Updated Dec. 8, 2014
Military pay limited to a 1% increase, BAH will be reduced 1% and there will be a $3 increase on most prescription co-pays for 2015. These provisions are a part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which
The House and Senate Armed Services committee just agreed to.
This deal is in opposition to what most military and veterans group had lobbied Congress to do but in line with what the Pentagon and White House requested. President Barack Obama has also said he would pass a 1% pay increase. Based on this deal it is not expected that any significant changes will be made before Congress and the President pass and sign the 2015 NDAA.
Service members annual pay increase is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Cost Index and growth in private sector wages. However, by law Title 37, Chapter 19, Section 1009) the president can set an alternate pay raise.
See the Proposed Military Pay Charts.
NDAA Summary
- 1% military pay increase. Generally, annual increase are tied to civilian wage growth which is 1.8% this year
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will be reduced by 1%. Veterans receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill® will be exempt.
- Increased Tricare Pharmacy Co-Pays – Most Prescription co-pays will be increased by $3. Mail-order generic drugs are not increased
- The A-10 will not be retired
- $521 billion defense bill budget package
- $64 billion more in overseas contingency funds
- $5 billion for the current fight in Iraq and Syria
- The 1% retirement pay reduction (COLA-minus one plan) for future service members was delayed at least one more year, Jan. 1, 2016.
Effective Date Once Signed into Law
Jan. 1st, 2015
Next Steps
- House of Representatives passed the NDAA on Dec. 4th, 2014.
- Senate expected to vote the week of Dec. 8th.
- President Barack Obama expected to sign the NDAA into law shortly thereafter
