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Reserve Pay Dates 2026

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Reserve Pay Dates

Garrett FitzGerald

2026 Reserve Pay Dates

Here are the Reserve pay dates for the following categories:

  • Army Reserve Pay Dates
  • Marine Corps Reserve Pay Dates
  • Navy Reserve Pay Dates
  • Air Force Reserve Pay Dates
  • Coast Guard Reserve Pay Dates

If you serve in the Reserves for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or the Coast Guard, you are typically paid twice a month on the following days.

Scheduled Military Pay Dates for the Reserve

Military pay is typically delivered on a set schedule. However, there may be interruptions in the case of a government shutdown or a failure to pass a Defense Authorization Act for the new year.

2026 Military Pay Schedule

January 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: January 15
  • End of Month Pay: January 30

February 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: February 13
  • End of Month Pay: February 27

March 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: March 13
  • End of Month Pay: April 1

April 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: April 15
  • End of Month Pay: May 1

May 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: May 15
  • End of Month Pay: May 29

June 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: June 15
  • End of Month Pay: July 1

July 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: July 15
  • End of Month Pay: July 31

August 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: August 14
  • End of Month Pay: August 31

September 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: September 15
  • End of Month Pay: October 1

October 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: October 15
  • End of Month Pay: October 30

November 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: November 13
  • End of Month Pay: December 1

December 2026

  • Mid Month Pay: December 15
  • End of Month Pay: December 31

Check your LES to confirm the exact amount you will be paid and whether there are any issues you need to address.

Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) Distribution Dates

LES downloads are typically possible seven days prior to the LES. You can download your LES from the MyPay official page on DFAS.mil.

What to Expect In the Reserve

Joining the Reserve means committing to part-time military service, including regular training periods and annual active-duty training. Army.mil describes that branch of the military’s Reserve commitment as follows:

“Army Reserve offers you the flexibility to pursue your individual goals and your passion to serve your country. You’ll get paid to train part-time, receive great benefits, and gain experiences you won’t find anywhere else.” There are many options for joining the Reserve, the Army is just one of them.

Each branch of the military with a Reserve component generally requires the following:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
  • Be between the ages of 17 and 42 (specific age limits vary by branch).
  • Pass a physical examination
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.
  • Meet the minimum ASVAB eligibility standard.

Each branch of service with a Reserve component has unique requirements for joining or transferring into the Reserve. Some join the Reserve with no prior military experience, while others transfer into the Reserve from Active Duty.

The Department of Defense identifies several periods of duty for those who want to join the Reserve. These include but may not be limited to:

  • Initial training: Basic training in the Reserve lasts between eight and 12 weeks, depending on your branch of service.
  • Advanced Training: Some will attend a technical school to receive training in a specific military specialty after boot camp.
  • Monthly drill: Reservists drill for 48 units per year, with many training sessions one weekend per month. According to the DoD, a typical weekend drill has four periods.
  • Annual training: Reservists train for two weeks per year as part of their annual requirements.
  • Activations: You may be activated to full-time service as a member of the Reserve. According to the DoD there are two different options. You may be activated in a voluntary or involuntary status. The DoD reminds, “Generally, you cannot opt out of involuntary action. This is because the military has ordered you to active service.”
  • Service commitment: Your total contract may last 3 years or up to 8 years, depending on your branch of service.

 

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