National Guard drill pay could be cut

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The defense departments' most recent review of military compensation was released last month.

It recommends cutting National Guard drill pay in half.

Right now, Guardsmen are paid for four days for each month's two day drilling weekend.

News 10 spoke over the phone with the National Guard Association of the United States in Washington D.C., as well as the National Guard Air Base in Terre Haute.

They said, to an outsider, it may not make complete sense.

However, it's money that they work for all year long.

During drill weekends, men and women will work 12 days in a row.

Then, when you take into account driving time, lodging, and unpaid daily responsibilities, getting paid double for one weekend out of the month is fair.

"Giving guard members essentially two days of active pay for the full day is the way it's been done for 40, 50 years, almost 60 years. And members have factored this pay into their budget and it's fair. It doesn't need adjusting," National Guard Association of the United States Legislative Director Peter Duffy said.

The National Guard encourages you to email our senators and representatives to let your feelings be heard.