BISMARCK – The implementation of the U.S. Air Force’s plan to introduce Assignment Incentive Pay for eligible military members stationed at cold weather locations, bases where the temperature reaches -20 degrees Fahrenheit or below was announced by Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, both R-ND, Monday.

Eligible military stations in North Dakota include Minot Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station and Grand Forks AFB.

“This announcement today from the Air Force really follows through on our intent to make sure our Airmen and Guardians, who serve in places like Minot, Grand Forks and Cavalier are properly compensated for the significant added winter expenses. Anybody that has purchased a North Face jacket knows just how expensive it is to dress for winter. I’m grateful to see this cold weather pay roll out to make these winters a little less expensive and stressful for our servicemen and women who are stationed here in North Dakota and already sacrificing so much to stand in the gap for our freedom,” Cramer said.

“Congress authorized this special pay to help our servicemembers and their families shoulder financial burdens unique to living in colder temperatures, including winter clothes and snow tires,” Hoeven said. “We’ve been pressing the Air Force to provide this cold weather pay and will continue working to ensure that the Air Force implements this policy in a way that meets the needs of those serving our country at bases in Minot, Grand Forks and Cavalier.”

The Air Force is expected to implement the Assignment Incentive Pay on July 1.