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π‘οΈ Why I Created This Page
π‘οΈ Why I Created This Page
Hello,
My name is SSG Lee, Ho Yong, and I am a U.S. Army Recruiter currently serving at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia.
Many applicants ask, βWhich branch is better β the Army or the Air Force?β
Both branches have strengths. However, many people make their decision based only on image, rumors, or what they heard from others.
Before choosing a branch, applicants should compare practical factors such as:
Starting rank
Initial base pay
Promotion system
Long-term career growth
How much control they may have over promotion preparation
For applicants with a bachelorβs degree, this difference can be important.
In many cases, the Army may allow a qualified bachelorβs degree holder to enlist as an E-4 / Specialist, while the Air Force commonly starts degree holders at E-3 / Airman First Class.
That difference can affect starting base pay, promotion timing, and long-term cumulative income.
This page is not written to criticize any branch. It is designed to help applicants understand real differences before making a decision.
Starting Rank May Be Different for Degree Holders
Starting Rank May Be Different for Degree Holders
If you are considering enlisted service with a bachelorβs degree, your starting rank may differ depending on the branch.
πͺ Army
πͺ Army
A qualified applicant with a bachelorβs degree may generally be eligible to enlist as an:
E-4 / Specialist
βοΈ Air Force
βοΈ Air Force
A bachelorβs degree holder commonly enters enlisted service as an:
E-3 / Airman First Class
In other words, two applicants with the same degree may start at different ranks depending on the branch.
Starting Rank Affects Base Pay
Starting Rank Affects Base Pay
Rank affects base pay.
Based on the 2026 military basic pay table for service members with 2 years or less of service:
E-3 : $2,836.80
E-4 : $3,142.20
The difference between E-3 and E-4 is approximately:
μ μ½ $305.40
μ° μ½ $3,664.80
This means that a bachelorβs degree holder who starts as an E-4 may receive a higher base pay from the beginning of service compared to starting as an E-3.
This is not just a first-month difference. Starting rank may also affect promotion timing, cumulative income, and long-term career planning.
BAH Is Not the Main Difference Here
BAH Is Not the Main Difference Here
Some applicants assume that E-3 and E-4 will always have a major BAH difference.
In reality, BAH depends on location, dependent status, and pay grade category. In many areas, E-1 through E-4 may have the same BAH rate.
Therefore, for degree holders, the more important comparison is usually:
Starting rank
Base pay
Promotion timing
Long-term cumulative income
The key question is not simply, βWill BAH be different?β
The better question is:
βWith the same bachelorβs degree, which branch may allow me to start at a higher rank?β
Promotion Systems Are Also Different
Promotion Systems Are Also Different
After joining, promotion structure matters.
This is especially important when looking at promotion to E-5.
βοΈ Air Force
βοΈ Air Force
Air Force E-5 promotion is generally based on a competitive system that includes testing and performance-related factors.
In simple terms:
Even if you earn a strong score, you may not be selected if others in the same AFSC score higher.
This means Air Force E-5 promotion has a strong competitive ranking structure within the same career field.
Also, because promotion cycles are scheduled, if you are not selected during that cycle, you may have to wait until the next promotion opportunity.
πͺ Army
πͺ Army
Army E-5 promotion is generally based on:
Promotion Points
Promotion Board
MOS cutoff scores
Military education
Civilian education
Certifications
Fitness performance
Weapons qualification
Service record
The Army system allows soldiers to understand many of the areas they can work on to improve their promotion potential.
In simple terms:
The Army promotion system can feel more structured because soldiers can actively build points and work toward the MOS cutoff requirement.
The Army system is still affected by MOS needs and cutoff scores. However, from an applicantβs perspective, it may feel more clear and manageable because there are visible areas to prepare and improve.
ποΈ Army vs Air Force Comparison
For applicants with a bachelor's degree, starting rank, base pay, and promotion systems can differ between branches.
This infographic provides a quick overview of key differences to consider before making a decision.
β
Key Takeaway
β
Key Takeaway
Both the Army and the Air Force can be good options.
