Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)

Start Here If You Are New to AIP

AIP is the Marine Corps monthly pay for Marines in difficult-to-fill assignments, locations, or units that are NOT Special Duty Assignments. Effective 1 October 2020 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20, AIP REPLACED SDAP for all non-SDA billets that were previously SDAP-eligible. Effective 1 July 2023 per MARADMIN 349/23MARADMIN 349/23, the 6.8 percent discounted lump sum AIP option was DISCONTINUED. AIP is now monthly only for newly assigned Marines. AIP covers T1 Screenable Billets (Combat Instructors, MSG Watch Standers, MCSF Guards), Career Recruiters, Sergeants Major billets, MARSOC operators, Career Planners, and joint assignments. Monthly AIP paid in two installments (1st and 15th of the month). Maximum $1,500 per month per single AIP rate. Combined cap $3,500 per month. The lump sum VSI program is unchanged (Recruiters, Drill Instructors, MSG Detachment Commanders).

This page walks you through AIP from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The 1 October 2020 restructure (AIP replaced SDAP for non-SDA billets)
• The 1 July 2023 discontinuance of the 6.8 percent lump sum AIP option (per MARADMIN 349/23MARADMIN 349/23)
• The full Marine Corps AIP rate table per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 and 181/26
• Monthly AIP framework (paid in two installments per month)
• The maximum $1,500/month single rate and $3,500/month combined cap
• The relationship between AIP, SDAP, and VSI for SDA volunteers

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 (21 October 2020), MARADMIN 349/23MARADMIN 349/23 (12 July 2023), MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 (20 April 2026), MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R (updated to include AIP and VSI), DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 15 (April 2024), DoDI 1340.26DoDI 1340.26, and Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C. sections 352 and 373.

What AIP Is

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B, AIP is paid monthly or in lump sum amounts to Marines assigned to difficult-to-fill assignments, locations, or units.

Per Vol 7A Chapter 15 paragraph 2.1, the DoD pays AIP to eligible AC and RC Service Members in accordance with Title 37 U.S.C. section 352Title 37 U.S.C. section 352, DoDI 1340.26DoDI 1340.26, and regulations published by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned.

The Marine Corps administers AIP per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 (and its FY-specific successors like MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 for FY28), MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R, and the M&RA framework.

The 1 October 2020 Restructure

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraphs 3 and 5.B, effective 1 October 2020.

• AIP REPLACED SDAP for all non-SDA billets that were previously designated for SDAP.
• SDAP is now AUTHORIZED ONLY for the three SDA billets (Recruiters, Drill Instructors, MSG Detachment Commanders).

Before 1 October 2020, SDAP covered many Marine Corps billets. After 1 October 2020, those billets receive AIP instead.

Grandfathering

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.C.1, Marines currently serving in T1 screenable billets or other non-SDA billets who began their tour BEFORE 1 October 2020 continue to be paid the rate of pay authorized under the prior framework for the duration of their assignment to those billets. The TYPE of pay changed from SDAP to AIP on 1 October 2020 (e.g., a MSG Watch Stander is paid $75 per month in AIP instead of $75 per month in SDAP). AIP is paid in monthly amounts for Marines who began their tour before 1 October 2020.

Per paragraph 8.C.3, Career Recruiters, Career PSRs, and SOCS who began their tour of PMOS before 1 October 2014 and are still in those assignments remain grandfathered. Such Marines are paid AIP instead of SDAP.

Marine Corps AIP Rate Table (FY 2021 per MARADMIN 628/20)

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6, the Marine Corps AIP rate structure covers the following categories.

T1 Screenable Billets (FY 2021 Rates)

SDA Billets (Receive Both SDAP and AIP)

Note. MSG Detachment Commanders received SDAP only in FY 2021 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A.3. Subsequent MARADMINs may have added AIP for MSG DCs (per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 FY28 rates suggesting $150 AIP for MSG DCs).

