special duty assignment pay rates

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Special and Incentive Pay Index

Title 37, chapter 5, subchapter i - s&i pays currently for active duty members:.

• Section 301(a) Hazardous Duty Incentive Pays (HDIP).
• Section 301(a)(1) Flying Duty, Crew Members.
• Section 301(a)(2) Flying Duty, Non Crew Members.
• Section 301(a)(3) Parachute Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(4) Demolition Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(5) Pressure Chamber Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(6) Acceleration and Deceleration Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(7) Thermal Stress Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(8) Flight Deck Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(9) Toxic Pesticides/Dangerous Organisms Personal Exposure Pay.
• Section 301(a)(10) Toxic Fuel/Propellants and Chemical Munitions Exposure Duty Pay.
• Section 301(a)(11) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) - Maritime Interdiction Operations.
• Section 310 Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay.

Arduous Duty

• Section 305 Hardship Duty Pay.
• Section 307a Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP).
• Section 314 Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Pay (OTEIP).

Career Incentive

• Section 301a Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) .
• Section 301c Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY) .
• Section 304 Diving Duty Pay .
• Section 305a Career Sea Pay (CSP) .
• Section 320 Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay (CEFIP) .
• Section 309 Enlistment Bonus (EB) .
• Section 312b Nuclear Officer Accession Bonus .
• Section 324 Accession Bonus for New Officers in Critical Skills .
• Section 329 Accession Bonus for Members Appointed as a Commissioned Officer after Completing Officer Candidate School

Proficiency

• Section 316 Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) .
• Section 301b Aviation Continuation Pay (ACP) .
• Section 308 Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) .
• Section 312 Nuclear Officers Extending Period of Active Duty .
• Section 312c Nuclear Career Annual Incentive Bonus .
• Section 318 Special Warfare Officer Continuation Pay .
• Section 319 Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Continuation Pay .
• Section 321 Judge Advocate Continuation Pay (JACP) .
• Section 355 Critical Skills Retention Bonus (CSRB) or Bonus for Assignment to High Priority Unit .

Responsibility

• Section 306 Officers Holding Positions of Unusual Responsibility .
• Section 307 Special Duty Assignment Pay for Enlisted Members .

Rehabilitation

• Section 328 Combat-related Injury Rehabilitation Pay.

Skill Conversion

• Section 326 Incentive Bonus for Conversion to Military Occupational Specialty to Ease Personnel Shortage .

Transfer between Services

• Section 327 Incentive Bonus for Transfer Between Armed Forces .
• Section 301d Multi-year Retention Bonus for Medical Officers .
• Section 301e Multi-year Retention Bonus for Dental Officers .
• Section 302(a)(2) and (3) Medical Officer Variable Special Pay (VSP).
• Section 302(a)(4) Medical Officer Additional Special Pay (ASP) .
• Section 302(a)(5) Medical Officers Board Certification Pay (BCP) .
• Section 302(b) Medical Officer Incentive Special Pay (ISP) .
• Section 302a(a) Optometrists Regular Special Pay .
• Section 302a(b) Optometrists Retention Special Pay .
• Section 302b(a)(2) and (3) Dental Officer Variable Special Pay (VSP) .
• Section 302b(a)(4) Dental Officer Additional Special Pay (ASP) .
• Section 302b(a)(5) Dental Officer Board Certification Pay (BCP) .
• Section 302b(a)(6) Dental Officer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Incentive Special Pay (ISP) .
• Section 302c Nonphysician Health Care Providers Board Certification Pay (BCP) .
• Section 302d Registered Nurse Accession Bonus .
• Section 302e Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Incentive Special Pay .
• Section 302h Dental Officer Accession Bonus .
• Section 302i Pharmacy Officer Retention Special Pay .
• Section 302j Pharmacy Officer Accession Bonus .
• Section 302k Accession Bonus for Medical Officers in Critically Short Wartime Specialties .
• Section 302l Accession Bonus for Dental Officers in Critically Short Wartime Specialties .
• Section 303(a) Veterinary Corps Officer Special Pay .
• Section 303(b) Veterinary Corps Officer Board Certified Pay (BCP) .

Section 301(a) Hazardous Duty Incentive Pays (HDIP)

Entitlement pays; payable to enlisted members and officers.

