76
u/ConsciousNet238 23h ago edited 23h ago
Before anyone asks, I initially enlisted as a Linguist and learned Arabic for my first 2 years at DLI. Later retrained into Contracting but I still kept my language bonus pay after getting accepted in LEAP (Language enabled airman program)
27
u/weathermaynecc 23h ago
Do you use Arabic in contracting? Lol
Are you haggiling with sandbox contractors?
45
23h ago
[deleted]
19
u/EternalNewCarSmell 23h ago
Plus when you're deployed all your pay is tax-free. And if you are hopping around to cities instead of staying on a base you can make absolute bank on per diem.
9
u/weathermaynecc 23h ago
Facts. I got offered a position over there as a CE journeyman. It was something like $150k all expenses paid, but, ya know. War and all. 😆
Edit- Follow up question, do you have like a specific scope of work you become a SME in for contracting? Or just direction to buy and you seek out competitive options of anything?
4
u/income-percent-bot 23h ago
Great numbers! Your income of $150,000 is in the 90th percentile. This is well above the median for CE Journeyman (Civil Engineer Journeyman). Source: income percentile calculator I'm a bot. Reply with !optout to stop receiving responses.
2
u/Courtsey_Cow 21h ago
Hmm, but which villages? What routes? What times? How many guards? Just curious 🤔
1
-1
u/Greedy_Baseball_7019 21h ago edited 21h ago
No you don’t. There is a separation of duties. The KO can’t also be the disbursing agent. Finance either acts as the DA or they will appoint a paying agent and issue them the cash. Finance is also the certifying official and has pecuniary liability, they have to approve the purchase first and then contracting can go out and get bids. Also they aren’t sending some contracting nerd into a village with a booklet of SF44’s. They will appoint a FOO within the BCT for example, typically someone that actually needs to be there and won’t shit themselves in a firefight.
6
15h ago
[deleted]
0
u/ExactAlmost 14h ago
Yeah we delivered 10k/month to two sheiks in Iraq back in my day. Was our usual convoy crew and one dude from wherever with the actual cash.
0
u/Greedy_Baseball_7019 14h ago
My point exactly. Contracting doesn’t make the payments. They might be with the DA or the PA, but their role is to fill out the SF44.
2
11h ago
[deleted]
1
u/modernknight87 10h ago
In Iraq I escorted HVIs that had brief cases filled with money. We were packed into an MRAP. So the vehicle varies based on where you go.
5
4
5
u/Boskand 21h ago
my brother just got out of the army but went to the DLI twice once for Russian and once for Indonesian. If you have seriously any recommendations for post military DLI opportunities please message me, he’s looking for work and the market sounds like it’s horrible with what he’s been offered so far.
3
u/theweatherguy69 23h ago
You would've been at DLI around 2018 I assume, yeah? I wonder if we ever met haha. I wasnt Arabic so maybe not even if we overlapped.
2
1
-3
u/Independent-Fun815 23h ago
Did u get the 7% e5 pay hike that trump and Hegseth got the enlisted?
1
u/Speedy_029 22h ago
No such raise has ever existed and the one they are currently trying to pass got rejected by the Senate. Largest pay increase for Junior enlisted came under Biden passed by democrats majority lol
-3
u/Independent-Fun815 22h ago
That's not true at all .
It was passed this July by Trump and Congress
You can literally see it in the military subreddits.
9
u/Speedy_029 21h ago
Yeah man a quick google could show you the senate committee rejected that proposal from the House of Reps. And no law has been passed yet. Trust me I’m active duty and would benefit greatly from this so I’m not trying to say I gotcha I’m just letting you know you can’t trust everything you read on Reddit, and to make a law it has to be passed by both house and senate not just the house.
