Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-11-07
Increased Pay
For Military
Reported Likely
White House Seen
Reversing Its Stond
On Cordiner PIun
BY ALAN EMORY

North American Newspaper Alliance
The Eisenhower administra-
ton is reported to be consider
ing q vast military pay increase
program it rejected only four
months ago.
The President may make the
announcement personally. paw
ing the way for pay increases to
80 per cent Of the country's
military personnel, informed
Pentagon sources predict.
According to Ralph j. Cord
liner, president Of the General
Electric Co.. who headed the
committee making the pro-
posals. this could yield savings
of IS billion by 1862 through
greater efficiency.
Former Defense Secretary
Wilson rejected the major pro-
visions of the Cordiner report
July Is because of budget re-
quirements and the danger of
increasing "inflationary pres
sures on our economy" But
both the Pentagon and the
Budget Bureau are now about
for the report.
One Change in Program
There has been one change
in the program from retaining
skilled technicians in the armed
services at a cost of roughly
$500 million in the first full
year of operation.
The Pentagon, with approval
from Mr.. Cordiner in New York
Monday. modified it to phase
in" the pay increases for top
ranking officers-major and
above-in four increments. The
first two annual increases
would be equal, the third a bit
more and the fourth. if required
to fill out the increase, would
account for the balance.
Defense experts estimate saw
ings of around 10 per cent,
roughly $50 million, for each of
the first four years as a result.
Had Mr.. Cordiner turned
down the ''phasing in" plan,
the administration would have
backed putting the higher pay
grades into full effect imme-
diately.
Scrap Longevity Pay
The major change in current
military pay practices would
be scrapping longevity pay in
return for increases within
grade after a certain length
of service. A colonel, for ex-
ample. would start at $3.50 a
month and move up to $1,005
after a year in grade and to
$1,065 after four years in grade.
While Mr.. Cordiner declined
to include in his plan a 6 per
cent cost-of-living increase for
81 per cent Of military person.
mel who have more than two
years service, but who would
not benefit under the new pro-
posals. it is believed the ad-
ministration will advocate this
toe.
Both the Cordiner program,
including phasing. land the
cost-of-living boost have now
won approval of the Budget
Bureau. Budget Director Per-
clval F. Brundage. on April 4,
advised Secretary Wilson to re-
strict his support for the plan
to the minor aspects involving
reserve officers. Insiders say,
however, that Mr.. Brundage no
longer objects and that, any
way. he may soon be replaced
by Maurice H. STAINS, his dep
uty.
Defense Secretary Neil H.
McElroy has Endorsed the plan.
White House aides were briefed
on the proposals Tuesday.
Only 80 per cent of the mill
tary. with less than two years
service and in lower pay grades,
will miss out on increases.
"Our national defense is in
danger of deteriorating.' Mr..
Cordiner warned the Senate
Armed Services Committee Au-
gust 81, because technology is
advancing much faster than
the skills and experience of the
See CORDINER, Page AT