Minnesota National Guard Soldiers Deploying to Kosovo Will Receive Combat Pay

Press Release

MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS DEPLOYING TO KOSOVO WILL RECEIVE COMBAT PAY

Late yesterday, in response to a March 8th letter from Rep. Tim Walz and other House Democrats, the Department of Defense announced it would abandon a plan to reclassify a NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo as a non-combat mission. The turnaround ensures that more than 400 Minnesota National Guard troops deploying to Kosovo later this year will receive combat pay and other benefits during their deployment.

In response to the decision, Congressman Tim Walz said, "I'm glad to see that, after our prodding, the Pentagon finally did the right thing. The State Department pays hazardous duty compensation to Foreign Service officers working inside our embassy in Kosovo. How could we deny combat pay for the soldiers who have to stand guard outside that embassy?"

He continued, "Our soldiers in Kosovo face landmines, ethnic conflict, unexploded ordnance, and fierce organized crime. I'm glad to see that the Pentagon listened to commanders on the ground and to the Congress and that soldiers serving there will continue to be compensated for the inherent risk of their mission."

The Pentagon's decision to follow Walz's recommendation and maintain the combat designation will preserve several benefits for soldiers serving in Kosovo, including $225 monthly combat pay, federal payroll exemptions, free R&R flights home during official leave periods, and the ability to apply for subsidized loans.

Seventeen other House members, including Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha, joined Congressman Walz on the March 8th letter to Secretary Gates.

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