Healthcare

What is PAC?

PAC is special pay for Soldiers during a portion of their rehabilitation time from wounds, injuries, and illness incurred in a combat operation or combat zone. Some special pays received in the combat zone cease when hospitalized and/or placed on PCS reassignment.

What is the purpose PAC?

This entitlement allows Soldiers the opportunity to adjust to the future reduction of pay benefits they were entitled to in the combat zone prior to being evacuated for medical treatment.

What are the PAC entitlement eligibility criteria?

A Soldier is eligible for PAC if they are medically evacuated as an inpatient in a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or an outpatient and assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit or SOCOM Care Coalition.

A Soldier is not entitled to PAC if their wound, injury or illness is due to their own intentional misconduct or willful negligence, or during a period of unauthorized leave (AWOL).

What combat operations and combat zones qualify for PAC purposes?

Combat operations currently designated by the Secretary of Defense for PAC purposes are Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Combat zones designated by the Secretary of Defense for PAC purposes are listed in DOD FMR, VOL 7A, CH. 44, and include but are not limited to Iraq, Kuwait, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

When does the PAC entitlement end?

PAC terminates at the end of the first month during which a Soldier:

a. Soldier is no longer assigned or attached to a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), SOCOM Care Coalition or a Community Based Warrior Transition Unit (CBWTU) for medical treatment.

b. Soldier is discharged, separated, released from active duty (REFRAD), or is retired from service (including permanent/temporary disability retirement).

c. One year after the date a Soldier is first hospitalized for treatment of the wound, injury, or illness.

d. In order to qualify for PAC a Soldier must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.

Here are some PAC payment examples?

A Soldier is evacuated from the combat zone for medical treatment on 27 November 2008 and remained eligible through 15 April 2009; PAC payment due to Soldier for December 2008 to April 2009 (PAC payments are not prorated).

A Soldier is evacuated from the combat zone for medical treatment on 1 May 2009 and remained eligible through 2 July 2009; PAC payment due to Soldier for June and July 2009. The Soldier will continue to receive the pays earned in the combat zone in May 2009.

Who can I contact if I have questions about PAC?

Chain of Command and/or your Warrior Transition Unit Finance Specialist.