39;ve been on active duty. Of course, taxes and other deductions (such as deductions for non-issue items, such as running shoes, soap, shampoo, laundry, etc.) are taken out.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Housing Allowance and Food Allowance&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In certain circumstances, military members are paid an allowance to live off-base, as well as an allowance to purchase food. Details:&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ul&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332705&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;8&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Housing, Housing Allowance, and Barracks&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332717&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;9&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chow Halls and Food Allowance&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/ul&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Special Pays&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In addition to Basic Pay,\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;Z_qjI_DXGbBhpwS-9tIXTQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/basic-allowance-for-housing-3353727&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;10&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Basic Allowance for Housing&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, and Basic Allowance for Subsistence, members of the military may receive special or incentive pays, depending on individual circumstances.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Medical &amp;amp;amp; Dental Officer Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Depending on their years of service, medical and\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;niVn4ojHzrnwjfTQGnGEkQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/medical-and-emergency-careers-3356639&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;11&amp;quot;&amp;gt;dental officers&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0receive a variable special pay. Additionally, Board-Certified medical officers and dental officers receive more The directive governing\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;wkRn7w5a5Jr-wuxQ_rLOsQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-rank-history-3354123&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;12&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Medical Officer&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0Pay is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;13&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;14&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 64&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. The directive governing Dental Officer Pay is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;15&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;16&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 6&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Veterinarians and Optometrists&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vets and eye-doctors only get an extra incentive pay. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;17&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;18&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 7&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Enlisted Special Duty Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Secretary of the particular service concerned may authorize\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;ErfcfdkhwTFIzYBFZNRJ-g&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/effective-writing-3344000&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;19&amp;quot;&amp;gt;special duty pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0to enlisted members performing designated special duties. Examples of some jobs which qualify for this special pay are military recruiters, and (in the Air Force), First Sergeants. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;20&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;21&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 8&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Diving Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Individuals who are qualified to dive, and who are placed on special orders to perform diving duties as a part of their normal military duties are entitled to diving pay. The pay varies significantly depending on experience level, type of duty, and the branch of service. It&amp;amp;#39;s not surprising that the maximum amount is received by Navy SEALS. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;22&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;23&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 11&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Nuclear Officer Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Naval nuclear officers receive both an initial bonus and a yearly incentive pay for extending their service commitment. The yearly incentive pay is determined by the Secretary of the Navy. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;24&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 12&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Navy Commanders&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Navy officers in the pay grade of O-6 and below receive a monthly special pay when assigned duties as a commanding officer over a ship or unit designated by the Secretary of the Navy. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;26&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;27&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 13&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Overseas Extension Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Enlisted members, depending on location and occupation, may be authorized to receive a monthly payment for voluntarily extending their duty in an overseas area. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;28&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;29&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 14&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;7yL6BiO0rjzs8SOGmqiJVg&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/effective-writing-3344000&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;30&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Aviation Continuation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;This pay, available to aviation (flying) officers, below the pay grade of O-6, who extend their service obligation, may receive an annual incentive pay. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;31&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;32&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 15&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Engineering and Scientific Officer Continuation Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Commissioned officers, serving as engineers or scientists may receive a continuation pay for extending their\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;DCUR0p5XSDRcSz863eGyDg&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/early-discharge-from-the-military-4057239&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;33&amp;quot;&amp;gt;service commitment&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;34&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;35&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 16&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Foreign Duty Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Enlisted members assigned to areas outside of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, are authorized to receive foreign duty pay. The amount of pay is based on rank. It&amp;amp;#39;s interesting to note that an individual cannot receive this pay if they are stationed in a state or country of which they are a resident. So, for example, a member of the military who is a legal resident of Hawaii, would not receive this pay if stationed in that State, but another military member, who is not a resident of Hawaii, would receive the pay. Certain designated locations have been designated &amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;cxS66mFhskluT7oH3hTPqA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/overseas-cost-of-living-allowance-cola-3346505&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;36&amp;quot;&amp;gt;hardship duty&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0pay locations, and members stationed there can receive more per month. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;37&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;38&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 17&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Sea Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military members embarked on a ship are authorized\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/things-to-consider-when-deciding-whether-to-join-the-navy-3354802&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;39&amp;quot;&amp;gt;sea pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, ranging in amounts from $50.00 per month to $620 per month. The amount of entitlement is based on rank and number of years of logged sea-duty. Additional amounts may also be awarded to personnel who have been embarked on a vessel for over 36 consecutive months. