Originally Posted by Ftrooppilot

Was trying to compare apples to apples: new comair FO / new active duty Copilot. The military pay system is so confusing (ANG Full time vs part time / USAFReserve full time vs part time, Full time active duty, etc, etc. )To study the system visit: http://www.dod.mil/dfas/

However:

Only full time active duty get a housing allowance.

The maximum housing allowance (Four Star General ) is $1429

Per Diem (TDY Pay) is based on location and is not a flat rate.

Can't collect double per diem (15 days home to work AND overseas)

Crewmembers pay for their rooms (Unlike most airlines) and meals.

Hazardous duty (combat) pay for 1/Lt. is $150.00

The bottom line is what you take home at the end of the month. I spent three years flying C-141s in and out of a combat zone. We often spent more then our per diem allowance on meals and rooms. In the end we were lucky to break even. The tax exclusion made life a little easier.

The flying experience was priceless.