Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP)

Start Here If You Are New to SDAP

SDAP is the monthly recognition pay for Marines on Special Duty Assignment. Effective 1 October 2020 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20, SDAP is restricted to the three SDA billets ONLY. Recruiters, Drill Instructors, and Marine Security Guard Detachment Commanders. The flat rate is $150 per month. Other billets that previously received SDAP (Combat Instructors, Career Planners, MARSOC, Sergeants Major billets, Career Recruiters) now receive Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP) instead. E-3 minimum rank applies. The O-5 commander certifies eligibility annually. SDAP is subject to federal income tax but NOT subject to FICA per Vol 7A Ch 45.

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

• The three SDA billets eligible for SDAP (Recruiter, Drill Instructor, MSG Detachment Commander)
• The $150 per month SDAP flat rate
• The 1 October 2020 restructure (SDAP narrowed, AIP added for non-SDA billets)
• The relationship between SDAP, AIP, and VSI for SDA volunteers
• The E-3 minimum rank requirement
• The annual O-5 commander certification (via Page 11 or naval correspondence)
• The 90-day turnover continuation rule
• Disqualification triggers (reclassification, punitive reduction below E-3, confinement, alcohol/drug medical)

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 (21 October 2020), 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 Chapters 8 and 45, MCO 1326.6MCO 1326.6, DoDI 1304.27DoDI 1304.27, and Title 37 U.S.C.Title 37 U.S.C. sections 307, 352, and 373.

What SDAP Is

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.A, SDAP is paid monthly to Marines assigned to SDAs to recognize the extremely demanding and greater than normal degree of responsibility of these duties.

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8, SDAP is awarded to Marines for the performance of duty in an assignment, location, or unit designated where the assigned duties are determined to be.

• Extremely demanding, OR
• Involving an unusual degree of responsibility or difficulty, OR
• Requiring special qualifications.

The 1 October 2020 Restructure

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

• SDAP is now AUTHORIZED ONLY for SDA billets.
• AIP REPLACED SDAP for all non-SDA billets that were previously designated for SDAP.

This was a major restructure. Before 1 October 2020, SDAP covered many billets including Combat Instructors, Career Planners, MARSOC operators, Sergeants Major billets at recruiting and drill instructor commands, Career Recruiters, and others. After 1 October 2020, those billets now receive AIP.

The Assignment Incentive Pay page covers the full list of Marine Corps AIP billets and their current rates.

The Three SDA Billets That Receive SDAP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraphs 4.A and 6.A, SDAP applies only to.

Recruiters (MOS 8411 / 8421 / 5524)

Marines with Additional MOS of 8411 / 8421, EAD Recruiters, or PMOS Musician Recruiter (5524) at Recruit Districts and assigned to 8411 / 8421 billets.

SDAP rate. $150 per month.

Drill Instructors (MOS 0911)

Marines with AMOS 0911 and assigned to 0911 billets at Marine Corps Recruit Depots, Officer Candidate School at Quantico, or Newport.

SDAP rate. $150 per month.

MSG Detachment Commanders (MOS 8156)

Marines with AMOS 8156 and assigned to 8156 billet (Detachment Commander level) within the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group.

SDAP rate. $150 per month.

Note. MSG Watch Standers (also MOS 8156 but not at Detachment Commander level) are T1 Screenable Billets and receive AIP only, NOT SDAP.

Eligibility (Marine Corps)

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 and MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R, enlisted Marines must.

• Be a member of the active or reserve component on Active Duty and entitled to basic pay, OR on Inactive Duty for Training in a pay status.
• Serve in the rank of E-3 or higher.
• Be assigned to and performing duties in a SDA-authorized billet awarded for SDAP.
• Be certified as having completed the special schooling or equivalent on-the-job training required for qualification in the SDA, if applicable per MCO 1200.170MCO 1200.170.
• Be qualified to serve in an authorized SDA billet listed on the unit's table of organization as determined by the commanding officer's certification.

