The Basic Allowance for Subsistance (BAS) is used to pay for food for Enlisted Soldiers and Officers authorized to eat off base. Most Soldiers who qualify for BAS receive more than $200 per month.

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) offsets the cost of housing when Soldiers live off base. BAH rates are based on location, rank and family status. BAH is the second-largest piece of compensation for most Soldiers.

Enlisted Soldiers receive an annual allowance to replace uniforms and uniform decorations. For jobs that require civilian clothes, the military provides a civilian clothing allowance.

Soldiers assigned to high-cost locations in the continental U.S. and overseas are paid a Cost of Living Allowance. This allowance offsets the higher costs of food, transportation, clothing and other non-housing items. Higher costs of housing are covered separately by the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

The military pays for the transportation of household goods during a permanent change-of-station move. In addition, a Temporary Lodging Allowance covers the cost of temporary housing at the beginning and end of a move. To further offset moving costs, a Dislocation Allowance is also granted for permanent change-of-station moves.

Soldiers assigned or deployed to locations where the military will not move families receive a Family Separation Allowance of $250 per month to cover expenses incurred during a Soldier's separation from their family. Soldiers are also entitled to the allowance if their families are unable to accompany them overseas due to medical reasons.