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Section 301(a)(1) Flying Duty, Crew Members

For performance of hazardous duty involving frequent and regular aerial flight as a crew member, and to induce members (other than, career aviators) to volunteer for flying duty assignments as crew members and to retain the required number of skilled crewmembers to man mission requirements. Payment ranges from $110 to $250 per month, determined by grade.

Section 301(a)(2) Flying Duty, Non Crew Members

For performance of hazardous duty involving frequent and regular aerial flight, and to induce members to volunteer for, and remain in, flying duty assignments as 'other than crew members'. Payment is flat $150 per month.

Section 301(a)(3) Parachute Duty Pay

For performance of hazardous duty involving jumping, and to attract members to volunteer for, and to continue performing, parachute duty. Payment is flat $150 per month, except for duty involving High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps, which is $225 per month.

Section 301(a)(5) Pressure Chamber Duty Pay Section 301(a)(6) Acceleration and Deceleration Duty Pay Section 301(a)(7) Thermal Stress Duty Pay

For hazardous duty related to participation as human test subject in low and high pressure, acceleration or deceleration, or thermal stress chambers. Also, intended to attract volunteers to perform such duties. Payment is flat $150/mo.

Section 301(a)(8) Flight Deck Duty Pay

For more than normally dangerous character of flight deck duty, and to enhance the Services' ability to attract and retain personnel involved in the frequent and regular flight operations on the flight deck of ships from which aircraft are launched. Payment is flat $150 per month

Section 301(a)(9) Toxic Pesticides Personal Exposure Pay

For hazardous duty involving frequent and regular exposure to highly toxic pesticides and to induce members to volunteer for such duty. Payment is flat $150 per month.

Section 301(a)(10) Toxic Fuel/Propellants and Chemical Munitions Exposure Duty Pay

For the more than normally dangerous character of performing duty which entails exposure to toxic fuels or propellants, or chemical munitions. Payment is flat $150 per month.

Section 301(a)(11) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) - Maritime Interdiction Operations

For performance of hazardous duty involving regular participation as a member of a team conducting VBSS operations aboard vessels in support of maritime interdiction operations. Payment is flat $150/mo. Only Navy members (among DoD Services) perform duty that qualifies for this pay

Section 301a Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)

Financial incentive for officers to serve as military aviators throughout a military career. Payment ranges from $125 to $840 per month, determined by years of aviation service as an officer. Entitlement pay.

Section 301b Aviation Continuation Pay (ACP).

Financial incentive to retain qualified, experienced officer aviators who have completed their Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) to remain on active duty for a specified period of additional service. Services may pay up to $25K for each year of service agreement, regardless of the length of contract; through 25 years of aviation service; and to aviators in grade 0-6. Discretionary pay.

Section 301c Submarine Duty Incentive Pay (SUBPAY)

Additional pay to increase Navy's ability to attract and retain volunteers for submarine duty, and to compensate for the more than normally arduous character of such duty. The Secretary of the Navy may set SUBPAY rates within a statutory cap of $1,000 per month. Currently, Navy SUBPAY rates range from $75 to $835 per month. Entitlement pay.

Section 301d Multi-year Retention Bonus for Medical Officers

Financial incentive to retain a sufficient number of qualified physicians to meet armed forces health care requirements. Up to $75K per year for 4-year agreement payable to physicians with over 8 years creditable service, or who have completed their ADSO incurred for medical education and training, and initial residency training, and are below pay grade O-7. Discretionary pay; all Military Departments use this bonus authority.

Section 301e Multi-year Retention Bonus for Dental Officers

To attract and retain adequate number of dental officers to meet armed forces' health care needs. Maximum award level is $50K a year for 4-year agreement. Entitlement pay for dental officers with specialties in oral and maxillofacial surgery, in pay grade below O-7, with at least 8 years of creditable service or, have completed their ADSO for dental education and training, and initial residency training. Other dental officers may be extended bonus offer at Service discretion, if they otherwise meet above eligibility requirements. Discretionary pay.

Section 302(a)(2) and (3) Medical Officer Variable Special Pay (VSP)

Provides increase in monthly pay for all medical officers on active duty (regardless if in internship training, regardless of specialty or remaining obligated service), as broad-based incentive to increase numbers of physicians remaining on active duty after completion of ADSO for advanced training. Payment ranges from $1.2K to $12K a year, paid out monthly, determined by years of creditable service (except set amount is paid to O-7s and above, regardless of years of creditable service). Entitlement pay.