The special schooling requirement does NOT apply to Sergeants Major and First Sergeants assigned to an authorized SDA (MOS 8999 billet). Note that Sergeants Major and First Sergeants in those billets now receive AIP per the 2020 restructure, not SDAP.

Combined SDAP + AIP + VSI for SDA Volunteers

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A and updated rates per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26, SDA volunteers receive all three pays.

FY 2028 Volunteer Rates

FY 2028 Non-Volunteer Rates (No VSI)

The difference between volunteer and non-volunteer Marines is the $278 per month VSI ($10,000 over a 36-month tour). The Volunteer Supplemental Incentive page covers VSI in detail.

Combat Instructors Are Not Eligible for SDAP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 and 181/26, Combat Instructors (MOS 8513/0913) are T1 Screenable Billets. They receive AIP ONLY ($150/mo or $4,900 lump sum for 36-month tour). Combat Instructors do NOT receive SDAP and do NOT receive VSI.

Annual Certification Requirement

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.D and MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.b, 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 SDA are qualified.

Documentation Required for SDAP Payment

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.A, the following constitute sufficient documentation for unit administration to process SDAP payment.

• Assignment orders with proper reporting and detaching endorsements.
• Commander's certification.
• SDA school or course certificate, OR requisite PMOS or AMOS in MCTFS.

Per paragraph 7.D, commands ensure documentation is submitted to the Marine's local reporting unit or the appropriate Personnel Administrative Center via Electronic Personnel Action Request (EPAR) in Marine Online for MCTFS reporting.

Turnover Periods (90-Day Rule)

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.d, during periods of turnover, the number of personnel may exceed the authorized SDA billets as set by the unit's table of organization. SDAP continues for the outgoing Marine for a period not to exceed 90 days provided the Marine continues to meet the prerequisites and fulfills the responsibilities of the assigned SDAP billet.

Maintenance During Absences

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.f and MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 9.A, Marines receiving SDAP serve in the SDA for which the pay is based, with these exceptions where SDAP continues.

• Performing additional (collateral) duties that do not interfere substantially with the performance of the SDA.
• Performing temporary additional duty (TAD) of any duration.
• Attending a course of instruction directly related to or necessary for continued qualification in the SDA.
• In a patient status not due to disease resulting from alcohol or habit-forming drug abuse, where upon recovery the Marine resumes the SDA.
• On authorized leave or administrative absences (other than terminal leave).
• Transferring between similar consecutive assignments entitled to SDAP (e.g., Recruiter transferring from one Recruiter billet to another).
• A Marine who meets the criteria for Pay and Allowance Continuation per Vol 7A Chapter 13 is allowed to continue SDAP for 1 year from the date the Marine was first hospitalized, unless stopped earlier by PAC termination criteria.

The exception is terminal leave taken alone or together with administrative absences taken immediately prior to retirement, separation, or discharge. SDAP continues through the day prior to the date terminal leave or PTAD (combined with terminal leave) commences.

Termination of SDAP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.E, commanders (O-5 or higher) are authorized to terminate SDAP 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.

Specific Termination Triggers (Per MCO 7220.12R Paragraph 5.h)

• Reclassification out of SDA-designated MOS. SDAP terminates on the date of reclassification.
• Punitive reduction below E-3. SDAP terminates on the date of reduction.
• Court-martial confinement. SDAP terminates the day prior to the date of confinement. Pre-trial confinement does NOT terminate SDAP.
• Alcohol or drug abuse medical. SDA status continues but SDAP STOPS during patient or convalescent leave status from alcohol or drug abuse-related conditions.
• Other medical impeding SDA performance more than 12 months. SDAP continues through the last day of the 12th month, then terminates on the first day of the 13th month.
• Separation from Active Service. SDAP terminates on the date of discharge or release from Active Duty.
• Directed Termination by DC M&RA. SDAP ceases on the date specified.

