CNN: Troops Could See Lower Pay Increases
Military salaries could rise by only 1 percent in 2014, amounting to an effective decline in pay, according to the news network.
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Secretary of Defense Leon Pannetta could recommend an effective pay decrease for military members, citing uncertainties with the federal budget, CNN reported Wednesday.
On the news network's "Security Clearance" blog, CNN said Pannetta will reccommend a pay increase of just 1 percent in 2014. That's lower than the expected Employment Cost Index, which is typically used to determine military pay increases.
In 2013, military members got a 1.7 percent pay increase based on the ECI. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010, troops got in increase based on ECI plus 0.5 percent.
Final approval of the pay plan must be approved by Congress when it votes on the budget for 2014.
What is your reaction to the news of an effective pay decrease for troops in 2014?
Helen
12:10 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013
While financial cut backs are necessary due in part to Obamas irresponsibility in spending over the last four years, lowering any pay or benefits to our military is so very wrong. These warriors lay and layed their lives on the line for our freedom. And even when not in a war zone, everyone in the military serves 24 -7 and are always ready to go into those dangerous war zones. If that alone doesnt justify an increase take a trip to Walter Reed and meet and see those warriors who have sacrificed life and limb/s. it is so sad the personal sacrific that todays service members are making and no compensation or benefits are enough to repay them for their personal sacrifices. . Sacrafices that all members made through the years in previous wars and danger zones. Our military and their dependents, who supported and sacrificed too along side those members, served as well and to reduce or cut off benefits just because they get older after retirement is so very wrong. They all played a role in our past and present making of this great nation. Our military needs our country's total and full support always.