The youngest troops often face some of the most dangerous situations during deployment, and a new report suggests they should be compensated for them. The report, from the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC), believes junior troops should get a pay raise because they often encounter the greatest risks, according to Military Times.
The report comes out every four years and often has a substantial impact on how the Pentagon acts. Researchers say it is unfair for the senior officers to get paid significantly more and enjoy greater benefits than younger troops when they face less danger.
"[The Pentagon should] strengthen the relationship between combat and compensation so that combat compensation more appropriately rewards those service members who face the greatest possibility of being injured or losing their lives as a result of hostile action," the report stated, according to the publication.
Among the proposals from the QRMC is a change to hostile fire pay. Currently, it is at the same level as imminent danger pay ($225 per month). Experts feel hostile fire pay should be higher.
Any changes to payment practices have to be approved by Congress, so the QRMC may have a difficult time getting the changes through given budget constraints. The military has been looking to cut spending everywhere from healthcare to NASCAR sponsorships.