Section 302(a)(4) Medical Officer Additional Special Pay (ASP)

Additional pay for all medical officers on active duty who have completed internship or initial residency training, regardless of specialty, if they agree to remain on active duty for additional 12 month period, to bring more into 6-7 year window when they would be eligible for higher pays in private sector, thereby encouraging longer periods of retention. Flat $15K for 12-month active duty service agreement. Entitlement pay.

Section 302(a)(5) Medical Officers Board Certification Pay (BCP)

Incentive for retention and also promotes quality health care by encouraging all medical officers to attain board certification, signifying highest level of professional competence. Payment is $2.5K to $6K per year, dependent on years of creditable service, paid monthly once physician becomes board certified and as long as officer remains so certified. Entitlement pay.

Section 302a(a) Optometrists Regular Special Pay

Intended to attract sufficient number of qualified optometrists to enter and stay in service to meet armed forces' health care requirements. Payment is flat $100 per month for each month of active duty. Entitlement pay.

Section 302a(b) Optometrists Retention Special Pay

Discretionary pay intended to be used as needed to address retention problems. Up to $15K per year payable to officers drawing Optometrist Regular Special Pay who have completed initial ADSO for education and training, and who execute a 12-month active duty service agreement. Army and Air Force use this pay.

Section 302(b) Medical Officer Incentive Special Pay (ISP)

Financial incentive to address retention difficulties and shortages of critical wartime specialties by closing civilian-military pay gap. An officer entitled to VSP, upon agreement to remain on active duty for at least a year, may be paid ISP for any 12-month period during which the officer is not undergoing internship or initial residency training. Paid as annual bonus. Up to $75K payable for 12-month active duty service agreement. Discretionary pay; all Military Departments use this pay.

Section 302b(a)(2) and (3) Dental Officer Variable Special Pay (VSP)

Increase in monthly pay for all dental officers (on active duty under call or order to active duty for not less than 1-year (to include those in internship training)) as incentive to remain on active duty after completion of ADSO (for advanced training). Payment ranges from annual $3K to $12K, paid monthly, determined by years of creditable service (except that set amount is paid to O-7s and above). Entitlement pay.

Section 302b(a)(4) Dental Officer Additional Special Pay (ASP)

(To include those undergoing dental internship or residency training) for any 12-month period during which the officer is under an active duty agreement. Payable at rates determined by the Secretary concerned not to exceed $10K per year for officers with less than three years of creditable service, and $15K per year, of the officer has 10 or more years of creditable service, Entitlement pay.

Section 302b(a)(5) Dental Officer Board Certification Pay (BCP)

BCP in intended to promote quality health care by encouraging all dental officers to attain board certification, signifying the highest level of professional competence, and also as retention incentive. Payment is $2.5K to $6K per year, dependent on years of creditable service, paid monthly once officer becomes board certified and as long as the officer remains so certified. Entitlement pay.

Section 302b(a)(6) Dental Officer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Incentive Special Pay (ISP)

Financial incentive for oral or maxillofacial surgeons to remain on active duty to ensure there are adequate numbers of dental officers qualified in these specialties to meet the military medical care needs in peacetime and wartime. An officer entitled to VSP, upon agreement to remain on active duty for at least a year, may be paid ISP for any 12-month period during which the officer is not undergoing internship or initial residency training. Paid as annual bonus. ISP for Dental Officer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was first authorized in the FY06 NDAA. Up to $75K payable for 12-month active duty service agreement. Discretionary pay; all Military Departments use this pay authority.

Section 302c PsychologistsNonphysician Health Care Providers Board Certification Pay (BCP)

Financial incentive for highly qualified psychologists and nonphysician health care providers to enter on active duty, to acquire and maintain the highest level of professional achievement and to remain on active duty. Payment ranges from $2K to $5K per year, dependent on years of creditable service. Paid monthly. Paid once officer becomes board certified and continues as long as officer remains board certified. Entitlement pay.

