turkey assignment incentive pay 2023

Official websites use .gov

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

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.

Back To Top

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.

• svg]:fill-accent-900 [&>svg]:stroke-accent-900"> 1.4M
• svg]:fill-accent-900 [&>svg]:stroke-accent-900"> 104K
• svg]:fill-accent-900 [&>svg]:stroke-accent-900"> 10.6K

Air Force approves incentive pay for airmen in Turkey

By Katie Foley

Updated on Oct 22, 2020 12:30 AM PDT

The Air Force recently approved incentive pay for Airmen assigned to Turkey, just months after a military coup prompted defense officials to suspend accompanied deployments there. The Pentagon had ordered Air Force dependents out of the country in March.

According to the Air Force Times , unaccompanied tours to Turkey will be reduced from 15 months to 12 months. Airmen will be given the option to extend their tours from 12 to 24 months with an incentive pay of $300 per month.

Air Force Personnel Command says that Airmen must apply for Turkey Assignment Incentive Pay either prior to leaving their current duty station, within 30 days of arriving in Turkey, or “during their date eligible for return overseas forecast and initial vulnerable to move list windows.”

Airmen who have been in Turkey over 30 days may elect to extend their date eligible for return overseas, or DEROS, for 24 months past their current DEROS. Airmen who elect to accept Turkey Assignment Incentive Pay under these conditions will begin to collect the incentive pay on the first month of the 24 month extension, the service said.

All other Airmen who are eligible for Turkey Assignment Incentive Pay, and accept it, will serve 24 months in Turkey and will begin receiving the incentive pay upon arrival in country.

The Air Force Times reports that civilians previously assigned in Turkey will automatically have their tours reduced from 24 months to 12 months, unless an extension is approved by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.

Turkey, a NATO ally, has seen civil unrest progress in recent years, with terror attacks and a failed coup in July. The country is host to a key airbase at Incirlik, which is critical to the coalition fight against Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

The Air Force Times reports that Airmen who find that this recent change in tour requirements presents a hardship for them may request a “home-base or follow-on assignment” and that the Air Force will consider cancellation requests on a case-by-case basis.

The changes to Turkey assignments do not impact personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy or Security Cooperation Organizations in Turkey.

Latest in Air Force

An ac-130 gunship refueled and rearmed on a highway in arkansas an ac-130 gunship refueled and rearmed on a highway in arkansas.

By Miguel Ortiz

Exciting Air Force jobs you didn’t know about Exciting Air Force jobs you didn’t know about

By Jessica Evans

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - WW II Podcast
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• - WW II Videos
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Air Force tries to tempt airmen to stay in Turkey with largest assignment bonus yet

Airmen assigned to the 39th Maintenance Squadron and 728th Air Mobility Squadron participate in an aircraft battle damage repair course at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, March 22, 2023. Airmen assigned to Turkey can earn $1,000 per month in assignment incentive bonuses. (Jenna A. Bond/U.S. Air Force)

About 35 airmen have signed up for an additional year in Turkey since the Air Force approved a tax-free bonus of $1,000 per month, making it the most generous noncombat assignment pay in the service.

The Air Force bumped up the incentive pay at the end of last year from $300 a month added to the paychecks of airmen based primarily at Incirlik Air Base on one-year unaccompanied tours.

For years, Incirlik has been low on airmen’s wish lists, largely because of the heavy restrictions on leaving the base and on bringing families.

In 2016, the Pentagon ordered nearly 700 military family members to leave Incirlik and two smaller bases because of deteriorating security.

But the Air Force began letting personnel into a roughly 10-block area outside the base in Adana, a city of about 1.8 million, just before the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and Syria in February, killing about 50,000 people.

Access to those 10 blocks was restricted after the earthquakes but has since been reinstated. Airmen also can visit select locations outside the base and throughout Turkey at their leisure or through base tours, 39th Air Base Wing officials said.

Some areas in Adana and elsewhere remain off-limits because of security concerns and earthquake damage.

Air Force 2nd Lt. Devon Canterbury signed up for the incentive pay before moving to Incirlik this spring, his first assignment out of technical school.

