SAVE Award 2011 Ideas

Why is it that the Military are paid less than dock workers across the country which are said to be paid over $100,000 each because their working conditions are unsafe. I think the military should be paid a minimum of what ever the inflationary rate is for the year in question. They work hard to keep our country and other countries at some type dipolomatic freedom.

Don't get me wrong, I love the current system but things need to change. Currently we are entitled to retirement pay after fullfilling 20 years of service. This pays us at least 50% of our base pay for the rest of our lives which can equate to 40 to 50+ years of retirement pay. Solution: Start a 1 for 1 retirement system. If you served 20 years you get 20 years retirement, 25 years served yields 25 years retirement.... more »

The term "combat zone" desparately needs to be modified and updated. People currently receive "combat zone" benefits (tax free pay, hazardous duty pay, etc) for working in DUBAI which is a luxurious vacation spot. Also, Qatar has proven to be relatively safe now that the Navy is allowing dependents to accompany members to certain bases. This easy change could save millions. Yes, pilots/aircrew and others that are... more »

We could save MILLIONS just by cutting military officer pay 1-2%, and this is coming from a military officer.

I know this would never change because it would be political suicide, but military OFFICER pay is way too high. It is no longer a "sacrifice" to serve in the military, espeically since there are so many military jobs that rarely deploy. As 2 married military members, we make about $120K/yr. This is crazy!... more »

Each year, on the anniversary date of the enlisted military member, they recieve a clothing allowance. Based upon the branch of service and sex of the member, they recieve between 388.80 - 608.40. (www.military.com)

As of 31 May 2011, the Department of Defense had 1,182,849 enlisted members worldwide from all services. (DoD Personnle and military casualty statistics)

If the U.S. would do away with this automatic... more »