Deliver the Military Pay Raise &

Protect Paycheck Security

BLUF: The President’s FY2027 budget proposes a well deserved tiered military pay raise—7% for E-5 and below, 6% for E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4 and above. AFSA urges Congress to enact this raise through the normal NDAA and appropriations process on time. At the same time, Congress should pass the Pay Our Troops Act to ensure that no matter what happens with the budget process, military paychecks are never at risk.

The Pay Raise

The FY2027 President’s Budget requests a substantial military pay raise:

• 7% for all servicemembers ranked E-5 and below
• 6% for ranks E-6 through O-3
• 5% for O-4 and above

This tiered structure recognizes that competitive compensation must reach every rank. Junior enlisted members face some of the steepest financial pressures—but every servicemember and military family deserves a raise that reflects the demands of their service. The budget describes this as an “enduring investment” in restoring and strengthening the force.

Why This Pay Raise Matters

• Recruiting and retention: The all-volunteer force depends on competitive pay. Military compensation must keep pace with the private sector and rising costs of living to attract and retain the talent our Air Force and Space Force need.
• Family financial stability: Military families face unique financial pressures—frequent moves, spouse employment challenges, and rising housing costs. A meaningful pay raise across all ranks provides relief where it’s needed most.
• Readiness: Financial stress is a readiness issue. Servicemembers who are worried about making ends meet are less focused on the mission. Competitive pay strengthens the force from the bottom up.
• Signal of commitment: After years of modest raises that barely kept up with inflation, a raise of this magnitude sends a clear message that the Nation values the service and sacrifice of its military members.

What Congress Must Do

• Enact the pay raise on time. Include the proposed tiered military pay raise in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act and fund it through full-year defense appropriations. Servicemembers and their families should not have to wait on a delayed budget process to receive the raise they have earned.
• Pass full-year appropriations on schedule. Continuing resolutions freeze pay at prior-year levels, meaning a CR would prevent the raise from taking effect. On-time appropriations are essential to delivering this increase to the force.

Paycheck Security: The Pay Our Troops Act

Even as Congress works to pass the pay raise on the normal legislative timeline, AFSA calls on lawmakers to provide a permanent safety net for military pay. The Pay Our Troops Act would ensure that servicemembers continue to receive their paychecks in the event of a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations.

• Military families should never be collateral damage. In every recent shutdown or near-shutdown, military families have faced the stress of not knowing whether their next paycheck would arrive. This is unacceptable.
• The Pay Our Troops Act provides a backstop. By guaranteeing continued pay for all uniformed servicemembers—including the Coast Guard, USPHS, and NOAA Corps—during any funding lapse, this legislation removes military paychecks from the political equation.
• Paycheck security supports the pay raise. Enacting such a well deserved pay raise means less if a future shutdown can freeze or delay its disbursement. The Pay Our Troops Act ensures that once a pay raise is enacted, servicemembers actually receive it—on time, every time.

AFSA Calls on Congress to Act

• Enact the proposed tiered military pay raise—7% for E-5 and below, 6% for E-6 to O-3, and 5% for O-4 and above—through the FY2027 NDAA and full-year appropriations.
• Pass full-year defense appropriations on time so the raise takes effect without delay.
• Pass the Pay Our Troops Act to permanently protect military paychecks from government shutdowns and ensure servicemembers are never used as leverage in budget disputes.