R 291330Z JUL 25
MARADMIN 355/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/FY25 AND FY26 AVIATION BONUS (AVB)//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/SECNAV/06FEB2018//
REF/B/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/061432ZNOV17//
REF/C/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/061820ZJUL18//
REF/D/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/111457ZJUL19//
REF/E/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/081735ZSEP20//
REF/F/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/071431ZOCT21//
REF/G/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/221630ZNOV22//
REF/H/MSGID: DOC/DOD FMR 7000.14-R/-//
REF/I/MSGID: MEMO/ASD M&RA/20240502//
NARR/REF (A) IS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY INSTRUCTION 7220.88,
AVIATION INCENTIVE PAYS AND BONUS PROGRAM.
REF (B) IS MARADMIN 614/17, FY18 AVIATION BONUS
REF (C) IS MARADMIN 382/18, FY19 AVIATION BONUS
REF (D) IS MARADMIN 388/19, FY20 AVIATION BONUS
REF (E) IS MARADMIN 514/20, FY21 AVIATION BONUS
REF (F) IS MARADMIN 534/21, FY22 AVIATION BONUS
REF (G) IS MARADMIN 610/22, FY23 AVIATION BONUS, REF (H) IS
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATION,
VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 44. REF (I) IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF
THE NAVY FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS MEMORANDUM FOR
EXCEPTION TO POLICY FOR INCREASED AVIATION BONUS AUTHORITY//
POC/R. ESTREMADURA/MSGT/CMC MMOA-2/-/TEL: DSN 278-9211//
POC/C. HUGHES/MAJ/CMC MPP-30/-/TEL: DSN 278-9366//
GENTEXT/REMARKS
1. Purpose. This MARADMIN provides information on the Marine Corps
Aviation Bonus (AvB) Program for FY25 and FY26.
2. Background. The AvB is a special pay incentive designed to
enhance the stability of the aviation officer community. The
program adjusts to provide a short-term, proactive incentive for
retention of aviation officers nearing the mid-point of their
careers in certain grades and aviation communities with current
or forecasted shortfalls. The program aligns with Talent
Management strategies to target skilled aviators by offering
financial incentives to experienced personnel. Contract lengths
and monetary amounts are tailored to the specific needs of the
community. Marine aeronautically designated officers who meet
the eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 3 are eligible
to participate in the AvB program. Reference (a) provides the legal
authority for the AvB Program.
3. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for the AvB, officers
must meet the following non-waiverable criteria during the effective
dates of the FY25 and FY26 AvB Program:
3.a. Must be qualified to perform operational flying duty and
maintain a current medical up-chit. Exceptions may be granted for
aviators who are temporarily medically disqualified from flight
status due to conditions such as pregnancy or temporarily med-down
for injuries such as broken bones, with a medical professional’s
attestation of their expected return to a med-up flight status.
3.b. Must be eligible for Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP).
3.c. Must maintain one of the following primary military
occupational specialties (PMOS):
3.c.1. Rotary Wing (RW)
7563 (UH-1 Pilot)
7565 (AH-1 Pilot)
7566 (CH-53 Pilot)
3.c.2. Tiltrotor (TR)
7532 (MV-22 Pilot)
3.c.3. TACAIR
7509 (AV-8 Pilot)
7518 (F-35 Pilot)
7523 (F/A-18 Pilot)
3.c.4. KC130
7556 (KC-130 Co-Pilot)
7557 (KC-130 Pilot)
3.d. Must be in and remain in the Active Component.
3.e. Must have less than 15 years commissioned service (YCS) at the
time of AvB contract start date. YCS is calculated from the
officer’s date accepted first commission (DAFC).
3.f. Must be complete with Active-Duty Service Obligation (ADSO)
incurred from initial aviation training by the end of FY27
(30 Sep 2027). The ADSO for Naval Flight Officers transitioning to
Naval Aviator is based on their initial aviation training.
4. Additional eligibility considerations
4.a. Aviation Transition/Conversion. Aviation personnel undergoing
transition or conversion training are eligible for the FY25 and
FY26 AvB if they meet the eligibility requirements in paragraph 3,
complete the applicable fleet replacement squadron, and obtain a
PMOS listed in paragraph 3.c during the effective dates of the FY25
and FY26 AvB.
4.b. Inter-service Transfer. Applicants under a current officer
service obligation for Inter-Service Transfer (IST) are ineligible
for AvB and may not apply until completion of IST ADSO.