More time in one place, he figures, will give him a better foundation as he begins his Air Force career and will allow more time to travel.

Canterbury, the officer-in-charge of the cyberoperations radio section for the 39th Communications Squadron, opted to extend before the natural disaster struck but doesn’t regret his decision.

“The earthquakes made me worry a bit, but when my sponsor told me that the base and nearby areas did not undergo any major damages, I felt safe in my decision,” he said.

While the quakes toppled poorly constructed high-rise buildings in the city, Incirlik was largely spared.

Taking the incentive pay can be a gamble since there’s little time to test the waters. Airmen are eligible to enroll before moving to Turkey or within 60 days of arriving. A waiver is required to sign up outside of that window.

The higher incentive pay is in effect until Dec. 31 of this year and will be reviewed annually, base officials at Incirlik said. It’s available to all ranks at all locations in Turkey.

In 2022, 65 airmen elected to stay in the country for another year for the extra $300 a month. Incirlik has more than 1,500 personnel assigned, with more than 200 currently within the eligibility window for incentive pay, military personnel flight officials said.

If an airman receiving incentive pay ends a tour early, the Air Force will review on a case-by-case basis whether to require the money to be returned. Airmen who leave because of humanitarian, family or expedited transfer reasons aren’t liable for repayment.

Canterbury, 24 and single, said he plans to save some pay and use some to travel to Europe and back to the U.S. to visit family and friends.

The base “is pretty lively, (and) there is always something to get into,” such as karaoke, trivia night, bingo and Turkish language and cultural classes, he said.

“Everybody is friendly and willing to help you with whatever you need,” he said.

previous coverage

• US military setting up field hospital for quake victims in Turkey
• US troops help transform Incirlik Air Base into global hub for earthquake aid
• Incirlik Air Base sees threefold jump in flights as US military services rush quake aid to Turkey

related stories

• Incirlik airmen look to resume fledgling exchange program halted by quakes in Turkey
• After years of isolation, US airmen in Turkey venture out the gates  

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

(e.g. [email protected])

Remember me

Forgot Password?

• SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III
• Combatant Commands
• Holiday Greetings Map
• Taking Care of Our People
• Focus on the Indo-Pacific
• Support for Ukraine
• Value of Service
• Face of Defense
• Science and Technology
• Publications
• Storytellers
• Media Awards
• Hometown Heroes
• Create Request
• Media Press Kit

• DVIDS DIRECT

Hometown News

Media requests, about dvids.

• Privacy & Security
• Copyright Information
• Accessibility Information
• Customer Service

TAIP pays for continuity at Incirlik AB

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, ADANA, TURKEY

Photo by staff sgt. matthew kakaris  , 39th air base wing.

An Infographic explaining the success of the recent increase of the Turkey Assignment Incentive Pay program, known as TAIP, after which many 39th Air Base Wing Airmen have opted to stay at Incirlik Air Base for an additional 12 months for an extra $1,000 a month. The increase in incentive pay will also improve continuity throughout the wing once those who have elected to TAIP reach the second year of their tours. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Matthew Kakaris)

PUBLIC DOMAIN  

This work, TAIP pays for continuity at Incirlik AB , by SSgt Matthew Kakaris , identified by DVIDS , must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright .

MORE LIKE THIS

Associated news, controlled vocabulary keywords.

No keywords found.

•   Register/Login to Download

DVIDS Control Center

• 404-282-1450
• [email protected]

Web Support

• [email protected]
• 1-888-743-4662
• Links Disclaimer
• No FEAR Act
• Small Business Act
• Open Government
• Strategic Plan
• Inspector General
• Sexual Assault Prevention
• DVI Records Schedule
• DVI Executive Summary
• Section 3103

• Cover Letters
• Jobs I've Applied To
• Saved Searches
• Subscriptions

Marine Corps

Coast guard.

