Deployments are a regular part of military service, but combat-related pay can be confusing. Pay changes depending on when and where you’re operating. You’re going to be driving the mission forward, but your pay will usually catch up to you later.
Main types of combat-related compensation
It’s common to be eligible for multiple types of additional pay even during short deployments. These are the most common pay and entitlements.
Hazardous Fire Pay and Imminent Danger Pay
Hazardous Fire Pay (HFP) and Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) are two separate types of combat pay related to being in a dangerous area or to being exposed to, injured by, or killed by hostile actions. You can receive either one, but not at the same time.
Hazardous Fire Pay
HFP is given for a specific event or action. Upon approval by the appropriate commander, you receive the full amount for the month (currently $225). The details of eligibility for HFP/IDP are in the Financial Management Regulation 7A Chapter 10.
Imminent Danger Pay
Even if you’re not directly exposed to hostile fire, you may be eligible for IDP based on the threat in the area. IDP is paid at the same rate as HFP but is prorated for each day you spend in a designated area. You can check for IDP-designated areas on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website.
Hardship Duty Pay
Another common type of pay you’ll probably receive on deployment is HDP. This is a pay you can receive separately from HFP/IDP pay. There’s a list in Chapter 17 of the FMR, but hardship duty locations are typically updated on the DFAS website as well. Don’t confuse HDP with hazardous duty incentive pay (HDIP). Hardship duty pay is based on your location, not what you’re doing.
Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP)
HDIP might also apply to your situation. There are several types of HDIP, ranging from diving duty to toxic exposure to special warfare operations. There are too many specifics to cover here, but the most comprehensive list of HDIP are found in the FMR volume 7A, chapter 24.
There are separate incentives for flight and sea duty as well. In many cases, these often apply whether you’re deployed to a combat zone or not. You’ll probably be getting sea duty or flight pay leading up to deployment, as well as during a deployment in a combat zone.
Family Separation Pay
For military families, you may be entitled to family separation allowance (FSA), depending on the time you’re gone and your dependent status. You typically won’t be eligible for FSA until you’ve been gone for 30 days or more. You can receive FSA along with the other combat-related pay.
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
The federal combat zone tax exclusion (CZTE) isn’t pay itself but adds money to your wallet. Service members serving in a combat zone don’t have to count pay and bonuses received as taxable income. This is limited to the highest enlisted pay rate plus HFP/IDP. Check the Internal Revenue Service Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide for specifics.
Bringing it all together
Deployments can fill your LES with acronyms. Keep track of dates and locations you served, then check your LES for accuracy. Processing deployment-related compensation lags because your situation and location can change quickly.
Once you return home, make sure the extra pay is turned off again because the military will eventually find the mistake and recover the erroneous payments. Be safe and take care of each other!