Other Billets (Non-SDA, Non-T1 Screenable)

Joint Assignments

WHMO Marines receive corresponding monthly rates that are associated with other Services assigned to like billets within WHMO.

Lump Sum AIP Discontinued (MARADMIN 349/23)

Per MARADMIN 349/23MARADMIN 349/23 (12 July 2023), effective 1 July 2023 the Marine Corps DISCONTINUED the utilization, offering, and execution of the 6.8 percent discounted lump sum Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP) initiative.

Applicability

The discontinuance applies to ALL newly assigned Marines who meet the eligibility criteria for AIP per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20.

Effect on the AIP Framework

After 1 July 2023.

• AIP is paid MONTHLY only for newly assigned Marines.
• The 6.8 percent discounted lump sum option is no longer available.
• The NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) lump sum AIP agreement framework no longer applies to new AIP commitments.
• Discounted lump sum schedule on the M&RA MPO webpage no longer governs new agreements.

VSI Lump Sum Unaffected

Per MARADMIN 349/23MARADMIN 349/23 paragraph 4, the lump sum Volunteer Supplemental Incentive (VSI) program is NOT impacted. Marines who volunteer for and are assigned to a Special Duty Assignment (Recruiters, Drill Instructors, MSG Detachment Commanders) remain eligible for the lump sum VSI based on assignment and months of commitment.

The Volunteer Supplemental Incentive page covers VSI in detail.

Marines on Existing Lump Sum AIP Agreements

Marines who signed a lump sum AIP agreement BEFORE 1 July 2023 continue under the prior framework for the duration of the agreement. Existing obligations are honored. Recoupment provisions for unearned portions still apply if the Marine fails to complete the assignment.

Monthly AIP Framework

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B.1, AIP is now paid monthly to Marines.

• Monthly AIP is paid one-half on the first of the month and the other half on the 15th of the month.
• No written agreement is required for monthly AIP.
• The Marine receives the full monthly rate during the qualifying assignment.

The cumulative pay during the assignment equals the monthly rate times the number of months in the assignment.

Example. $300 paid each month for a 36-month tour totals $10,800.

Maximum AIP and Combined Cap

Per Vol 7A Chapter 15 paragraph 2.5.

Single AIP Cap

A single AIP rate does not exceed $1,500 per month.

Combined Special Duty Pay Cap

Payment of AIP in combination with other special duty pays does not exceed an average monthly amount of $3,500 unless authorized by ASD M&RA.

Maximum Monthly Average

The Service Secretary establishes payment levels at monthly payments, installments, or a lump sum amount not to exceed a maximum monthly average of $1,500.

Eligibility (Vol 7A Chapter 15)

Per Chapter 15 paragraph 2.2, the Service Secretary pays AIP to a Marine who is.

• Entitled to basic pay under Title 37 U.S.C. section 204Title 37 U.S.C. section 204 (Active Duty), OR
• Entitled to compensation under Title 37 U.S.C. section 206Title 37 U.S.C. section 206 (RC drill pay).

The Service Secretaries establish eligibility criteria based on Service-specific needs. Personnel shortages and the ability of a unit to meet mission requirements receive primary consideration.

Single AIP Rule

Per Vol 7A Chapter 15 paragraph 2.5.3, Marines are not authorized to receive more than one AIP simultaneously for the same period of service. If a Marine is eligible for more than one AIP, the higher dollar value AIP is paid.

Annual Certification Requirement

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.D, commanders (O-5 and above) certify annually that all Marines eligible for AIP, SDAP, and/or VSI remain qualified to serve in the designated assignment.

Training event code Z3 is reported for each Marine to record annual certification is complete. The certification letter is retained in the unit's correspondence files.

Commanders may delegate the review and authentication. They remain responsible for ensuring Marines filling AIP-designated billets are qualified.

Termination of AIP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.E, commanders (O-5 or higher) are authorized to terminate monthly or lump sum AIP when the Marine.

