US Army offers over $200,000 bonuses to retain aviation warrant officers

Published Aug 3, 03:16 PM UTC

The U.S. Army announced a fiscal 2026 retention bonus program offering eligible aviation warrant officers up to nearly $210,000 to remain on active duty for three to six additional years. The program, detailed in a July 26 directive, targets pilots with 12 to 18 years of service, with bonuses ranging from $75,600 for a three-year commitment to $209,880 for four- to six-year commitments. Payments are made in monthly installments, are taxable (except in combat zones), and require written agreement. The program has a $17.1 million obligation ceiling and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis until September 30, 2026. This initiative mirrors similar retention efforts by the Navy and Air Force to keep experienced aviators in uniform.