Military pay reference
How Reserve Drill Pay Works
One drill period generally pays one-thirtieth of the monthly basic-pay rate for the member’s grade and years of service.
One drill period generally pays one-thirtieth of the monthly basic-pay rate for the member’s grade and years of service.
The basic drill-pay formula
Start with the monthly basic-pay table for the correct grade and longevity bracket. Divide the monthly amount by 30 for one drill period. A standard two-day drill weekend often contains four periods, so the gross basic-pay portion is four times the single-period amount.
Why the payment can differ from the simple estimate
- The number of paid periods can be different.
- Annual training uses active-duty pay rules rather than the four-period shortcut.
- Taxes, SGLI, TSP and debts reduce net pay.
- Promotions or corrected attendance can create later adjustments.
Drill date is not deposit date
Units certify attendance before payroll processing. The DFAS reserve payroll schedule shows processing, LES and pay dates; it is not the same as the local training calendar.
How to verify a drill payment
- Count the certified drill periods.
- Confirm grade and years of service.
- Compare the gross basic-pay line with the applicable table.
- Check deductions and LES remarks before comparing the net deposit.
Example: converting monthly pay into four drills
Find the monthly basic-pay amount for the member’s grade and creditable-service bracket. Divide that number by 30 for one standard drill period, then multiply by four for a typical four-period unit training assembly.
That result is gross basic drill pay, not the bank deposit. Taxes, debts and other deductions can reduce net pay, while qualifying special pay or other duty in the same period can add separate amounts.
Drill-pay verification checklist
Use unit and payroll records to confirm both the number of periods and the rate.
- Certified attendance and number of drill periods
- Pay grade and creditable years of service
- Applicable monthly basic-pay table row
- Reserve LES showing gross pay and deductions
Common questions
Why are four drills paid for a two-day weekend?
A day can contain two separately scheduled inactive-duty training periods. A typical Saturday–Sunday assembly therefore contains four periods.
When will completed drills be paid?
Timing depends on unit certification and payroll processing. Use the DFAS Reserve schedule as a reference, not a guarantee for an uncertified transaction.