Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven, along with colleagues, has addressed a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall urging the implementation of cold weather special duty pay for servicemembers stationed in specific locations, including North Dakota. This initiative is part of a provision supported by Senator Hoeven in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act aimed at addressing mental health issues within the military.

The letter highlights the financial stress faced by servicemembers in cold regions and its impact on mental health, noting high suicide rates within the military. It follows ongoing concerns from servicemembers in Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota who have not yet received this authorized special duty pay, which Congress intended as separate from existing hardship duty pay.

"This financial burden is unique to the north and has second and third-order effects beyond a servicemember’s bank account," stated the senators. They emphasized that without adequate financial support for equipping themselves and their families for harsh winter conditions, servicemembers might resort to sedentary lifestyles indoors, potentially increasing depression and suicidal thoughts.

The Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA introduced this cold weather pay as a measure to tackle various aspects of mental health challenges among service members in northern areas. However, despite being over a year since its introduction, many Airmen and Guardians report they have not received it.

To clarify what constitutes a "cold weather location," language in the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA specifies any area where temperatures reach -20 degrees Fahrenheit or below qualifies. This definition includes bases such as Eielson AFB, Clear AFS, Malmstrom AFB, Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB among others.

The senators urge Secretary Kendall to act according to Congressional intent: "We implore you to implement this pay as Congress intended."