A House subcommittee proposal would provide a 30% pay boost, on average, for servicemembers E-6 and below in the new year, along with a 5.2% raise for all servicemembers.

The plan from the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee would be a major boost for junior enlisted troops, who have not seen a significant pay raise since 2007 beyond the annual increases which only keep up with the Employment Cost Index. The current pay scale for E-1s with greater than four months of service is $1,917.60 per month. Under the proposed changes, their monthly base pay would increase to $2,600.60, or an additional $683.00 per month.

This would be a welcome relief for many junior enlisted servicemembers who are struggling to make ends meet on their current salaries. Cost of living has been rising steadily in recent years, and many troops are finding it increasingly difficult to afford housing, food, and other basic necessities.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the BAH Restoration Act]

The subcommittee’s proposed targeted pay raise is still just a proposal, and it is not clear whether it will be approved by the full committee, the full House, or the Senate. However, if approved, it would be a major boost not just for the servicemembers in line to receive the pay hike, but also for the military’s ability to attract and retain top talent.

While this proposed pay raise does not directly affect officers, the increase will support overall readiness and improve mission success. A hard look at the pay tables is overdue when we consider the challenges facing the all-volunteer force: With a dwindling recruitment pool of 17-24 year olds that are eligible for service, immediate action is needed.

This proposed pay raise would also help to attract and retain top talent in the military. A competitive pay scale is one way for the military services to address the growing challenges sustaining a strong all-volunteer force.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Lawmakers to Incentivize the Hiring of Military Spouses]

This effort complements other MOAA-backed efforts to protect the all-volunteer force, such as increasing the Basic Housing Allowance to 100% of rental and utilities costs and addressing spouse employment. To stay informed about the proposed pay raise and other important issues affecting the military community, please visit MOAA's website and check your e-mail preferences to ensure you’re receiving the latest news. We will keep you up-to-date on all developments so you can make informed decisions about your military career.