MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Marine Corps has authorized Special Duty Assignment pay for Marine corporals through gunnery sergeants assigned to the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

According to a Marine Administrative message 398/06, a change to Marine Corps Order 7220.12N on the Special Duty assignment program, Marines assigned to MARSOC who have been selected and assessed through Marine Special Operations School and who are filling authorized SDA pay billets are authorized anywhere between $150 and $375 more in monthly pay.

This change in SDA pay, which became effective June 1 and was released Aug. 24, could effect 1,200 Marines assigned to that command.

“This is special pay for Marines in arduous assignments and in duties with increased responsibility,” said Capt. Phillip Bonincontri, compensation policy chief with Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Va. The different levels of pay correspond to “what level of arduousness and stress” each of the jobs is subjected to.

Previously, Marines serving as recruiters, drill instructors and in other “B” billets could receive SDA pay.

The Marine Corps order outlining SDAP shows many levels of special duty pay ranging from $75 to $450 per month.