Military Pay & Benefits Blog

Expert analysis of military compensation, housing allowances, and financial readiness.

O-3 Pay: Complete Officer Pay Guide by Branch & Service

2026-06-29

O-3 is the first senior officer rank across the military branches. Learn exactly what O-3s earn in 2026 — base pay by years of service, BAH by location, BAS, special pays, and total compensation across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

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E-5 Pay: Complete E-5 Military Pay Guide by Branch

2026-06-29

E-5 is the most populated rank in the military. Learn exactly what E-5s earn in 2026 — base pay by years of service, BAH by location, BAS, special pays, and total compensation across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

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Blended Retirement System (BRS) vs High-3: Which Wins?

2026-06-28

Trying to figure out whether the Blended Retirement System or the legacy High-3 retirement plan is better for your military career? This guide breaks down both systems side by side with real dollar calculations, TSP matching details, and a decision framework for every service member.

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BAH Rates by Location: Complete Duty Station Housing Guide

2026-07-02

BAH rates vary dramatically by duty station — from $1,200/month at Fort Sill to over $4,000/month in San Francisco. See the complete 2026 BAH rates for every major CONUS base, learn how the DoD calculates your housing allowance, and use our BAH calculator to find your exact rate by rank, zip code, and dependency status.

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