Rates Change for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) — The Office of the Secretary of Defense recently approved new Foreign Language Proficiency Pay rates that will increase entitlements for eligible and qualified military members, while eliminating FLPP for others.

The highest maximum pay rate for a single-language proficiency increases from $200 to $500 per month; likewise, the maximum pay rate for multiple-language proficiency increases from $300 to $1,000 per month.

The Defense Department also has identified several languages as "abundant or surplus" for which sufficient strategic capability already exists. These languages are Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Korean and French.

The Air Force will no longer pay FLPP to members in these languages unless they are performing language duties in an authorized AFSC or language-designated position. Airmen currently receiving FLPP pay for abundant or surplus languages will continue to receive their current pay until July 1, when their entitlements will end.

"The objective of FLPP is to encourage the acquisition, maintenance and enhancement of certain foreign language skills vital to national defense," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Chasse, manager of Air Force personnel testing at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "Our ability to interact in the international arena and respond to global contingencies mandates the need for qualified personnel to communicate with our allies and adversaries."

The incentive payments will no longer be limited to two languages. An individual claiming proficiency for more than two Department of Defense-approved languages may receive FLPP for all languages up to the $1,000 monthly cap. Additionally, a secret security clearance will no longer be required for eligibility to receive pay.

Previously, FLPP guidance limited higher pay rates to those performing language duties. A new emphasis on strategic value and skill level of language proficiency makes all military personnel eligible, regardless of their billet or Air Force Specialty Code, for FLPP in any DOD-approved language in which they can show proficiency at the minimum approved level. Language testing must still be completed annually to continue receiving pay.

For more information, contact the base military personnel flight.

(Source: AFPC)