Your complete guide to military terms, acronyms, and benefits
The fundamental salary component for military members, determined by rank and years of service. Does not include allowances or special pays.
A monthly allowance to offset housing costs for service members living off-base. Amount varies by location (ZIP code), rank, and whether you have dependents. BAH is tax-free.
A monthly allowance to offset the cost of meals for service members. BAS is tax-free and the rate is the same regardless of rank or location.
Additional compensation for specific duties, skills, or assignments (e.g., hazardous duty pay, flight pay, dive pay, foreign language proficiency pay).
Monthly payment to service members with dependents who are separated from their family for more than 30 consecutive days due to military orders.
A comprehensive education benefit that covers tuition, housing allowance, and books for veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally covering full tuition at public universities.
The most comprehensive GI Bill benefit, covering full tuition at public schools or up to ~$28,000/year at private schools, plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend. Requires 36 months of active duty service for 100% benefit.
An older education benefit that provides a fixed monthly payment for education. Most service members now opt for the Post-9/11 GI Bill instead.
Program that pays up to $4,500 per year (up to $250 per credit hour) for courses taken while on active duty. Unlike the GI Bill, TA can be used while serving and doesn't consume GI Bill benefits.
A housing stipend paid to students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, based on the location of the school and the student's rate of pursuit (full-time vs part-time).
A provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill where schools agree to cover tuition costs that exceed the standard GI Bill cap, making private schools more affordable.
Military program that funds industry certifications and licenses related to your military job, helping with civilian career transition.
The healthcare program for active duty service members, retirees, and their families. Provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage at low or no cost.
A managed care option similar to an HMO. Active duty members are automatically enrolled. Offers the most comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
A self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral, but costs are slightly higher than Prime.
A premium-based health plan for Selected Reserve members and their families. More affordable than civilian health insurance.
A retirement savings plan similar to a 401(k). Under the Blended Retirement System, the military automatically contributes 1% of base pay and matches up to 4% of your contributions.
The current military retirement system (started 2018) that combines a pension (at a reduced rate) with TSP matching. Provides retirement benefits even if you don't serve 20 years.
The legacy retirement system where members receive a pension only after 20 years of service, calculated as 2.5% × years of service × final base pay. No TSP matching.
A lifetime monthly retirement payment. Under BRS, it's 2% × years of service × average of highest 36 months of base pay. Under the Traditional system, it's 2.5% per year.
The average of your highest 36 months of basic pay, used to calculate your retirement pension amount.
Full-time military service. Members are on duty 24/7 and typically serve 3-6 year initial contracts. Receive full pay, benefits, and housing allowances.
Part-time military service. Members typically serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year, while maintaining a civilian career. Can be activated for deployments.
A reserve component that serves both state and federal missions. Guard members drill one weekend per month and can be activated for state emergencies or federal deployments.
Members of the Reserve or National Guard who are required to participate in regular drills and are eligible for activation. Includes most traditional reservists.
Former active duty members in reserve status who don't drill regularly but can still be recalled to active duty in emergencies.
The monthly training period for Reserve and National Guard members, typically occurring one weekend per month. Also called "Battle Assembly" or "Unit Training Assembly" (UTA).
A two-week training period each year for Reserve and National Guard members. Used for extended training exercises and readiness activities.
Army and Marine Corps term for a service member's job or career field (e.g., 68W is Combat Medic Specialist).
Air Force and Space Force term for a service member's job or career field (e.g., 1N0X1 is All-Source Intelligence Analyst).
Navy and Coast Guard term for a service member's job or career field (e.g., HM is Hospital Corpsman).
The junior ranks of the military (E-1 through E-9). Most service members enter as enlisted, starting at E-1 and progressing through promotions.
The leadership ranks of the military (O-1 through O-10). Officers typically need a college degree and lead enlisted personnel.
Technical experts who rank between enlisted and commissioned officers. Primarily used by Army and Marine Corps for specialized roles (pilots, technical specialists).
The hierarchical level of a service member. Pay and responsibilities increase with rank. Enlisted ranks are E-1 to E-9, Officer ranks are O-1 to O-10.
The standardized system for determining military pay (E-1 through E-9 for enlisted, O-1 through O-10 for officers). All services use the same pay grades and pay scales.
When service members are sent to a location (often overseas) for an extended period to fulfill a mission. Deployments typically last 6-12 months.
A permanent move from one duty station to another. The military pays for moving expenses and travel costs.
A temporary assignment to a different location for training or a mission. Can last days to several months. Service member returns to their permanent duty station afterward.
Family members (spouse, children) who are covered by a service member's benefits, including healthcare, housing allowances, and ID cards.
The database that verifies eligibility for military benefits. Dependents must be enrolled in DEERS to receive benefits.
Occupational Information Network - a comprehensive database of occupational information that helps match military skills to civilian careers.
A mapping between military occupations and civilian careers, showing how military jobs translate to civilian opportunities.
A program that helps service members prepare for civilian life, covering resume writing, job searching, benefits, and career planning.
A program that allows service members to intern with civilian companies during their last 180 days of service while still receiving military pay and benefits.
A VA program (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation) that provides job training, employment support, and education for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
A military grocery store where service members, retirees, and their families can shop at discounted prices (typically 20-30% below civilian stores).
A military department store (PX, BX, NEX, MCX depending on branch) offering tax-free shopping on a wide range of goods.
Space-Available travel allows service members, retirees, and dependents to fly on military aircraft for free when seats are available.
The Department of Veterans Affairs - provides healthcare, education benefits, disability compensation, home loans, and other services to veterans.
A mortgage loan program for veterans that typically requires no down payment, has competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
A percentage (0-100%) assigned by the VA that determines the level of disability compensation. Higher ratings mean higher monthly payments.
An injury or illness that was caused or aggravated by military service. Qualifies for VA disability compensation and benefits.
The total financial value of military service over time, including base pay, allowances, education benefits, healthcare, retirement savings, and tax advantages.
The amount of student loans and healthcare costs you avoid by serving in the military, thanks to the GI Bill and TRICARE.
The financial stability provided by military housing allowances, food allowances, and retirement benefits that support your family.
The combination of training, experience, certifications, and earnings you accumulate through military service.
The financial and career benefits you receive from military service compared to civilian alternatives.
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