Hi everyone. I've heard that the military sometimes gives extra money to service members who are deployed. Is this true? How does this extra pay work, and how much can one expect to receive additionally? Thanks in advance!
Yes, indeed, service members in the U.S. Military who are deployed can indeed qualify for certain forms of extra pay. This is in recognition of the additional hardships, risks, or responsibilities that come with deployment. There are several types of extra pays and the amount you might receive can vary broadly depending on various factors such as the nature of the deployment, the location, the level of hostility in the area, and the specific job role, among others.
For instance, one common form of extra pay is the Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay (HFP/IDP). This is offered to service members who are serving in an area that is deemed to be dangerous. The current rate as of 2024 for HFP/IDP is $225 per month.
There's also Hardship Duty Pay (HDP). HDP is intended to compensate service members for the physical, mental, and emotional hardships associated with deployment. There are in fact three types of HDP: HDP-L for location (i.e., if you’re in a particularly undesirable area), HDP-M for mission (if you're partaking in a particularly difficult mission), and HDP-T for tempo (if your op-tempo is particularly high). Each of these pays could range from $50 to $1,500 per month.
Moreover, if you're a service member with specialized skills, such a pilot or a doctor, you may also receive Special Pay. The amount you receive for Special Pay varies depending on your skills and qualifications.
In addition, if you’re deployed on a ship or submarine, you could qualify for Sea Pay, which could range from $50 to $1,000 per month, also depending on your rank and time in service.
These are just a few examples. A complete list and definitions can be found on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's military pay website. I would also recommend discussing this with a financial counselor or administration officer once you join, as they could help paint a more complete, individualized picture of the extra pays you might expect during a deployment. Keep in mind that these figures are subject to change periodically, so it's advisable to stay updated with the latest rates.
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