Compensation and Benefits
The Army can strengthen you for tomorrow in many ways. In addition to the unique training and salary you’ll receive, the Army also offers money for education, comprehensive health care, generous vacation time, special pay for special duties, cash allowances to cover the cost of living, family services and support groups.
Total Compensation
The Army offers an attractive salary package including Army health care, subsidized education, food and housing, as well as retirement pay.
Army Active Duty
Those who serve and stand ready to defend our nation are well appreciated and well covered. Soldiers and their families receive comprehensive health care, life insurance and generous vacation time.
As a Soldier, you and your family are automatically covered by a plan called TRICARE, a comprehensive HMO-type health care that provides medical and dental care at little or no cost.
TRICARE enrollees receive most health care at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), where a primary care manager (PCM) supervises their care. The Army’s health care team is one of the biggest health care networks in the world, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in world-renowned facilities.
A network of “preferred” or “in-network” providers add to the services offered at MTFs. Soldiers and their families are free to make appointments with any authorized provider.
Separate programs are available for Soldiers and their families who are on remote assignment or overseas.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a program of low-cost group life insurance for active duty and Army Reserve Soldiers. SGLI coverage is available in $10,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. SGLI premiums are currently $.065 per $1,000 of insurance, regardless of the member’s age.
Time-off Active Duty Soldiers receive:
- 30 days vacation earned annually
- Weekends free*
- National holidays*
- Sick days as needed
* As with any job, missions and training may require work on weekends or holidays.
Army Reserve
Soldiers in the Army Reserve are entitled to many benefits, including low-cost health and life insurance. To support the largest armed force in the world, the Army has one of the biggest health care networks in the world with state-of-the-art technology, world-renowned facilities and some of the best and brightest staff in the industry.
Current members and former members of the Army Reserve and their families, if they meet specific eligibility requirements, may purchase discounted medical and dental care through the Army’s TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health care plan. The eligibility requirements include Army Reserve Soldiers who:
1. Were called or ordered to Active Duty in support of contingency operation for more than 30 days on or after September 11, 2001.
2. Served on Active Duty for 90 days or more under those orders. The length of time served determines the maximum period of coverage offered under TRS.
3. Agree to serve in the Select Reserve for one or more years.
TRS members pay a monthly premium for health care coverage, just like most civilians do in their employer’s health care plans. Adjusted on January 1st each year, the monthly premiums for 2007* are:
$81.00 TRS member-only coverage
$253.00 TRS member and family coverage
If Army Reserve Soldiers are called to active duty service for more than 30 days they’ll receive comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost. This coverage extends to the Soldier's family for a small premium and is good for the duration of Active Duty service.
Some members of the Reserve, who are issued delayed-effective-date active duty orders for more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation, are eligible for “early” TRICARE medical and dental benefits beginning on the later of either (a) the date their orders were issued or (b) 90 days before they report to Active Duty.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a program of low-cost group life insurance available to Soldiers in the Army Reserve. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. SGLI premiums are currently $.065 per $1,000 of insurance, regardless of the member's age.
Army Reserve
You’ll have the time and freedom to put your educational benefits to good use in the Army Reserve. If you have your eyes set on college, the Army Reserve will help you pay for it. If college is already behind you, the Army Reserve can help pay off your loans. The following programs are available to all qualified applicants:
- Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
- Army Reserve MGIB "Kicker" ($350 a month for up to 36 months)
- Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
- College Loan Repayment Program
- Tuition Assistance
- Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)
- Army Reserve Education Career Stabilization (ECS)
Many Army Reserve Soldiers take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill, so they can pay for a college education. You can get up to $11,412 for college depending on how long you enlist.
Full-time students get up to $317 per month for 36 months.
With the Kicker, you can add up to $350 per month to your MGIB for up to 36 months. Kicker amounts vary with job and rank, and certain rules apply for eligibility.
Also, you can get up to $12,600 on top of your MGIB for college.
Take advantage of the best leadership course in America, Army ROTC Military Science and Leadership. Army ROTC Cadets gain practical experience in management and problem solving while training to become Army Officers.
Get up to $81,756 for college.