Reduction or Termination of SDAP Designation (60-Day Notice)

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.g, when higher authority determines that the SDA pay level must be reduced or that the SDA's SDAP designation be terminated, the effective date is announced 60 days in advance.

Half-Rate Continuation After Termination

Marines serving in a SDA directed for termination of SDAP have their SDAP reduced by ONE-HALF on the effective date. Receipt of the half rate is limited to.

• A 1-year period from the effective date of termination.
• The date of reassignment.
• PCS orders following the termination.

Whichever occurs first. Marines joined to the SDA AFTER the effective date of termination are NOT authorized SDAP regardless of eligibility.

Tax Treatment

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.i and DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 45 paragraph 2.2, SDAP is.

• Subject to prorating.
• Subject to withholding of federal income tax.
• NOT subject to withholding of FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes.

The FICA exception is unique. Vol 7A Chapter 45 paragraph 2.2 lists only basic pay, inactive duty compensation, and specific death/injury-related basic pay as subject to FICA. SDAP is excluded.

The LES shows SDAP with federal income tax withheld at the regular rate but NO FICA deduction on the SDAP amount.

Effect of SDAP on Other Computations

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8 paragraph 4.1, SDAP is NOT used in the computation for.

• Enlistment bonus (the bonus is calculated on basic pay, not SDAP).
• Severance pay.
• Separation pay.
• Cash settlement of accrued leave (terminal leave sell-back).

This means SDAP boosts your monthly take-home but does not lift the dollar amount of bonuses, separation pay, or terminal leave sell-back.

Repayment

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8 paragraph 2.5, a Marine who receives SDAP and fails to fulfill the eligibility requirements is subject to the repayment provisions of Title 37 U.S.C. section 373Title 37 U.S.C. section 373. The Pay Problems and Fixes page on this site covers the recoupment framework.

Reserve Component SDAP Proration

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8 paragraph 2.3.1, a Reserve Component Marine entitled to pay under Title 37 U.S.C. section 206Title 37 U.S.C. section 206 is paid SDAP proportionate to the IDT compensation received. The amount is 1/30th of the prescribed monthly rate for each authorized period of IDT with pay.

A Reservist drilling on a standard weekend (typically four IDT periods) receives 4/30ths of the monthly SDAP rate.

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

Combined Cap with Other Special Pays

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8 paragraph 2.4.1, the combined total of assignment and special duty pays a Marine receives does not exceed an average monthly amount of $3,500 unless ASD M&RA specifically authorizes more.

For a volunteer Recruiter receiving SDAP $150 + AIP variable + VSI $278 = roughly $700 per month, the combined cap is well above the standard rate and not a constraint in normal scenarios.

Verifying SDAP on the LES

A monthly LES check confirms SDAP entries are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday during the SDA assignment.

Step 2. Verify the SDAP Line

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

• SDAP. Special Duty Assignment Pay.
• SDA-PAY. Special Duty Assignment Pay (alternate format).

The amount should be $150 per month for SDA billets per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20.

Step 3. Verify Federal Income Tax Is Withheld on SDAP

The LES should show federal income tax withheld on the SDAP amount along with basic pay.

Step 4. Verify FICA Is NOT Withheld on SDAP

Per the FICA exception, FICA should be withheld only on basic pay (and the other Chapter 45 paragraph 2.2 categories), NOT on the SDAP amount.

Step 5. Verify AIP and VSI Lines (If Applicable)

For SDA volunteers, also verify the AIP and VSI lines per the Assignment Incentive Pay and Volunteer Supplemental Incentive pages.

Step 6. 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 Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego. What is my SDAP rate?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A.2, your SDAP is $150 per month. You also receive AIP separately (per the AIP page). If you volunteered for the SDA (not involuntarily selected), you also receive VSI of $10,000 lump sum or $278/month over 36 months.

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

Effective 1 October 2020 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.B, Career Planners (MOS 4821) are NOT authorized SDAP. They receive AIP instead at $75 per month or $2,500 lump sum for a 36-month tour. Verify the AIP line on your LES.

