But this language doesn't make that difference and neither does the original language. And I'm not sure I understand what you mean by a difference.
The difference I referenced is the amount of BAH paid, in my area Enlisted E-1 receives $1401.oo, an O-1 receives $1671.00
So why shouldn't married members at least receive the same?
I don't disagree with this, if they are going to allow non married soldiers to both receive 75% of their BAH if they live together, then it should be the same for married couples. Either that or just allow one BAH for non married soldiers that live together, but I agree, it shouldn't be different.
If it's only 5% then is this really a cost-savings measure that makes any significant dent and worth the significantly decreased morale it will produce?
I have no doubt there would be a big drop in morale with those Mil-Mil Married Couples if this happens, even with those single soldiers that live together. I guess it will come down to whether the Pentagon feels it can weather the storm from a small percentage effected.
I never suspected that the government would consider to not pay me as much as the person sitting in the office next to me.
The government does pay each person equal, BAH is not part of the base pay that is equal to others with the same rank and TIS. As LITS said, BAH is for housing and is separate from the base pay. Soldiers married to non military spouses have always only received only their BAH, I'm sure many of them have looked across the desk at someone doing the same job with the same rank and TIS and wondered why they receive 20% more pay just because they married a military member, why should they be able to rent or buy a far better house/apartment based only on their marital status.
Not saying I agree completely with what they are trying to do, but I can see where they are coming from with these proposals. I have a feeling this is only one more change that will be added to the already changing retirement process. Will this hurt retention, I'm sure at first it will, It will take a while to recruit new members under a new system and whether they will be able to hold on to them is another discussion altogether.
Just being hones here. for the majority of spouses in the military it's hard to have an upward moving career since you seem to move every 3 or so years. When two Military members marry they can continue their careers much easier, you may very well see these couples decide to leave the military together so they can continue having two careers outside the military. Those service members that are married to non military spouses won't see any change in their pay structure so they may be more likely to stay put.
Again, for some of this I was just playing Devils Advocate from their point of view.