Student loans can be paid off more easily with the Army’s College Loan Repayment Program. You must enlist in the Army Reserve for six years to take advantage of this program.
Get up to $20,000 for selected specialties to repay college loans.
You can take college courses while you’re in the Army Reserve, and we’ll help you pay for them. Available for approved courses, tuition assistance covers 100% of course costs up to $250 per credit hour.
Get up to $4,500 per academic year.
Take advantage of your educational benefits. In the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP), we partner with over 1,800 colleges and universities so you can get into college and start earning credit.
The Education Career Stabilization (ECS) enlistment option provides non prior service applicants the opportunity to serve in the Army Reserve (AR) and complete up to four years of post-secondary education. Qualified applicants who enlist for this option will be stabilized for up to 48 months upon accessing into the AR and completing Initial Entry Training (IET). The stabilization period exempts Soldiers from current mobilization authority (Operation Iraqi Freedom-OIF/Operation Enduring Freedom-OEF), but does not exempt Soldiers from a new federal mobilization under Presidential authority. The stabilization period is based on unit priority and length of enlistment.
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week training course (not including the “Reception” week) where recruits go through the process of becoming full-fledged Soldiers. Throughout the process, you will learn new rules, learn to trust yourself and understand what it means to be a Soldier in the U.S. Army.
After you complete BCT, you're ready for the next step. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is where you will learn the skills to perform your Army job.
At one of many diverse AIT schools, you’ll receive hands-on training and field instruction to make you an expert in your specific career field. You’ll also gain the discipline and work ethic to help you no matter what path you take in life. See the kind of training AIT schools offer below.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CORPS SCHOOL
As a human resource specialist you’ll learn the skills needed to help support our Soldiers well being.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY SCHOOL
Learn the high-tech missile systems that help defend our troops on the battlefield.
U.S. ARMY ARMOR CENTER
Learn about the latest armor systems that make our heavy forces decisive and effective.
AVIATION LOGISTICS SCHOOL
Learn to keep Army helicopters in top-operating condition and ready for action.
CHEMICAL SCHOOL
Learn how to detect and defend against nuclear, biological and chemical agents.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FIRE ACADEMY
Learn fire protection fundamentals: fire behavior, fire alarm communications, fire prevention, emergency medical care and more.
ENGINEER SCHOOL
From building bridges to conducting graphic analysis, learn the unique skills of being an Engineer Soldier in the Army.
FIELD ARTILLERY CENTER
Get inside field artillery systems and learn electronics, communications platforms, weapons and more.
FINANCE CORPS SCHOOL
Learn how to provide accurate finance and accounting support to Soldiers.
INFANTRY SCHOOL
Learn to become part of the foundation of the Army. Infantry Soldiers are experts in combat and are always ready.
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SCHOOL
Learn to become the eyes and ears of the Army by gathering intelligence from various sources.
MILITARY POLICE SCHOOL
Learn law-enforcement skills for war, peace, stability and support operations as a Military Police Soldier.
ORDNANCE MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Learn how to maintain Army weapon systems and equipment.
ORDNANCE MUNITIONS AND ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Learn the specialized skills for handling, storing and disposal of hazardous devices to protect our troops.
QUARTERMASTER SCHOOL
Help ensure mission success by supplying Soldiers with food, water, petroleum, repair parts, ammunition and other field services.
SIGNAL CORPS SCHOOL
Get an in-depth look at the school that teaches communications technology.
TRANSPORTATION SCHOOL
Keep the Army moving, and learn how to operate and maintain Army trucks, material handling equipment and watercraft.
Living the ARMY Values
Many people know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? Soldiers learn these values in detail during Basic Combat Training (BCT); from then on they live them every day in everything they do whether they are on the job or off. In short, the Seven Core Army Values listed below are what being a Soldier is all about.
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Respect
- Selfless Service
- Honor
- Integrity
- Personal Courage
Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.
Duty
Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment on to another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take shortcuts that might undermine the integrity of the final product.
Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldiers Code, we pledge to treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same. Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the Nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.
Honor
Live up to Army values. The Nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living. Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage in everything you do.
Integrity
Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.
Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking action is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.