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;40&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;41&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 18&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Foreign Language Proficiency Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military members who have received training in a foreign language and are assigned to a job requiring foreign language skills receive a monthly Foreign Language Proficiency Pay. It depends on upon the level of proficiency maintained. Additionally, other military members who are proficient in a language that the\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;3ofLevwzK8XxN2MvjnFzgw&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/defense/p/usdefensedept.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;42&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Department of Defense&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0considers to be critical may also receive this monthly pay, as long as they maintain proficiency in the language. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;43&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;44&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 19&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Aviation Retention Bonus&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;mYS-dhtdKiEpwn8BUkqP0g&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/army-commissioned-officer-job-descriptions-3356652&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;45&amp;quot;&amp;gt;An aviation officer&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, who makes a written commitment to remain\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;t_pcfjub09FL53XtMKOWDw&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/active-duty-3332036&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;46&amp;quot;&amp;gt;on active duty&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0beyond their commitment, may be authorized to receive an Aviation Retention Bonus depending upon the number of additional years they commit to. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;47&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;48&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 20&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Flight Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-basic-pay-main-menu-3343820&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;49&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Flight pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0is authorized for military members who are required to participate in frequent and regular aircraft flights, depending on duty status and rank. Officers receiving\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;T5Np6lAUgTXwBzsInaAVWA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/active-duty-warrant-officer-basic-military-pay-chart-3343826&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;50&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Aviation Career Incentive Pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, are not authorized to receive\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;Top5ROTlmdxbdLKf9lmvTA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/active-duty-warrant-officer-basic-military-pay-chart-3343826&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;51&amp;quot;&amp;gt;flight pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;52&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;53&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 22&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Submarine Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Naval personnel assigned duty on a submarine are authorized to be paid\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/active-duty-warrant-officer-basic-military-pay-chart-3343826&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;54&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Submarine Pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;55&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;56&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 23&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Hazardous Duty Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;This is commonly confused with &amp;amp;#34;Hostile Fire Pay,&amp;amp;#34; but in actually, the pays are two entirely separate things. Hazardous duty pay is paid to personnel who perform duties, which by their very nature may be hazardous. Payments are authorized for those performing duties concerning parachuting, flight deck duties, demolition duty, experimental stress volunteers (acceleration, low pressure, high pressure, etc.), duty involving toxic fuels or pesticides, and duties involving dangerous viruses, bacteria, or\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;_TFckVLOjAoNhaiLmgCTuQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/chemical-weapons-controversial-and-deadly-3345061&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;57&amp;quot;&amp;gt;chemical weapons&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;58&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;59&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 24&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Family Separation Allowance&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military members who are separated from their legal dependents for a period in excess of 30 days to a location where the dependent(s) are not authorized to accompany him or her at government expense is authorized to receive\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/united-states-military-pay-and-benefits-3346240&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;60&amp;quot;&amp;gt;family separation allowance&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. There are two types of allowance: FSA-1 and FSA-2. A member may receive both. Type 1 is payable when a member may not reside on-base in their new location. It&amp;amp;#39;s equal to\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;zv_2Ip9j9VlJZzmFVgkVuQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/basic-housing-allowance-bah-rates-3356707&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;61&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Basic allowance&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0for Housing (BAH) at the &amp;amp;#34;without dependent&amp;amp;#34; rate. It&amp;amp;#39;s designed to help pay for rent and utilities for the additional household. FSA-2 is payable when the member is apart from legal dependents for a period in excess of 30 days. It&amp;amp;#39;s designed to provide assistance in paying for the incidental expenses incurred for maintaining a separate household away from family members. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;62&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;63&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 27&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Combat Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A member assigned to or deployed to\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;WPK7cDrSKBHvnVRquIJN3A&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/united-states-military-pay-charts-3346234&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;64&amp;quot;&amp;gt;a combat zone&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0receives &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/united-states-military-pay-charts-3346234&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;65&amp;quot;&amp;gt;combat pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. Being assigned to or working in a combat zone triggers also triggers a tax advantage.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Clothing Allowance&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;There are two types of\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/joining-a-military-service-3353993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;66&amp;quot;&amp;gt;clothing allowances&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;: initial and annual maintenance. The\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;MKcDqsc-7rSpsMrFn2lnsQ&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/uniform-wear-by-retirees-and-veterans-3356968&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;67&amp;quot;&amp;gt;initial clothing allowance&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0is paid when, for some reason, the service is unable to issue a military member&amp;amp;#39;s initial allotment of uniforms. The allowance is based upon the retail cost of uniform items and differs for each service, and for males and females. Additionally, there are numerous supplemental clothing allowances for special duties (such as band), or for those required to wear civilian clothing on duty. