S. 4375 — RETAIN Act of 2026

This section requires officers entitled to aviation incentive pay who have completed more than 8 years of aviation service to receive the maximum monthly rate of such pay specified in 37 U.S.C. § 334(c)(1)(A). (Aviation incentive pay is special compensation for qualified active-duty aviators to promote aviation proficiency and retention.)

This section enhances the Air Force rated officer retention demonstration program (i.e., a pilot program to address shortages of rated officers, such as pilots) by (1) broadening eligibility under subsection (b)(2) to remove the prior requirements of at least one year of service and designation under 10 U.S.C. §653; (2) shortening the required written agreement period under subsection (c)(1) to one year (from four years) and removing the §653 reference; (3) revising retention incentives under subsection (d) to (A) provide assignment flexibility—including preferred duty locations (with consecutive assignments), non-remote-flying staff assignments to avoid relocation or maintain flying status, and indefinite transitions to non-combat aviation positions; (B) authorize aviation bonuses up to an average annual amount of $100,000 (notwithstanding 37 U.S.C. §334(c)), with the maximum offered to officers committing to at least one year beyond their active duty service obligation and without variation based on remaining commitment; and (C) require contract lengths equal to or shorter than those offered by the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, and bonuses equal to or exceeding theirs; and (4) extending the program through 2031 (from 2028).