Marines, let's break down what Regular Military Compensation (RMC) means. RMC is more than just a paycheck; it’s the total package of compensation that supports Marines and their families during their service. Here’s a rundown of what’s included, so Marines know exactly what their earning and how it benefits each Marine. Components of a Marine's Military Pay 1. Basic Pay First up is Basic Pay, which is the biggest slice of a Marine's compensation. This is determined by the Marine's rank and their years of service, and it’s the foundation of what each Marine earn. 2. Allowances Marines also receive several allowances that are tax-free. These are designed to help cover specific needs:
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): This helps cover the service members food expenses. MCO 10110.47A "BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR SUBSISTENCE (BAS) AND MEAL CARD PROGRAM"
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Designed to assist Marines with rental housing costs. The BAH Rate is determined by the Marine's Rank and their Dependent Status.
Clothing Allowances:
Clothing Replacement Allowance: An annual payment for enlisted Marines to replace uniforms.
Supplemental Clothing Allowance: An annual payment for those Marines in special assignments.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment to reimburse Marines for moving expenses, which varies by rank and family size.
Family Separation Allowance (FSA): If Marines are away from their families, a monthly payment of $250 is paid to compensate for expenses during the period the Marine is seperated from their family.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): A taxable allowance for Marines in high-cost areas, both in the Continental U.S. (CONUS) COLA and Overseas (OCONUS) COLA.
Basic Needs Allowance (BNA): A monthly allowance for eligible Marines whose household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Further information can be founder under the BNA tap of this page.
Tax Advantages Marines, don’t forget about the tax advantages that come with your compensation! While basic pay and some S&I pays are taxable, allowances (like BAH and BAS) aren’t subject to federal taxes. Plus, if a Marine is deployed in a combat zone, they might qualify for the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE), which can exempt a good chunk of their earnings from federal taxes. 3. Retirement Plans Marines, planning for the future? There are three primary retirement plans all Marines should know about:
Blended Retirement System (BRS): This blends a defined benefit with a contribution to a Marine's Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). If a Marine joined after January 1, 2018, this is the plan. It’s also an option for those who enlisted earlier. Further information can be found under the BRS Tab of this page.
High-36 Plan: For those Marines who entered service between September 8, 1980, and January 1, 2018. This plan bases their retirement on the highest 36 months of pay.
REDUX Plan: An optional plan for those Marines who joined after July 31, 1986, which includes a bonus at the 15-year mark and a defined benefit.
4. Additional Benefits A Marine's compensation package includes a range of additional benefits that enhance their service experience:
Medical and Dental Insurance: Free for Marines, and low-cost for their family.
Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI): Low-cost life insurance up to $500,000.
Post 9/11 GI Bill: If a Marine served on active duty after September 10, 2001, this could cover up to 48 months of education benefits, including tuition and housing.
Paid Leave: Marines earn various types of paid leave:
Annual Leave: 30 days a year.
Convalescent Leave: For recovery from medical issues.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks for new parents.
Bereavement Leave: Up to 14 days for the death of an immediate family member.
Conclusion Regular Military Compensation (RMC) is a comprehensive package designed to support Marines and their families while during their service. Understanding these components helps Marines appreciate the full value of what they earn, including not just the pay, but also the allowances and benefits that come with military life and service. * If fillable fields are still not working, manually filled and signed forms are acceptable. Please follow these steps and contact your local IT/communications support network prior to contacting Manpower Personnel Policy on electronic form issues.
The Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. The opt-in period for the majority of service members closed Dec. 31, 2018. MCBul 1800 "Blended Retirement System (BRS) Policy"
Continuation Pay (CP) is a cash incentive for BRS participants. CP is offered during the midpoint of a Marine’s career to ensure retention of Marines for force management purposes. For BRS CP Election Procedures, Eligibility Criteria, and/or additional information can be found in the McBul 1800 "BRS Policy" (Link Above). Statement of Understanding (SoU) Active Component (AC) & Active Reserve (AR): NAVMC 11905 pdf Reserve Component (RC) | Selected Reserve (SelRes): NAVMC 11908 pdf CP Financial Awareness Training Personal Financial Management (mccs.org) * If fillable fields are still not working, manually filled and signed forms are acceptable. Please follow these steps and contact your local IT/communications support network prior to contacting Manpower Personnel Policy on electronic form issues.
The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) helps ensure Marines and their families can secure affordable basic needs. The BNA program provides a monthly allowance to Marines who voluntarily apply for BNA and whose gross household income (GHI) and household size places them below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for their permanent duty station (PDS) location. BNA is payable to eligible Marines for months beginning on and after January 1, 2023. DoD Instruction 1341.15 "Basic Needs Allowance" MARADMINs (Below on this page)
BNA Page 11 Example: BNA Page 11 Example
BNA Application Guidance: BNA Application Guidance
BNA Calculator 150% FPG: BNA Calculator 150% FPG
Member BNA Application 150% FPG Package: BNA Application Package
Verifying Official Certification Template: Verifying Official Certification Template
OFFICE OF FINANCIAL READINESS: Basic Needs Allowance Policy
Frequently Asked Questions: Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) – Frequently Asked Questions
Documents
USMC BNA Monthly Report 2022 Poverty Guidelines 2023 Poverty Guidelines