What do you think of the personnel and pay system overhauls proposed by DOD?

2015-08-11T13:52:08-04:00

There are proposals coming from within the Pentagon, from Congress, and from other sources suggesting fundamental changes to the Military personnel system.

What will be the effect of the proposed changes? Will they improve national defense? Will they elevate the caliber of Service-member?

The proposals include:

- Bringing in civilian professionals into mid- and senior-grade positions in uniform

- Creating special incentives for desired skill sets

- Adopting a cash bonus system to incentivize "top performers" to stay in the Military

- Changing the periodic pay increase times to a flexible design

- Significantly altering the Military retirement system

- Ending or decreasing the "up-or-out" system of separation

- Allowing Service-members (only officers?) to take leaves of absence to work in the private sector

- Terminating the joint billet requirements for senior officers

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/pay/allowances/2015/08/07/force-future-pay-tables-reform/31226597/

New military pay tables, performance bonuses in play

The ambitions effort to overhaul the military personnel system underway inside the Pentagon could result in big changes to the way troops are paid,

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-08-11T15:26:26-04:00

Tough question. I'm all for Carson's desire to reform the military compensation system. It's in need of an overhaul. The armed forces are broke and will likely see additional reductions in the future. I'm weary of the bonus system in particular as it can lead to good ol'boy payments. Retirement, leaves of absence, new retention initiatives, I'm all for these programs.

Truly, until I see what the final product looks like, I will reserve judgement. But the fact that we're seeking to change a presently broken and outdated system and bringing military compensation into the 21st century is a step in the right direction.