• Space Force
• Military Podcasts
• Benefits Home
• Military Pay and Money
• Veteran Health Care
• VA eBenefits
• Veteran Job Search
• Military Skills Translator
• Upload Your Resume
• Veteran Employment Project
• Vet Friendly Employers
• Career Advice
• Military Life Home
• Military Trivia Game
• Veterans Day
• Spouse & Family
• Military History
• Discounts Home
• Featured Discounts
• Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
• Electronics
• Join the Military Home
• Contact a Recruiter
• Military Fitness

Canceled Bonuses, Delayed Moves: Air Force Cash Problems Trigger Cuts

Facing the prospect of running out of money in its personnel budget, the Air Force is pausing some duty assignments and reenlistment and retention bonuses, as well as extending some deployments .

"The Air Force is experiencing a shortfall in the FY23 Military Personnel Appropriation driven by higher than projected personnel costs," Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said in an emailed statement Monday. "Headquarters Air Force is directing actions to be taken now to avoid exhausting funds."

Starting July 11, the Air Force is suspending the 2023 Selective Reenlistment Bonus program, the Aviation Bonus Program and new Assignment Incentive Pay. In addition, permanent change of station (PCS) orders for August that mean finding new homes for families, some of whom are looking to get kids settled before the school year, are being reviewed and may be delayed.

Read Next: A Fire Destroyed Millions of Veterans' Records. 50 Years Later, Families Are Still Seeking Answers

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles "C.Q." Brown, who has been nominated to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers during his confirmation hearing Tuesday that the service is working to make sure it doesn't overrun its budget.

"We're working through the process of reprogramming so we don't go through an Antideficiency Act [violation] and not spend money we don't have," Brown told lawmakers. "So, part of this is for us to be able to work with Congress to get the reprogramming in place so all the programs and impacts that were outlined in that article that we communicated to the force here recently, we can reverse and minimize the impact to airmen and their families through the rest of this fiscal year."

The Antideficiency Act is long-standing legislation, most recently updated in the 1980s, aimed at curbing overspending by government agencies. The Government Accountability Office and inspectors general investigate violations of the act, and punishments can range from administrative discipline to fines or even imprisonment, according to the GAO .

The Air Force Personnel Center is approving PCS orders for airmen with projected departure dates in July, Stefanek said. But orders for those with dates in August or later "are being reviewed and approved on a priority basis," she added.

The Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) program -- a cash incentive aimed at retaining airmen with certain skills -- is being suspended, but the service will allow airmen who would have been eligible after the deadline to extend their current enlistment into fiscal 2024, which would let most airmen still access the program under this year's rules until the fiscal 2024 program starts. Although they would still get the bonuses, those airmen would obviously be forced to wait before getting paid.

The Air Force is also pausing the Aviation Bonus Program, or AvB, a cash payment aimed at retaining pilots, that started just last month. The service is restructuring the program, which could include smaller bonuses or restricting eligibility, and plans to reopen the program within the next two weeks.

The Air Force is also pausing new Assignment Incentive Pay, a bonus paid for unusual or extended assignments, until the beginning of fiscal 2024. Airmen who are already receiving the bonus will continue to receive that pay.

And some airmen currently stationed overseas will be forced to remain there longer, according to Stefanek.

Service members who have a date estimated return from overseas, or DEROS, between October and Dec. 23 will have their return extended to between January and March 24, 2024.

The Air Force had announced a wave of bonuses this year as it tries to retain airmen amid one of the most dire recruiting environments in recent history. That includes the Air Force's Legacy Aviation Bonus, unveiled only last month . The service is also asking Congress for more than $648 million in bonuses and retention efforts in its 2024 budget.

In addition to the cuts announced this week, the Air Force also took aim at Special Duty Assignment Pay last month.

Starting in October, hundreds of airmen and Guardians will no longer qualify for a monetary bonus meant to encourage service members to take on the toughest and most difficult jobs.

Last month, the Department of the Air Force announced that a newly formed board reviewed Special Duty Assignment Pay and reduced the number of jobs that qualify for the bonus from 103 to 70 for fiscal 2024.

In fiscal 2024 budget documents, the Air Force detailed a $92.2 million request for Special Duty Assignment Pay. In the prior year's budget, it asked for an estimated $96.2 million.

