Military Pay Information
Basic Military Pay
2014 Pay Charts
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1% across-the-board pay increase for 2014. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2014 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. The intent of BAH is to provide uniformed servicemembers accurate and equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets, and is payable when government quarters are not provided.
Each year the BAH tables are released between December 15 and January 1.
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1% across-the-board pay increase for 2014. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2014 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. The intent of BAH is to provide uniformed servicemembers accurate and equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets, and is payable when government quarters are not provided.
Each year the BAH tables are released between December 15 and January 1.
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
BAS is a continuation of the military tradition of providing room and board (or rations) as part of a servicemember's pay. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost your meals, it is important to note that BAS is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members.
Since January 1, 2002 most enlisted members get full BAS, but they must pay for their own meals, even those provided by the government
Because BAS is intended to provide meals for the servicemember, the monthly rate is based on the price of food. Therefore, each year it is readjusted based upon the increase of the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index.
Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA)
As a servicemember, you can expect to be stationed virtually anywhere in the country. During your career, you are likely to be assigned to a variety of low-, moderate- and high-cost locations. Although private sector pay often reflects the local cost-of-living, military basic pay tables do not vary based on location. To help offset the effects of higher cost areas, military servicemembers may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS).
BAS is a continuation of the military tradition of providing room and board (or rations) as part of a servicemember's pay. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost your meals, it is important to note that BAS is not intended to cover the costs of meals for family members.
Since January 1, 2002 most enlisted members get full BAS, but they must pay for their own meals, even those provided by the government
Because BAS is intended to provide meals for the servicemember, the monthly rate is based on the price of food. Therefore, each year it is readjusted based upon the increase of the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index.
Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA)
As a servicemember, you can expect to be stationed virtually anywhere in the country. During your career, you are likely to be assigned to a variety of low-, moderate- and high-cost locations. Although private sector pay often reflects the local cost-of-living, military basic pay tables do not vary based on location. To help offset the effects of higher cost areas, military servicemembers may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS).
Deployment Pay Entitlements
Deployment to Area of Operation (combat zone)
Deployment on a Ship
Career Sea Pay – Based on Pay Grade and cumulative Sea Time
Unit Deployment Program
Miramar Marine units usually rotate to Okinawa or Iwakuni, Japan.
- Hostile Fire / Imminent Danger Pay $225 per month
- Hardship Duty Pay (varies per location), For Iraq & Afghanistan $105 per month
- Deployed Per Diem $100 per month /($3.50 per day) (paid for incidental expenses the member incurs)
- Family Separation Allowance $250 per month
- Tax Exclusion, Most enlisted personnel are exempt, Varies for senior enlisted and officers
- All Marines are entitled to BAS $323.87 monthly
Deployment on a Ship
Career Sea Pay – Based on Pay Grade and cumulative Sea Time
- Family Separation Allowance $250 per month
- If the ship enters the area of operation (combat zone), personnel qualify for Hostile Fire Pay and Tax Exclusion as noted above.
- All enlisted personnel on BAS will receive the discounted meal rate (DMR). Deduct $286.75 based on a 31 day month.
Unit Deployment Program
Miramar Marine units usually rotate to Okinawa or Iwakuni, Japan.
- Deployed Per Diem $305 per month, $10.17 per day. This per diem is higher due to the dollar/yen rates.
- All enlisted Marines on BAS will receive the discounted meal rate (DMR). Deduct $285.75 per month.