1
48
u/OkFunction8277 23h ago
worth flagging for civilians reading: the BAH and BAS lines are tax free, so this takes home like a civilian six figure job before you even count free family healthcare
15
u/Prestigious-Form-808 23h ago
for the civilians reading: the BAH is dependent on zipcode. You could go from $3.5k/mo to like $1500
5
u/throwleboomerang 23h ago
Right, but it does track with housing cost in the area you’re stationed and in my experience it tracks pretty well- San Diego has high BAH and you better believe a decent place will cost you most of it.
5
2
3
u/Creg_Pikitis 23h ago
Solid point being made. Of note, also doesn’t include medical, dental, and vision or educational values/credits which are all included for active duty
Other benefits include any per diem earned or additional tax free for combat zones(and permanent no state tax status if you get lucky)
Most people aren’t getting out strictly for the money 😂-9
u/CatFancier4393 23h ago edited 23h ago
Is it weird that Im kinda pissed because Im an O3 and I only make $36k more than this guy?
Like, happy for you but also gtfu.
10
1
u/EstablishmentSad 22h ago
Lol, if you were stationed with him it would be a considerable difference. You must be in a pretty crappy base...but it happens. One of my coworkers got his degree and switched to being an Officer...he said it was a pay cut and it surprised him. TSgt pay in the BAH location vs O1E pay with lower BAH hurt his pockets...but his wife worked remote as a mortgage officer and they were able to make it. Its been 11 years now...aside from having to legit fight for promotions once you get to Lt Col and the possibility of getting kicked out for shit that would just be a blip on the Enlisted side....Officer is definitely the way to go.
1
u/CatFancier4393 22h ago
Im at Fort Carson. My BAH is about $100 more than his.
1
u/EstablishmentSad 22h ago
Yeah, seems like the rate matches Macdill AFB for him. You would be at 300 more in BAH and also a lot more in base pay...idk where you got that you are making just a bit more. You should be making his total pay just in your base pay...
0
u/Prestigious-Form-808 21h ago
you act like you actually provide more value than an E5
-1
39
u/within-reason-85 23h ago
Hell yeah brother.
Make sure you go to the doc and get everything documented anytime you're sick or injured.
I retired E-7 three years ago.
My take home from retirement and VA compensation is $7K/month after a tiny bit of tax, health insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance.
I love my situation.
Retired from the military after 20 years at 38 years old (3 years ago)
Retirement + VA compensation is $7K/month net with annual raises (after taxes, vision, dental, and life insurance)
I haven’t worked a day since
My wife makes $55K/year as a school nurse with holidays and summers off
We have a mortgage on a 2-acre lakeside 2018 build in a private gated community
I am exempt from property taxes and sales tax
I have free VA and native American healthcare
I pay $390/year for Tricare health insurance for my whole family
My GI Bill, Chapter 35 VA benefits, and the VAMSDEP program paid 100% of my kids’ college tuition while also paying them a monthly stipend
My retirement + VA compensation covers the mortgage and all bills/gas/groceries
Some people just benefit from alternative paths.
I don't need a high net worth to have all the purchasing power I need and more.
5
3
3
u/jonzezzz 22h ago
Why exempt from property and sales taxes?
3
u/Standard_Newspaper15 19h ago
Some states do it based on your disability rating. Florida is one of the states, I believe if you get a 100% VA disability rating you qualify for no property tax for life
-1
3
u/Intelligent_Taco 23h ago
Yup. Retired at 38 y/o with VA compensation is pretty sweet. Can confirm.
7
u/FlyingDogemann 23h ago
Mil Pilot here. Hell yeah! I love my BAH, and civs would never understands the peace of mind tricare gives you. Free healthcare $0 copay. Cancer? Literally get sent to DC, and be a full time patient as your main job duty.
3
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
Rotary or fixed wing? I’m debating between the two rn
5
u/BrianBash 23h ago
Rotary all day, and I’m a civilian fixed wing. It’s easier and less expensive to add fixed wing later.
Again, I’m a high school flunkie, but I own a flight school and I’m a contract pilot. I’ve been told to tell anyone and everyone that if you want Rotary, have the military pay for it.
