What Is Special Duty Pay?
Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) and Special Duty Pay compensate military service members who serve in designated positions requiring extremely demanding duties or involving duties demanding an unusual degree of responsibility. These special pays recognize the additional hardships, skills, or responsibilities beyond normal military service and can add $75 to $600+ per month to your paycheck.
Types of Special Duty Pay
Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP)
SDAP compensates enlisted members (E-4 through E-9) serving in positions that are extremely difficult to fill or require exceptional skills. Each service determines which billets qualify for SDAP.
2025 SDAP Levels
| SDAP Level | Monthly Rate | Example Positions |
|---|---|---|
| SD-1 | $75 | Select recruiting assistants |
| SD-2 | $150 | Honor Guard, some drill instructors |
| SD-3 | $225 | Recruiters, career counselors |
| SD-4 | $300 | Special operations support |
| SD-5 | $375 | Drill sergeants, MTIs |
| SD-6 | $450 | Senior recruiters, special programs |
Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)
AIP compensates service members assigned to locations or units with critical manning shortages or unusually arduous conditions:
- Rates range from $50 to $3,000 per month
- Determined by each service based on manning needs
- May require service obligation commitment
Critical Skills Retention Bonus (CSRB)
Lump-sum or installment bonuses for members in critically manned career fields who agree to extend their service:
- Cyber operations specialists
- Special operations forces
- Nuclear-trained personnel
- Certain medical specialties
Common Special Duty Positions by Service
Army SDAP Positions
- Drill Sergeant (SD-5 to SD-6)
- Recruiter (SD-3 to SD-6)
- Special Forces (SF) positions
- Ranger Regiment positions
- White House Communications Agency
- Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment)
Navy SDAP Positions
- Recruit Division Commander (SD-5)
- Recruiter (SD-3 to SD-6)
- SEAL/SWCC positions
- Nuclear field positions
- Ceremonial Guard
Air Force SDAP Positions
- Military Training Instructor (MTI) (SD-5)
- Recruiter (SD-3 to SD-6)
- Combat Controller/PJ positions
- Presidential support assignments
- Honor Guard
Marine Corps SDAP Positions
- Drill Instructor (SD-5 to SD-6)
- Recruiter (SD-3 to SD-6)
- Marine Security Guard (Embassy duty)
- MARSOC positions
- Silent Drill Platoon
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP)
Service members with certified proficiency in foreign languages receive monthly bonuses based on language difficulty and proficiency level:
| Proficiency Level | Dominant Language | Non-Dominant Language |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2/2 | $200/month | $100/month |
| Level 2+/2+ | $250/month | $125/month |
| Level 3/3 | $300/month | $150/month |
| Level 3+/3+ or higher | $500/month | $200/month |
Dominant languages (harder to learn): Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Pashto, Persian-Farsi, Russian, and others designated by DoD.
Diving Duty Pay
Military divers receive special pay based on duty and qualification:
- Officers: $240/month
- Enlisted (diving duty): $240/month
- Enlisted (non-diving duty, qualified): $150/month
- Diving medical officers/technicians: Varies by specific duty
Special Warfare/Combat Diver Pay
Special operations personnel may receive multiple special pays simultaneously:
- SDAP for special duty assignment
- Diving pay for dive qualification
- Parachute pay for jump status
- Foreign language pay for proficiency
- Retention bonuses for critical skills
A fully-qualified special operator might receive $1,000+ in monthly special pays on top of base pay.
How to Qualify for Special Duty Pay
- Volunteer or be selected for special duty positions
- Complete required training (drill sergeant school, recruiter school, etc.)
- Receive official orders assigning you to an SDAP-coded billet
- Maintain qualification throughout the assignment
Career Planning Tips
- Research which positions in your career field offer SDAP
- Discuss special duty opportunities with your career counselor
- Consider the total compensation package, not just SDAP
- Factor in service obligations that may come with bonuses
Tax Treatment
Special Duty Assignment Pay is taxable income at both federal and state levels. However, if earned while serving in a designated combat zone, it may qualify for Combat Zone Tax Exclusion.
Verifying Your Special Duty Pay
Check your LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) for:
- SDAP entitlement code matching your assignment
- Correct SDAP level (SD-1 through SD-6)
- Start date aligned with your special duty orders
- Any additional special pays (language, diving, etc.)
Resources
- DoD Special and Incentive Pays
- DFAS SDAP Information
- Your service branch career counselor for specific opportunities
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