The Association of the U.S. Army is urging key lawmakers to authorize full funding for the Army and DoD, a pay increase of at least 4.5% for service members and the resources needed to continue the Army’s transformation and quality of life efforts.

In a letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, AUSA advocates for swift passage of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and additional funding for the Army as it supports critical missions at home and overseas.

“The Army is vital to national security with ongoing conflicts across the globe demonstrating that land power is essential, and the land domain is decisive,” retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO, writes in the Nov. 21 letter. “As such, we believe it is essential for the Total Army and the Department of Defense (DoD) to have the resources needed to deter any adversary, to ‘Fight and Win’ when necessary, and to ensure the continued excellence of the all-volunteer force.”

Soldiers are bolstering NATO allies in Europe, countering threats in the Middle East and building partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific, the letter says. At home, soldiers provide life-saving support to local authorities responding to natural disasters.

As lawmakers finalize the 2025 NDAA, AUSA is asking for inclusion of at least a 4.5% pay increase for service members and at least 2% for DoD and Army civilians. “Providing appropriate compensation is an important incentive for recruitment and retention,” Brown writes in the letter.

The association also asks lawmakers to support quality-of-life programs for soldiers and their families, including improvements to child care, housing and health care.

“As threats to our nation grow, the need for continuous transformation and improved readiness is apparent,” Brown writes. “AUSA requests your continued support for the Army’s modernization priorities and support for the Army’s training and sustaining priorities—this includes a strong and expandable organic industrial base.”

The Army is indispensable to national security, Brown writes. “We urge you to swiftly pass the NDAA and authorize additional resources that reflect the demonstrated need and urgency that our national security challenges require,” he writes.

Read the letter here.