    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 20, 1999]
    [Page 1276]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on the Ninth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation
    July 20, 1999

    Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

    Subject: Ninth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation

        Under the provisions of section 1008(b) of title 37, United States
    Code, every 4 years the President must direct a complete review of the
    principles and concepts of the compensation system for members of the
    uniformed services. You shall be my Executive Agent for this review,
    consulting with me and my other senior advisors as required.
        The past decade has been a time of dynamic change for our military.
    We achieved dramatic victories in the Persian Gulf and Kosovo, performed
    peacekeeping missions around the world, and completed a significant
    downsizing of our military forces. As the major superpower, we have
    maintained global commitments even as our forces have been reduced.
    Although our military compensation system remains competitive, enabling
    us to recruit and retain enough dedicated men and women to achieve the
    highest quality uniformed forces in the Nation's history, the
    restructuring of our military forces presents certain challenges. I have
    asked our smaller military to work even harder and therefore want to
    ensure that the compensation of military members is fair and effective
    as we enter the 21st century.
        To that end, I have proposed significant enhancements to the
    compensation system in the FY 2000 budget. These changes include an
    across-the-board pay raise for all military members; reforms to the
    military retirement system; and a targeted pay increase for
    noncommissioned officers and mid-grade officers who gained the skills,
    education, and experience so valued by our thriving private sector.
        The Ninth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation should
    encompass a strategic review of the military compensation and benefits
    system, veterans benefits and services provided by the Department of
    Veterans Affairs, and other Federal entitlements directly affecting
    military members. The review should assess the effectiveness of current
    military compensation and benefits in recruiting and retaining a high-
    quality force in light of changing demographics, a dynamic economy, and
    the new military strategy. As Executive Agent, you shall ensure that
    representatives of other executive branch agencies participate in this
    review as appropriate.
        I look forward to reviewing your progress in this important
    undertaking.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on July 21. An original was not available for verification of the
    content of this memorandum.