Air Force introduces cold weather special duty pay for those stationed in North Dakota

Beginning this July, the U.S. Air Force will allot special cold weather pay for those eligible airmen and guardians stationed at bases where the temperature drops below -20 degrees Fahrenheit. 

As called for in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the plan acts as a sort of incentive pay meant to offset the costs of certain items, such as cold weather gear, snow tires, engine block heaters, and emergency winter car kits. Locations like North Dakota’s Minot Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base, and Cavalier Space Station are prime examples of those that stand to benefit. 

“Congress authorized this special pay to help our service members and their families shoulder financial burdens unique to living in colder temperatures, including winter clothes and snow tires,” U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) said. “We’ve been pressing the Air Force to provide this cold weather pay and will continue working to ensure that the Air Force implements this policy in a way that meets the needs of those serving our country at bases in Minot, Grand Forks, and Cavalier.”

Lawmakers like Hoeven have pressed U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to implement the provision since last year’s NDAA passed. Their position strengthened this year, as the 2024 NDAA clarified what areas could be considered cold-weather locales.