The Nation - News from May 28, 1989

More than 800,000 members of the armed forces will see a small increase in the “variable housing allowance” portion of their pay starting June 1, when the special cost-of-living aid is adjusted for the second time this year. The Pentagon would not estimate the average increase on a percentage basis, but the figures released suggest that it will exceed January’s 3.4% raise and will add about $4.80 a month to a private’s paycheck and $13 a month to a colonel’s. Since 1981, military personnel based in areas where housing costs are high have received the special pay, besides the housing allowance.