Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Money

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Expert: - 7/26/2004


Question
Do we receive any money while in basic training?  Like on the 1st and 15th of the month or is it not given until we are done.  I know our pay starts as soon as we get on the plane but when do we get our first pay into our band account.    Thanks

Answer
Greetings Nate -

Yes, you get paid while you are in basic training.  When I joined (too many years ago), they would give you $400 right off the bat, and you would sign up for direct deposit at the same time (it is required, so make sure you have some sort of savings or checking account before you go to Basic).

While there as an Airman Basic (E-1), you will receive $1,104.00 a month, paid on the 1st and 15th.  The first paycheck will be prorated for the number of days you spent on active duty that first month, minus whatever cash advance they give you when you first arrive.

After four months, your pay goes up to $1,193.40 a month.

Good luck in Basic.  If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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