Section 302d Registered Nurse Accession Bonus

Intended as incentive for nurses to enter and remain in service to ensure the Services have an adequate number of experienced nurses to meet military medical care needs in peacetime and wartime settings. Up to $30K is payable to an RN who executes written agreement to accept a commission, be assigned to duty as a nurse, and remain on active duty for a minimum of three years. Discretionary pay -- all military Departments use this authority.

Section 302(e) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Incentive Special Pay

Financial incentive for CRNAs to remain on active duty to ensure there are adequate numbers of qualified CRNAs to meet the military medical care needs in peacetime and wartime. (to increase annual cap from $15K to $50K). Up to $50K payable for 12-month active duty service agreement. Discretionary pay -- all military Departments use this authority.

Section 302h Dental Officer Accession Bonus

Incentive for dentists to enter and remain in military service to ensure the Services have an adequate number of dental officers to meet military dental care needs in peacetime and wartime settings. Up to $200K payable for written agreement to accept a commission and remain on active duty for minimum of four years. Discretionary pay -- all military Departments use this authority.

Section 302i Pharmacy Officer Retention Special Pay

Up to $15K is payable for any 12-month period to Pharmacy Officer in pay grade O-6 or below. Discretionary pay - all military Departments use this pay.

Section 302j Pharmacy Officer Accession Bonus

Up to $30K is payable to a pharmacist for an agreement to accept a commission and serve not less than 4 years on active duty. Discretionary pay - all military Departments use this bonus authority.

Section 302k Accession Bonus for Medical Officers in Critically Short Wartime Specialties

Authorizes an accession bonus of up to $400,000 for medical officers in critically short wartime specialties. Discretionary pay - the Navy uses this bonus authority.

Section 302l Accession Bonus for Dental Officers in Critically Short Wartime Specialties

Authorizes an accession bonus of up to $400,000 for dental officers in critically short wartime specialties. Discretionary pay - the Navy uses this bonus authority.

Section 303(a) Veterinary Corps Officer Special Pay

Incentive for qualified veterinarians to enter and remain on active duty to meet the health care and readiness requirements of the armed forces. ; not updated since. Payment is flat $100 per month for each month of active duty. Entitlement pay.

Section 303(b) Veterinary Corps Officer Board Certified Pay (BCP)

Financial incentive to encourage veterinary officers to attain board certification, signifying highest level of professional competence. Also serves as incentive for retention. Payment ranges from $2K to $5K per year, dependent on years of creditable service, paid once officer becomes board certified (as Diplomate in specialty recognized by the American Veterinarian Medical Association) and continues as long as officer remains board certified. Paid monthly. Entitlement pay.

Section 304 Diving Duty Pay

Incentive for members to volunteer for, and remain in, diving duty; additionally, in part, compensates divers for the more than normally dangerous character of such duty. Currently, up to $340 per month may be paid to enlisted divers and up to $240 per month payable to officers. Entitlement pay, with rates set by Services within statutory caps.

Section 305 Hardship Duty Pay

Additional compensation paid to recognize members assigned to duty designated as hardship by the Secretary of Defense. There are two types of HDP currently being paid, one for designated Quality-of-Life (QoL) Hardship Locations (HDP-L), and the other for designated hardship missions (HDP-M). Locations are designated as hardship duty locations if the QoL living conditions in the area are substantially below the standard most members would generally experience in the United States. The sole mission designated as hardship duty for HDP purposes is the mission performed by JTF-Full Accounting and CILHI and to recover the remains of members lost in past wars. The maximum payable in law is $1,500/mo.; currently, the monthly rates being paid are $50, $100 and $150 for HDP-L; and $150 for HDP-M. Discretionary pay -- all Services use this pay authority.

Section 305a Career Sea Pay (CSP)

To financially recognize officers executing the duties of a position the Service Secretary has designated as: 1) carrying unusual responsibilities above those normal for officers of the same grade, and 2) critical to the operations of the Service concerned. Payment ranges from $50-$150/mo. dependent on pay grade. Law limits payments to O-3s through O-6, with specifies percentages of officers within each of those grades that can be paid this pay (referred to as "Command Responsibility Pay"). This is a discretionary pay. Among the DoD Services, only Navy uses this pay.

