There are many reasons that countless millions across known space take up arms in the service of their government. Military life is well ordered, disciplined, routine: it provides security. This ignores the massive upheavals that go hand in hand with deployment. In between those times, however, the military generally does it's best to take care of it's soldiers and to attract new ones. The military offers a steady paycheck with a nice progression of advancement and raises. A new soldiers generally has all of his needs met from day one, including food, shelter, and clothing. Although not as flamboyant a career as that of the mercenary, the House Regular rarely has to worry about how to pay the bills.
The militaries in Battletech make destinctions in pay based on your branch, and thus your supposed value as a soldier. Your overall pay is not determined soley by your performance in the sims or your "skill rating" but by your time in service and your rank. To keep it simple, I've only used rank to determine the monthly salary.
| Base Pay (C-Bills per month) | ||
| Branch | Enlisted | Officer |
| Mechwarrior | 800 | 1200 |
| Pilot | 800 | 1200 |
| Intelligence | 800 | 1200 |
| Adjuctant General | 800 | 1200 |
| Judge Advocacy | 800 | 1200 |
| Armor | 400 | 800 |
| Artillery | 400 | 800 |
| Tech | 400 | 800 |
| Medic | 400 | 800 |
| Infantry | 300 | 600 |
| Ship Crew | 300 | 600 |
| Finance | 300 | 600 |
| Quartermaster | 300 | 600 |
| Transportation | 300 | 600 |
| Base Pay + Rank x 100 | Base Pay + Rank x 200 | |
| Anti-mech Infantry recieve 250 extra for hazard pay & imminent danger pay. Scouts recieve 100 extra for hazard pay. | ||
Soldiers have two choices when it comes to billeting. They can either accept quarters on post allocated based on rank and total dependants, or they can recieve an alloctment to buy their own place. Of course, soldiers on campaign tend to sleep in bags, tents, dropships, or whatnot. Additionally, enlisted personel recieve free meals at the post dining facility. Officers have to pay at the dining facility or buy groceries. However, they recieve a modest stipend to offset those costs.
The soldier will use the same cost of living rates as normal civilians, per my previous article.
Housing Allotment (C-Bills per month)
Enlisted: 75 + Rank x 25
Officer: 175 + Rank x 25
Quarters range from Spartan for a single private to Well-Off for a general with a family. The living quarters are chosen to be appropriate for the soldier's rank and needs and will usually be in good repair and clean.
Housing Allotment (C-Bills per month)
Enlisted: Ranks 1-5 = 5, Ranks 6-10 = 10
Officer: Ranks 1-5 = 10, Ranks 6-10 = 15
Food in the mess hall is generally nutritious and plentiful, with special "treats" on holidays and such. It is offered free to the enlisted soldiers, while officers pay a nominal fee (1 CB for breakfast, 1.5 CBs for lunch or dinner, usually, for a cost of 105 CB per month). Soldiers are encouraged to eat at the mess, but it is not required.
Subsistance Pay (C-Bills per month)
Enlisted: N/A
Officer: 50
What a soldier wears in his off hours is his responsibility, but while on duty regular militaries have a prescribed uniform for work and dress occassions. For enlisted soldiers, these uniforms are issued regularly and on an "as-needed" basis. Officers must pay for their own uniforms.
Clothing Cost (C-Bills per month)
Enlisted: N/A
Officer: 14
That covers the basics of pay and costs for military regulars in Battletech. Questions, comments and suggestions are welcome.