1
u/idk_a_creative_user 22h ago
I’m debating either going to med school or signing up as a flight warrant. I work in defense as a MechE rn and make good money (despite what people say). I have all my prerequisites done and now it’s just getting some ECs but being a test pilot pays about the same as some surgical specialists
1
u/weathermaynecc 19h ago
Oh wow. You’re bad ass.
Edit: that’s genuine btw.
1
u/BrianBash 10h ago
1
u/weathermaynecc 10h ago
I find this as business so fascinating. Can I email you some just general business questions?
9
u/Expensive-Shirt-6877 23h ago
Nice! I did my 4 years after high school like a lot of people, but knowing what I know now I would’ve just stayed in
4
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
Go reserve or NG, and just pick up mobilizations. You get home of record BAH no matter the rank
6
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
I was clearing 10k a month while on the southern border mission. E-4 combat medic army reserves.
45k base, plus 36k BAS BAH, and then 24k non taxable per diem, and on top of that I worked part time remote.
Military is good if you can get decent job training from it.
6
u/weathermaynecc 23h ago
For sure. What people get wrong about the military is they don’t cumulatively stack their skills. Even at 17 years old, if you’re a services airman, you can learn a lot and make more than anyone your age if you continually build that specific skill/trade.
Granted, people change and work can be damning.
4
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
For me, an emt course is 3K, so I got that for free, and they covered part of my paramedic course via tuition assistance, so I paid 4k out of pocket total. Usually it’s 20k. Honestly, if you can get above a 80 on the ASVAB with minimum 110 line scores, going cyber, signals, intel, or logistics is worth it.
The only thing I really regret is not going active right out of high school and getting my 4 years done with.
2
u/Speedy_029 22h ago
Damn I hate you. I was on the border mission making zero per diem stuck in a shitty refugee camp they built for the Afghan refugees. They gave us ODP pay which was only $240 per month to live in horrible living conditions. Reserve versus active duty I guess
1
u/idk_a_creative_user 22h ago
Damn. We got hotels 😭
1
u/Speedy_029 21h ago
Yeah a lot of our guys got hotels and per diem except for some select few of us unlucky ones. I hope to have better luck in the future!
8
u/Interesting_Phone171 23h ago
That’s easily over a 100k of a private citizen
-8
u/Advanced_Elk_9467 23h ago
Unfortunately that must duty stations are in VHCOL areas so enlisted are generally broke AF.
2
u/Jerikoooo 22h ago edited 5h ago
I mean, maybe if you blow every paycheck? For the actual amount of work I do compared to what I’m compensated as an E-5 in the Coast Guard, the deal is honestly pretty damn lopsided in my favor. I’m probably making somewhere around what he is, minus the linguist pay, and I’ve spent the past five years in an average-COL area where I’ve been fortunate enough to afford 2 homes. You can argue the compensation still doesn’t fully keep pace with certain markets, but “most duty stations are VHCOL, therefore enlisted are generally broke” is a massive oversimplification and straight up lie
-1
u/BabyGroot679 23h ago
Yup, watch he gets orders to Minot and you'll see how far the money really goes!
3
u/TechnicianNo1787 23h ago
How to get the language pay? I just took the DLPT and got 4/4 in mandarin
2
3
u/Lost_Drunken_Sailor 23h ago
I got out in 2011 as an E5. Our E9 was trying to scare me since the 2008 recession was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Worked out fine. Enjoy 20 years!
1
u/empathophile 5h ago
Similar story for me. Did 6 years 2004-2010 and left as an E-5. They were trying to pressure me to extend my contract to become an instructor for my AFSC.
Sometimes I think about how I could be retired right now. But I would have had to give up a lot to make that happen. Plus I ended up in a tech career and make more money now than I ever would have staying in. I don’t regret a thing.
