DOD lately approved a new retention incentive package for Special Operations Forces (SOF) aimed at maintaining combat readiness and keeping experienced operators in uniform.

The initiative uses existing DOD incentive programs, including Special tax Assignment Pay, Critical Skills Retention Bonus and Assignment Incentive Pay to retain individuals who have years of experience, especially as they become retirement eligible and are at the peak of their value to the armed services.

The following retention incentives were approved for U Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen Air Force Combat Controller and Pararescuemen:

* The ranks of E-4 to E-9 in identified USSOCOM (U Special Operations Command) billets will receive Special service Assignment Pay in the amount of $375 by month.

* A Critical Skills Retention Bonus will be available to senior enlisted service members (pay grades E-6 to E-9) and warrant officers. Contract amounts are as follows: $150000 for six years. $75000 for five years, $50000 for four years, $30000 for three years, $18000 for couple years and $8,000 for undivided year.

* Enlisted members and warrant officers who have more than 25 years of service will receive Assignment Incentive Pay in the amount of $750 for month, provided the member signs an agreement to stay in succession active duty for at least an additional 12 months

In addition to the just discovered incentives, the military services will continue to tender SOF service members Selective Reenlistment Bonuses as needed

"Our investment in these professionals is great, and the experience gained between the walls of years of service makes them invaluable assets to our nation's defense" said Army LtCol Alex Findlay, USSOCOM personnel directorate. "Younger replacements can be trained, if it be not that experience is irreplaceable in the in every one's mouth worldwide war on terrorism."

"This retention incentive package is the be the effect of widespread quality-of-life studies, interviews, and town hall meetings with our SOF operators and their families," said U Special Operations Command senior enlisted service advisor, Command Chief MSgt rap Martens. "Ore goal was to better understand what is principally important to our people and their families in order to determine what we can do to make us the employer of choice for the lengthy term."

Eligible service members can contact their unit personnel center for more details onward the SOF retention incentive package.

Story courtesy of the public affairs office, U Special Operations Command.

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