ENLISTED BENEFITS

Pay increases with rank and time in service. You'll also receive a yearly cost-of-living increase. In addition to your basic military pay, you're eligible for tax-free housing and food allowances.

See Pay Chart.

Living expenses, including utilities and maintenance, are covered for Air Force members who choose to live in on-base housing/apartments. Based on rank and geographic location, a monthly tax-free housing allowance is provided for off-base residents.

Enlisted personnel receive daily food allowances, and single Airmen may opt to receive "Rations in Kind" meal accounts that allow them to eat as many as four meals a day in the on-base dining facility for free. These facilities provide a large selection of home-cooked meals along with a variety of fast-food options, too.

You'll also save by shopping at the tax-free, on-base department and grocery stores.

The federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) allows participants to place a portion of their monthly pay into an account similar to a 401(k) investment plan. The contributions are considered pretax dollars and therefore reduce the amount of income subject to tax, and the accounts grow tax-free. Enrollment is available when members first join the military and anytime thereafter. Unlike traditional military retirement, which requires a commitment of at least 20 years of active duty, money invested in the TSP belongs to individual members, no matter how many years they serve. Income contributed to the TSP is not taxed until withdrawn from the account. Withdrawal before age 59-1/2 may be subject to penalty; however, the TSP account can be rolled over into an IRA or another employer's retirement account.

You'll be eligible to retire after 20 years of service with the Air Force with no payroll deductions for its retirement plan. That is one of the earliest retirements around. All Airmen are also eligible for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

The Air Force offers excellent benefits and competitive insurance rates. You'll also receive comprehensive medical and dental care. In addition, you'll get full pay and allowances for any sick days you may need to take, and we offer low-cost life insurance up to $400,000. Family members may receive medical care at military or civilian facilities through various options for little or no cost.

The Air Force is committed to education, and you'll have the opportunity to take your training as far as you'd like, on or off base. Plus if you're stationed overseas or stateside, your children can attend excellent schools on base.

Wherever you go, you'll find social activities and recreational programs geared to the interests of each family member. Enlisted clubs feature a full calendar of social events for members, spouses and guests. Bases sponsor youth activities, including teen functions, and they generally have youth centers where children can spend time in a safe environment. Most Air Force bases have golf courses, arts and crafts facilities, bowling alleys, tennis courts and swimming pools.

How does 30 days of vacation with pay per year sound? Air Force personnel can travel for a nominal fee on military aircraft on a space-available basis. If your destination is near a military facility, you can enjoy hotel-quality lodging on base for as little as $6 a night.

Now, some of the most rewarding careers in the world are even more promising. Along with tax-free allowances, the ability to earn 30 days of vacation with pay per year, free housing and excellent benefits, you could score a signing bonus of as much as $13,000 depending on your career field! To find out which careers offer a bonus, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.