Allowances: Clothing — Replacement - Military Pay & Allowances - Military Times

Allowances: Clothing — Replacement

Following the initial issue of uniforms, enlisted members get an annual allowance to replace worn-out uniform items and insignia.

Basic allowance. This is paid for the first three years of service and varies by branch and gender. Currently, the Air Force’s basic clothing replacement allowance is $316.80 for men and $349.20 for women. The Army pays $370.80 to men and $432 to women; the Marine Corps pays $360 to men and $385.20 to women; the Navy pays $464.40 to men and $475.20 to women; and the Coast Guard pays $337.78 to men and $346.47 to women.

At the end of their first year of active duty, enlisted personnel get only half the yearly allowance because it is assumed they do not need to replace any clothing in their first six months of service.

Standard allowance. After enlisted members finish three years of active duty, they begin receiving the standard clothing allowance, which is higher than the basic allowance. Again, rates vary by service and gender. Currently, the Air Force pays $453.60 to men and $496.80 to women; the Army pays $529.20 to men and $619.20 to women; the Marine Corps pays $514.80 to men and $550.80 to women; the Navy pays $662.40 to men and $680.40 to women; and the Coast Guard pays $478.26 to men and $494.97 to women.

Navy special allowances. Navy chief petty officers in paygrades E-7 through E-9 have different uniform requirements than do sailors in paygrades E-6 and below, so they get a different initial clothing allowance, currently $1,172.20 for men and $1,042.10 for women. Their annual replacement allowance also is higher: $871.20 for men and $939.60 for women.

These same higher allowance rates also are paid to all enlisted members, regardless of paygrade, in the Navy Band and Naval Academy Band, as well as to sailors temporarily appointed as limited-duty officers.

Those selected for Navy Officer Candidate School or other programs through which enlisted members join the officer ranks also receive a special initial clothing allowance, currently $1,394.65 for men and $1,554.34 for women.

Reservists. The services replace enlisted National Guard and reserve members’ worn-out uniforms with new clothing items rather than paying an allowance. Guard and Reserve officers receive an initial $400 allowance and can get an additional allowance if called to active duty for at least 90 days.