• Has failed to maintain the minimum level of qualification required for satisfactory performance.
• Has been reclassified out of the MOS due to poor performance, misconduct, or other reasons.
• Is in an unauthorized absentee status.

The termination must be documented on a command letter and uploaded to the Marine's OMPF.

Recoupment of Lump Sum AIP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.F, Marines who do not serve in the assignment for the number of months specified in the agreement repay the unearned, prorated portion of the lump sum AIP payment.

Recoupment Exceptions

Recoupment is NOT sought if a Marine is unable to complete the agreement due to circumstances beyond the Marine's control and not a result of the Marine's misconduct. Examples include.

• Death.
• Retirement or separation for disability.
• Other circumstances beyond the Marine's control.

The Pay Problems and Fixes page on this site covers the full Volume 7A Chapter 2 recoupment framework.

TSP Contributions from AIP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 9.B, Marines wanting to contribute all or a portion of their AIP to their TSP account must make a TSP Incentive percentage election via MyPay the month prior to receiving the payment.

Important Considerations

• AIP contributions to TSP are NOT matched by the agency.
• AIP contributions count toward the annual Elective Deferral Limit.
• When the Elective Deferral Limit is reached, basic pay TSP contributions stop and the agency match stops. The 1 percent automatic agency contribution continues for BRS Marines.

Maintenance During TAD or Leave

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 9.A, Marines serving in billets authorized AIP, SDAP, and/or VSI continue eligibility for such pay while on temporary additional duty or on authorized leave other than terminal leave.

Reserve Component AIP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 1, the monetary incentives apply to Active Reserve assignments for Production Recruiters (8421), Drill Instructors (0911), and Combat Instructors (0913).

For Reserve drilling Marines, AIP is paid proportionate to IDT compensation under the Vol 7A framework. The Marine Corps RC AIP rates follow the same MARADMIN structure.

FY28 Rate Update Per MARADMIN 181/26

MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 (20 April 2026) provides FY28 SDA Campaign rates that supersede the FY 2021 rates from MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 for SDA-related billets.

FY 2028 SDA Volunteer and Non-Volunteer Rates

The total includes SDAP $150 + AIP at the FY28 rate. AIP rates have increased from FY 2021 to FY 2028.

Verify the current AIP rate for your specific billet through your career planner and the latest MARADMIN.

Verifying AIP on the LES

A monthly LES check confirms AIP entries are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday during the AIP-eligible assignment.

Step 2. Verify the AIP Lines

The LES shows AIP as a line item under Entitlements. Common abbreviations.

• AIP. Assignment Incentive Pay.
• ASGN INCNT. Assignment Incentive (alternate format).

For monthly AIP, the entry shows the rate split into two installments (1st and 15th of the month). For lump sum AIP, the full amount shows in a single month.

Step 3. Verify the Rate Against the Current MARADMIN

Cross-reference the LES amount against the AIP rate for your designated billet per the current MARADMIN (628/20 or its FY-specific successor like 181/26).

Step 4. Verify the Agreement Posted to OMPF (Lump Sum)

Confirm the NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement is posted to your OMPF for any lump sum AIP. If missing, your command submits to MMRP-20.

Step 5. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am a Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry. What is my AIP rate?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.B.3, you receive AIP at $150 per month or $4,900 lump sum for a 36-month tour. Combat Instructors receive AIP only (no SDAP, no VSI).

I am a Career Planner (4821). Why don't I see SDAP on my LES?

Effective 1 October 2020 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B, Career Planners are NOT authorized SDAP. They receive AIP at $75 per month or $2,500 lump sum for a 36-month tour. Verify the AIP line on your LES.

I am a MARSOC Critical Skill Operator (0372). What is my AIP?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.C.3.A, you receive AIP at $375 per month or $12,300 lump sum for a 36-month tour. The rate is for E-5 and above with PMOS 0372 in an authorized 0372 billet.

Should I take lump sum or monthly AIP?

