Army special pay is additional money paid to eligible active duty Soldiers who perform certain specific duties or serve in particular geographic locations. These payments can be monthly or annual and act as incentives for taking on challenging or specialized roles.
Examples of Army Special Pay:
- Aviation Special Pay: Encourages officers to serve as military aviators throughout their careers.
- Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP): Rewards enlisted Soldiers who qualify and serve in specialized duty assignments with unique challenges.
- Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay: Compensates Soldiers for serving in dangerous environments where they face a higher risk of harm.
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC): Provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries.
- Special Pay for Nurses: Provides up to $25,000 per year for Army nurses in certain specialties, like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner.
Eligibility for Army Special Pay:
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific type of special pay. Some common requirements include:
- Specific Military Occupation: Serving in a specific job, such as aviation or medical.
- Geographic Location: Serving in a designated area, like a combat zone or a remote location.
- Time in Service: Meeting minimum service requirements.
- Educational Qualifications: Possessing a certain degree or certification.
For detailed information on specific special pays, their eligibility criteria, and payment amounts, visit the official Army Benefits website and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service website.
