How does getting paid in basic training work?

If you just joined the US Army, you probably have a big question: how do I get paid during US Army basic training? It’s a pretty simple process, but there are some important things you need to know.

Military members are paid twice a month – the 1st, and the 15th. Keep in mind that if you get to training before the 10th of the month, you will get paid on a regular schedule (the 15th of the month), but if you get there after the 10th, you will not be paid until the 1st of the next month. This is simply to keep everybody on the same pay schedule – you will not be paid any more or less than everyone else in your pay rank.

You will need to have two things handy: your accounting number where you would like the money to be deposited, and also the routing number for your specific bank. This way, your funds can be directly deposited into your account. At some basic training facilities, new recruits are given a debit card to use to access your basic training allowences.

For most jobs, you can access a pay stub to see how much you earned for a pay period. Instead of a pay stub, members of the military are able to check a website called MyPay. This is more or less like viewing a pay stub, but it’s just for military members.

Basic training pay rates are pretty straightforward. Members of the military are entitled to “base pay”. This depends on two factors: your rank, and how long you have been in the military. You should consult your recruiter for the exact amount you will be paid, but generally the pay for an E1 recruit is roughly $1,491 a month.

Do you have dependents of any kind? This means that you are entitled to a monthly housing allowance for them. You will also get something called a “monthly separation allowance” if you are away from your family for longer than thirty days. This will be in addition to your basic training pay.

If you have any more specific questions about the pay process, your recruiter will be able to give you the details, but the process is generally straightforward and easy.