The White House announced Jan. 31 that the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation will take a closer look at the adequacy of pay and benefits for dual-income households. 

“The unique factors affecting military household incomes might require structural changes, to include the development of a new benchmark for military compensation,” says a memorandum from President Joe Biden establishing the review. 

“This evaluation should include, but is not limited to, consideration of factors such as the challenge of military spouse unemployment, frequent military moves, periods of geographic separation between service members and their spouses—including dual military couples—and childcare access and cost,” the memo says. 

Previous compensation reviews have resulted in major changes in pay and benefits, such as increasing hazardous duty pay, widening the pay gap between ranks to increase the incentive for promotion and revisions in how housing allowances are determined. 

In the upcoming review, the White House wants further study on how housing, subsistence and cost-of-living allowances are calculated and to take a close look at compensation levels for service members in highly technical fields. 

The pay commission is expected to start right away and to provide a final study within two years. 

“Our service members deserve a 21st century military compensation system that recognizes and rewards their contributions, reflects the values of our Nation, and incentivizes the next generation of men and women to serve,” Biden wrote. 

“Our great Nation has the finest fighting force in the world, and it remains our sacred obligation to take care of our men and women in uniform. We owe our service members our support and gratitude, and we recognize the sacrifices they make every day in support of our Nation,” he wrote.