Volunteer Supplemental Incentive (VSI)

Start Here If You Are New to VSI

VSI is the bonus the Marine Corps pays Marines who VOLUNTEER for the three Special Duty Assignments. Recruiter, Drill Instructor, or Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander. The amount is $10,000 lump sum (or $278 per month over 36 months) for first-tour volunteers, OR $6,700 for second-tour 24-month volunteers. VSI is paid in addition to SDAP and AIP. Marines involuntarily selected for SDA do NOT receive VSI. Combat Instructors do NOT receive VSI. The Marine signs NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) to lock in the agreement. VSI is a NEW incentive established by MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 effective 1 October 2020.

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

• The $10,000 first-tour and $6,700 second-tour amounts
• The volunteer-only eligibility (involuntary selection disqualifies)
• The three eligible billets (Recruiter, Drill Instructor, MSG Detachment Commander)
• Combat Instructors are NOT eligible
• Lump sum vs. monthly payment options
• The NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement requirement
• The recoupment rule for unfinished obligations

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), and the supporting M&RA framework.

What VSI Is

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.C, VSI is paid monthly or in lump sum amounts to provide an additional incentive in the assignment process to encourage Marines to volunteer for SDA during the SDA volunteer period.

VSI is a NEW incentive created post-2020 to address voluntarism in SDA billets. The Marine Corps wanted to reward Marines who step up to volunteer for the most demanding SDAs rather than being involuntarily selected.

VSI is in addition to SDAP and AIP. A volunteer Recruiter, Drill Instructor, or MSG Detachment Commander receives all three pays concurrently.

VSI Eligibility

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraphs 4.A and 7.C, VSI eligibility requires.

1. The Marine VOLUNTEERED for the SDA. Marines who were involuntarily selected through the HSST screening process do NOT receive VSI.
2. The Marine is assigned to one of the three eligible SDA billets.
   • Recruiter (MOS 8411 / 8421 / 5524 Musician Recruiter).
   • Drill Instructor (MOS 0911 at MCRD or OCS).
   • Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander (MOS 8156 in the 8156 billet).
3. The Marine signs a NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement.
4. The Marine's assignment orders indicate volunteer status.

Combat Instructors Are NOT Eligible for VSI

Per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 paragraph 7, Combat Instructors do NOT receive VSI. This is a deliberate exclusion. Combat Instructors receive SDAP and AIP only. The MARADMIN explicitly states "Combat Instructors will not receive VSI."

Musician and EAD Recruiters Are NOT Eligible for VSI

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A.1, Musician Recruiters and Extended Active Duty Recruiters are NOT eligible for VSI. They receive SDAP and AIP only.

Involuntary-Selection Marines Are NOT Eligible for VSI

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.C, Marines whose assignment orders indicate involuntary selection through the HSST screening process do NOT receive VSI. The MARADMIN is clear. VSI is for volunteers only.

VSI Amounts

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A and updated by MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 for FY28.

First Tour (36 months)

• $10,000 lump sum, OR
• $278 per month for 36 months ($278 × 36 = $10,008 cumulative).

The lump sum amount equals the cumulative monthly amount (not discounted, unlike AIP).

Second Tour (24 months)

• $6,700 lump sum, OR
• $278 per month for 24 months.

Marines who volunteered for a second tour 24-month SDA assignment qualify for the second-tour rate.

Lump Sum vs. Monthly VSI

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5.C.1 and 5.C.2.

Monthly VSI

• $278 per month paid in two installments. One-half ($139) on the first of the month, the other half ($139) on the 15th of the month.
• A written agreement is required to qualify for monthly VSI (the NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11)).
• The cumulative dollar value of monthly payments equals the lump sum option (no discount applied).

Lump Sum VSI

• $10,000 single payment for first tour 36-month commitment.
• $6,700 single payment for second tour 24-month commitment.
• Lump sum installment payments are NOT authorized.
• A written NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement is required.
• The Marine must agree in writing to serve in the SDA for the FULL tour length.

No Discount on VSI Lump Sum

Unlike AIP (which discounts the lump sum at 6.81 percent compared to the monthly payment cumulative total), VSI lump sum equals the monthly payment cumulative total. There is no financial penalty for choosing the lump sum option for VSI.

NAVMC 118 (11) Agreement

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.C, prior to receiving a monthly or single lump sum VSI payment, the commander ensures the Marine signs a NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) that establishes.

• The months of commitment for which VSI will be paid.
• The SDA assignment.
• The amount of payment (lump sum or monthly).

Standard Agreement Language

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.C, the agreement reads.

"I volunteered to serve for [specify 36-month for FY2021 SDA class or 24-month for second tour SDA] ________ months as a [specify assignment (i.e., Recruiter, Drill Instructor, or MSG Detachment Commander)] ________________, and I agree to accept VSI [specify lump sum or monthly payment] ________________ in the amount [specify $10,000 for 36-month SDA tour or $6,700 for 24-month second SDA tour for lump sum, or $278 for a monthly payment] of __________ dollars. I understand that the unearned portion of the lump sum payment will be recouped on a prorated basis if I serve in the assignment for a period less than the number of months specified in this agreement."

OMPF Posting

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.E, commands ensure a copy of the VSI agreement documented on NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) is properly posted to the Marine's Official Military Personnel File. If the agreement is not posted to the OMPF, commands submit via email to MMRP-20 at smb.manpower.mmrp@usmc.mil.

VSI in Addition to SDAP and AIP

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 5, VSI is in addition to SDAP and AIP. A volunteer first-tour Recruiter for FY 2021 received all three concurrently.

