When Do You Get Paid in the Army?
Understand the predictable pay schedule and disbursement methods for U.S. Army personnel, from initial training through ongoing service.
The Army provides a structured compensation system to offer service members regular and predictable financial support. This helps individuals and their families manage daily expenses. Understanding military pay, its consistent schedule, and how it is received helps new recruits and current service members navigate their financial landscape.
Army Pay Schedule
Active duty Army personnel receive their pay on a consistent bi-monthly schedule. Payments are typically disbursed on the 1st and the 15th of each month. This predictable schedule allows service members to effectively manage their finances and plan for recurring expenses. If a payday falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is typically processed on the preceding business day. This ensures that funds are available before the actual pay date, preventing delays due to non-business days. This consistent approach to pay dates is managed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), which oversees military payroll.
Initial Pay During Basic Training
New recruits begin accruing pay from their first day of service at basic training. While pay accrues immediately, the first payment might experience a slight administrative delay as records are established. It can take a few weeks for the payroll system to process new enlistments. Recruits commonly receive their initial payment within a few weeks into basic training, often as a lump sum that includes all accrued pay from their start date. Some recruits may also receive a prepaid card with a small amount, such as $350, for immediate personal item purchases, which is later deducted from their earnings. This initial period covers administrative setup before the regular bi-monthly schedule takes full effect.
How Army Pay is Disbursed
The primary method for receiving Army pay is through direct deposit. This electronic transfer system is the standard and virtually exclusive way service members receive their earnings. Direct deposit ensures that funds are securely and promptly credited to a soldier’s designated bank or credit union account. This method reduces the risk of lost or stolen checks and generally provides faster access to funds. Service members can access and manage their pay information through the myPay online portal, operated by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). This secure platform allows individuals to view their Leave and Earnings Statements (LES), review deductions, and make updates to their direct deposit information.