Proposed ’17 Budget Addresses Pay, End Strength

The Obama administration’s proposed $582.7 billion defense-spending bill for fiscal year 2017 (Oct. 1, 2016-Sept. 30, 2017) would include a 1.6-percent increase in basic pay. It also would establish the following reduced strength levels for the four armed services:
460,000 for the active Army, 335,000 for the Army National Guard, and 195,000 for the Army reserve.
182,000 for the active Marine Corps, and 38,500 for the Marine Corps Reserve.
380,000 active and reserve sailors for the Navy, and an increase of ships to 308, from 280 ships today.
491,000 active, Reserve and National Guard airmen, with 55 tactical fighter squadrons.