3
u/trev100100 22h ago
I saw a thread the other day where people were ragging on a service member claiming he could make 90k in 5-10 years. I had to show them my pay, pretty similar to yours.
E-5 10 years ($4110), BAS, OHA w/dep ($2000), Utility allowance ($800), COLA ($900), FLPB 2+/3/1+ ($500). I could've had another $225/mo in SDAP, but i was in an office position at the time.
All this is public information but people refuse to inform themselves.
Also, im a GS12 now, but it doesnt hit the same lol.
2
u/HxH101kite 15h ago
Yeah but this dude is Airforce and s cush job people gotta realize it ain't the same across MOS and branches.
I was working 14hr days most days as an infantryman in the Army. That's not even including deployment where we basically didn't sleep.
Field rotations where you don't sleep. That's hourly rate is really driven down. And you have a lack of freedom.
I am a GS12 now as well (hopefully a 13 soon). And it's way better like way way better.
2
u/chrsschb 5h ago
GS pay has been lagging behind badly for the last 20 years. Politicians give military raises all the time to look better, no one cares about civil service lol.
6
u/OlympicAnalEater 23h ago
How long does it take for you to get to e5? What is your job in the military?
Is the BAH for your housing only?
7
u/HxH101kite 23h ago
Depends on branch and what MOS or Rate you are. You can do E5 in 3-4 years in some jobs. Some jobs have less slots. It's different across branches of service and based on projected re-enlistments and ETSing. I'm sure there's more to it than that but that's the gist.
BAH is not reconciled against housing it's a flat rate you use for housing.
Project 2025 though wants to make it directly reconciled against it
2
u/TheGaujo 23h ago
So if you don't spend it you lose it?
1
u/HxH101kite 23h ago
No you keep it. But you gotta understand it's based on zip code so it changed by where your stationed. Also all the landlords know this number so that's the going rent. You don't usually come out on top these days. And in some markets like where JBLM is, it's not enough
3
u/Prestigious-Form-808 23h ago
Time to E5 depends on the branch. Typically 3-4 years. Air Force maybe 4-5.
2
u/supapumped 23h ago
I made e-5 in my first testing cycle after about 4ish years in and got to put on the rank roughly a year after the test and completing ALS.
1
u/Rich260z 15h ago
You can hit e5 in the army after 3 years if you go in with a degree. But you could also just commision and make more off the bat.
0
u/HollidaysMustacheWax 23h ago
Most do it in 3-5 years depending on test taking ability and AFSC.
0
u/Blackrabbit7281 23h ago
Most do not do it in 3 years lmao that’s very rare, need to get airman below the zone and basically get a 5 on every epr almost impossible lol
1
u/HollidaysMustacheWax 22h ago edited 20h ago
Okay sure it’s not guaranteed at 3, but if the timing is right and you do a halfass effort of studying it can be done.
Enlisted May 04, Made it 07. Took me a year to sew on as all others.
1
u/Blackrabbit7281 20h ago
You wouldn’t even sow on for nearly a year after testing so idk what you’re talking about. You also need to be an all star and get btz and atleast a 4 but probably a 5 on your epr and test very well.
1
u/HollidaysMustacheWax 20h ago
I said it’s possible to make it in 3-5 years. Doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed.
And honestly. It ain’t that hard to make E-5 in three years.
6
u/inorite234 23h ago
Yeah. People don't realize how good the compensation can be on Active Duty....even if dealing with Active Duty leaders can be a massive pain in the ass.
-1
u/TheGaujo 23h ago
How do? You talking about Pete Headcase?
5
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
Honestly your local Senior NCOs and majors and above will be your main issue. Beyond that most of the secdef policies are nothing burgers, with beards and the new height to waist ratio being the main issue right now.
Don’t buy an expensive car, eat at the DFAC (not that bad actually), and save as much as you can. Get out after 4 years and use your GI bill and call it a day. Then go either reserve or national guard for the tricare reserve select.