4.c. Promotion Selection. Captains who have previously failed
selection to the rank of Major are ineligible, unless subsequently
selected for promotion to Major.
4.d. Prior Aviation Bonus Takers. Individuals who have completed
a prior AvB obligation are eligible if they meet all eligibility
requirements listed in paragraph 3. Individuals currently under a
previous AvB contract, as outlined in references (b) through (g),
may apply for the FY25 or FY26 AvB per reference (a) if the new
annuity payment is higher than their current AvB and the contract
length of the FY25 or FY26 AvB is longer than their remaining AvB
obligation. The contract start date for new AvB annuity amounts
and new contract length will begin on the date of the individual’s
next scheduled AvB anniversary payment.
5. Payment groups. The FY25 and FY26 AvB payment opportunities are
broken into four groups (based on YCS on contract start date)
defined in paragraphs 5.a through 5.d. Contract start date is
defined in paragraph 6.d. Payment amounts are determined by
contract length and the current and forecasted health of critical
MOS communities listed in paragraph 3.c. Payment provisions of
annuity payments are outlined in paragraph 6.a. and payment
provisions for partial lump options are outlined in paragraph 6.b.
5.a. Group 1: ADSO expiration occurs in the next FY (FY26 if
applying in FY25 or ADSO expiration occurs in FY27 if applying in
FY26).
5.b. Group 2: Complete with ADSO, with less than 12 YCS.
5.c. Group 3: Complete with ADSO, with less than 14 YCS but greater
than 12 YCS.
5.d. Group 4: Complete with ADSO, with less than 15 YCS but greater
than 14 YCS.
6. Payment Provisions
6.a. Annuity Payment Provisions
Eligibility Para. MOS Community Months Annuity Total
5.a* RW 96 $30,000 $240,000
5.a* TR 96 $40,000 $320,000
5.a* TACAIR 96 $40,000 $320,000
5.a* KC130 96 $40,000 $320,000
5.a & 5.b RW 72 $30,000 $180,000
5.a & 5.b TR 72 $40,000 $240,000
5.a & 5.b TACAIR 72 $40,000 $240,000
5.a & 5.b KC130 72 $40,000 $240,000
5.a & 5.b & 5.c RW 48 $25,000 $100,000
5.a & 5.b & 5.c TR 48 $30,000 $120,000
5.a & 5.b & 5.c TACAIR 48 $30,000 $120,000
5.a & 5.b & 5.c KC130 48 $30,000 $120,000
5.d RW 48 $20,000 $80,000
5.d TR 48 $20,000 $80,000
5.d TACAIR 48 $25,000 $100,000
5.d KC130 48 $25,000 $100,000
6.a.1. *Group 1 Marines applying for the 96 month bonus must also
have less than 12 YCS on contract start date.
6.a.2. Group 1 annuity payments: Payments for all contracts in
Group 1 will be disbursed following approval and completion of their
ADSO. For example, a KC-130 Co-Pilot with an initial ADSO that
completes in FY26 who signs the FY25 AvB 48-month contract will
receive four equal annual payments of $30,000 beginning after
completion of their ADSO.
6.a.3. Group 2, 3, and 4 annuity payments: Payments for Groups 2,3,
and 4 will be disbursed in equal annuities over the contract length
beginning after their contract start date. For example, an MV-22
pilot with less than 12 YCS who signs a 72-month contract will
receive six equal payments of $40,000 beginning after the contract
start date.
6.b. Partial Lump Sum Payment Provisions. The FY25 AvB includes
partial lump sum opportunities open to first time Aviation Bonus
takers only. The initial payment for 72 month partial lump sum AvB
contracts is $100,000. The initial payment for 48 month partial
lump sum AvB contracts is $50,000. Subsequent reduced annuity
payment provisions are listed below.
Eligibility Para. MOS Community Months Annuity Total
5.a & 5.b RW 72 $12,000 $160,000
5.a & 5.b TR 72 $25,000 $225,000
5.a & 5.b TACAIR 72 $25,000 $225,000
5.a & 5.b KC130 72 $25,000 $225,000
5.a & 5.b RW 48 $10,000 $80,000
5.a & 5.b TR 48 $17,000 $101,000
5.a & 5.b TACAIR 48 $17,000 $101,000
5.a & 5.b KC130 48 $17,000 $101,000
6.b.1. Group 1 and 2 partial lump sum payments: Only group 1 and 2
are eligible to select a partial lump sum payment for 72-month and
48-month contracts. For example, an F-35 pilot with less than
12 YCS that has never taken an AvB contract, can select the 72-month
partial lump sum contract and the initial payment will be $100,000
and the remaining five annuity payments will be $25,000.
