Pay Raise For Military

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2004 -- The 3.5 percent pay raise provided for in the 2005
Defense Appropriations Bill shows the U.S. government and the American people
are committed to supporting their military forces, DoD's top personnel official
said today.

"It's a strong signal of the country's support for the men and women in
uniform," David S. C. Chu, undersecretary for personnel and readiness, said
during an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon
Channel.

This year's appropriations bill also brings to zero the average out-of-pocket
housing expenses paid by military members. Five years ago, officials estimated
housing allowances paid to military members covered only 81 percent on average
of what most military members actually paid. In January 2000, then-Defense
Secretary William Cohen pledged to reduce that percentage every year. Since
then, officials have kept that pledge.

Chu explained today that the housing allowances now cover 100 percent of the
average housing costs for individuals, based on DoD estimates of rent rates in
various areas and what size and type of housing individuals of various ranks
and family situations should be entitled to.

"We're committed to keeping it that way," he said.

Chu also stressed that it's vital to recognize the sacrifices of National Guard
and Reserve servicemembers in the war on terrorism. "We shouldn't differentiate
(between active and reserve troops)," he said. "If you're on active duty,
you're on active duty" regardless of how you got there.

Enhanced access to health care for reserve-component servicemembers and their
families and improved education benefits enacted or proposed since the war on
terrorism began help highlight America's commitment to these forces, Chu said.

In particular, President Bush announced today that he supports improving G.I.
Bill education benefits for reserve-component servicemembers activated for an
extended period of time. The change would make the benefit for activated
reservists more on par with the benefit active-duty forces are entitled to, Chu
said.

"I think the country is recognizing the importance of our Guard and Reserve
force by these changes," he said. "We recognize that we're asking them to do
something difficult – leaving their families, leaving their homes, often in
inconvenient times, sometimes at a significant financial sacrifice.

"We appreciate that," he continued. "And we want to be sure that we ease that
transition and make it as seamless as possible for people."

The undersecretary also offered a personal message directly to the men and
women in American's armed forces.

"You around the world are doing a superb job for this country, often under very
difficult circumstances, often away from your loved ones," Chu said. "We
appreciate the sacrifice you're making. We thank you for that service. We want
to do our very best by you and provide the kind of support that makes this a
superb career choice for you and your family."