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;68&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;69&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 29&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;. (&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;70&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 30&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0for Officers).&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Special &amp;amp;#34;Personal&amp;amp;#34; Allowances&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Here&amp;amp;#39;s an interesting &amp;amp;#34;tidbit.&amp;amp;#34; Military members in certain &amp;amp;#34;special&amp;amp;#34; positions, receive a special personal allowance to help with incidentals and entertainment expenses. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;71&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;72&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 31&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Severance Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Members with over six years, but less than 20 years of service, who receive an honorable discharge, while being separated from the service involuntarily (draw down, &amp;amp;#34;up-or-out system,&amp;amp;#34; etc.) receive a\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/2012-military-involuntary-separation-pay-charts-3342716&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;73&amp;quot;&amp;gt;severance pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0(also called\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;BjdXxLW7oG6GymX-gQxFRw&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/2012-military-involuntary-separation-pay-charts-3342716&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;74&amp;quot;&amp;gt;involuntary separation pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;) equal to 10 percent of their annual basic pay, times the amount of years service they have completed. There are several minor restrictions on this pay, and instances of what covers &amp;amp;#34;voluntary,&amp;amp;#34; or &amp;amp;#34;involuntary&amp;amp;#34; separations, which are too numerous to cover in this article. Specific questions should be directed to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;75&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usmilitary.about.com/od/index.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;76&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 35&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;5OegICWrV8Bz-BEJ6B_xqA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/overseas-cost-of-living-allowance-cola-3346505&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;77&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Hardship Duty Pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military members assigned to certain &amp;amp;#34;hardship&amp;amp;#34; assignment locations can receive Hardship Duty Pay. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;78&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;79&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 17&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Retirement Pay&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Military members who serve for 20 or more years, and retire and receive a portion of their\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;IcZYCIL23iNI13V1s9Zu9Q&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/fy-2014-proposed-military-pay-charts-3356710&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;80&amp;quot;&amp;gt;base pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0each month for the rest of their lives.\u00A0For details about military retirement pay, see\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/understanding-military-retirement-pay-3332633&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;81&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Understanding Military Retirement Pay&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Reenlistment Bonuses&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The purpose of a\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-enlistment-bonuses-3354214&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;82&amp;quot;&amp;gt;reenlistment bonus&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0to\u00A0entice members to reenlist into jobs which are experiencing critical shortages.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In general, the greater\u00A0the re-enlistment bonus, the harder time the service is having convincing people to re-enlist in this job. This is usually for one of two reasons:&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ol&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;This same job pays extremely well in the civilian world, which entices many experienced people to get out and make more money.&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;The job sucks.&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/ol&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;All-in-all, it&amp;amp;#39;s best not to choose a job based upon enlistment/re-enlistment bonus amounts. Such money is spent fast and is then gone. It&amp;amp;#39;s better to base your preferences based on your personal interests. You&amp;amp;#39;ll be much happier in the long-run.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;Taxes&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In general, unless earned in a designated combat zone, all military pay items are taxable. Military allowances (such as\u00A0&amp;lt;a data-inlink=&amp;quot;b4PVUY-GeVYMhwYi9Y6YWA&amp;amp;#61;&amp;amp;#61;&amp;quot; href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/fy-2006-military-pay-and-benefits-3353290&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;83&amp;quot;&amp;gt;housing allowance&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, overseas housing allowance, family separation allowance, basic allowance for\u00A0subsistence), are not taxable by either the\u00A0Federal or State Governments.\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/nostatetax.htm&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;externalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;84&amp;quot; rel=&amp;quot;nofollow&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Different states&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;\u00A0have different rules for taxing military pay. The governing directive is the\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/military-careers-4073993&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;85&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Defense Pay Regulation&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;, Volume 7A,\u00A0&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-dress-for-success-at-every-interview-526401&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;86&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chapter 44&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;h3&amp;gt;More: What the Recruiter Never Told You&amp;lt;/h3&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ul&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332707&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;87&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Choosing a Military Service&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332714&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;88&amp;quot;&amp;gt;The Enlistment Process and Job Selection&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332715&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;89&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Enlistment Contracts and Enlistment Incentives&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332718&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;90&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Education Programs&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332719&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;91&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Leave (Vacation), and Job Training&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332708&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;92&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Assignments&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332709&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;93&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Promotions for Enlisted Personnel&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332710&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;94&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Military Medical Care&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332711&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;95&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Commissaries and Exchanges&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332712&amp;quot; data-component=&amp;quot;link&amp;quot; data-source=&amp;quot;inlineLink&amp;quot; data-type=&amp;quot;internalLink&amp;quot; data-ordinal=&amp;quot;96&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Morale, Welfare, &amp;amp;amp; Recreation (MWR) Activities&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/ul&amp;gt;"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<https://www.thebalance.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332716>