The U.S. Air Force has announced an increase to the service's remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilot bonus. RPA pilots who have completed their initial active-duty service commitment from training starting in fiscal year 2016 will be eligible to receive a bonus of $35,000 per year, $10,000 more than the current bonus, in exchange for an additional active-duty service commitment. RPA pilots who previously accepted a bonus will also be eligible for the increase in exchange for an additional year on their service commitment. The $35,000 pilot retention bonus will go into effect by Oct. 1 for all eligible RPA pilots. Currently, the Air Force is working with Congress to update the retention bonus for all pilots as well as ensure all Airmen retain their basic allowance for housing.
For more Air Force news, including the latest on promotions, visit the Military.com Air Force section. For more on military pay benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
