Military Pay, pay raises, pay allowances, pay charts - Military Times

Allowances: Savings deposit program

Service members deployed to designated combat zones can earn a guaranteed 10 percent interest rate on their savings under this little-known program created during the Vietnam War era.

Those pulling duty in the Balkans, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are eligible. Contributions are limited to $10,000, so the most someone could earn is $500 in interest over a six-month deployment or $1,000 for a one-year deployment. The money must be withdrawn within 90 days of returning from the deployment region.

Interest earned on money in this program is taxable.