Air Force officers have until May 31 to apply for a retention bonus of up to $50,000 a year, the service announced April 8.

Rates and contract lengths vary depending on career field and experience level, according to the announcement. Pilots (including those who fly remotely piloted aircraft), air battle managers, and combat systems officers are eligible.

Contracts range from three years to 12, with airmen in the fighter, bomber, and U-2 communities seeing higher compensation levels and shorter contract requirements than previous years.

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The program is open to lieutenant colonels and below who are “qualified for operational flying duty and entitled to, and receiving, monthly aviation incentive pay,” per the announcement. Active duty airmen and reservists under the Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program can apply.

Full eligibility details and application materials are available via the myFSS website (Common Access Card login required).  

"The aviation bonus is an incentive that helps us retain expertise and ensures we have the right mix of experienced aviators to meet warfighting demands today and into the future,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in the announcement.