Yes

by Arthur Gibson

Created on: February 04, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

If we have any hopes of maintaining an all volunteer military, than the military pay structure definitely needs to be revamped. I really don't think the majority of Americans realize exactly how little these men and women are being paid to protect and defend us and our freedoms. This is particularly true when you factor in the amount of technical training that these young people go through once basic training is completed. Depending on which skills these individuals require to perform their jobs, these schools can range from one or two months to over a year in length. And unlike college, where you can pick your class schedule, these classes all involve 8 - 10 or more hours of intense instruction at least 5 days a week. Not to mention, performing any military duties assigned outside of the classroom.

Under President Bush's proposed 3.5% pay raise for the military this year, a new recruit would be making $1347 per month. This breaks down to $8.42 per hour for a typical 40 hour work week and 160 hours per month. Which on the surface doesn't look bad. But, military personnel do not work a typical 40 hour week, or a typical civilian worker's month. Again depending on where the military person is stationed and their specialty they might be working 60 hours over a 6 day period before they get a day off. In addition, they may have to perform as a barracks watch, roving patrol, command duty non-commissioned officer or any of a number of other duties in between work shifts or on their day or days off. Plus unlike the vast majority of their civilian counterparts, they can be called back to work at any time for extended periods. How many civilians would accept a position given those requirements.

Much has been made, rightfully so, in the past few months of the Army's inability to reach its recruiting goals. Part of this problem could be eliminated by increasing the military pay scale significantly; bringing military pay more in line with what civilians earn with comparative job skills and training. Part of the problem could be eliminated by providing the military with a more comprehensive benefits package. We need to include additional benefits for military spouses and children, possibly including educational benefits for them in some form. This would give our military personnel additional incentives to stay in the service.

No one really wants to see a universal draft reinstated to insure we have enough troops to keep our country safe and to fulfill our commitments. Yet, we are not willing to provide additional pay and benefits for those serving; a draft will have to be brought back. Past experience should show us that a draft is not in the best interests of our country or its people. Like any business, the military works much better with people in the ranks who want to be there; not those forced by law to be there. For once, Congress needs to look past its own pay and benefits, and look to the needs of the military. After all a single term Representative or Senator draws a 100% pension upon leaving office; while a service member must serve 20 years to draw a 50% pension of their basic pay. I would go so far as to say that all military pay and allowances should be tax exempt from both State and Federal taxes regardless of where the individual is stationed.

Yes the above suggestions offer some ideas not available to the civilian population. But, unless we want to bring back the draft; some of these or similar ideas must be implemented if we want to maintain our military. As a country we owe it to these men and women who give so much to protect us and keep us free.

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