Kosovo Could Become Non-Combat Duty

Defense Department officials could decide within a month whether to cancel the combat status of U.S. troops assigned to the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo. The action, which could be effective April 1, would affect 1,500 U.S. soldiers deployed in the Balkans. In addition to losing their combat pay, they would lose income tax exclusion of regular pay, combat pay, and certain other pays such as re-enlistment bonuses. They also no longer would be eligible for free flights home when they take leave. The action stems from recommendations by DoD that all areas in the Balkans be downgraded because of improved security in the region. The president declared the Balkans a combat zone March 24, 1999.