Under last year's budget request, the Air Force said the bonus would be for an estimated 33,500 airmen. Under the fiscal 2024 ask, it would be for around 29,800 airmen, according to the service's documents.

The June 23 press release announcing the Special Duty Assignment board's findings said "the board was unaware of the budgeted SDAP funds until after each request was considered if SDAP was warranted."

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: Air Force Is Cutting Pay for Tough Jobs But Won't Say Which Roles Are Losing Out

Thomas Novelly

You May Also Like

Command Sgt. Maj. Veronica Knapp was dismissed "due to a loss of trust and confidence in her leadership," a spokesperson for...

The Biden administration approved the sale of up to 50 F-15 fighter jets, vehicles and ammunition to Israel in a deal valued...

Of the eight, three service members have already returned to duty, and the rest are still under medical observation, Pentagon...

For at least a month, soldiers have been reporting issues accessing their benefits though Army IgnitED, an online portal that...

Military News

• Investigations and Features
• Military Opinion

Select Service

• National Guard

Most Popular Military News

When I came to Congress two years ago and joined the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I was cautiously optimistic that...

A Marine Corps investigation blamed "pilot error and complacency" for a fatal crash off northern Australia last year.

The attacks, spearheaded by Trump's VP pick Sen. JD Vance, claim Walz ducked a Guard deployment to Iraq and lied about his...

The San Antonio-based company moved to settle a three-year-old class-action suit over alleged violations of the...

Tim Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard in Nebraska in 1981 and retired honorably in 2005 as the top enlisted soldier...

Latest Benefits Info

• The GI Bill Can Pay for Testing
• VA Fertility Benefits for Military Veterans
• The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know
• Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI): What You Need to Know
• Using Your GI Bill For Graduate School

More Military Headlines

Air Force lawyers are fighting an emergency order from the Environmental Protection Agency requiring the service to clean...

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan who have...

It wasn't until a Sunday afternoon in early August, after a long year of unanswered questions about the crash, that the...

• 8 US Troops Treated for TBI, Smoke Inhalation After Syria Attack, Pentagon Says
• Top Enlisted Leader of Army's Washington, DC, Branch Fired After Investigation
• Special Forces Soldier Justified in Shooting 'Suspicious' Russian in His Yard Near Fort Liberty, Police Say
• Air Force Bucks EPA Order to Clean Up 'Forever Chemicals' in Arizona, Citing Supreme Court Ruling
• Fatal Marine Osprey Crash Investigation Points to Pilot Error, Safety Lapses While Revealing Heroic Rescue Effort
• National Guard Units Activated in Southeast as Tropical Storm Debby Floods Towns, Claims Lives
• Michael Bay Docuseries 'Born Evil' Examines the Crimes of Navy Vet and Serial Killer Hadden Clark
• US Beefs Up Middle East Forces Ahead of Gaza Truce Talks
• The US Navy's Warship Production Is In Its Worst State in 25 Years. What's Behind It?

Military Benefits Updates

• Fertility Benefits for Active-Duty Service Members
• He Died Trying to Save Fellow Marines from a Burning Osprey. Now, Spencer Collart Will Be Awarded for His Valor.
• A Marine Corps Veteran Goes to War with Corrupt Local Cops in 'Rebel Ridge'
• Studies in Early 2000s Contemplated 'Pier Protection' and 'Ship Impact' at Key Bridge
• US Coast Guard Academy Works to Change its Culture Following Sexual Abuse and Harassment Scandal
• Sexual Assault, Harassment and Retaliation Against Victims 'Pervasive' in Coast Guard, Senate Investigation Finds

Entertainment

• 'Zero Day': New 10-Part Series Imagines What a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Might Actually Look Like

Get the Reddit app

Community for current and past members of the US Air Force.

Just to be clear, about that Turkey Assignment Incentive Pay...

It's not worth it. It wouldn't be worth it if it were twice as much money.

And seriously, fuck you, DoD, for not extending it to the people who are subjecting themselves to the shittiness that is that assignment for 15 months.

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue