Compare and Contrast Employment in the Military and the Civilian Sector

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Compare and Contrast Employment in the Military and the Civilian Sector

Remuneration in military and civilian fields is quite different. Military pay compared to civilian pay is much higher. This is because it is free of taxation, as they do not pay FICA payroll tax on BAH and BAS, which is not applicable to civilian salary (Philpott). The exemption of tax is one of the perquisites of military pay alongside the deduction of non-issue items such as training gear like running shoes, laundry, and shampoo amongst others. Military officers are given Basic Allowances as part of payment package for those without dependant, for those with dependants; they receive basic pay and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Those living within the base are provided with accommodation free of charge while still receiving a basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) (Philpott). Compared to a civilian, housing benefits are only permissible for top executives in an establishment. A basic working civilian caters to the housing bills not inclusive in their salaries as housing allowances. In the Military, the soldiers are provided with life insurances free of charge. This cannot be said for their civilian counterparts. An establishment can choose whether to provide an insurance cover for their employees. It is not guaranteed compared to the insurance provided for the militants. In term of healthcare, the militant have a full coverage whereby they are not required to pay for any medical bill. The healthcare providers include TRICARE, which caters to both militants and their dependants (Philpott). Compared to the healthcare services provided for the civilian, they are required to co-pay with the healthcare provider or entirely cater to the medical bills. While comparing the military and civilian pay scale, one is likely to come to the conclusion the military offer a better payment package and benefits. There are also special pays that depend on the circumstance of the militant (Philpott). However, there not such pays for the civilian worker and in cases where the employee receives an incentive depending on circumstance, it is seen as advance payment.

The workplace culture is also a major difference when comparing between military and civilian employment. Discipline in the military is the most enforced characteristic that forms the basic culture in the field. The militant are expected to illustrate a strong military bearing as often as possible creating a stringent working environment. The level of support provided to the military workers ensures that they are well taken care of together with their dependants (Philpott). This is different in the civilian work culture where the employers are quite impersonal to the needs of the employees. The environment in the civilian establishment is nothing compared to military, as it ranges from relaxed to subtle in nature with less harsh rules and regulations. The uniform is part of the employment requirements and culture in the military field. Uniformity is the standard measure that displays unity and discipline in this field and instills the need to respect service to the country by behaving in the most commendable manner (Philpott). In the civilian work culture, there is no need for uniforms as it focuses more on the individuality though they are required to present themselves in an official manner. The military service requires the militants to obey the commands and live by the rules without questioning thus self-expression is undermined as compared to the civilian work culture. Adventure forms a basic part of the military culture as officers are deployed to different parts of the world for various assignments and duties. There is spontaneity in the field and provides a platform to better skills and explore different parts of the world even though one is on duty. This is not offered in the civilian work culture with the exception of air traveling and federal careers. Most employees are located within the same geographical region during their entire work experience with limited traveling during vacations and workshops and seminars.

In conclusion, military employment offers more advantage and benefits as compared to civilian employments. This is based on the work culture, payment packages and benefits, recruitment requirements and retention. The most fulfilling aspect is the contentment and satisfaction one experiences when working for the service if the country and protecting it citizens and loved ones while still being able to provide and cater to their needs. There is more to military employment as it is for the greater good of the nation.

Works cited

Philpott, Tom. “Milpay higher than ever compared to civilians”. Today in the Military, web. 28 June. 2012