It is worth noting that the U.S. military did not launch a brand fresh “Arctic salary” bonus for military personnel based in Alaska until 2023 as Sen. Lisa Murkowski intended when she added a clause for incentive in cold weather to the defense bill last year. Instead, the existing incentives are varying depending on the location. Soldiers have a better chance than airmen.
The Defense Department did not directly respond to Alaska Public Media’s inquiries concerning the reason it didn’t institute universal Arctic pay, however an official responded with an explanation of how some military personnel in Alaska are already receiving hardship pay of $150 a month working in remote areas. A representative, who shared information under the request that her name not be published, stated that it is given to military personnel working over those in the Arctic Circle and at six other Alaska locations.
This means that only a tiny percent of the over 20000 active duty personnel who are assigned to Alaska receive hardship pay. The military does not have any significant Alaska installations located north beyond the Arctic Circle. The six other locations which include Annette Island, Clear, Cordova, Eareckson, Fort Greely and Unalaska -Fort Greely Fort Greely is by far the largest and is home to only a handful of hundred soldiers.
According to how Senator. Murkowski envisioned it, Arctic pay could help fight an acute mental health problem for military personnel in the state by alleviating financial strain and allowing the purchase of equipment for winter activities such as snow tires and warm coats.
The Army (though not other military services) offers a different program to help offset the costs of equipment for cold weather. Soldiers from the Fairbanks region receive a once-off amount of $2,000 and $4,000 for those who are taking care of families. The Army will pay half of those sums to soldiers who reside in the Anchorage region and in other areas in Alaska which are located north of the 63rd line.
This does not cover a large portion of military personnel — especially airmen. An official from the Defense Department official said a part of the cost of living allowances for Alaska troops was designed to help offset the cost of working in a cold climate place, however, the amount paid has decreased in the hundreds each year due to the rise in inflation in the lower 48.
The provision of Murkowski’s law authorizing “Arctic pay” is in law with no expiration date, meaning the Pentagon could decide to reinstate it later.
