Recent increases in military compensation, while substantial on paper, fail to provide a real financial boost for junior enlisted personnel. Despite a notable increase in pay the past three years, rising costs for housing, food, and other essentials have left many servicemembers struggling to stay afloat. These increases merely offset inflation rather than delivering a meaningful raise or impact on quality of life. 

DoD faces tough budgetary decisions, balancing personnel costs with investments in infrastructure, advanced technology, and ensuring mission readiness. Yet as MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), emphasized in a recent Military Times guest commentary, “While there has always been a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of our uniformed services … full resourcing is always difficult, and the military is only one part of a limited national budget that must address a wide range of priorities.”  

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the Junior Enlisted Pay Increase in the House NDAA] 

Although these challenges are real, the failure to adequately compensate junior enlisted servicemembers remains a significant oversight. 

The Context of Recent Increases 

Servicemembers received a 5.2% basic pay raise in January 2024 – the largest since 2003. They also saw an average 5.4% increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and a 1.7% increase in the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), according to DoD.  

Further, the FY 2025 budget includes a proposed 4.5% basic pay raise, meaning servicemembers would see a total increase of nearly 15 percentage points in the three years. DoD touts this figure as reflective of its commitment to supporting servicemembers, but these “raises” are just keeping up with the escalating costs of living, rather than providing meaningful financial improvement​.  

Addressing the Opposition 

Critics argue that a targeted raise for junior enlisted personnel would compress pay between junior and mid-career servicemembers, reducing the financial rewards for advancing through the ranks. However, as Kelly pointed out in his commentary, “Compression already exists within the current pay table at both the E7-to-E8 levels and E1-to-E3 levels with little impact.”  

Furthermore, an E-4 with four years of service would see an 8% pay raise when factoring in base pay and allowances, which is in line with industry standards. 

[RELATED: MOAA President Outlines Need for Junior Enlisted Pay Raise]

Some have suggested waiting for the next Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) before implementing any changes, but this would delay support for struggling families until at least 2027. 

The True Cost of Living 

DoD is not alone in downplaying the need for supporting junior enlisted: These talking points have been raised on Capitol Hill as well. Kelly has called it “disheartening to hear decision-makers downplay and dismiss a clear priority — the fair compensation of our junior enlisted servicemembers — when the real issue is insufficient funding and not a lack of need.” 

The bipartisan House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel, led by Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), highlighted the financial difficulties faced by junior enlisted members, recommending a 4.5% raise for all servicemembers and an additional 15% for those ranked E-1 to E-4. MOAA and other military advocacy groups have embraced these recommendations, but opposition from DoD leadership, the White House, and Congress has delayed meaningful action. 

As Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black (now senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) stated in a hearing earlier this year, “If enlisted wages continue to lack in terms of real income, one of the foundational pillars of the all-volunteer force will be at risk and will continue to challenge recruiting and retention.” 

The Need for a Generational Investment 

DoD argues that any significant increase would cost billions over the next five years, funds that could otherwise support modernization and operational priorities.  

Yet, as Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) noted, these investments should not be seen as an “either-or” choice. He advocates for a “generational investment” in both personnel and capabilities, which includes fair compensation for junior enlisted members. As Kelly underscored, “Investing in them now is essential.” 

Congressional Action Needed 

While DoD faces complex budgetary challenges, the need for a permanent pay raise for junior enlisted personnel is clear. These servicemembers, who bear the heaviest burdens, deserve compensation that reflects their critical role in national security.  

“Ignoring and dismissing the clear indicators of need, doing nothing or simply deferring action should not be an acceptable option,” Kelly writes in his guest commentary. 

Congress must prioritize this investment to ensure the well-being and readiness of the force. Contact your lawmakers today and ask them to ensure a junior enlisted pay raise is included in the final version of the NDAA.