What does Preamble of RETAIN Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of the maximum amount of aviation incentive pay to aviation officers with more than 8 years of aviation service and to enhance the retention incentives available to aviation officers,' aims to modify aviation incentive pay for officers. The bill intends to require the payment of the maximum amount of aviation incentive pay to aviation officers who have served for more than 8 years. The legislation also seeks to enhance retention incentives for aviation officers.

What does SHORT TITLE. of RETAIN Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Retention Enhancements for Tactical Aircrew INitiative Act of 2026.

What does PAYMENT OF MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF AVIATION INCENTIVE PAY TO OFFICERS of RETAIN Act of 2026 do?

Section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, is amended. Paragraph (1)(A) of section 334(c) is modified to include the phrase 'subject to paragraph (5)' before 'aviation incentive'. A new paragraph (5) is added to section 334(c). This new paragraph (5) specifies that officers entitled to aviation incentive pay under subsection (a) who have completed more than 8 years of aviation service will receive the maximum monthly amount of such pay under paragraph (1)(A).

What does ENHANCEMENT OF AIR FORCE RATED OFFICER RETENTION DEMONSTRATION of RETAIN Act of 2026 do?

This section modifies the Air Force Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program, as established in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. It shortens the term of written agreements from four years to one year. The Secretary is authorized to offer rated officers assignment flexibility, including duty location preferences and staff assignments that avoid relocation. The Secretary may offer an aviation bonus not to exceed $100,000 annually to eligible officers. The maximum bonus amount must be offered to officers who commit to active duty for one or more years after their service obligation. The Secretary must align contract length options and aviation bonus amounts with those offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. The demonstration project's extension is extended from 2028 to 2031.

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RETAIN Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Ted Budd (R-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates that aviation officers with over 8 years of service receive the maximum amount of aviation incentive pay.
It modifies the Air Force Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program, shortening agreement terms to one year and extending the program to 2031.
Eligible officers participating in the demonstration program may receive an aviation bonus of up to $100,000 annually, contingent on a commitment to active duty.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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