Army looks to reclassify soldiers over kicking them out
The vast majority of enlisted soldiers who want to re-enlist during the coming drawdown will be allowed to do so, but they may have to change specialties to stay in service, according to the Army’s chief personnel officer.
“We know we may have to do involuntary separations during this drawdown, but over the next three years, about 95 percent of the enlisted soldiers who want to re-enlist will be eligible,” said Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, the Army personnel chief. “Now the problem is that some of the soldiers who want to re-enlist in their current military occupational specialty, will either have to leave service or re-enlist in an MOS that is not their top choice. There will be some shifting among MOSs, locations and getting the school days needed to [reclassify].”
Pentagon pay raise goal: Just 1 percent in 2014
Troops’ paychecks will grow next year — but perhaps not as much as expected.
The Pentagon will recommend a 1 percent pay raise for service members in 2014 — only slightly more than half of what was expected, and the smallest pay bump in the 40 years of the all-volunteer force.
Under current law, which calls for military raises to match |private-sector wage growth, the projected 2014 military raise would be 1.8 percent.
For many troops, even a 1 percent increase would amount to several hundred dollars more per year — roughly $240 for an average E-3; $360 to $400 for a midcareer E-6; $700 for an O-3; and close to $1,200 for an O-6.
Budget: Army official details looming gaps in gear, training
A cash-strapped Congress looking to reduce the deficit has dealt the Army a “devastating” $18 billion shortfall that is stripping the service of the equipment and training it needs to carry out its mission.
A senior Army official with in-depth knowledge of the Army budget provided Army Times with an exclusive look at cuts coming in the next six months. These are no longer dire predictions of what could be. These cuts are in the works. Unless Congress comes through, by October:
* Four out of five brigade combat teams will be unable and unprepared to meet the needs of combatant commanders. Combat Training Center rotations and joint exercises will be canceled.
For all the details, pick up this week’s issue of Army Times or read it online at armytimes.com.
