Types of Pay

Basic Pay: All active duty National Guard or Reserve members receive basic pay. It is the bulk of their pay, and it’s based on rank and length of service.

Incentive or Special Pay: National Guard or Reserve members are paid specific pay or allowances if their duty regularly exposes them to increased risk. Examples includes hazardous duty pay, flight pay, hostile fire pay

Types of Allowances

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): A basic allowance is granted to all active duty National Guard or Reserve officers and enlisted members who do not eat at the service dining facilities. National Guard or Reserve members who eat meals provided by service dining facilities receive partial BAS. BAS is the same, regardless of the number of dependents you may have. BAS is not subject to income tax.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): If National Guard or Reserve members live on a military installation and adequate housing is not available, they may receive an allowance for housing. National Guard or Reserve members who live in government housing do not receive BAH. The BAH is based on your rank and whether or not you have any dependents. It is also available to National Guard or Reserve members with 140 days or more of active duty who live in non-government housing in areas that have a high cost of living. BAH is not subject to income tax.

Uniform Allowance: Officers are given an initial allowance for uniforms. Enlisted service members are issued uniforms when they join the service, and are given a yearly allowance to replace worn uniforms. This allowance is usually given on the service member’s anniversary.

Useful Resources for Military Money Matters