Incentive and Special Pay

SPECIAL PAY for OPTOMETRISTS

Eligibility

Special Pay for Optometrists in the military is available to members who meet the following criteria:

• Commissioned officers of the Regular Army, Navy, or Air Force, designated as optometry officers.
• Commissioned officers in the Selected Reserves of the Army, Navy, or Air Force, designated as optometry officers, who are on active duty as a result of a call or order for a period of at least 1 year.
• Optometry officers on active duty less than one year, outside of training, including:
  
  
  • Reservists called to active duty for more than 30 days but less than one year.
  • Officers involuntarily retained on active duty.
  • Officers who voluntarily agree to remain on active duty for less than one year at a time, are involuntarily retained on active duty.
  • Retired optometry officers recalled to active duty for more than 30 days.

The Secretary of Defense may also decide that special circumstances justify the payment of special pay.

PAYABLE RATE

Eligible service members are entitled to Regular Special Pay of $100 per month, while on active duty. Officers may also receive a Retention Special Pay of up to $15,000 for any year-long period—not counting internship or initial residency training—during which they:

• Are entitled to regular special pay.
• Have completed all initial active duty service commitments for education and training.
• Are determined as qualified optometrists by the Secretary concerned.
• They are retired optometry officers recalled to active duty for more than 30 days.
• Meet one of the following requirements:
  
  
  • They sign an agreement to remain on active duty for at least two years, beginning on the date they accept the award of such special pay.
  • Are reserve officers called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days but less than one year, outside of active duty for training.
  • Are involuntarily retained on active duty.
  • They voluntarily agree to remain on active duty for less than 1 year at a time when (1.) officers are involuntarily retained on active duty, or (2.) it is determined by the Secretary of Defense that Special Pay is justifiable.