STRENGTH FOR LIFE
As a Soldier in the U.S. Army, you will be given every opportunity to grow and mature, especially when it comes to your career. So wherever you see yourself in the future, your Army experience will help get you there. In the Army, Soldiers gain the physical and mental strength, job skills and leadership capabilities that will benefit their career whether they continue to serve their nation in the Army or choose a job in the civilian world.
A CAREER IN THE ARMY
If you’re interested in making a career in the Army, there are countless training and learning opportunities to help you rise in rank. In an Army career, your life is never on hold. You’re constantly meeting new challenges and gaining new skills and responsibilities.
A CIVILIAN CAREER
Many Soldiers use their experience in the Army as a foundation for a career in the civilian world. Depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), your training and leadership skills can be easily transferable to many careers such as computer technology, communications or law enforcement.
In many Army jobs you’ll have the opportunity to earn professional and trade certifications. Nationally recognized, these certifications can help you succeed in your civilian career and even give you an edge over civilians seeking the same jobs.
You have several options when you join. No matter which options you choose, you're showing your commitment to your country and to yourself as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. This force consists of active duty Soldiers and Soldiers in the Army Reserve. These two groups work in tandem to create the world's most powerful Army.
ACTIVE DUTY & ARMY RESERVE
Active duty is similar to working at a full-time, civilian job. There are hours when Soldiers must be training or performing their jobs and then there are off-hours when Soldiers can do what they like. For an active duty Soldier, length of service can range from two to six years.
The Army Reserve enables Soldiers to keep their civilian careers while they continue to train near home and serve their country. Soldiers in the Army Reserve typically spend one weekend a month in training and attend a two-week Field Training Exercise (FTX) once a year.
Service options for the Army Reserve range from one to six years, depending on the individual’s Army job and where their Army Reserve Center is located. In addition, Army Reserve Soldiers may be called up to active duty (called “mobilization”). Many professionals as well as college students are Soldiers in the Army Reserve.
ENLISTED SOLDIERS & OFFICERS
As an Enlisted Soldier, you’ll have the specific job skills and the physical and emotional strength to ensure the success of the team on every mission. Warrant Officers have specific technical or tactical specialties (for example: helicopter pilots). And Commissioned Officers are the managers and problem solvers that lead other Soldiers in all situations.
When you sit down with a Recruiter, he or she will make it easy to find out if the Army is right for you. Whether it’s Active Duty or Army Reserve, or a certain length of service you’re interested in together with your Recruiter, you’ll find the best way to serve, and choose the job that complements your abilities and future goals.
Only by working with a Recruiter can you tailor an Army experience to meet your goals, wants and needs. Want to take advantage of money for your education? Need certain job skills? Your Recruiter can give you the specifics on all the Army benefits to help you make the most out of your Army career.
Recruiters are some of the most experienced Soldiers in the Army. That is what makes them qualified to tell you what the Army has to offer. Some have served overseas, some have seen combat, so you should feel free to ask them how the Army has helped them meet their goals. Better yet, ask them how the Army can help you reach yours.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Please explain the recruiting process—start to finish.
Potential recruits: Why should I join the Army?
Do you have any special incentives to join?
What's the Future Soldier Program?
Which option is best for me: Army Active Duty, Army Reserve or ROTC?
BASIC COMBAT TRAINING
What really goes on in Basic Combat Training?
What's the balance of classroom and physical training?
What kind of condition do you have to be in at the start?What are the physical standards candidates have to meet?
What are training and Drill Sergeants like today?
What percent of people who start actually graduate?
Can two friends go through Basic at the same time?
Women: Do women receive "military haircuts" too?
THE FIRST TERM
How long does the first term last? Do you have programs of different lengths?
Can an entrant choose the military job he/she wants? How is the job assignment made?
Can you describe a couple of jobs? I want to understand what people actually do in the Army.
Can a trainee choose to serve overseas?
How much does a new recruit get paid, and what are the benefits?
How often are service people promoted?
EDUCATION
What kind of training comes after Basic?
How good are your military job-training schools?
What are all the ways a service member can earn college credits during enlistment?
What are your tuition support programs? How does an entrant qualify for them?
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