6.c. Contract Lengths. Contract lengths will be 48, 72, and
96 months, beginning on the contract start date.
6.d. Contract Start Date. Defined as the date the application is
approved by MMOA-2, or ADSO completion date, whichever is latest.
For prior AvB takers, as defined in paragraph 3, the contract start
date is the anniversary date of the next scheduled AvB payment.
6.e. In accordance with Section 632 of Title 10, U.S. Code, an
officer who fails selection for promotion to the next higher grade
for the second time shall be retained on active duty until
completion of that officer’s active duty service obligation.
6.f. Release from Service Obligation. An officer may only be
released from their service obligation upon approval by Commandant
of the Marine Corps (CMC) (MM).
7. Repayment Requirements. In accordance with Section 373 of
Title 37, U.S. Code, Marines shall repay to the United States any
unearned portion of their AvB if they fail to continuously meet the
service or eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 3.
Marines may not receive any unpaid amounts of the AvB after they
fail to satisfy such service or eligibility requirement.
7.a. Exceptions to Repayment. In accordance with Section 373 of
Title 37, U.S. Code, repayment of unearned AvB amounts shall not be
required for Marines who die or are retired or separated with a
combat-related disability. Additionally, subject to the rules
contained in Table 2-1 of DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR)
Volume 7A, Chapter 2, repayment action may not be pursued under
certain circumstances.
8. Re-application After Termination of Eligibility. Officers whose
eligibility for the AvB is terminated may re-apply,
prior to 31 July 2026, once they regain eligibility status as
defined in paragraph 3. Officers re-applying and approved under this
circumstance will be subject to the terms of their previously
terminated AvB contract.
9. Application Procedures.
9.a. Approval is subject to the availability of funds and will be
prioritized based on the needs of the Marine Corps. Application by
eligible officers does not guarantee approval.
9.b. Commanding Officer's Recommendation. Applicants must receive
a recommendation for the AvB by an endorsement from their Commanding
Officer (or the first O-5 or above in their chain of command) and
final approval from Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) (MMOA-2).
9.c. Application Deadline. Applications must be submitted to CMC
(MMOA-2) no later than 31 July 2026. Late applications will not be
accepted.
9.d. Applications must include.
9.d.1. Part One: Application form (as defined in paragraph 10).
9.d.2. Part Two: Endorsement (as defined in paragraph 11).
9.d.3. Part Three: Copy of the officer’s initial obligation
contract, which will identify the length of obligated service
related to completion of flight training and their pilot designation
date. If an applicant’s service agreement is not present in their
Officer’s Military Personnel File (OMPF), and they are unable to
produce a copy, they must add the following statement to their
application form: “My aviation contract is not present in my OMPF,
nor was I issued one for records. Per Title 10 section 653, I am
obligated for (6 or 8) years of extended active duty service as a
75[appropriate last two numbers of PMOS].”
9.d.4. Part Four: Print out and add as an enclosure the first page
of the following Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) screens:
TMOS, AVIP, TBIR, and D942. The D942 screen will be blank for
applicants who have not previously received a bonus.
9.e. Application Submission. The required documentation for
processing is a scanned electronic copy, with appropriate
signatures, sent via unencrypted email to:
SMB(underscore)MMOA(at)usmc.mil.
9.f. Application Review and Approval. Applications will be
reviewed for eligibility and approved by CMC (MMOA-2). Applicants
can expect a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of their
application from MMOA-2 within ten business days. Processing and
approval may take up to eight weeks. Processing time subject to
the availability of funds will be communicated to applicants on a
quarterly basis. If approved, the effective date of AvB contracts
will be the contract start date, as defined in paragraph 6.d.
Payments will not begin earlier than an individual’s contract start
date.
9.g. Incomplete applications. Incomplete application packages,
packages requiring resubmission, or submissions with excess
information may result in processing delays and potential delays
in the contract start date.
