Inquiries About Military Deployment Pay

Hello, everybody. I'm considering joining the military after graduation, but I'm fuzzy about the pay details. Specifically, if I'm deployed overseas? Are there additional allowances or extra pay involved? Thanks for your insights!

Yes, military personnel who are deployed overseas typically receive additional allowances or extra pay. These can be accounted for by:

1. Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP): Service members who work in potentially dangerous or hazardous environments (such as flight duty) may receive additional pay to compensate for the risk.

2. Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay: If you are deployed to an area where you could potentially be exposed to hostile fire or explosions, you may receive added pay. This is typically around $225 per month, but amounts can vary.

3. Family Separation Allowance (FSA): If your deployment requires you to be separated from your dependents for an extended period of time, you could be eligible for FSA to help cover the additional expenses your family might incur.

4. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This is meant to assist with the cost of your meals. It differs depending on if you're an officer or enlisted.

5. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): This is calculated based on the cost of living in the location to which you are deployed. It's meant to help with the non-housing related cost differences between your deployment location and an average U.S. location.

6. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): If you're not provided government housing during your deployment, you may receive a housing allowance, calculated based on the cost of housing in your area.

7. Special Pay: This category of extra pay is designed to incentivize certain behaviors or compensate for specific situations. This includes things like Language Proficiency Pay, Hardship Duty Pay, and Sea Duty Pay.

Remember, it's important to consult with a recruitment officer or financial adviser in the military to get the most accurate and updated information regarding pay and benefits, and to ensure you understand the nature of these benefits. Also, keep in mind that many military benefits aren't monetary, including education support, health care, and valuable experience and training.