U.S. combat troops know the importance of quality kit, but don’t take their pay raise away to pay for it.
Military.com published the results of its pay-and-benefits survey today. It showed that nine out of 10 active-duty service members oppose the Pentagon’s proposals to reduce their pay raises and basic allowances for housing.
Responses from more than 8,400 service members, their spouses, veterans and retirees show overwhelming opposition to the Pentagon's recommendations to curb personnel costs by reducing military benefits to include pay, housing, commissary stores and health care. Troops also resoundingly rejected suggestions from the top brass that pay raises aren't "on their minds."
Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Michael Barrett told Congress recently that his Marines would prefer better equipment and training versus a 2 percent pay raise and protected benefits. Barrett also said “Marines don't run around [asking] about compensation, benefits, retirement modernization. That's not on their minds."
Almost all of the active-duty respondents -- 96 percent -- said they disagreed with such comments.
