Staff Reports
Veterans Day is approaching, and it’s a big deal for veterans of all stripes, including those who wear camouflage like they’re going to a family reunion. With President-elect Donald Trump at the helm again, questions abound on how he will exactly tackle vital veterans’ issues such as pay and access to benefits. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Trump as he chooses his cabinet members and begins to reshape military priorities, likely leaving behind any remnants of the last administration’s half-hearted attempts.
Many veterans are cautious yet hopeful about Trump’s potential plans for the military. Reports are surfacing that his administration may aim to improve recruitment and retention through increased pay and boosting research investment in military technology. It seems Trump is set on making sure that heroes in uniform aren’t just heroes on paper, but can actually afford to buy groceries without holding a bake sale. After all, more than a quarter of active-duty military members are stressed about where their next meal is coming from. That’s a staggering problem, especially when you consider that these brave men and women are tasked with protecting the nation.
Veterans watch Trump's moves on pay, benefits, personnel https://t.co/XV038I4Pda
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) November 11, 2024
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Jim Whaley has observed that pay is a major concern amongst veterans, linking it directly to the overall welfare of active-duty personnel. He highlights the undeniable relationship between financial stability and a soldier’s quality of life, both on duty and after transitioning to civilian life. If service members are worrying about finances while in uniform, it translates into bigger issues down the line, including reliance on the VA and difficulties landing civilian jobs. In short, if there isn’t enough dough to pay the bills, it’s a recipe for disaster.
When examining military compensation, one might be surprised at the numbers. An 18-year-old enlisted recruit brings in an average of about $43,500 per year in pay, allowances, and tax benefits. However, these figures can mislead those unfamiliar with military pay scales. The real meat of the compensation lies in additional bonuses and allowances that can push a new recruit’s total earnings way past $100,000 in their first year. It’s a nice little perk, but compared to the civilian sector—where the median household income recently hit over $80,000—it still leaves much to be desired.
Trump’s appointment choices for key positions within the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are crucial. Veterans are keenly interested in whether he will pick individuals with military experience for these high-stakes roles. A good vet knows who has been in the trenches and who is just throwing around buzzwords. The Biden Administration’s extravagant budget requests for the Department of Defense and the VA signal a misplaced focus that many believe could be better directed under Trump’s leadership.
In the spirit of accountability and constructive criticism, organizations like the National Military Family Association have thrown their support behind calls for improved pay for military families. Being in the service should not mean juggling severe financial strain while doing the nation’s work. After years of subpar compensation, it’s high time for the military to receive the attention it deserves in the national budget. If Trump delivers on pay increases and better benefits, he could actually prove to be a hero in the eyes of America’s veterans rather than the proverbial ‘man in the office’ who just happens to wear a suit.
