Table of Contents
Overview
Yes, you do get paid during basic training. As a recruit, you are entitled to a base salary that depends on your rank and the length of your service. This payment begins from the moment you take the final oath at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). However, the actual payout does not happen immediately due to the need for the military to establish your pay records, which happens during the in-processing in the first few days of basic training.
Payment Schedule
Military members are paid twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th. Each payment constitutes half of the monthly pay. If you arrive at basic training before the 10th of the month, you'll receive your first paycheck on the 15th of that same month. Conversely, if you arrive after the 10th, your first paycheck will be issued on the 1st of the following month. This first paycheck will include all the pay you're entitled to as of that date.
Additional Allowances
In addition to the base pay, if you have dependents (such as a spouse or children), you're entitled to receive a monthly housing allowance. The exact amount of this allowance depends on where your family members live. Furthermore, if you are separated from your dependents for more than 30 days, you will receive a monthly separation allowance.
Access to Pay Information
In place of traditional pay stubs, military members can access a website called MyPay to view details about their earnings. This serves as a military-specific version of a pay stub, providing information about pay and allowances.
Incomplete Information
The precise base pay for an E1 recruit was not found during the research process, although one source suggested that it is roughly $1,491 per month. For accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult with a recruiter or an official military pay chart. Further research would also be needed to provide details about other ranks' pay, as well as additional allowances or bonuses that may apply during basic training.
