Leavitt says Trump won't rule out a draft for the Iran war. What would life be like with mandatory military service?

Leavitt’s answer drew condemnation from many who oppose the draft idea, including former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who declared on social media that “We campaigned on no more foreign wars or regime change!!! Liars every single one of them! Not my son, over my dead body!!!!!” (2).

An actual draft — which would require Congressional approval — is both unlikely and unlikely to be necessary, considering the Department of War claims it hit a 15-year recruitment high in 2025 (3), with 2026 levels retaining that momentum (4).

For many of these recruits, motivations are not just patriotic, but financial. According to a Business Insider report, a shifting economy with costly higher education and fewer openings in the traditional job market could draw more young people to the military (5). And military studies have shown recruitment often rises along with the unemployment rate (6).

It should be noted that the prospect of an active conflict may change the decision-making process for many people considering joining up. Mike Prysner, the Executive Director of the Center on Conscience and War — a non-profit that supports American conscientious objectors — posted on social media on March 6 that his “phone has been ringing off the hook,” indicating a possible uptick in enlisted members looking to leave the service as the United States has drawn ire from around the world for its actions in Iran (7).

Considering the state of the economy, the risks of joining the military, and the potential benefits, many American young people will be asking the question: How much do U.S. military recruits actually make?

What military service pays

The last U.S. draft ended in 1973, with new recruits then earning $288 a month for their service (8). That works out to about $2,110 in 2026 dollars. Today, an entry-level recruit with under two years’ military experience receives $2,407.20 per month. But, like many other professions, total compensation varies based on rank, years of service and other factors.

Those can include allowances covering things like food and housing costs, such as the Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

According to the U.S. Department of War compensation calculator, a new recruit, with no degree, making $2,407.20 a month, would earn around $28,000 annually, with the values of the BAS and BAH boosting the overall annual compensation to between $34,000 and $43,500. With a four-year college degree, that salary rises to between $66,483 and $90,503. The numbers also fluctuate if the recruit is single or married with children.

After a decade of service, the value of the annual compensation for the recruit with no degree jumps to between $72,136 and $97,510. For the recruit with a four-year degree, it’s from $118,371 to $150,088 (9). But of course, such workers could rise up through the ranks, attain new levels of seniority and, with that, higher pay.

A myriad of other benefits

On top of pay and allowances, the U.S. Army also offers enlistment bonuses for certain in-demand jobs. Combined, they can add up to as much as $50,000, although the typical recruit receives much less (10). Occasionally unexpected financial perks can pop up too, such as the $1,776 “warrior dividend” for active-duty service members that President Trump announced in December.

As well, the U.S. military offers Tricare health care coverage for enlistees and their families, which one Air Force veteran called “undoubtedly the biggest indirect financial compensation for most servicemembers and their families” (11). And VA health care benefits ensure veterans are taken care of throughout the remainder of their lives (12).

Those who serve in combat zones are eligible for extensive Special and Incentive (S&I) payments (13) and are eligible for the combat zone tax exclusion, which ensures that the salaries of military personnel serving in the most dangerous places are tax-exempt for the duration of their time there (14). And the military’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement plan that matches 5% of each personnel's monthly contribution, up to an annual cap of $24,500 (15).

There are many other possible S&I payouts to members in specific scenarios. The U.S. Navy offers a fairly comprehensive look at a pay breakdown that includes benefits and retirement contributions for one year.

For an entry-level seaman recruit, the Navy claims it offers an annual starting compensation of $93,302. Only $27,828 of that is base salary, with the rest made up of food, housing, medical, retirement, tax and education allotments. That compensation number, the Navy shows, can rise to $124,074 a year for someone who achieves the rank of Chief Petty Officer (16).

Cashing out of the armed forces

For military members who become eligible for retirement benefits after 20 years of active duty or are discharged from the service (in most cases), many financial benefits continue (17). In addition to their TSP retirement savings, health care coverage and assorted other retirement plan options, the VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill ensures up to almost $30,000 for tuition for post-military schooling, as well as additional funds for books and housing during their studies. These benefits, which vary depending on length of service, are also offered to spouses and children (18).