Brand-new Second Lieutenants on active duty earn approximately $41,500 per year, including housing, food and other compensation.  Don't forget—soldiers earn 30 days annual paid vacation while on active duty and have full medical/dental coverage. Part-time opportunities exist in the National Guard and Reserve, where officers are paid for one weekend of drill per month and two weeks of Annual Training. Guard and Reserve Officers will also receive active duty pay while training for their specific career field.  Check the pay chart below and you'll quickly see that becoming a military officer offers very competitive pay compared to civilian job opportunities.