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)