December
27, 2006: The U.S. Army wants to modify combat pay so that those who have spent
more time in combat, get more money to reflect that. This would be done by
adjusting combat pay for rank, and the amount of time one has already spent in
combat. Currently, combat pay is $225 a month. In addition, all your pay, for
time spent in combat, is not taxable. Everyone, regardless of rank or length of
service, gets the same $225. The new rules would increase the combat pay
depending on rank, and previous time spent in combat. The army is still trying
to come up with numbers that it can get approved by Congress. This new system
is meant to help keep the most experienced combat leaders in service, and
provide a bonus that recognizes that value in a tangible form. This proposed
system tries to deal with the fact that the war on terror will be a long one,
and will require many career troops to spend a lot of time in combat zones.
