My son is a cadet at West Point. As a cadet, he is considered active military, correct? I think he is but there is no option for his pay grade. What do I do?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
April 17, 2023
2 replies
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MaryK4

Level 15

No, while cadets are at the academy, they are not considered active duty. Their service does not start until they graduate. You must be a very proud parent.

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Pip_12_mn

Level 6

Please confirm your sources. Cadets at Military Academies are considered active Duty.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1965

https://sgp.fas.org/crs/natsec/IF11788.pdf

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/aerospace-education/announcements/careers/educational-preparation/military-service-academy

This may also be helpful

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/how-do-i-change-my-military-pay-grade/00/967673

SteamTrain

Level 15

We have generally been telling/suggesting to them select as E4 or E5 in the software selections.....about what they would be if they dropped after sophomore year. but not exactly sure of their exact paygrade.

____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*

Carl

Level 11

US CODE - TITLE 37 > CHAPTER 3 > § 203

(c) A cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, or a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, is entitled to monthly cadet pay, or midshipman pay, at the monthly rate equal to 35 percent of the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay grade O–1 with less than two years of service.

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That's equivalent to an E-5 with 8 years of service under their belt. That's the "high time in grade" average for making E-5 in the Army. Different for the other services though. For cadets, I've always told folks to select the pay grade of E-5.