Setting Military Compensation to Support Recruitment, Retention, and Performance

Drawing on a large body of research, this RAND Arroyo report examines the role of military compensation as a strategic human resource tool, how well it fulfills that role, and how it could be improved. It considers issues related to the level and growth of military pay, the structure of the basic pay table, the role of special and incentive pays, and the structure of the military retirement system, especially the new blended retirement system.