The US Army is one of the most prestigious military institutions in the world, and its leadership hierarchy plays a vital role in national security. At the top of this hierarchy are Army Generals, who carry immense responsibility for operational planning, strategic command, and personnel management.
This guide provides a detailed 2025 overview of US Army General salaries, allowances, benefits, and career progression, helping current service members, prospective officers, and the general public understand the full compensation picture.
Overview of US Army General Roles
Rank and Responsibility
The term “Army General” refers to officers in the O-7 to O-10 pay grades, encompassing the following ranks:
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Brigadier General (O-7) – One star
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Major General (O-8) – Two stars
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Lieutenant General (O-9) – Three stars
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General (O-10) – Four stars
Key Responsibilities
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Commanding large formations, divisions, or corps
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Planning and executing military strategies
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Advising civilian leaders and the Department of Defense
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Overseeing personnel, budgets, and resource allocations
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Coordinating with other military branches and international allies
US Army General Salary Structure (2025)
US Army Generals are paid according to the military pay scale, which considers rank and years of service.
Base Pay by Rank and Years of Service
| Rank | Years of Service 0-2 | 3-6 Years | 7-10 Years | 11-14 Years | 15+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigadier General (O-7) | $16,441 | $17,117 | $17,883 | $18,456 | $19,027 |
| Major General (O-8) | $17,883 | $18,456 | $19,027 | $19,679 | $20,324 |
| Lieutenant General (O-9) | $19,027 | $19,679 | $20,324 | $21,045 | $21,786 |
| General (O-10) | $21,045 | $21,786 | $22,564 | $23,321 | $24,091 |
All figures are monthly base pay in USD. Actual annual earnings will be higher when allowances and bonuses are included.
Allowances for US Army Generals
Army Generals receive a wide array of allowances to supplement their base pay.
1. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
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BAH depends on rank, location, and dependency status
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For generals in high-cost cities like Washington, D.C., BAH can reach $6,000+ per month
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BAH ensures housing costs are adequately covered without impacting take-home pay
2. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
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Standard food allowance provided to all officers
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For 2025, BAS for officers is approximately $280 per month
3. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
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Applicable for overseas assignments
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Provides additional pay in high-cost regions such as Germany, Japan, or South Korea
4. Special Duty and Incentive Pay
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Includes bonuses for critical assignments, hazardous duty, and command positions
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Can significantly increase annual earnings
5. Travel and Relocation Allowances
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Coverage for PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves
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Includes travel expenses, shipping, and temporary lodging reimbursements
Additional Benefits
1. Retirement Benefits
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Army Generals are eligible for military retirement pay under the High-3 or Blended Retirement System (BRS)
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Retirement pay is calculated based on years of service and highest 36 months of base pay
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Generals can retire after 20 years of service with substantial pensions
2. Healthcare
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Full access to TRICARE healthcare plans for officers and dependents
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Includes dental, vision, and specialized medical services
3. Paid Leave
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30 days of annual leave per year
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10 federal holidays
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Additional leave for deployment or special assignments
4. Education and Professional Development
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Tuition assistance programs for continued education
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Access to professional military education schools and strategic courses
Career Progression and Promotion
Entry to General Officer Ranks
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Promotions to O-7 (Brigadier General) are competitive and require exceptional service records
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Typically achieved after 25–30 years of military service
Mid-Level to Senior Generals
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O-8 to O-10 promotions are based on leadership experience, command performance, and national-level assignments
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Only a small percentage of officers reach O-10 (full General)
Career Highlights
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Generals often serve as division commanders, corps commanders, or Army staff officers
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Strategic leadership roles at the Pentagon or in joint military commands
Comparison with Other Military and Federal Leadership Roles
| Position | Monthly Base Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Army General (O-10) | $24,091 | Top-tier pay with allowances |
| US Navy Admiral (O-10) | $24,091 | Equivalent rank in Navy |
| US Air Force General (O-10) | $24,091 | Equal rank in Air Force |
| Department of Defense Civilian Executive | $18,000 – $22,000 | Senior civilian leadership |
Observation: US Army Generals earn among the highest military compensation in the federal system, with total pay significantly enhanced by allowances and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the starting salary of a US Army Brigadier General?
Approximately $16,441 per month, depending on years of service. -
Do Army Generals receive housing allowances?
Yes, through Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), adjusted for location and dependents. -
Are generals eligible for retirement benefits?
Yes, with pensions based on service years and highest base pay. -
Is healthcare included in compensation?
Full coverage is provided through TRICARE for generals and their families. -
Can generals receive special duty pay?
Yes, for hazardous duty, command assignments, and overseas postings. -
What is the difference between O-7 and O-10 pay?
O-10 (General) earns significantly higher base pay and allowances than O-7 (Brigadier General). -
Do generals get paid for deployment?
Yes, deployment may include hazard pay, COLA, and per diem allowances. -
How long does it take to become a general?
Typically 25–30 years of distinguished military service. -
Are generals eligible for education benefits?
Yes, through tuition assistance and professional military education programs. -
Do allowances vary by location?
Yes, BAH and COLA adjust based on geographic location and cost of living.
Conclusion
The US Army General salary and allowances structure in 2025 reflects the immense responsibility and strategic importance of these leadership positions. Monthly base pay ranges from $16,441 for Brigadier Generals to $24,091 for full Generals, with additional allowances for housing, subsistence, travel, and special duties.
Coupled with comprehensive healthcare, retirement, and educational benefits, the compensation package ensures financial security and supports a demanding career in national defense leadership. Understanding this structure is crucial for service members planning long-term military careers or civilians evaluating military leadership compensation.