Getting Settled

You’re learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management is an important one. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. Remember: It’s your money, so make the most of it by creating a spending plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.

As an active-duty service member, you receive many benefits and entitlements like free access to Military OneSource services and support. One of the primary benefits to working in the military is a steady paycheck and tax-free allowances. Here’s a summary of the different military pay elements you might see on your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement.

As someone who cares about a service member, you may have questions about how the military ensures equal opportunity and acceptance of individual differences among all its members. The DOD has taken steps to root out bias, ensure the military reflects the nation’s diversity and promote an environment in which every member is treated with dignity and respect.

If you’d like to change specialties and try something new, there are steps you can take to find a new position as you continue your service.

Every year, thousands of foreign-born service members and their family members become U.S. naturalized citizens. Learn more about steps to become a U.S. citizen and how you can use your military service to speed up the process and save money for processing fees.