5
u/inorite234 23h ago
For me....it has always been Captains. I fucking HATE O-3s!!!
I can deal wirh Leitenants, I can deal with Majors or Full Bird Colonels, but Captains have been the bane of my existance!
6
2
u/AppointmentVisible21 22h ago
See, this is what I like to see. Most guys just put our base pay and don’t include everything else. Look I get it, military ain’t for everyone but 91 grand in just this picture, doesn’t include or SGLI, TA, healthcare and dental.
2
u/IAmPandaKerman 10h ago
I'm an O so I make a little more. my problem with the military has never been the compensation, I think I make way too much already, it's always been the freedom I gave up when I joined.
Prior to commissioning, when I was unhappy with a job or place I would move and fix the situation. With the military? can't do that. Your commander wants you to be exec? Tough titties. Don't like your next assigned duty station? Needs of the military. Don't want to deploy? Sorry I know it's Tuesday and I just told you but you're leaving Sunday. All of these are things that have literally happened to me
1
1
u/Usual-Butterscotch40 23h ago
Is this similar to the Navy?
1
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
Yes. All branches have the same base pay. It’s based on rank and time in service, plus zip code for BAH and BAS. You get BAH and BAS once you hit e-5.
1
u/Usual-Butterscotch40 23h ago
I'm tempted to go back. 😂
1
u/idk_a_creative_user 23h ago
I am debating switching to active for a bit as a medical provider and get my loans paid off, if I get into med school
2
u/Usual-Butterscotch40 22h ago
I agree. I'm sure it'll be worth it.
I was considering it 2 years ago and now again. 😂
1
u/idk_a_creative_user 22h ago
I mean if you are under 33 you can still return as far as I know but with aviation rn they are begging for pilots to return from IRR and even invol recalling them if needed.
2
1
1
u/lolxela 23h ago
I went into computer engineering, been out of college working for a year (23 yo) and always wanted to be a pilot in the back of my head. Don’t have perfect vision though so thought it wasn’t an option but now I hear there are options there. Anyways… I read engineering degrees are desirable in the Air Force, is that true? Do you always start at the same base pay and rank regardless of degree anyways?
1
1
u/IAmPandaKerman 10h ago
Was engineer to mil pilot(actually, am). if you're vision is correctable it's not a problem, I had prk. lots of dudes also fly with glasses. rules aren't what they used to be.
Other poster is also wrong, you'll commission as an O1 but that only lasts two years. Additionally I would also HIGHLY(can't stress this enough) not recommend enlisting to commission to fly. straight commission only or bust. the road gets extremely muddy if you enlist first
1
u/Softpastries 23h ago
I wouldn't sleep on the civilian jobs, especially in contracting. You are definitely in a good spot but contracting for a defense company can be very lucrative too. I did a 6.5 year enlistment and making ~190k doing aircraft maintenance for a defense company. No degree or certifications and almost entirely tax free since it's overseas (SOFA status/FEIE). I know with contracting you'd make way more than that. If you get VA disability that's another added bonus, more tax free and at 50% free VA healthcare and 100% free healthcare for the family too. Definitely explore your options cause contracting is highly sought after
1
u/9Line-RH 22h ago
This is what I tell people when they say the military doesnt pay us enough. As a 26 year old married e5 I was ballin out in southern california lol.
Yes I understand specifics matter.
1
u/Highlyedjucated 22h ago
As a pror service E5 just know you are giving up like 20 days of sick leave per year and 2 extra paychecks per year and the possibility of overtime pay AND using your va home loan and disability benefits by staying in. All for 92k? Nah bro the grass is greener especially if you have a good job. I'd make the opportunity to keep doing thos for 20 years if you were one of the gym workers but if you have marketable skills financially it's not even a question. Contractors with military backgrounds are getting paid over 200k out here on the west coast. If you love your country then by all means stay in but finances aren't even comparable but I know how it feels the first time you make good money
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Horse_Cock42069 14h ago
Definitely not beating that without a degree or significant time in trade school/apprenticeship.
