New in 2017: Expect rigorous debate over military pay and benefits

For the first time since 2013, military personnel in January will see a "full" pay raise equal to the expected increase in private sector wages. But it remains unclear whether this is a sign of better benefits and compensation in years to come.  

How Congress and the new president treat military pay and benefits will be an issue worth service members' attention in the year ahead, since the moves will directly affect their families' finances.

DOWNLOAD: The proposed 2017 military pay chart: Every rate, every rank

President-elect Donald Trump has already promised to boost military spending, including more personnel and equipment. He has also promised that the country will "take care of the military" better than under President Barack Obama.

Outside advocates hope this means protecting military compensation.

In recent years, Pentagon leaders trimmed expected increases for housing stipends and basic pay to instead redirect hundreds of millions of dollars to modernization and training efforts. Military officials have said it’s a distasteful but necessary tradeoff, given shortfalls in the defense budget.

But troops' advocates and some lawmakers have said it needlessly burdens troops and their families. They successfully fought a lower pay raise proposal for 2017, and pushed back against plans for a complete overhaul of housing stipends which could have taken away thousands of dollars annually from some troops.

With the new administration they’ll push Trump’s Pentagon to hold personnel costs separate from major weapons purchases, and hope to recoup some of the lost trims in the years to come. Follow @LeoShaneLeo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com

.

In Other News

Congress still waiting on Osprey crash, safety documents from Pentagon

Lawmakers haven't received more details on Osprey proprotor gearboxes, a component that was a factor in the 2023 crash off Japan that killed eight airmen.

VA home loan program added $4 trillion to US economy since WWII

A new study by a Missouri professor labels the 80-year-old VA home loan program 'a huge success' for the American economy.

The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group deploys to Europe

The group will start out its deployment by taking part in the multinational BALTOPS 24 exercise in the Baltic region.

Families balance grief with Osprey pilots’ love for the aircraft

On Wednesday, a House subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Osprey’s safety record as families grapple with the deaths of loved ones aboard the V-22.

Junior enlisted pay bump to cost as much as two new aircraft carriers

A plan to boost young troops' pay by an extra 15% next year will cost more than $24 billion over the next five years, officials said.

Navy investigating sailor’s fatal electrocution aboard submarine

The Navy has thus far released few details regarding the death of Sonar Technician Submarine 3rd Class Timothy Sanders.

Navy explores how to get ‘forever chemicals’ out of sailor uniforms

One Navy effort to move away from forever chemicals could change the way a shipboard jacket stays waterproof, according to budget documents.

Patton’s Prayer: Discussing the famed general with author Alex Kershaw

Kershaw spoke about his newest book, how faith and ego intertwined that winter in 1944, and how the Battle of the Bulge became an American triumph.

After months taking on Houthis, Navy warship Mason leaves Middle East

The Navy destroyer Mason has been shooting down attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen since November.

Military spouses can recoup up to $1,000 in business costs after moves

Spouses in most military branches can now apply for reimbursement of business costs related to PCS moves.

Load More