Assignment Incentive Pay Remote & Austere Conditions
(AIP-RAC)

Introduction

This topic provides the SPO/PSI data entry technician with general information and links to step-by-step procedures to properly record entitlement to Assignment Incentive Pay Remote & Austere Conditions.

Regulations

The information in this topic is provided to help you familiarize you with Assignment Incentive Pay Remote & Austere Conditions entitlement rules and terms. This information is only introductory. Refer to the references list below for official guidance on this entitlement. 

AIP-RAC is a special pay intended to encourage active duty military personnel to volunteer for difficult- to-fill assignments by providing an incentive to partially defray essential personal expenses that may otherwise prevent a member from pursuing such assignments. 

References

(a)  Coast Guard Pay Manual, COMDTINST M7220.29 (series)
      Note: Refer to ACN 015/22 until the Pay Manual is updated with AIP-RAC
(b)  Personnel and Pay Procedures Manual, PPCINST M1000.6, Chapter 8, Section D

Entitlement

AIP-RAC may be paid to active duty officer and enlisted members entitled to Basic Pay under  37 U.S.C. 204  who perform permanent duty at a designated remote or austere assignment in the Continental United States (CONUS).

Commandant (CG-13) designates Coast Guard units for AIP-RAC purposes. Designated AIP-RAC unit status must be annually re-validated in a process managed by Commandant (CG-133). 

Effective Date

AIP-RAC authorized effective March 1, 2022.

Payment Restrictions

In relation to other pays, AIP-RAC is in addition to any pay, allowance, special pay, incentive pay, or any other monetary benefit to which the member might otherwise be entitled, 

Taxability

AIP-RAC is taxable income for federal and state tax purposes, but is not subject to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Tax.

Computation of Lump-Sum Leave, Retired Pay, Bonuses, Continuation Pay, Separation Pay, or Disability Severance Pay

AIP-RAC is not included in the computation of sale or settlement of unused accrued leave, Retired Pay, reenlistment bonus, Continuation Pay, Separation Pay, or Disability Severance Pay. 

AIP-RAC Start Date

Entitlement to AIP-RAC starts on the authorization date and may not be paid retroactively.

AIP-RAC Stop Date

Entitlement to AIP-RAC stops when a member:

a. Is no longer assigned to a unit for which AIP-RAC is authorized;
b. Is discharged or released from active duty;
c. Is confined as a result of a court-martial sentence; 
d. Is absent without leave;
e. Is on a TDY assignment where the member is not performing duty at the unit for which AIP-RAC is authorized for more than 90 days. Such members may receive AIP-RAC through the 90th day of TDY;
f. Departs on a PCS order from an assignment where AIP-RAC is authorized, in which case AIP-RAC stops the day prior to the date of departure from the assignment; 
g. Departs the vicinity of a unit for which AIP-RAC is authorized, with no expectation of return prior to separation or retirement (e.g., leave or administrative absence);
or
h. At the discretion of a member's commanding officer or officer-in-charge when it is determined that continuation of AIP-RAC is no longer appropriate; 

AIP-RAC Rate

The monthly rates of AIP-RAC will vary based on each assignment. 

Commandant (CG-1) will approve AIP-RAC payment levels based on the additional costs one is reasonably expected to incur during a remote or austere assignment. 

Authorization, change, or termination of designated units and/or rates will be announced via message. 

The following designated units and associated monthly rates of AIP-RAC are authorized for permanently assigned personnel who reside within the Military Housing Area (MHA) for their unit:

AIP-RAC Procedures

AIP-RAC entry procedures are contained in the Assignment Incentive Pay SPO/PSI user guide. The guide can be accessed via the Direct-Access User Guides web page, in the SPO/PSI Pay section.