Basic Training Pay.....?

Question

Okay, my boyfriend is currently is basic training. I have all his info to check his bank account and see when he gets paid and stuff. Well he got paid for the first time, but why isn't it the full amount that an E2(his rank) makes?

Answer 1

Because he is not considered an E2 until after he graduates, you are not considered in the military until after graduation, you are considered a recuit, plus when you are in basic you also have to pay for a lot of things that they will take out of your pay, the only way of knowing what he is really making is by seeing his LES Leave and Earning Statement. I want to say that basic traing pay is only like 1000 or 1100 a month,but that was 6 years ago.

Answer 2

The first few times they get paid, at least this is the way it used to be, will be less b/c they take out money to put on a type of debit card for them that can be used at the PX to buy things like proper tennis shoes, toiletries, etc. A lot of new recruits don't open an account until they get to basic, which means they would not have access to money for these items for a couple of weeks. Doing it this way allows them to purchase necessities immediately.  

Answer 3

Because it depends on when he came in the Army.  He could be getting a partial paycheck for that month.  Also, he was given an advance pay which is on a type of credit card that he receives at reception.  This is normally used to buy things that he will need throughout basic training, such as toiletries, shoes etc., so that comes out of that first check as well.  Plus elections such as the GI Bill taxes and everything, he'd probably be making around $300-$400 per pay period, maybe a little bit more.  First paycheck is always low, the rest should be regular.  If they are not, he needs to tell his Drill Sergeant who will take him to the S-1 or finance and he will get his pay squared away.