Assessing Pay And Benefits For Military Personnel

Compares pay and benefits provided to members of the Armed Forces (AF) with that of comparably situated private-sector employees to assess how the differences in pay and benefits affect recruiting and retention of members of the AF. The objectives were to: (1) assess total military compensation for active duty officers and for enlisted personnel; (2) compare private-sector pay and benefits for civilians of similar age, educ., and experience with similar job responsibilities and working conditions of officers and enlisted personnel of the AF; and (3) assess the 10th QRMC recommendation to include regular military compensation and select benefits when comparing military and civilian compensation to ascertain if it is appropriate.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 required that we conduct a study comparing pay and benefits provided by law to members of the Armed Forces with that of comparably situated private-sector employees to assess how the differences in pay and benefits affect recruiting and retention of members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, our objectives were to (1) assess total military compensation for active duty officers and for enlisted personnel; (2) compare private-sector pay and benefits for civilians of similar age, education, and experience with similar job responsibilities and working conditions of officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces; and (3) assess the 10th QRMC recommendation to include regular military compensation and select benefits when comparing military and civilian compensation to ascertain if it is appropriate.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 required that we conduct a study comparing pay and benefits provided by law to members of the Armed Forces with that of comparably situated private-sector employees to assess how the differences in pay and benefits affect recruiting and retention of members of the Armed Forces. 4 Specifically, our objectives were to (1) assess total military compensation for active duty officers and for enlisted personnel; (2) compare private-sector pay and benefits for civilians of similar age, education, and experience with similar job responsibilities and working conditions of officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces; and (3) assess the 10th QRMC recommendation to include regular military compensation and select benefits when comparing military and civilian compensation to ascertain if it is appropriate. The focus of this review was active duty servicemembers' perspectives on compensation. That is, we focused on cash compensation and the value of benefits to servicemembers versus the cost to the government of providing compensation.

The U.S. military has been continuously engaged in foreign conflicts for over two decades. The strains that these deployments, the associated increases in operational tempo, and the general challenges of military life affect not only service members but also the people who depend on them and who support them as they support the nation â€" their families. Family members provide support to service members while they serve or when they have difficulties; family problems can interfere with the ability of service members to deploy or remain in theater; and family members are central influences on whether members continue to serve. In addition, rising family diversity and complexity will likely increase the difficulty of creating military policies, programs and practices that adequately support families in the performance of military duties. Strengthening the Military Family Readiness System for a Changing American Society examines the challenges and opportunities facing military families and what is known about effective strategies for supporting and protecting military children and families, as well as lessons to be learned from these experiences. This report offers recommendations regarding what is needed to strengthen the support system for military families.

"The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) helps you remain independent and self-sufficient at home or in your community. Depending on your circumstances and health needs, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) can offer financial assistance to obtain a wide range of services, including: housekeeping; grounds maintenance, such as snow removal or lawn mowing; personal care; care and support from a health professional; home adaptations; access to nutrition; and ambulatory health care"--Page [1].