Marines Launch FLPP Program

The Marine Corps has implemented the Defense Department’s Foreign Language Proficiency Pay program by raising, in some cases, the total proficiency pay from $700 to $1,000. Even Marines who know rudimentary phrases in Arabic could garner $25 a month when deployed to Iraq. Marines who are more proficient could earn up to $800 a month. Those in units such as Marine Forces Special Operations Command and civil affairs groups are eligible for payments even if they are not deployed. The amount of language proficiency pay depends upon whether the language is classified as “immediate investment,” “strategic stronghold,” or “other,” with “other” paying the least. Specific languages were not publicized because the implementing directive, MarAdmin 262/06, was marked “For Official Use Only.” Copies are available at local communications centers. For more info, call DSN 224-1721 or Comm. (703) 614-1721. To date some 1,000 Marines have qualified for the new pay.