Paratroopers who stay current on their jump requirements are already eligible for $150 in extra pay per month, and soon, jumpmasters may be able to almost double that amount.
A proposal working its way to the defense secretary’s office would authorize an additional $100 a month for enlisted unit jumpmasters to keep current on their requirements, according to an 82nd Airborne Division spokesman.
“This was intended to rectify the fact that Army jumpmasters performing duties during airborne operations do not qualify for skill incentive pay although maintaining proficiency in support of mission readiness,” Lt. Col. Joe Buccino told Army Times on Monday.
Jumpmasters are trained to lead and manage jump operations in airborne units. Though they can serve in the position after completing school, they have to perform their duties every 180 days to stay current.
The new pay would incentivize them to stay current and ready to go in case of an operation or contingency.
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The proposal to pay additional money to our jumpmasters is slowly working through the system in the Pentagon,” 82nd Airborne commander Maj. Gen. Erik Kurilla and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Ferrusi wrote in a May division newsletter.
The idea came from a suggestion submitted to the online Commander’s Dashboard, they said.
“It appears to be several months away from a final decision,” Buccino said.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