Section 306 Officers Holding Positions of Unusual Responsibility

Intended to improve retention of members in sea service skills and as recognition for members serving on sea duty for the greater-than-normal rigors of sea duty. The Secretary of the Service concerned establishes monthly CSP and CSP Premium (CSPP) rates within $750 and $350 caps, respectively. Rates being paid by Department of Navy in CSP ranges from $50 to $730/mo.; CSPP is $100/mo., paid to members who serve more than 36 consecutive months of sea duty. Army pays under its own rate table; USAF uses CSP rate table in effect pre-FY2001 NDAA. Entitlement pay.

Section 307 Special Duty Assignment Pay for Enlisted Members

To encourage enlisted members to qualify for and volunteer to serve in, or remain in, designated positions with duties that are extremely difficult, or carry an unusual degree of responsibility, when compared to typical jobs of members of the same grade level. The maximum payable in law is $600/month. Under program parameters established by the Secretary of Defense, current range being paid in SDAP is between $75 and $450 per month). Discretionary pay -- all Services use this pay.

Section 307a Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)

To provide a monthly incentive to a member who performs service, while entitled to basic pay, in an assignment designated by the Secretary concerned. Used to encourage members to volunteer for difficult-to-fill jobs or assignments in less desirable locations. The monthly statutory maximum payable is $3,000. Discretionary pay - all Services use this pay authority.

Section 308 Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB)

To provide incentive for an adequate number of qualified enlisted members to reenlist in designated critical military specialties where retention levels are insufficient to sustain a steady readiness posture imperative for the individual Service to accomplish its mission. The statutory maximum payable is $90K for a minimum 3-year reenlistment. Discretionary pay -- all Services use this pay authority.

Section 309 Enlistment Bonus (EB)

To provide incentive for persons to enlist in the armed forces. The maximum payable by law is $40K. Discretionary bonus -- all Services use this bonus authority.

Section 310 Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay

To recognize members subject to hostile fire or explosion of hostile mines, and those on duty overseas who because of their role/visibility as a service member, are subject to threat of physical harm or imminent danger due to civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism, or wartime conditions. The current monthly rate is $225. Entitlement pay.

Section 312 Nuclear Officers Extending Period of Active Duty

Financial incentive for Nuclear-qualified Navy officers to continue on active duty upon completion of obligated service. The maximum payable by law is $30K for each year of a minimum 3-year active-service agreement. Discretionary authority. Navy uses this pay authority.

Section 312b Nuclear Officer Accession Bonus

Financial incentive to encourage adequate numbers of voluntary accessions into the Navy's nuclear power officer community. The maximum payable by law is $30K. Discretionary authority. Navy uses this pay authority.

Section 312c Nuclear Career Annual Incentive Bonus

Financial incentive for Nuclear-qualified Navy officers to continue on active duty upon completion of obligated service. The law authorizes a maximum $22K payable to commissioned officers, and $14K to Limited Duty officers. (LDO's). Discretionary authority. Navy uses this pay authority.

Section 314 Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Pay (OTEIP)

For members in certain critical skill classifications to extend their tour of service overseas for the convenience of the Government. The law authorizes payment monthly or pay up to $80; or an annual bonus not to exceed $2K per year in OTEIP. Discretionary authority; all DoD Services pay OTEIP.

Section 316 Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB)

Financial incentive for members to become proficient, or to increase their proficiency, in foreign languages to enhance the foreign language capabilities of the armed forces. The law authorizes payment of a bonus of up to $12,000 for a 12-month certification period. Discretionary pay; all Services use this pay authority.

Section 318 Special Warfare Officer Continuation Pay

Financial incentive for qualified, experienced Special Warfare Officers to remain on active duty beyond their initial ADSO. Up to $15K per year payable to eligible officers. Discretionary pay; only Navy uses this pay authority.

Section 319 Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Continuation Pay

Financial incentive for SWOs selected for Department Head (DH) to agree to remain on active duty to complete that tour. Up to $50K total payable to eligible officers. Discretionary pay; Navy use this pay authority.

Section 320 Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive Pay (CEFIP)

Financial incentive to serve throughout a military career as an enlisted flyer. Monthly maximum rates range from $150 to $400, dependent on years of aviation service. Discretionary pay -- currently, only Air Force and Navy pay CEFIP.