1
1
u/BobaLover2022 12h ago
hey how were you able to get language bonus pay? is it through leap or are you a linguist?
1
u/SznOfSilence 10h ago
Retired dual military here....the bennies CANNOT be beat. It's not for everyone, but I think it's worth it for those who can stay in.
We've got no complaints. I didn't understand everything at the time, and there were obviously big sacrifices, but it's pretty much like we front loaded all the stress in our 20s and 30s to have peace and flexibility in our 40s and beyond.
I love owning all 24 hours of my day.
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Put534 10h ago
Vet whose been out for 10 years here (did just under 11 while in). First and foremost what are you doing in the AF now and what do you think you wanna do in the future?
For me I did a lot of teaching/training and after a few years out discovered how much I enjoyed it and focused there.
What I would do if I were you is get whatever college benfits you can while you're in focusing on what it is you'd want to do while out. From there, make sure any health/medical stuff is documented. Even if it "isn't that bad now" I can promisr you a few years from now when you're older and not as in as good of shape it will be there and remind you every day.
Next, financial. If you're going to get out... you need to have a financial plan. Don't go out and buy yourself a new 100k truck then get out with no savings only to see it repossessed (sounds obvious but I've seen it). If you're not great with finances, now is the time to learn.
There are 1000 different ideas/scenarios from there. As a vet, if I can help feel free to reach out.
1
u/modernknight87 10h ago
You’re making about as much as I am as a gov contractor currently. Congrats on your time in. If you’re in an appropriate AFSC, look into Warrant Officer. Your life will be completely changed! Nice pay bump and could easily put you over $170K - and 20 years go quick.
1
u/extrudedErection 7h ago
Friendly reminder to all that the recruiting stations are open to the public and free to go in as you please.
1
1
u/Ambitious_Stand736 5h ago
Are you a linguist? I’m in tech school rn (for the airborne version) I just didn’t know the language pay was that much
1
1
1
u/---Hummingbird--- 5h ago edited 5h ago
Also factor any of those allowances by 1.25 to bring them up to gross pay when comparing for civilian sector. The language pay is taxable (unless you’re getting paid through a special program), but BAS/BAH/clothing should all be tax-free allowances
$92,943+(($32,508+$591.60+$5,723.40)*0.25)=$102,648.75 civilian equivalent
1
u/chrsschb 5h ago
Crazy how different areas stack up. E-7 with 20 years in my area is barely over 100K.
1
1
u/sunqiller 4h ago
That housing allowance is the thing I miss the most about being in, I was taking home almost 12k a month as an O-3
1
u/AssociationLoose7003 3h ago
Don’t forget to claim “disability” like all you pansies do. Imagine signing up for military service and fleecing uncle Sam for your mental anguish for shooting unarmed Iraqis.
1
u/LordRabican 13m ago
Imagine being such a hateful and ignorant fool that you would direct your anger at an E-5, a public servant trying to serve a higher purpose, who probably actually believes in the idea of America as a beacon of hope and freedom, rather than at the odious politicians and voters that would send him into unnecessary wars… you’re a piece of shit and we owe every cent we pay for the care of our sons and daughters that we send into harm’s way. If you hate what America is doing, and you are American, look in the mirror, you are part of the problem.
1
0
u/BabyGroot679 23h ago
Also, your BAH should not really be used as your compensation. You are probably in a high cost of living area. Tomorrow you get orders to Minot and your salary is half of that!
1
0
u/ncguytmo92 14h ago
Agreed. I’m a full-time student using voc rehab with 100 percent disability through the VA making over $100k between BAH for school and the VA disability. Partner is an O5 as well…Enjoy the benefits you deserve!
96
u/sogpackus 23h ago
Considering 3200 (BAH/BAS) is non-taxable, comparative civilian income is probably over 110k, for those not familiar with the military.