Calls to recognize the junior enlisted pay disparity and its impact on quality of life and retention rates and seeks targeted pay raises for junior enlisted.

Junior enlisted service members play a crucial role in maintaining the nation's defense and security. Recognizing the disparity in pay raises and the impact on junior enlisted personnel's quality of life and retention rates is imperative. Addressing this issue requires a targeted approach and can be achieved by (1) introducing targeted pay raises specifically for junior enlisted service members to address the growing disparity in compensation, (2) basing pay increases on factors such as rank, experience, and cost of living to ensure fair and competitive compensation for junior enlisted, (3) establishing a mechanism for regular reviews of the pay structure to identify and address any discrepancies in compensation, (4) advocating for budget allocations that prioritize fair and equitable compensation for junior enlisted, (5) recognizing that fair and competitive compensation is essential for enhancing the quality of life for junior enlisted service members and their families, and (6) emphasizing the importance of fair compensation in retaining skilled and experienced junior enlisted service members, thereby enhancing overall military readiness.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States urges Congress of the United States to enact legislation in support of a junior enlisted pay raise, including support of H.R. 7928 (118th Congress).