The price for service: What do some of the world's top militaries pay their personnel?
For the men and women beginning their careers in the Armed Forces, pay can vary depending on where in the world they serve.
The differences are driven by factors including a country's economy, defence budget and the cost of living – not just their rank and years of service.
But how much is a newly enlisted soldier's service worth? BFBS Forces News have compared the starting salaries of personnel from five nations' militaries to find out.
Of course, countries structure military pay differently, and additional bonuses, including housing allowances, healthcare benefits, and operational payments, can all affect the total amount a soldier receives.
Likewise, the standard of living and purchasing power in their respective countries can also have a major impact on how far a soldier's salary goes.
Russia
A Russian contract soldier can receive around 111,000 roubles a month, which equates to roughly £12,000 a year.
This amount is roughly three times the national average, making it an exceptionally lucrative option for recruits from poorer regions.
Additionally, personnel directly involved in the war in Ukraine are paid more than double what they would make in peacetime or non-deployed military roles: 210,000 roubles to be exact, or roughly £25,000.
The Kremlin also provides a minimum one-off payment of 400,000 roubles (£3,581) for soldiers signing at least a one-year contract to fight in the war with Ukraine.
The United States
A newly enlisted U.S. Army soldier at the E-1 rank, the lowest enlisted pay grade, earns a monthly base salary of $2,225 during their first four months of service. After this initial period, their monthly base pay increases to $2,407.
While this sounds low – equating to roughly £21,600 a year – E-1 ranked soldiers are offered barracks or dorms free of charge, plus access to a dining facility which covers all their daily meals.
Promotion is also much faster in the US than in the UK and other countries, with a recruit typically holding the E-1 rank for six months before automatically being promoted to E-2.
Australia
For the men and women serving down under, an Australian infantry soldier who has completed their initial military and employment training can earn an attractive minimum of A$82,322 – roughly £44,000 a year.
In fact, Australia are often cited as offering military personnel the highest overall salaries and total compensation packages in the world.
A strong economy, coupled with a small population, means the Australian Defence Force (ADF) must compete with private industries and mining sectors that offer lucrative salaries.
China
Recruits in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) can earn varying amounts depending on whether they sign up as conscripts, or as educated professionals.
Interestingly, conscripts do not receive a traditional salary. Instead, they receive a monthly subsistence allowance, which equates to between 1,000 and 1,500 yuan a month – or £1,300 a year.
Because local municipal and provincial governments manage and fund their own recruitment incentives, conscripts can end up earning considerably more or less depending on where they are recruited from, and where they later find themselves stationed.
Local governments in more affluent areas – Shanghai or Beijing, for example – offer a much larger one-time enlistment bonus, educational funds, and annual preferential family allowances.
These family allowances help offset the absence of a working-age family member, ensuring that the family's standard of living remains above the local average.
The UK
In Britain, the British Army currently advertises a starting salary of £27,282 for a regular soldier.
Nevertheless, like most militaries, accommodation and food on base are heavily subsidised, with free healthcare covered from day one.
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