February 28, 2014

More than 4,500 current servicemembers and their spouses participated in a MOAA survey promoted by Military.com on compensation, training, and equipment.

Overall, more than 60 percent of recipients indicated their military compensation package failed to properly compensate them.

Two-thirds of respondents said their basic pay is the aspect of compensation they’re least satisfied with. Servicemembers are most satisfied with their health care and education benefits.

Some 57 percent of respondents are worried that budget cuts will force them into early retirement or separation from service, and 72 percent worry that budget cuts will slash their pay and retirement.

When asked which aspect of compensation they would most like to see protected from budget cuts, an overwhelming majority indicated basic pay and housing allowance. Unfortunately, both of these are under attack in the FY 2015 budget proposal.

More than 70 percent of servicemembers believe they are adequately trained and equipped to carry out mission requirements, but almost half are concerned that future levels of training and equipment will be unsatisfactory due to budget constraints.

MOAA thanks all those who participated in this survey.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff GEN Martin Dempsey asked servicemembers to share their thoughts on the FY 2015 budget submission. We encouraged you to share your thoughts with him via his Facebook page.