DAFPD36-30 — Military Entitlements

DAFPD36-30 governs military entitlements by establishing Department of the Air Force policy for compensation, benefits, and related programs.

Search DAFPD36-30

  • Publication number: DAFPD36-30
  • Title: MILITARY ENTITLEMENTS
  • Date: 2026-03-05

View DAFPD36-30 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers compensation and benefits, special and incentive pays, and travel and transportation allowances, while assigning responsibilities for military entitlement policy. The publication requires an equitable, fiscally responsible, predictable, stable, and transparent compensation system and states that compliance is mandatory.

Applies to: This policy directive applies to uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and the United States Space Force (USSF).

Topics covered

  • Compensation and benefits
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Travel and transportation allowances
  • Military compensation policy
  • Entitlement eligibility
  • Service credit validation

Questions and answers

What should military members and former members receive under the entitlement policy?

All Air Force and Space Force members and former members should receive the full benefit of compensation programs to which they are entitled or for which they are eligible. (paragraph 2)

What standards must the compensation system meet?

The compensation system for Air Force and Space Force members must be predictable, stable, and transparent. (paragraph 2)

What should an equitable compensation and benefits package provide?

An equitable compensation and benefits package should prevent a decline in members’ living standards upon accession, maintain pay comparability with the private sector, and maintain reimbursements at levels equal with expenses incurred incident to military service. (paragraph 2)

What does the Department of the Air Force validate for entitlement programs?

In support of these entitlement programs, the Department of the Air Force will validate service credit for its members for the purpose of fair and lawful administration of pay, entitlements, and benefits. (paragraph 2)

What are special and incentive pays intended to do?

Monetary pays are offered to encourage retention and recognize the unique needs of the military and the extraordinary demands imposed upon its members. (paragraph 4)

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