By Staff
Suzanne Digmon
As many National Guardsmen are deployed next month, their incomes will invariably change. Depending on their civilian jobs, some will take a pay cut, but some will actually earn more money while overseas.
"It depends on their rank, years of service, number of children…there are a lot of variables," said Sgt. William Terry at the National Guard Armory in Atmore.
One serviceman said, "In some cases, some guys make more money when activated. When we go overseas, we're paid combat pay and we're exempt from
federal taxes."
Combat pay is slightly more than the guard's regular active duty pay which they receive while at drill.
For one who owns his own business as a civilian, it will undoubtedly hurt his family
budget.
In some instances, if a serviceman receives a cut in pay while activated, their civilian employers will make up the difference. "Companies that can afford it will pay the difference. They aren't required by law; if they do, it's out of their own good graces," a National Guard
member said.
The guard members asked that they not be identified in keeping with Guard regulations.