Understanding the 2015 Army Pay Grades
The United States Army’s pay grade system can be complex and overwhelming, especially for new recruits or those considering a career in the military. In 2015, the Army’s pay grades were adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living and other factors. In this article, we will break down the 2015 Army pay grades, explaining the different ranks, pay scales, and benefits associated with each grade.
Army Pay Grades: Enlisted Ranks
The enlisted ranks in the Army are divided into nine pay grades, ranging from Private (E-1) to Sergeant Major (E-9). The following table outlines the 2015 Army pay grades for enlisted personnel:
| Pay Grade | Rank | Monthly Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private | $1,447.50 |
| E-2 | Private Second Class | $1,645.10 |
| E-3 | Private First Class | $1,856.80 |
| E-4 | Corporal/Specialist | $2,046.90 |
| E-5 | Sergeant | $2,345.90 |
| E-6 | Staff Sergeant | $2,754.60 |
| E-7 | Sergeant First Class | $3,254.50 |
| E-8 | Master Sergeant/First Sergeant | $4,047.30 |
| E-9 | Sergeant Major | $5,173.10 |
Army Pay Grades: Warrant Officer Ranks
Warrant officers in the Army hold specialized technical positions and are divided into five pay grades, ranging from Warrant Officer 1 (W-1) to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (W-5). The following table outlines the 2015 Army pay grades for warrant officers:
| Pay Grade | Rank | Monthly Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| W-1 | Warrant Officer 1 | $2,930.50 |
| W-2 | Chief Warrant Officer 2 | $3,364.70 |
| W-3 | Chief Warrant Officer 3 | $3,819.60 |
| W-4 | Chief Warrant Officer 4 | $4,345.40 |
| W-5 | Chief Warrant Officer 5 | $5,052.30 |
Army Pay Grades: Officer Ranks
Commissioned officers in the Army are divided into 10 pay grades, ranging from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10). The following table outlines the 2015 Army pay grades for commissioned officers:
| Pay Grade | Rank | Monthly Base Pay |
|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant | $2,946.50 |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant | $3,287.10 |
| O-3 | Captain | $3,788.70 |
| O-4 | Major | $4,323.30 |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel | $5,048.40 |
| O-6 | Colonel | $6,225.30 |
| O-7 | Brigadier General | $7,543.60 |
| O-8 | Major General | $8,927.50 |
| O-9 | Lieutenant General | $10,381.90 |
| O-10 | General | $12,577.40 |
Additional Forms of Compensation
In addition to base pay, Army personnel may receive a variety of special pays and allowances, including:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a tax-free allowance to help offset the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a tax-free allowance to help offset the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: additional pay for personnel assigned to special duty positions, such as drill sergeants or recruiters
- Hazardous Duty Pay: additional pay for personnel assigned to hazardous duty positions, such as combat zones or explosive ordnance disposal
- Combat Pay: additional pay for personnel serving in combat zones
📝 Note: The above tables and information are based on the 2015 pay grades and may not reflect current pay scales or benefits.
Key Takeaways
The 2015 Army pay grades provide a clear outline of the different ranks and pay scales within the Army. Understanding these pay grades can help individuals make informed decisions about their military career and benefits. It’s essential to note that pay grades and benefits may change over time, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
What is the highest pay grade in the Army?
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The highest pay grade in the Army is O-10, which is the rank of General.
What is the difference between enlisted and officer pay grades?
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Enlisted pay grades range from E-1 to E-9, while officer pay grades range from O-1 to O-10. Officer pay grades typically have higher base pay and benefits compared to enlisted pay grades.
Do Army personnel receive additional forms of compensation besides base pay?
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Yes, Army personnel may receive additional forms of compensation, including Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Special Duty Pay, Hazardous Duty Pay, and Combat Pay.
In summary, the 2015 Army pay grades provide a clear outline of the different ranks and pay scales within the Army. Understanding these pay grades can help individuals make informed decisions about their military career and benefits.
