[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 29 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[Page 1437]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.