However, applicants with a bachelorβs degree should carefully compare the following:
Starting rank
Initial base pay
Promotion timing
Long-term cumulative income
E-5 promotion structure
The key difference is this:
With the same bachelorβs degree, the Army may allow a qualified applicant to start as an E-4, while the Air Force commonly starts degree holders as E-3.
That difference can affect more than rank. It may affect pay, promotion timing, and long-term career planning.
For applicants who want a system where they can actively build points, prepare strategically, and work toward clear promotion requirements, the Armyβs Promotion Point system may feel more structured and manageable.
β Frequently Asked Questions
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I enlist as an E-4 with a bachelor's degree?
Q1. Can I enlist as an E-4 with a bachelor's degree?
Yes. The U.S. Army generally allows qualified applicants with a bachelor's degree to enlist as an E-4 (Specialist). Final rank may vary based on current regulations and eligibility requirements.
Q2. Does the Army start bachelor's degree holders at E-4?
Q2. Does the Army start bachelor's degree holders at E-4?
In many cases, yes. Qualified applicants with a bachelor's degree may enter the Army as an E-4, which can result in a higher starting rank and base pay from day one.
Q3. Does the Air Force start bachelor's degree holders at E-4 or E-3?
Q3. Does the Air Force start bachelor's degree holders at E-4 or E-3?
In most cases, Air Force enlisted applicants with a bachelor's degree commonly begin as an E-3 (Airman First Class). As a result, applicants with the same degree may start at different ranks depending on the branch.
Q4. How much is the pay difference between E-3 and E-4?
Q4. How much is the pay difference between E-3 and E-4?
Based on the 2026 military pay chart for service members with less than two years of service:
E-3: $2,836.80 per month
E-4: $3,142.20 per month
The difference is approximately $305.40 per month, or about $3,664.80 per year.
Q5. Is BAH different between E-3 and E-4?
Q5. Is BAH different between E-3 and E-4?
Not necessarily.
BAH depends on duty location, dependent status, and pay grade category. In many areas, E-1 through E-4 receive the same BAH rate.
Q6. How does Army E-5 promotion work?
Q6. How does Army E-5 promotion work?
Army E-5 promotion is generally based on Promotion Points, Promotion Board results, and MOS-specific cutoff scores.
Military education, civilian education, certifications, fitness performance, and weapons qualification may all contribute to promotion points.
Q7. How does Air Force E-5 promotion work?
Q7. How does Air Force E-5 promotion work?
Air Force E-5 promotion is generally based on testing and performance-related factors within the same AFSC.
Even if an applicant earns a strong score, promotion may depend on how that score compares to others in the same career field.
Q8. Is Army promotion easier to plan than Air Force promotion?
Q8. Is Army promotion easier to plan than Air Force promotion?
It depends on the individual.
However, some applicants feel that the Army promotion system is easier to plan for because many promotion-point categories are clearly defined and can be actively improved.
Q9. Which branch is better for applicants with a bachelor's degree?
Q9. Which branch is better for applicants with a bachelor's degree?
There is no single answer.
The best branch depends on career goals, family situation, desired job field, and long-term plans.
However, applicants with a bachelor's degree should compare starting rank, base pay, and promotion systems before making a decision.
Both the Army and the Air Force offer valuable opportunities. However, applicants with a bachelor's degree should carefully compare starting rank, initial pay, and promotion systems before choosing a branch. In many cases, the Army may offer advantages that can positively impact your early career progression and long-term earning potential.
π Free Army Reserve Consultation
π Free Army Reserve Consultation
Choosing a branch should not be based only on image or rumors.
Your education level, family situation, citizenship or green card status, job interests, and long-term goals should all be considered.
If you are considering the U.S. Army, I can help you review your situation realistically.
Consultation is free, and asking questions does not mean you are required to join.
SSG Lee Ho Yong
U.S. Army Recruiter
Bilingual English / Korean Consultation Available
π Text / Call: 703-594-6878
π§ Email: hoyong.lee4.mil@army.mil
Real recruiter. Real answers.
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