This Is an ‘Embarrassment’: White House Blasted for Opposing 19.5% Pay Increase for Junior Enlisted Troops

By: Sam Watanuki | Last updated: Jun 28, 2024

The military is currently experiencing a severe recruitment crisis, described as a “once in a generation” challenge. In response, a proposed 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted troops has been put forward to help mitigate this issue.

However, the White House has expressed strong opposition to this proposal.

Veterans' Criticism

Veterans on Duty chairman Jeremy Hunt has been vocal about his disapproval of the White House’s stance.

Advertisement
A photograph of the U.S. National Guard showing the boots and pants of several soldiers in a row

Source: iStock

He argues that increasing pay is crucial for addressing the recruitment crisis and supporting troops who are struggling financially.

White House's Position

The White House has stated that it “strongly opposes” the significant, permanent change to the basic pay schedule before the completion of the Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation.

Advertisement
The White House seen at night with its lights on.

Source: Tabrez Syed/Unsplash

They assert their commitment to supporting service members but believe this change is premature.

Inflation and Financial Struggles

Since President Biden took office, inflation has risen by 20%, exacerbating the financial struggles of junior enlisted troops.

Advertisement
A photograph of a spreadsheet with various numbers that says “Inflation” with an upwards arrow

Source: Shutterstock

Hunt highlights that many of these service members live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to provide for their families amidst rising living costs.

Comparison to Student Loan Forgiveness

Hunt criticizes the administration’s decision to approve over $100 billion in student loan forgiveness while opposing the military pay raise.

Advertisement
five students walking together

Source: Freepic.diller, Freepik

He calls this disparity “truly remarkable” and argues that supporting the troops should be a priority.

Support from Lawmakers

Members of both parties in the House Armed Services Committee support the pay raise.

Advertisement
Two Person in Long-sleeved Shirt Shakehand

Source: Cytonn Photography/Pexels

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) notes that the increase is essential for helping junior enlisted troops afford housing and improving recruitment and retention rates.

Advertisement

Recruitment Shortfalls

The Department of Defense reports significant recruitment shortfalls for the 2023 fiscal year: the Army missed its goal by 23.4%, the Navy by 19.8%, and the Air Force by 10.7%.

Advertisement
An image of several US Navy soldiers dressed in uniform

Source: Wikimedia

These figures convey a pretty significant sense of urgency in addressing pay and conditions for junior enlisted troops.

Advertisement

Impact on Recruitment and Retention

Increasing pay for junior enlisted troops is seen as a vital step to improve recruitment and retention.

Advertisement
Several US Soldiers dressed in full gear

Source: Freepik

Adequate compensation would — at the very least — make military service more inticing and help retain those already serving.

Advertisement

Hunt's Personal Experience

Hunt, a former platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division, shared that several of his soldiers struggled financially.

Advertisement
A man holds his head in his hands, clearly stressed, while pushing a cart through a grocery store

Source: Depositphotos

He emphasizes that this issue remains prevalent and needs urgent attention from lawmakers and the administration.

Advertisement

Broader Economic Context

The rising cost of living, particularly in housing, has put additional financial pressure on junior enlisted troops.

Advertisement
A photograph of numerous American bills

Source: Freepik

The proposed pay raise aims to alleviate these burdens and support service members in meeting their basic needs.

Advertisement

The Need for Immediate Action

Critics argue that waiting for the completion of the compensation review is not an option.

Advertisement
Soldiers stand saluting during the national anthem for the redeployment ceremony at Marshall Army AirField

Source: Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

Immediate action is necessary to support troops and address the recruitment crisis effectively.

Advertisement

A Call to Prioritize Troops

The debate over the pay raise highlights a broader discussion about the nation’s priorities.

Advertisement
An image of several Navy Seals landing on a beach

Source: Wikimedia

Ensuring that those who serve are adequately compensated and supported is crucial for maintaining a strong and effective military force.

Advertisement

Investing in the Future of the Military

“There is no investment more important than the one we make in the men and women who serve in our all-volunteer force,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said in a statement after the bill passed.

Advertisement
A person handing another a ten-dollar bill.

Source: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

He continued, saying, “We cannot kick the can down the road when it comes to providing for our service members.”

Advertisement

Improving the Quality of Life

“By improving the quality of life of our service members and their families, Democrats and Republicans in the committee sent a clear message: We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the strongest, most diverse fighting force,” House Armed Services Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash.

