Senate bill would give National Guard and Reserve members equal hazard duty incentive pay

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would give National Guard and Reserve members equal hazard duty incentive pay (HDIP).

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Similar legislation has already been introduced in the House.

“The National Guard is an essential part of our military, playing an indispensable role in protecting our country,” Cramer said. “The Guard members who qualify for hazard duty incentive pay are doing work just as dangerous as their active duty counterparts, and they deserve to be compensated as such.”

Hazard Duty Incentive Pay is a type of special and incentive pay that is earned for hazardous duty assignments or conditions. The increased compensation, in addition to base pay, is used to improve recruiting and retention. Service members eligible for this pay include those who perform parachute jumping, explosive demolitions, handle toxic fuels, and engage in operations on a flight deck.

Currently, under federal guidelines, National Guard and Reserve Service Members are awarded 1/30th of HDIP. Still, these servicemembers must maintain the same qualifications as their active duty counterparts without receiving the same pay.

This new bill would amend that to create pay equity for HDIP for all Guard and Reserve service members.