• SDAP. $150 per month.
• AIP. $225 per month or $7,400 lump sum for 36-month tour.
• VSI. $278 per month (or $10,000 lump sum) for 36-month tour.

Total monthly compensation. $653 per month plus basic pay (FY 2021 rate).

For FY 2028 (per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26), volunteer Recruiter total is $703 per month or $425 monthly plus $10,000 lump sum VSI.

FY28 Rates per MARADMIN 181/26

Current FY28 rates (per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 paragraph 7.b).

Volunteer Rates (Includes VSI)

Non-Volunteer Rates (No VSI)

The difference between volunteer and non-volunteer is $278 per month (the VSI amount). Volunteering for an SDA captures an additional $10,000 over a 36-month tour.

Recoupment of Lump Sum VSI

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 and/or VSI payment.

Recoupment Exceptions

Recoupment of a lump sum 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 per the MARADMIN.

• 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.

Termination of VSI

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

• Has failed to maintain the minimum level of qualification required for satisfactory performance.
• 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.

Annual Certification

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

Training event code Z3 is reported for each Marine to record annual certification is complete and 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 the SDA are qualified.

TSP Contributions from VSI

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

Important Considerations

• VSI contributions to TSP are NOT matched by the agency.
• VSI 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.

A volunteer Marine receiving the $10,000 lump sum VSI during a CZ deployment month qualifies for the CZTE-Roth TSP combination strategy described on the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion page. The lump sum is tax-free going in (CZTE for enlisted/warrant officer) AND tax-free coming out (Roth status).

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.

Verifying VSI on the LES

A monthly LES check during the SDA tour confirms VSI entries are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday during the SDA tour.

Step 2. Verify the VSI Line

The LES shows VSI as a line item under Entitlements. For monthly VSI, the entry shows $278 per month (split into two $139 installments on the 1st and 15th). For lump sum VSI, the $10,000 (or $6,700) shows in a single month.

Step 3. Verify the Agreement Posted to OMPF

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

Step 4. 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 volunteering for Drill Instructor School for FY28. Do I get VSI?

Yes per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 paragraph 7. Volunteer Drill Instructors receive $10,000 in VSI. Choose between $278 per month over 36 months OR $10,000 lump sum upon arrival at MCRD. Sign NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) before payment.

I was involuntarily selected through HSST for Recruiter duty. Do I get VSI?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 7.C, no. VSI is for volunteers only. Your assignment orders will indicate involuntary selection. You receive SDAP $150 and AIP $225 (or AIP $275 in FY28 per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 if rates have updated) but NOT VSI.

I am a Combat Instructor. Why don't I get VSI?

Per MARADMIN 181/26MARADMIN 181/26 paragraph 7, Combat Instructors are explicitly excluded from VSI. The Marine Corps designed VSI as an incentive for Marines volunteering for the three Special Duty Assignments (Recruiter, Drill Instructor, MSG Detachment Commander). Combat Instructor is a T1 Screenable Billet, not an SDA.

I am volunteering for a second-tour Drill Instructor (24 months). What is my VSI?

Per MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 6.A.2, $6,700 lump sum or $278 per month for 24 months ($278 × 24 = $6,672). Sign the NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) for second tour amount.

If I take the lump sum and separate after 18 months, 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 VSI of $10,000, your prorated earned amount is $5,000 (18/36). The remaining $5,000 is recouped from final pay. Recoupment is waived if separation is due to circumstances beyond your control (death, disability separation, etc.).

Should I take lump sum or monthly VSI?

The cumulative cash equals the same amount over the tour ($278 × 36 = $10,008 vs $10,000 lump sum, no discount). The financial decision factors include.

• Tax timing. Lump sum during CZ deployment captures full CZTE.
• TSP timing. Lump sum allows for one large TSP contribution if paired with deployment.
• Cash flow needs. Monthly is steadier. Lump sum is upfront.
• Recoupment exposure. Lump sum exposes you to higher recoupment if you fail to complete the tour.

The monthly option avoids recoupment exposure but loses the front-loaded tax and TSP optimization. Coordinate with your career planner and Personal Financial Manager.

Can I contribute my VSI 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.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• VSI eligibility verification. Coordinate with your career planner and the Marine Corps detailer for the SDA you volunteered for.
• NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement preparation. Your command Adjutant or S-1 in coordination with the assignment orders.
• VSI 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 VSI entries. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Recoupment determinations for unfinished VSI tours. The Pay Problems and Fixes page covers the framework. Coordinate with the unit Staff Judge Advocate.
• 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 SDA billets.
• Assignment Incentive Pay covers AIP for non-SDA billets and the parallel agreement framework.
• Pay Problems and Fixes covers the recoupment framework if VSI eligibility ends mid-tour.
• TSP and Savings covers the CZTE-Roth TSP-VSI combination strategy.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the volunteer-vs-involuntary path. Volunteering for an SDA captures the $10,000 VSI bonus.
• Admin at S-1 processes VSI agreements (NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11)) and routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• Commanders endorse volunteer status and certify annual eligibility per the MARADMIN 628/20MARADMIN 628/20 paragraph 8.D framework.

VSI rewards volunteerism. The $10,000 first-tour bonus or $6,700 second-tour bonus is paid in addition to SDAP and AIP. Volunteer for Recruiter, Drill Instructor, or MSG Detachment Commander duty to capture VSI. Combat Instructors and involuntary selections are excluded. The NAVMC 118NAVMC 118 (11) agreement locks in the obligation. Recoupment applies to lump sum recipients who fail to complete the tour, except for circumstances beyond the Marine's control.