Advertisement
Man Standing On Stage Facing An American Flag

Source: Brett Sayles/Pexels

The pay hike for E-1s through e-4s and a 4.5% raise for all service members will also help families as they can access more health care and child care.

Advertisement

Other Amendments Included in the Bill

The bill for a 19.5% pay raise is getting blasted in a culture war after House Republicans added amendments to roll back Pentagon policies on abortion and LGBTQ+ service members.

Advertisement
A woman looking confused at a phone

Source: Alex Green/Pexels

This is the second year in a row that the House has approved a version of the NDAA, which most party members use to target their ongoing agendas. While the original bill focuses on much-needed military quality-of-life improvements, the bill has been hijacked and opposed by the White House.

Advertisement

The Bill’s Ill-Intent 

However, the bill had measures that many party members criticized as they targeted specific minority groups in the military.

Advertisement
Four Soldiers Carrying Rifles Near Helicopter Under Blue Sky

Source: Somchai Kongkamsri/Pexels

“The adoption of poison pill amendments attacking reproductive health care, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color undermines the purpose of the defense bill by demeaning service members and degrading our national defense,” they said in the statement (via Military).

Advertisement

Pushing Back on Women’s Reproductive Rights

However, the bill passed in the House in a 217-199 vote. Among the amendments that Republicans approved could reverse the Pentagon’s year-one policy of covering leave and travel for service members seeking abortions.

Advertisement
Photo Of Three Soldiers

Source: Rosemary Ketchum/Pexels

This measure comes two years after Roe v. Wade was controversially overturned by the US Supreme Court.

Advertisement

Removing Health Care for Transgender Military Persons

Another amendment that was approved in the bill was to bar the Pentagon from covering gender-affirmation health care for transgender troops and their dependents.

Advertisement
Nurse works in a hospital surrounded by modern machines

Source: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Currently,  the government provides a health care program for service members, retirees, and their families worldwide to help provide comprehensive coverage, health plans, special programs, prescriptions, and dental plans.

Advertisement

Targeting Diversity Initiatives 

Republicans also targeted diversity initiatives that have been introduced into the military like the DEI, which ensures commanders and leaders are being inclusive in their decisions, actions, and admissions which provide equal opportunities and access to all.

Advertisement
Man Wearing Combat Hat And Top Looking Up Near Flag Of America

Source: Sharefaith Sharefaith/Pexels

However, Republicans in the House passed amendments that would eliminate any military diversity office, fire the program’s staff, and institute a permanent hiring freeze on diversity-related jobs.

Advertisement

Proposing to Bring Back a Confederate Memorial

There was one area where conservative lawmakers fell short. The bill proposed putting back the Confederate memorial that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery last year.

Advertisement
A bronze memorial of a Confederate solider

Source: Arlington National Cemetery

The Confederate monument was removed after a national campaign gained momentum after the murder of George Floyd and the destruction of several monuments by protesters.

Advertisement

Moving Up to the Senate

All of these amendments – both proposed, passed, and opposed – had largely been discussed and negotiated with the Democrat-controlled Senate. The most controversial measures were scrapped from the final bill that became law.

Advertisement
A photograph of a crumpled U.S. flag

Source: Freepik

The most divisive amendments were not included in the bill advanced by the Senate Armed Service Committee this week. “My gut tells me that the final bill will look a little bit more like the Senate version than the House version,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said.

Advertisement

Increasing the Military Budget

During debates about its NDAA, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment from Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., that endorses a $25 billion increase to the defense budget.

Advertisement
A photograph of several American $100 bills

Source: Freepik

This increase will add to the Biden administration’s request for fiscal 2025 and the level required under budget caps approved by Congress last year.

Advertisement

Currently Military Budget

According to USA Facts, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested $842 billion for 2024, which helped the DoD support the world’s third-largest military with nearly 1.3 million active-duty troops.

Advertisement
A military helicopter flying through the sky

Source: Somchai Kongkamsri/Pexels

How the money is spent on each military department is clarified each year in the defense budget, which is shared with the public.

Advertisement

Why Some Voted Against the Bill

However, some of the amendments proposed threaten to break laws.  “I regret that I needed to vote against passage of this bill because it includes a funding increase that cannot be appropriated without breaking lawful spending caps and causing unintended harm to our military,” Reed said in a statement.

Advertisement
Faceless black man showing stop gesture with crossed hands

Source: Monstera Productio/Pexels

“I appreciate the need for greater defense spending to ensure our national security, but I cannot support this approach.”

Advertisement