I was a Drill Instructor before October 2020. Did my pay change?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.C.2, Drill Instructors who began the tour BEFORE 1 October 2020 are paid $150 per month in SDAP and $150 per month in AIP. The total pay structure stayed the same but the components changed (SDAP increased from $75 to $150 per month, with the difference recharacterized from AIP). Marines who began their SDA tour before 1 October 2020 are NOT eligible for VSI.

I am an MSG Watch Stander (not Detachment Commander). Do I get SDAP?

No. Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 4.B.1, MSG Watch Standers are T1 Screenable Billets and receive AIP only ($75 per month or $2,500 lump sum for 36-month tour), NOT SDAP. SDAP is for MSG Detachment Commanders only.

I am a Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry. Do I get SDAP?

No. Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 4.B.3, Combat Instructors (MOS 0913 in 0913 billets at School of Infantry) are T1 Screenable Billets. You receive AIP only at $150 per month or $4,900 lump sum for 36-month tour. Combat Instructors do NOT receive SDAP and do NOT receive VSI.

What if I am hospitalized during my SDA assignment?

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.f.(7), if you meet the criteria for Pay and Allowance Continuation per Vol 7A Chapter 13, your SDAP is allowed to continue for 1 year from the date you were first hospitalized, unless stopped earlier by PAC termination criteria. The Illness or Injury Pay Continuation page covers PAC.

Why is FICA not withheld on my SDAP line?

Per MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R paragraph 5.i and Vol 7A Chapter 45 paragraph 2.2, SDAP is excluded from FICA withholding. Vol 7A Chapter 45 paragraph 2.2 lists only basic pay, inactive duty compensation, and specific death/injury-related basic pay as subject to FICA. SDAP is excluded. SDAP IS subject to federal income tax withholding.

I am separating soon. Will my SDAP boost my terminal leave sell-back?

Per Vol 7A Chapter 8 paragraph 4.1, no. SDAP is not used in the computation for cash settlement of accrued leave. Terminal leave sell-back is calculated on basic pay only.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• SDA billet eligibility verification. Coordinate with your career planner against the SDA Volunteer Period or HSST screening for the FY.
• SDAP rate verification. Your S-1 with the controlling MARADMIN for the current FY.
• SDAP starts and stops on PCS or assignment changes. 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.
• Annual certification by the O-5 commander. Coordinate with your unit Adjutant or S-1 to ensure the Z3 training event code is reported.
• Exceptions to MCO 7220.12RMCO 7220.12R (e.g., overstaffing). Submit through the chain of command to DC M&RA, Manpower Plans and Policy Division (MPO).
• 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.
• Assignment Incentive Pay covers AIP for non-SDA billets (Combat Instructors, Career Planners, MARSOC, Sergeants Major billets, Career Recruiters).
• Volunteer Supplemental Incentive covers VSI for SDA volunteers.
• FICA and AFRH Deductions covers the FICA framework that SDAP is excluded from.
• Pay Problems and Fixes covers the recoupment framework if SDAP eligibility ends mid-cycle.

Related Roles

• Leaders verify Marines' SDAP starts when arriving at SDA-designated billets and stops when departing. Track the 90-day turnover continuation rule.
• Admin at S-1 processes SDAP starts and stops through the reporting unit. Maintain the annual O-5 certification documentation (Z3 training event code).
• Commanders (O-5 and above) certify annually that all Marines eligible for SDAP, AIP, and VSI remain qualified.

SDAP is the Marine Corps recognition pay for the three Special Duty Assignments. Recruiters, Drill Instructors, and MSG Detachment Commanders. The $150 per month flat rate (effective 1 October 2020 per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20) is paid in addition to AIP and VSI for volunteers. Combat Instructors and other non-SDA billets receive AIP only, not SDAP. The E-3 minimum rank, the annual O-5 certification, and the FICA exception are the three universal compliance points.