Section 321 Judge Advocate Continuation Pay (JACP)

Financial incentive for military Judge Advocates to continue on active duty upon completion of their ADSO. Up to $60K total payable to eligible judge advocates over a career. Discretionary pay -- currently, Army, Navy and Air Force pay JACP; Marine Corps pays a Law School Education Debt Subsidy (LSEDS) under the JACP statutory authority.

Section 324 Accession Bonus for New Officers in Critical Skills

Gives Service Secretaries authority to offer up to $60K to an individual who agrees to accept a commission and serve on active duty in a designated critical skill for the period specified in the agreement. Discretionary pay - all Military Departments use this pay authority.

Section 326 Incentive Bonus for Conversion to Military Occupational Specialty to Ease Personnel Shortage

To provide an incentive for members to convert to, and serve for a period of not less than 3 years in, a military occupational specialty for which there is a shortage of trained and qualified personnel. Discretionary pay - Army uses this pay authority

Section 327 Incentive Bonus for Transfer Between Armed Forces

To provide incentive of up to $10K for persons to transfer from one armed force to another, and serve a minimum of 3 years in the component to which transferred. Discretionary pay; Army use this pay authority.

Section 355 Critical Skills Retention Bonus (CSRB) or Bonus for Assignment to High Priority Unit

Financial incentive to address skill-specific retention problems. Up to $200K total ($100K for reserve component members) is payable in CSRB to an eligible member over a career. Discretionary pay - all Services use this pay authority.

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Special Duty Assignment Pay

If you are an enlisted member who is performing duties which have been designated as extremely difficult or involving an unusual degree of responsibility in a military skill, you may be entitled to Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP).

The following table reflects the most recent SDAP monthly rates:

What Military Specialties Qualify For Special Duty Assignment Pay?

Some of the qualifying military specialties include:

• Nuclear Trained Sailors
• Special Operations Forces
• Production Recruiter
• White House Communications Agency
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency
• Defense Courier Operations
• Senior Enlisted Advisor to the JCS

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• Special and Incentive Pay

Written by: Maureen Milliken

Home » Military Pay » Special and Incentive Pay

Everyone in the military gets basic pay that is determined by their rank and length of service. But there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money.

Military members of all ranks and positions can be eligible for special and incentive pay (S&I). There are more than 60 authorized Special and Incentive Pay codes.

S&I covers everything from hazardous duty pay, dangerous jobs, those with more responsibility, tours in combat zones, working with hazardous materials and more. But it also offers incentives to acquire training or learn a new job, or, if you’re in a profession that’s lucrative in the civilian world, to stay in the military for a few years or for a career.

Specific skills – like fluency in a foreign language – can open up special military pay opportunities.

Congress sets maximum amounts for S&I. In 2008, it established broader categories, which allow the military flexibility to adjust payment levels and eligibility criteria.

Who Is Eligible for Special and Incentive Pay?

Special and Incentive Pay opportunities are open to active-duty enlisted military members, even those who have just joined, as well as officers. Some S&I codes are exclusive to certain branches of the military or have varying requirements, depending on the branch.

There is pay specific to medical professions, being on a combat tour, being assigned to a less-than-desirable area and more. Dangerous jobs, like parachuting, diving or working on a submarine also get special pay.

All of the specific codes under the law that allows Special Pay and Incentives have their own eligibility requirements.

What Types of Special and Incentive Pay Are Available?

Special and Incentive Pay is monthly, and ranges from skilled jobs – such as Medical Special Pay – to assignments that increase skill or proficiency, to special pay for hazardous or arduous work. There is also pay for jobs that are difficult to fill – nurses, dentists, optometrists, veterinarians – as well as pay designed to retain personnel.

Hazardous duty pay helps ensure the U.S. interests abroad and at home are protected, by giving special incentives to those who must serve in combat zones or do jobs that could be dangerous.

Some pay is for long-term duties, some is temporary. Some is offered only by certain branches of the service. Each type has its own pay grades and requirements, which are all listed in the U.S. Department of Defense Special Pays and Incentives Index .

The general categories are:

• Hazardous Incentive Pay

Medical Special Pay

Retention incentive pay, career incentive pay.

• Assignment Pay

Accession Pay

Responsibility pay.

• Skill Conversion and Transfer Pay

Arduous Duty Pay

• Proficiency Incentive

Rehabilitation Pay

Let’s take a closer look.

Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP)

There are many voluntary HDIP assignments. Some have a pay cap, some a flat amount and some have a range based on grade, assignment and more.

Top HDIP pay:

• Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger: $225
• Flying, Crew: $110-$250 (grade-based)
• Parachute: $150, high-altitude $250

$150 flat pay duties:

• Flying, Non-Crew
• Pressure Chamber; Acceleration, Deceleration; Thermal Stress
• Flight Deck
• Toxic Pesticides/Dangerous Organisms Personal Exposure
• Toxic Fuel/Propellants, Chemical Munitions Exposure
• Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) – Maritime Interdiction Operations (Navy only)

Medical special pay helps retain medical personnel who could easily make more money as civilians – it covers regular special pay, special pay for becoming certified, retention bonuses and more:

• Multi-year Medical Officer Retention Bonus: Up to $75,000 yearly, four-year agreement
• Multi-year Dental Officer Retention Bonus: Up to $50,000, four-year agreement
• Medical Officer Variable: $1,200-$12,000 yearly
• Medical Officer Additional: $15,000
• Medical Officers Board Certification: $2,500-$6,000 yearly
• Medical Officer Incentive: $75,000, 12-month agreement
• Optometrists Regular: $100 a month
• Optometrists Retention: Up to $!5,000, 12-month agreement
• Dental Officer Variable: $3,000-$12,000 yearly
• Dental Officer Additional: $10,000-$15,000 yearly
• Dental Officer Board Certification: $2,500-$6,000 yearly
• Dental Officer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Incentive: up to $75,000, 12-month agreement
• Nonphysician Health Care Providers Board Certification: $2,000-$5,000 yearly
• Registered Nurse Accession Bonus: Up to $30,000, minimum three-year agreement
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Incentive: Up to $50,000, 12-month agreement
• Dental Officer Accession Bonus: Up to $200,000, minimum four-year agreement
• Pharmacy Officer Retention: Up to $15,000 for 12 months
• Pharmacy Officer Accession Bonus: Up to $30,000, four-year minimum agreement
• Accession Bonus for Medical/Dental Officers in Critically Short Wartime Specialties: Up to $400,000
• Veterinary Corps Officer: $100 monthly
• Veterinary Corps Officer Board Certified: $2,000-$5,000 yearly

Retention Incentive Pay aims to keep service members with in-demand skills in the military. Figures listed here are a maximum, and amount depends on many factors:

• Aviation Continuation: $25,000 yearly
• Selective Reenlistment Bonus: $40,000
• Nuclear Officers Extending Period of Active Duty: $30,000 yearly, minimum 3-year agreement
• Nuclear Career Annual Incentive Bonus: $22,000 (commissioned officers), $14,000 (limited duty officers)
• Special Warfare Officer Continuation: $15,000 yearly
• Surface Warfare Officer Continuation: $50,000 yearly
• Judge Advocate Continuation: $60,000 paid over career
• Critical Skills Retention (Assignment to High Priority Unit) Bonus: $60,000

Career Incentive Pay seeks to keep skilled personnel in crucial jobs in the service for their entire career. There’s a wide range in the monthly pay for each, depending on years of service, grade and more.

Pay codes are:

• Aviation: $125-$850
• Submarine Duty: $75-$835
• Diving Duty: $340 (max. enlisted); $240 (max. officers)
• Career Sea: $50-$150
• Career Enlisted Flyer Incentive: $150-$400

Assignment Incentive Pay

Assignment Incentive Pay encourages those in less desirable locations or in combat zones to extend their tour.

Involuntary extensions in combat zones pay up to $800 monthly. Voluntary extensions range from $300-$900 a month. Those with critical intelligence skills get up to $1,000 a month. The maximum allowed by law is $3,000 a month.

Accession bonuses and incentives are designed to encourage military personnel, or those enlisting, to become officers.

• Enlistment Bonus – $40,00 maximum
• Nuclear Officer Accession Bonus – $30,000 maximum
• Accession Bonus for New Officers in Critical Skills – $60,000 maximum
• Accession Bonus for Members Appointed as a Commissioned Officer after Completing Officer Candidate School – $20,000 maximum
• Officers Holding Positions of Unusual Responsibility – The Navy rewards sea service at $50-$750 a month. Other military branches may set rates as well.
• Special Duty Assignment Pay for Enlisted Members – Assignments with responsibility above pay grade, including special operations forces, production recruiter, White House Communications Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency and more, get $75-$450 monthly.

