The Coast Guard is offering an unprecedented $100,000 bonus to retain its elite rescue swimmers as recruiting and retention challenges continue to plague the branch.
For fiscal year 2024, one of the largest bonuses is being offered to specialized rescue swimmers, called aviation survival technicians (AST), in pay grades E-4 through E-7 with 17 to 21 years in service. They are eligible for a $100,000 Critical Skills Retention bonus for an obligation of four years of service.
