The Defense Department has approved a new retention
incentive package for Special Operations Forces aimed at
maintaining combat readiness and keeping experienced
operators in uniform. Eligible are U.S. Army Special
Forces, Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen,
and Air Force Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen. Pay
grades E–4 to E–9 in identified USSOCOM billets will
receive Special Duty Assignment Pay of $375 per month. In
addition, pay grades E–6 to E–9 and warrant officers will
earn Critical Skills Retention Bonuses by contracting as
follows: six years — $150,000; five years — $75,000; four
years — $50,000; three years — $30,000; two years —
$18,000; and one year — $8,000. Also, enlisted members and
warrant officers with more than 25 years of service will
pocket $750 per month in Assignment Incentive Pay by
agreeing to stay on active duty for at least an additional
12 months.