Skills Conversion and Transfer Pay

• Incentive Bonus for Conversion to Military Occupational Specialty to Ease Personnel Shortage – For members who convert to an occupational specialty that has a shortage of qualified personnel, with minimum 3-year commitment. Rate is discretionary.
• Incentive Bonus for Transfer Between Armed Forces – Up to $10,000 to transfer between military branches, with minimum 3-year commitment.

Hardship Pay -Quality of Life and Hardship Pay-Location is for those whose assignment is where living conditions are substantially below the standard most members would generally experience in the U.S. Pay is $50-$150 monthly.

Hardship Pay-Mission is for those who recover the remains of service members lost in past wars, and is $150.

• Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP)

The Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP) rewards personnel for extending an overseas assignment. If your duty station or job field qualifies you for OTEIP, you can receive additional pay or benefits for agreeing to extend an overseas assignment by at least 12 months.

Proficiency Incentive Pay

Being fluent in a foreign language – or doing the work to be – pays off big time for members of the military through the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus. Those who become proficient, or work to increase proficiency, can get up to $12,000 for a 12-month certification period.

Members of the armed forces injured in the line of duty in a combat zone who have to be evacuated for medical treatment get $430 a month. It terminates when they start getting benefits from other military disability programs, or if they are no longer being treated for the injury.

Can Special and Incentive Pay Change?

Special and Incentive Pay amounts, as well as categories, change frequently. Congress used to be in charge of changing the requirements, eligibility, pay grades and more, but that got unwieldy. Now, the basic framework is there, and Congress votes on it every two years year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the military. It is up to the secretary of each branch of the military to set specifics and decide if the special pay will be offered.

Some special pay and incentives have ceilings way above what is currently being paid, so there’s room to increase it. For instance, Special Duty Assignment Pay can be as high as $600 a month under the law, but currently pays between $75 and $450. Navy submarine pay can go as high as $1,000 a month, but is capped at $950 (and that’s only for two pay grades with at least 18 years’ experience).

Changes in the location of combat can mean changes to Assignment Pay Incentive and Hardship Pay Incentive. That goes for Hostile Fire and Imminent Danger Pay as well – the U.S. Department of Defense keeps an up-to-date list of where this pay applies.

Some categories – for instance regular pay incentive for optometrists, at $100 a month – haven’t changed since they were instituted.

Changes generally kick in on Jan. 1.

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Special Duty Assignment Pay

If you are an enlisted member who is entitled to basic pay and are performing duties which have been designated as extremely difficult or involving an unusual degree of responsibility in a military skill, you may, in addition to other pay or allowances to which you are entitled, be paid special duty assignment pay. Examples of these jobs include parachuting instructors, fuel specialists and combat controllers.

The following table reflects the most recent DOD changes to SDAP:

Eligibility Requirements Enlisted members serving in pay grade E-3 or higher are eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay. Officers/Warrant Officers are not eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay. Eligibility is contingent on meeting the basic requirements and those provided by specific service regulations. Special Duty Assignment Pay replaces Proficiency Pay; therefore, only one or the other may be paid to a member for a given period.

• Enlisted members of the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force are authorized to receive SDAP when on a second or subsequent enlisted term of service; and first term person who is serving in an enlistment, an enlistment is extended, or an extension of an enlistment that will total 6 or more years of service.
• Enlisted members of the Navy are authorized SDAP when on second or subsequent terms of active duty enlisted service and first term personnel who are serving in an enlistment, an enlistment as extended, or an extension of enlistment that will total 7 or more years of active service.
• Enlisted members of the Reserve Components must be assigned to a duty position characterized by extremely demanding duties or duties demanding an unusual degree of responsibility. Appropriate authorities must annually review the enlisted member’s eligibility to receive either proficiency pay or special duty assignment pay.

Rates Payable Special Duty Assignment Pay is broken into six pay rates ranging from $55.00 to $375.00 per month. Each military branch assigns those rates to specific duty specialties and assignments.