In 1980, in response to severe recruiting and retention shortages amongst all the services, and over the objections of the Carter Administration, the Congress implemented a substantial pay increase for military personnel.  In his very first budget, President Reagan followed this example and provided another sizable basic pay increase.  In total, over a two year period, military personnel were provided approximately a 28% pay increase as well as additional education opportunities.

   While the pay increase implemented in President Bush's first budget of between 5 and 10% was the largest for the military since 1982, it did not close the pay gap.  Prior to last year, the pay gap was estimated at roughly 15%.  Estimates now place it at roughly 11%. Addressing this pay gap will ensure that our military is able to attract and retain dedicated and qualified personnel within the various services to serve our nation.
 

    Allocate within the defense budget the average of $10 billion per year to close the pay gap.