10. Application Format. Applicants will submit their application
using a Standard Naval Letter formatted as follows:
10.a. From: (Applying Officers Grade, Name, EDIPI/MOS)
10.b. To: Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMOA-2)
10.c. Via: (Commanding Officer or appropriate designee)
10.d. Subj: Request for FY25 Aviation Bonus
10.e. Ref: (Cite Subject MARADMIN)
10.f. Application and Agreement: Per the reference, I hereby apply
for the FY25 Aviation Bonus (AvB). Contingent on approval of this
application for this special pay, I agree to accept an officer
service obligation to complete additional (underscore)(underscore)
months of active-duty service, beginning on the effective date of my
AvB contract, in exchange for [amount] dollars annually for each
full year of service. (For the partial lump sum option change to
“in exchange for [amount] dollars initial payment followed by
[amount] dollars annually for each subsequent full year of
service.”) I agree not to tender a resignation that would be
effective during this AvB service obligation or voluntarily
terminate my flight status during this AvB service obligation.
10.g. Understanding of Terms: I have read, understand, and agree
to be bound by the provisions of the reference and MARADMIN,
including all provisions relating to termination of payments
pursuant to this agreement, termination of the service obligation,
and the circumstances under which recoupment by the government of
sums paid may be required.
10.h. Eligibility Affirmation: I affirm that I meet the
eligibility requirements and understand CMC (MMOA-2) must validate
my eligibility for AvB. If I am determined to be ineligible, this
application will be returned with no action taken, and I may reapply
at a later date if my eligibility changes.
10.i. Current Obligations: I am not currently obligated under an
Aviation Bonus program. (For officers under obligation to previous
AvB, change to, “I am currently obligated under the [Fiscal Year]
AvB and meet the eligibility criteria per reference MARADMIN to
reapply to the FY25 AvB beginning on my next scheduled AvB
anniversary payment.”)
10.j. Administrative Information.
10.j.1. Date Accepted First Commission: YYYY/MM/DD.
10.j.2. Current Years of Commissioned Service: XX yrs XX mos.
10.j.3. Date Designated Naval Aviator: YYYY/MM/DD.
10.j.4. Length of Initial Aviation Service Obligation: XX mos.
10.j.5. Work Phone Number:
10.j.6. E-Mail Address:
10.j.7. Pending Legal Action: (Yes/No, provide amplifying
information if Yes)(Signature of Officer).
10.k. Commanding Officer’s Endorsement. The endorsement from the
Commanding Officer or the first O-5 or above in the applicant’s
chain of command must contain:
10.k.1. Recommendation. “Forwarded, recommending approval” or
“Forwarded, not recommending approval.”
10.k.2. Eligibility Verification. “I verify this officer is not
under command or legal investigation or under Field Flight
Performance Board/Flight Status Selection Board investigation and
meets the eligibility criteria.”
10.k.3. ADSO Fulfillment. “Applicant has fulfilled/will fulfill
their active-duty service obligation as of [date]”
10.k.4. Medical status. “Applicant possesses a current medical
up-chit.”
11. Post-Approval Procedures. Upon confirmation of eligibility and
AvB approval, MMOA-2 will send an e-mail detailing the applicant’s
AvB start date. MMOA-2 will subsequently send an official letter
outlining the applicant’s service obligation and monetary amounts to
the officer upon the contract start date. It is important to note
that selection for the AvB is not intended to be a career
enhancement and shall not be annotated in a Marine’s fitness report.
12. Financial Planning Considerations. To assist with the
significant financial decisions associated with receiving a bonus,
such as tax implications, savings, investments, and retirement
planning, individuals are encouraged to consult with local financial
management resources. These resources include Personal Financial
Managers, contracted Personal Financial Counselors, and unit Command
Financial Specialists. AvB payments will be taxed in accordance
with Internal Revenue Service Publication 15 (Circular E), except
for those bonuses identified as not taxable under Table 44-4, Rule 5
of reference (i).
13. All AvB correspondence shall be submitted to:
SMB(underscore)MMOA(at)usmc.mil.
14. The point of contact for AvB execution, application,
processing, and administrative issues is
Master Sergeant R. Estremadura, MMOA-2, 703-784-9211.
15. The AvB policy point of contact is Major C. Hughes,
MPP-33, 703-784-9366.
16. This MARADMIN does not apply to the Marine Corps Reserve.
17. This MARADMIN cancels on 1 Oct 2026.
18. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Michael J. Borgschulte
Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//