RETAIN Act of 2026

This Act may be cited as the Retention Enhancements for Tactical Aircrew INitiative Act of 2026 or the RETAIN Act of 2026.
Section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting subject to paragraph (5), before aviation incentive; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
An officer who is entitled to aviation incentive pay under subsection (a) and has completed more than 8 years of aviation service shall receive the maximum monthly amount of such pay under paragraph (1)(A).
Subsection (b)(2) of section 604 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 37 U.S.C. 301b note) is amended—
by striking and not less than one year; and
by striking under section 653 of title 10, United States Code.
Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended—
by striking four years and inserting one year; and
by striking under section 653 of title 10, United States Code.
Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1):
Under the demonstration program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall offer to a rated officer described in subsection (b), to the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the Secretary)—
assignment to the duty location of the rated officer’s preference, including consecutive assignments to the same duty location;
the opportunity to perform a staff assignment that does not require flying remotely, such that the officer may avoid relocation or remain in active flying status; and
the opportunity to transition indefinitely to a non-combat aviation service position.
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph (2):
Under the demonstration program required under subsection (a), notwithstanding section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary may pay to a rated officer described in subsection (b) an aviation bonus not to exceed an average annual amount of $100,000.
The Secretary—
shall ensure the maximum amount payable under subparagraph (A) is offered to any rated officer described in subsection (b) who executes a written agreement under subsection (c) to remain on active duty for one or more years after the completion of the active duty service obligation of the officer; and
may not vary the amount of an aviation bonus offered to an officer based on the active duty service commitment the officer has remaining at the time of offer.
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary shall ensure that an offer under this subsection to a rated officer described in subsection (b) includes—
contract length options equal to or shorter than contract length options offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve; and
an aviation bonus under paragraph (2) in an amount that is equal to or exceeds the amounts offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.
Subsection (g) of such section is amended by striking 2028 and inserting 2031.