Military pay can be confusing — especially for new families navigating basic training, A-School, Tech School, AIT, or their service member’s first duty station. With multiple pay types, allowances, bonuses, and branch-specific rules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide breaks everything down in a simple, family-friendly way so you can understand:
- how military base pay works
- how Guard & Reserve pay differs
- what BAH and BAS really are
- how leave and promotions impact pay
- special pays your service member may qualify for
- what to expect during training vs. after training
This applies to all six branches.
1. Basic Pay (Active Duty & Full-Time Service)
Basic Pay is the foundation of military compensation. It depends on two factors:
Your service member’s rank
E-1 to E-9 for enlisted, O-1 to O-10 for officers
Their time in service
often shown as “<2 years,” “>2,” “>3,” etc.
Basic Pay increases:
- with promotions
- with time served
- with annual cost-of-living adjustments
Every branch uses the same pay chart.
2. Drill Pay (National Guard & Reserve)
This is one of the most confusing topics for families — so here’s the simple version.
Guard & Reserve members do not receive “Basic Pay” like active duty. Instead, they earn:
Drill Pay = 1/30 of monthly basic pay per drill period
A typical drill weekend includes 4 drill periods (Sat AM, Sat PM, Sun AM, Sun PM).
So:
-
1 drill = 1/30 of monthly base pay
-
4 drills (one weekend) = 4/30
-
AT (Annual Training) = full active-duty daily pay
This is why Guard & Reserve often say they earn “4 days of pay for one weekend.”
3. BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
BAH is one of the most important parts of military pay.
It covers housing costs for Active Duty members.
BAH depends on:
- duty station location
- rank
- dependent status (with dependents = higher rate)
BAH usually increases dramatically after training because:
- trainees often live in barracks
- most do NOT receive BAH at basic training or early schools
- once assigned to their first duty station, BAH begins
For Guard & Reserve:
- BAH is paid during active-duty orders of 30+ days
- short-state orders may qualify for BAH Type II, a reduced rate
4. BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)
This covers meals for service members.
BAS is:
- a flat monthly amount
- the same across all locations
- slightly higher for enlisted than officers
- not meant for dependents
Whether your service member receives BAS directly depends on:
- whether they eat meals in a dining facility
- local command policies
- training environment
5. Special & Incentive Pays
Depending on their job (MOS / AFSC / Rating), your service member may qualify for extra pays:
Examples include:
- Flight pay
- Sea pay (Navy & Coast Guard)
- Hazardous duty pay
- Dive pay
- Airborne jump pay
- Submarine pay
- Language proficiency pay
- Cyber mission incentive pay
- Duty station hardship pay
These are add-ons to base pay.
6. Bonuses (Enlistment, Reenlistment & Special Bonuses)
Some jobs offer:
- signing bonuses
- ship-out bonuses
- reenlistment bonuses
- retention bonuses
- skill or critical position bonuses
The amounts vary by branch and job demand.
Important: Bonuses are usually taxed, unless received in a combat zone.
7. Pay During Training (Boot Camp, AIT, A-School, Tech School)
Families are often unsure what their new service member earns during training.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
Boot Camp
- paid as E-1 (or E-2/E-3 if enlisted with rank)
- BAH usually not paid
- BAS sometimes restricted
- pay deposits a few weeks after training begins
AIT / A-School / Tech School
- base pay continues
- BAH may start depending on:
- married status
- training length
- off-base housing policies
- allowances vary by school
MOS School (Marines) / Pipeline Training (Navy Nukes)
- more likely to receive full allowances
- pay increases as rank/time increases
8. Leave & Pay
Service members continue to earn:
2.5 days of leave per month
= 30 days per year
Unused leave can:
- accumulate
- be used between duty stations
- be cashed out at separation
Leave pay continues normally — no reduction.
9. Promotions & Time-in-Service Increases
Promotions directly impact pay.
Each promotion brings:
- higher base pay
- sometimes higher allowances
- better BAH (rank-based)
Time-in-service increases also raise pay periodically.
10. First Duty Station Pay Expectations
Once your service member reaches their first duty station, they typically receive:
- full Basic Pay
- BAH
- BAS
- special pays (if applicable)
- career-field incentives
- jump/flight/sea pay (if applicable)
This is often the biggest pay jump families see after training.
11. Guard & Reserve Active Orders
When mobilized or activated:
Guard/Reserve members receive:
- full active-duty pay
- full BAH
- full BAS
- special pays depending on mission
This applies to:
- deployments
- state duty (varies)
- training beyond drill weekends
- federal activations
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pay start during boot camp?
Yes — but the first deposit may take 2–4 weeks.
Do trainees get BAH?
Usually no, unless married or in specific training situations.
Does military pay increase yearly?
Yes — through cost-of-living adjustments and promotions.
Can military pay be garnished?
Yes — for legal reasons like child support or debts.
Do Guard/Reserve get retirement credit for drill weekends?
Yes — points accumulate toward a “good year.”
Do bonuses come as a lump sum?
Sometimes — others are paid in installments.
Supporting Your Service Member Financially and Emotionally
Understanding military pay helps families:
- plan travel
- budget around training
- manage expectations
- support transitions between training stages
- understand BAH/BAS timing
- prepare for deployments or moves
This knowledge also builds confidence for both families and service members as they begin their military lives.
Show Your Pride as Your Service Member Advances in Their Career
Promotions, training milestones, and new assignments are big accomplishments — and families often love wearing apparel that marks these moments.
Explore branch-specific apparel for families, graduations, and duty station pride
Oak & Liberty is proud to support military families with resources that make the journey easier — and apparel that celebrates every step.