Special combat pay refers to additional compensation received by members of the Armed Forces due to their exposure to hazardous situations during military operations. This pay is designed to acknowledge the risks involved in combat and to provide financial support to service members who face dangerous conditions.
Special combat pay is primarily used in military law and benefits administration. It is relevant in contexts such as:
Users can manage some aspects of their benefits through legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which can help them navigate the necessary paperwork.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A soldier deployed to a combat zone in Afghanistan receives special combat pay due to the risks associated with their mission. This pay is added to their regular salary to compensate for the hazardous conditions.
Example 2: A service member stationed in a region with ongoing conflict may qualify for special combat pay if their duties involve direct engagement in combat operations. (hypothetical example)
The primary legal reference for special combat pay is found in 20 USCS § 1087vv (n), which defines the term and outlines its implications for service members. Other relevant military regulations may also apply.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Duty Pay | Additional compensation for duties that involve significant risk. | Hazardous duty pay may apply to non-combat situations, while special combat pay specifically relates to combat exposure. |
| Combat Zone Tax Exclusion | Tax benefits for service members serving in designated combat zones. | This is a tax benefit rather than a form of pay, although both relate to combat service. |
If you believe you qualify for special combat pay, follow these steps:
If your situation is complex, seeking advice from a legal professional may be beneficial.
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