Ok, I know there are lots of differences between military and civilians and I can understand most of them but this one drives me crazy…
Why is it that the girl who just got here has a housing cap of 2700 pounds and mine is 1250 pounds?

We are equal when you compare the two rank/grades… She has no kids, I have four… she has only been working for the military 4 years, I have been in for 17…

Ok I understand they get a better housing allowance, but way more than double mine… I am looking at the houses she is looking at and man it is a huge difference…

So my question is why such a big gap? 

Can't tell ya man.....but holy crap, talk about a Grand Canyon of a gap! 

She is probably a GS-12 or higher and came over here on her own orders. I am a GS-5 (only) married to military so I can never take orders for myself and have to be on his. If I ever get up to a higher GS rating there is a maybe but I doubt it.

She may have a degree, her rating maybe high enough to where she is probably the equivalant to a Lt Col thus the higher pay.

I know it is completely stupid and totally agree with you. Sorry, I am not of much help. 

She is a GS-11, and FYY a LT Col only gets around 1800 pounds... and don't get me started on the weight they are allowed to ship. 

Is she being truthful with you? 

Oh yes, there are two people in m office and the both get the same housing cap.

I also know how much it cost to rent their house; I helped the one girl pick out her house.

Don't get me wrong, it is not her fault. If I was getting paid that money I would be doing the same thing. 

Bobby...where are you getting four years from? Are you just thinking the last few she has spent in Japan? Cause she has been around longer then that. She is extremely qualified for the job, which is why she was chosen for the position over several other qualified applicants. That whole career field will be civies eventually so get your degree and become one of them when you retire in a few years instead of moaning about how sad and unfair it is. 

It's still "sad & unfair" when we are talking about the MILITARY paying more and offering MORE to a civilian doing the same job that the Active Duty member was MILITARY trained to do. For all you Civies out there....you'll just never understand what it feels like to do a 20 Mile road march on your way to Rites of Passage. The day you become a real "Soldier". The Army does it this way....not sure what the USAF does. The USMC has "The Crucible".

Regardless, it is just disheartening to go through the hard knocks of the military for all those years only to see a Civilian graduate high-school, spend 4 years in college then BOOM! They get paid more than you, in a career field that is quickly becoming completely civilian ran.

Pretty soon they'll open up Infantry to civilians.....and they'll make 6 figures. I've got a buddy that is a DAC and he get paid BIG money, plus he gets to wear the uniform. No BCT, no AIT.....just college. It should be more "level" if you ask me. 

I'm a GS12 and I don;t get any housing. But I'm not self sponsered.


DODDS is where it's at. They get bank for housing. 

Paddle, I spent 7 years AD so I know just how annoying it can be when those brand new fresh out college types come in acting as though there sh** don't stink. But this is not the case.
The women in question is hardly a young cookie to the military, she has spent years as a dependent following her now retired husband around. During this time she has managed to work her way up to the position she has now EARNED on her own. THis is not a case of "sad and unfair" she has worked hard and should be respected for that. 

Mitch she is not DODDs...But yes DODDs is a wonderful place to get into but very HARD 

Only if by level you mean increasing pay for military. Because decrease the civi pay and you wont get as many qualified applicants applying. 

And if you drink the koolaid that us AF civilians are offered when you first come on board, there is no direct correlation between military and civilian ranks.


A GS12 is supposedely not the equivilant of an O4. 

But I'm a GS12 and GS15 is the highest before you get into the Executive pay scales.


Now those have the same ranks as O7's and above. You are supposed to stand when they enter a room.


Not bloody likely. 

Only if by level you mean increasing pay for military.

Exactly what I'm saying! I was never a fan of "Dubya" but he did give the military a raise every year. Obama....nope. The wife is pretty bummed out about that.

Now those have the same ranks as O7's and above. You are supposed to stand when they enter a room.

For REAL!? I'd be sitting on my rump....that's crazy. Do they have some sort of actual "rank" pinned somewhere? No? Then I ain't standing. Lol.

Sourpatchkids - I remember seeing a "DAC" for the first time. I was like "What the hell?" I was looking for a rank but there was none to be found. Then I saw the little medal that hangs from the front breast pocket "Department of Army Civilian". Mind you this was back in the BDU days of the Army. Not sure if they still get to wear the uniform still.

It always bothered me cause when shopping for new Class A's they have a tag on them that says "Soldiers of Distinction". Where do the DACs fit into that slogan? However, it is a VERY good option to get out of AD only to get your old job back as a civie! My Brother from a different Mother is planning on doing that. Cha-Ching! 

I am sorry but I messed up on my first message... Yes, she had been around for over 14 years, I did not double check my writing, I missed the 1. I use spell check a lot but spell check did not pick that up.

Honestly, it is not about the person, she is great very well qualified and I look forward knowing her as a friend. I am glad to have her here. =-)

Like I said I would do the same thing, but it is not about her. The topic is the differences in benefit between Mil and Civ, and if anyone knows why they are so big when it comes to this. 

I was never a fan of "Dubya" but he did give the military a raise every year. Obama....nope. The wife is pretty bummed out about that.

I hear ya. 

Hi, I would like to add my comments to the people above that spoke of customs and courtesies to civilians. I am senior GS and the principles of standing apply to SES only (O-8 and above). I have never asked or responded to anyone in a manner as such. To Paddle: I spent over 23 years in the Army and spent my time in all line units, so I can tell you what it feels like to ruck march 20 miles. And maybe more so than yourself, maybe not, but I will still honor continue to serve the military with the utmost conviction.

As for the pay gap, I can say that I believe after my time served, that mine is well earned. Civilians that have not served are required to hold significant experience and a degree to hold such positions. These people are screened and hired based on very specific criteria. I made the argument when I was active duty, but this is something that your senior leadership and the annual OHA/BAH screenings are for. Please pass the word, there is a reason for these screenings, if your spouse does not complete these, then the services will not adjust the rates.

I hope this helps, I thank you for your service. God Speed. 

To Paddle: I spent over 23 years in the Army and spent my time in all line units, so I can tell you what it feels like to ruck march 20 miles. And maybe more so than yourself, maybe not, but I will still honor continue to serve the military with the utmost conviction.

HUAH! "Blood & Guts upon my floor! And me without my spoon!" Lol. I love fellow Army. Thanks for your service!

Can't say I was in for 20. I was in for three (back when they still did that) but for those three years I was freezing my butt off and hitting my head inside the turret of the Abrams. 45Echo here (Turret Mechanic)! Lol. When I was a young Soldier I was pretty high-speed and proud of it. The Blue Falcons avoided me like the plague.

I come from a Military family, so much so that I really didn't want to retire from it. I just wanted to serve then get out and carry on with my life. Worked ok so far!