Monetary Prospects in Military

Hey! Kind of an odd question, but does anyone know which branch of the military generally makes the most money? I'm trying to consider all aspects of my potential enlistment.

When it comes to the base pay for the different branches of the military, the pay scales are actually the same across the board. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Base pay is determined by your rank and your time in service, not the branch you're in. The Department of Defense issues the pay chart every year.

However, monthly allowances for housing and food can vary based on the cost of living in the area where you're stationed, which can really add up over time. Different branches have different missions and thus are likely to have different overseas and domestic stationing opportunities which can affect these allowances.

But the financial aspect is just one part of a much larger decision. Apart from pay, consider other factors like job opportunities within the branch, commitment term, and opportunities for advancement or to gain specialty skills relevant to your interests. In other words, one branch might not necessarily be "better" than another in terms of pay, but could be a better fit for you depending on your personal goals and interests. Just remember to take into account the full range of benefits not just the immediate salary. That includes things like housing, retirement, education, medical and dental benefits, tax advantages, and opportunities for future employment outside of the military using skills you learn while serving.