The 6.81 percent discount on the lump sum makes monthly AIP financially better in absolute dollars. For a 36-month tour at $300/month, monthly AIP totals $10,800 cumulative. The lump sum is $9,800. Monthly AIP yields $1,000 more over the tour.

The lump sum option still makes sense if.

• You want a single tax-favorable payment during a CZ deployment month.
• You want to make a one-time large TSP contribution.
• You have a specific financial need (e.g., debt payoff, large purchase) that benefits from upfront cash.

The recoupment exposure is higher with the lump sum if you fail to complete the tour.

I have a 36-month AIP agreement and I am being PCS'd at month 24. What happens?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.F, you repay the unearned, prorated portion of the lump sum. For a 36-month $9,800 lump sum, your prorated earned amount is $6,533 (24/36 × $9,800). The remaining $3,267 is recouped from final pay or DFAS adjustment. Recoupment is waived if PCS is involuntary and tied to circumstances beyond your control.

Can I exceed my standardized tour length on lump sum AIP?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B.3, no for most assignments. The number of months pledged cannot exceed the standardized tour length OR your ECC, whichever occurs first. Exception. Marines in PMOS assignments (e.g., Career Recruiter) can agree to serve beyond the standardized tour but cannot exceed their ECC.

Can I take a second lump sum AIP after my first agreement ends?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B.3, yes. Marines who serve beyond the number of months in the original AIP agreement are switched to monthly AIP unless they elect a second lump sum payment based on an agreement to serve for a minimum of 12 months.

Can I contribute my AIP lump sum to TSP?

Yes per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 9.B. Make a TSP Incentive percentage election via MyPay the month prior to receiving the lump sum. The contribution is NOT matched but counts toward the annual Elective Deferral Limit. Combined with CZTE if deployed, this is highly tax-efficient.

What is the difference between AIP and SDAP?

SDAP is restricted to the three SDA billets only. Recruiters, Drill Instructors, MSG Detachment Commanders. AIP covers all other Marine Corps billets that previously received SDAP plus newly designated billets. The 1 October 2020 restructure (MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20) moved most former SDAP billets to AIP.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• AIP eligibility verification for a specific billet. Coordinate with your career planner against the current FY MARADMIN.
• AIP rate verification against the latest MARADMIN. Your S-1 with the controlling Marine Corps directive.
• NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement preparation for lump sum AIP. Your command Adjutant or S-1 in coordination with the assignment orders.
• AIP agreement OMPF posting verification. Submit copy via EPAR or email to MMRP-20 at smb.manpower.mmrp@usmc.mil if missing from OMPF.
• LES corrections for AIP entries. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Discounted AIP lump sum schedule. Manpower and Reserve Affairs MPO webpage at https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/webcenter/portal/MPO/pages_compensation.
• Recoupment determinations for unfinished AIP tours. The Pay Problems and Fixes page covers the framework.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Pay and Entitlements landing page lists all the pay topics.
• Special Duty Assignment Pay covers SDAP for the three SDA billets.
• Volunteer Supplemental Incentive covers VSI for SDA volunteers.
• Pay Problems and Fixes covers the recoupment framework if AIP eligibility ends mid-cycle.
• TSP and Savings covers the CZTE-Roth TSP-AIP combination strategy.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the lump sum vs. monthly AIP decision and the tour-length agreement implications.
• Admin at S-1 processes AIP agreements (NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11)) and routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders endorse AIP commitments at the Marine Corps level and certify annual eligibility per the MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.D framework.

AIP rewards Marines on Service-designated assignments where retention or mission needs drive incentive pay. The 1 October 2020 restructure moved most former SDAP billets to AIP. The Marine Corps AIP rate table covers T1 Screenable Billets, Career Recruiters, Sergeants Major billets, MARSOC, Career Planners, and joint assignments. Monthly AIP is paid in two installments per month. Lump sum AIP is discounted at 6.81 percent. The NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement locks in the lump sum obligation.