5 Ways Drill Pay Works

Introduction to Drill Pay

Drill pay is a type of payment made to military personnel who are part of the reserve components, including the National Guard and the Reserve. It is paid to soldiers who attend drill weekends and other training events throughout the year. The drill pay system can be complex, with various factors affecting the amount of money a soldier receives. In this article, we will explore the five ways drill pay works, including how it is calculated, the different types of drill pay, and the factors that affect the amount of money a soldier receives.

Calculation of Drill Pay

Drill pay is calculated based on a soldier’s rank and the number of drill periods they attend. A drill period is a four-hour block of time, and soldiers typically attend two drill periods per day on a drill weekend. The pay for each drill period is based on the soldier’s rank and the number of years they have served. The pay scale is as follows:

Rank	Pay per Drill Period
Private (E-1)	54.49</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Private First Class (E-2)</td> <td>63.72
Specialist/Corporal (E-4)	94.95</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sergeant (E-5)</td> <td>114.45
Staff Sergeant (E-6)	$141.63

As shown in the table, the pay per drill period increases with rank and time in service.

Types of Drill Pay

There are several types of drill pay, including: * Basic Drill Pay: This is the standard pay for attending drill weekends and other training events. * Special Duty Pay: This is pay for soldiers who perform special duties, such as serving as a drill instructor or recruiter. * Hazardous Duty Pay: This is pay for soldiers who perform hazardous duties, such as handling explosives or working with hazardous materials. * Flight Pay: This is pay for soldiers who are part of the aviation community and fly aircraft. * Special Pay: This is pay for soldiers who perform special duties, such as serving as a linguist or working in a special operations unit.

Factors Affecting Drill Pay

Several factors can affect the amount of drill pay a soldier receives, including: * Rank: As mentioned earlier, rank is a major factor in determining drill pay. * Time in Service: The longer a soldier has served, the higher their pay will be. * Number of Drill Periods: The more drill periods a soldier attends, the more pay they will receive. * Type of Duty: Soldiers who perform special or hazardous duties may receive higher pay. * Location: Soldiers who serve in certain locations, such as in a combat zone, may receive higher pay.

Drill Pay and Benefits

Drill pay is not just about the money; it also comes with several benefits, including: * Health Insurance: Soldiers who receive drill pay are eligible for health insurance through the military. * Retirement Benefits: Soldiers who receive drill pay are eligible for retirement benefits, including a pension and access to the GI Bill. * Education Benefits: Soldiers who receive drill pay are eligible for education benefits, including access to the GI Bill and other education assistance programs. * Home Loan Guarantees: Soldiers who receive drill pay are eligible for home loan guarantees, which can help them purchase a home.

💡 Note: Drill pay is subject to change, and soldiers should check with their unit or the military's website for the most up-to-date information.

In summary, drill pay is a complex system that takes into account a soldier’s rank, time in service, and type of duty. There are several types of drill pay, and factors such as location and special duties can affect the amount of pay a soldier receives. Drill pay also comes with several benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, education benefits, and home loan guarantees. Overall, drill pay is an important part of a soldier’s compensation package, and understanding how it works is essential for making informed decisions about their military career.