Setting Military Compensation to Support Recruitment, Retention, and Performance

Abstract

This RAND Arroyo Center report describes the role of military compensation as a strategic human resource tool. The author reviews how well compensation works in this capacity and how it could be improved. The report considers issues related to the level and growth of military pay, the structure of the basic pay table, the role of special and incentive pay, and the structure of the military retirement system, especially the new Blended Retirement System.