{"id":17644,"date":"2018-02-12T22:38:33","date_gmt":"2018-02-12T22:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/02\/12\/navy-budget-seeks-more-cash-for-recruitment-and-retention-bonuses\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T18:58:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:58:50","slug":"navy-budget-seeks-more-cash-for-recruitment-and-retention-bonuses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2018\/02\/12\/navy-budget-seeks-more-cash-for-recruitment-and-retention-bonuses\/","title":{"rendered":"Navy budget seeks more cash for recruitment and retention bonuses"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A breakdown of the Navy’s FY19 budget request, including shipbuilding, manpower and aircraft.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

In a nod to a humming economy and a growing fleet, the Navy\u2019s proposed fiscal 2019 budget<\/a> calls for more sailors, more pay and higher incentives for those joining the service or staying in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed budget released Monday calls for 7,500 more sailors to be added to the ranks over last year\u2019s request, setting 2019 end strength at 335,400, while contributing to a long-term goal to grow the ranks to 344,800 by FY23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increases aim to fill manning gaps that have come to light in the surface fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis growth will eliminate gaps at sea as well as grow the force,\u201d Rear Adm. Brian E. Luther, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget, said Monday in a briefing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Troops would also see a 2.6 percent pay raise<\/a> under President Donald Trump\u2019s<\/a> proposed budget, the highest raise since 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navy officials have noted in recent months that a low unemployment rate nationwide means the sea service must work harder to make Navy life a more attractive option for young people entering the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\t