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Reservists benefit from 2006 defense authorization act

  • Published
WASHINGTON --  People serving in the Air Force Reserve Command and other reserve components could receive new or enhanced benefits this year. 

The 2006 National Defense Authorization Act lets the Department of Defense offer reservists a variety of benefits more on par with their active-duty counterparts, said Chuck Witschonke, DOD's deputy director for compensation. President George W. Bush signed the defense bill Jan. 6. 

One big change is a provision that shortens the duty time before reservists qualify for the full housing allowance. People called to active duty for non-contingency operations for more than 30 days will now get the full allowance, just as active-duty troops do. In the past, reservists serving in non-contingencies had to be called to active duty for at least 140 days. 

For reservists who experience pay cuts when called to active duty, a new provision for income replacement will help reduce the strain military service places on the family, Mr. Witschonke said. 

"It can be difficult for a family that has been living on a certain income to now have less money, particularly at a time when they're stressed by a change in their lifestyle" due to a military deployment, he said. 

The income-replacement program won't be instituted for six months, in accordance with the law. At that time, specific guidelines and qualifications will be issued, he said. This authority will end in December 2008. 

The 2006 authorization act also permits increases in recruiting bonuses for reservists. People could get accession and affiliation bonuses of up to $20,000 to enlist in the Selected Reserve. Officers could see an increase from $6,000 to $10,000 for initial service in the Selected Reserve. 

People who possess a designated critical skill could earn a bonus of up to $100,000. 

Another provision of the defense bill extends the eligibility for a prior-service enlistment bonus to include Selected Reserve members who previously received one. 

Mr. Witschonke emphasized the new law does not guarantee that all service members will qualify for these pays and benefits or that those who do will receive the highest amounts authorized. Rather, the law gives defense and service leaders the flexibility they need to meet operational, recruiting and retention goals. 

More information about pay and benefits is posted on the DOD's military compensation Web site at www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/ (AFRC News Service from American Forces Press Service)