U.S. Navy Introduces Up to $150,000 Retention Bonuses for Aviation Officers
The U.S. Navy has announced a new retention bonus program aimed at retaining skilled personnel in select active-duty aviation billets. The program, known as the AC Aviation Command Retention Bonus (ACRB), offers financial incentives to Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers who have been screened for aviation command roles. The bonuses range from $37,000 to $150,000, depending on the length of service commitment. Eligible officers must have been screened during the Aviation Command Screen Board as commanding officers of eligible operational, operational training, or special mission commands. The program excludes certain command roles and requires a commitment of two to three years of service, with the completion of a Post Command Commander tour. The application process for these bonuses will close on August 31, 2026.