Special Duty Assignment Pays (SDAP) are awarded to enlisted service members performing duties designated by the Secretary of the Navy as extremely difficult or involving an unusual degree of responsibility. This entitlement is payable in addition to all other pay and allowances to which enlisted service members are entitled. Entitlement to receive Special Duty Assignment Pay is reviewed annually, and without re-certification, the pay automatically stops on the anniversary date. Some examples of SDAP assignments are Combat Rescue Swimmer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator/Supervisor, and Surface Ship Independent Duty Corpsman.
Special Duty Assignment Pay is broken into six pay rates ranging from $55.00 to $375.00 per month. Each military branch assigns those rates to specific duty specialties and assignments.
Eligibility Requirements
Enlisted members serving in pay grade E-3 or higher are eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay. Officers/Warrant Officers are not eligible for Special Duty Assignment Pay. Eligibility is contingent on meeting the requirements discussed above and those provided by specific service regulations. Special Duty Assignment Pay replaces Proficiency Pay; therefore, only one or the other may be paid to a member for a given period.
Enlisted members of the Navy are authorized SDAP when on second or subsequent terms of active duty enlisted service and first term personnel who are serving in an enlistment, an enlistment as extended, or an extension of enlistment that will total 7 or more years of active service.
Special Duty Assignment Pay is broken into six pay rates ranging from $55.00 to $375.00 per month. Each military branch assigns those rates to specific duty specialties and assignments.