(a) Authority.—The Secretary concerned may pay incentive pay under this section to a member of a uniformed service who performs service, while entitled to basic pay, in an assignment designated by the Secretary concerned. Incentive pay payable under this section may be paid on a monthly basis, in a lump sum, or in installments.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b) Written Agreement.—(1) The Secretary concerned may require a member performing service in an assignment designated under subsection (a) to enter into a written agreement with the Secretary in order to qualify for the payment of incentive pay on a monthly basis under this section. The written agreement shall specify the period for which the incentive pay will be paid to the member and, subject to subsection (c), the monthly rate of the incentive pay.

(2) The Secretary concerned shall require a member performing service in an assignment designated under subsection (a) to enter into a written agreement with the Secretary in order to qualify for the payment of incentive pay on a lump sum or installment basis under this section. The written agreement shall specify the period for which the incentive pay will be paid to the member and, subject to subsection (c), the amount of the lump sum, or each installment, of the incentive pay.

(c) Maximum Rate or Amount.—(1) The maximum monthly rate of incentive pay payable to a member on a monthly basis under this section is $3,000.

(2) The amount of the lump sum payment of incentive pay payable to a member on a lump sum basis under this section may not exceed an amount equal to the product of—

(A) the maximum monthly rate authorized under paragraph (1) at the time of the written agreement of the member under subsection (b)(2); and

(B) the number of months in the period for which incentive pay will be paid pursuant to the agreement.

(3) The amount of each installment payment of incentive pay payable to a member on an installment basis under this section shall be the amount equal to—

(A) the product of (i) a monthly rate specified in the written agreement of the member under subsection (b)(2) (which monthly rate may not exceed the maximum monthly rate authorized under paragraph (1) at the time of the written agreement), and (ii) the number of months in the period for which incentive pay will be paid; divided by

(B) the number of installments over such period.

(4) If a member extends an assignment specified in an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (b), incentive pay for the period of the extension may be paid under this section on a monthly basis, in a lump sum, or in installments in accordance with this section.

(d) Repayment.—A member who enters into an agreement under this section and receives incentive pay under the agreement in a lump sum or installments, but who fails to complete the period of service covered by the payment, whether voluntarily or because of misconduct, shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of this title.

(e) Relationship to Other Pay and Allowances.—Incentive pay paid to a member under this section is in addition to any other pay and allowances to which the member is entitled.

(f) Status Not Affected by Temporary Duty or Leave.—The service of a member in an assignment referred to in subsection (a) shall not be considered discontinued during any period that the member is not performing service in the assignment by reason of—

(1) temporary duty performed by the member pursuant to orders; or

(2) absence of the member for authorized leave, other than leave authorized for a period ending upon the discharge of the member or the release of the member from active duty.

(g) Termination of Authority.—No agreement under this section may be entered into after December 31, 2018.