Special Pay

Special Military Pay Landing Page

Special Military Pay is compensation added to basic pay benefits and allowances that may include incentive pay based on specific career field or location, even when new to the military. The articles in this section detail each of the specific areas of special pay and the eligibility for each one.

The Colisseum in Rome

Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program - OTEIP

The military may offer certain servicemembers an added incentive for extending their overseas tour.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, detonate a water charge on a mock-up of a steel door during a demolition range conducted at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Feb. 6. Cpl. Devan K. Gowans/Marine Corps

Hardship Duty Pay

Hardship Duty Pay is a special pay for members stationed where living conditions are extremely below U.S. standards

Helicopter Aircrew

Military Flight Pay

Both officers and enlisted military members with flight-related duties receive forms of aviation incentive pay, or "flight...

Money can't buy happiness. Neither can Pepsi Points, according to the Southern District Court of New York. (U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Behrend)

Aviation Career Incentive Pay for Officers

If you are an active-duty commissioned officer on aviation duty, you are entitled to Aviation Career Incentive Pay.

Sailors and Marines load cases of water onto the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in preparation for the ship getting underway to deploy to Saipan. (U.S. Navy photo by Leah Eclavea/Released)

Career Sea Pay for Enlisted Members

If you're on sea duty, you are entitled to Career Sea pay at a monthly rate of up to $805

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Military Retirement and State Income Tax

Some states exempt all or a portion of military retired pay from income taxation.

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Military Flight Pay

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Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

If you are a military member who serves in a combat zone you can exclude certain pay from your income when figuring your...

Director of Doolittle Leadership Center Patrick Donley discusses professional development during a conference at the Smart Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 30, 2025. (Andy Morataya/Air Force)

Military Per Diem Rates

Military per diem rates cover military-related travel expenses. The per diem rate sets the limit to how much service members...