Pentagon revises bonuses for US cyber specialists — NDTV World

In the United States, the system of incentive payments has been changed for Cyber Command service members who conduct operations against foreign adversaries and defend the country’s computer systems. For analysts, developers and operators with a basic qualification level, the bonus may decrease by up to $1,000 per month, or up to $12,000 per year, NDTV World reports .

At the same time, a small group of master-level military personnel — highly qualified and certified specialists — may receive an increase in payments of up to $3,500 per month. Incentive payments are provided in addition to base pay in order to recruit and retain service members in critically important positions.

One-year transition period

The new program took effect on October 1, and the changes are expected to be reflected in personnel payments this month, a Pentagon spokesperson said. According to him, the department developed a one-year transition plan under which no service member will experience an immediate reduction in payments. During this time, personnel will be able to obtain new qualifications required for higher bonuses.

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The Pentagon spokesperson also said that the number of military personnel whose payments will increase will exceed the number of those whose payments will decrease, but did not provide exact figures. According to the publication, the reaction within Cyber Command was so sharp that senior leadership is preparing explanations for personnel and is considering the possibility of gradually reducing the bonuses.

Focus on the highest qualifications

The changes are part of the CyberCom 2.0 initiative aimed at reforming Cyber Command. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in August that the career development and incentive system should be based on merit, technical excellence and rigorous standards.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Cyber Command’s core team has more than 6,000 people, but only two dozen of them are at the master level. Training one such specialist can cost more than $1.5 million and take several years. At the same time, basic-level specialists, including developers of tools for operations, may also lose part of their incentive payments.