Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB) - IPAC Processing

What FLPB Is

The Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB) pays active and reserve Marines for certified foreign language proficiency. The older name, Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP), is retired. 37 U.S.C. 353 is the statute. DoDI 1340.27DoDI 1340.27 sets DoD policy. MCO 7220.52GMCO 7220.52G is the Marine Corps order and holds the pay table. MARADMIN 480/26MARADMIN 480/26 sets FY27 eligibility, effective 1 October 2026.

The rate follows the ILR level of each eligible modality. The language itself does not set the rate.

For category rules, the Category 3 ad hoc routing, and waivers, see the S-1 procedural page on FLPB under Special and Hazardous Duty Pay.

Pay Table, MCO 7220.52G

Caps and proration, MARADMIN 480/26 paragraph 5.c.

• $12,000 per Marine per year, all categories and languages combined.
• $1,000 per month for Categories 1, 2, and 4.
• Categories 1 through 4 prorate to the day on a 30-day month for partial months.
• Category 5 is a strict lump sum, one month of FLPB per eligible modality. No proration.

Performance Steps

Step 1. Verify Scores in MCTFS

• DLPT or OPI scores per modality, test dates, and geographic location code.
• Scores current, not expired.
• Certification date. The policy in effect on the certification date governs, per MARADMIN 480/26 paragraph 6.c.

Step 2. Confirm Category and Minimum Level

• Category 1, 2, and 4 lists sit in the FY27 FLPB CUI addendum on the HQMC Intelligence intelshare site. CAC required.
• Category 4 pays speaking only, at ILR 3 or higher.
• Category 5 excludes Spanish and covers only modalities not paid monthly.

Step 3. Confirm the Page 11 Agreement

The Page 11 entry states the amount, the payment period, and the certification behind the payment, per MARADMIN 480/26 paragraph 6.b. No entry, no payment.

Step 4. Compute the Payment

Sum the pay table amount for each eligible modality. Apply the monthly and annual caps. Prorate partial months for Categories 1 through 4.

Step 5. Process the Transaction

Process per MCTFSPRIUMMCTFSPRIUM. Monthly recurring entry for Categories 1, 2, and 4. One-time lump sum for Categories 3 and 5.

Step 6. Verify the LES

Confirm the amount on the next LES matches the computation and the Page 11 entry.

Step 7. Track Expiration

Track each Marine's score expiration. Stop or adjust pay on expiration, loss of category eligibility, or recertification. Recertification before expiration ends payments under FY25 or FY26 guidance and moves the Marine to the policy in effect on the new certification date.

Common FLPB Errors

1. Pay continues after scores expire with no approved score extension waiver.
2. Rate set by language instead of ILR level.
3. Category 4 paid for listening or reading.
4. Category 5 paid for Spanish, or prorated.
5. Pay started with no Page 11 entry.
6. Monthly pay above $1,000 for Categories 1, 2, and 4, or annual total above $12,000.
7. FY26 rules applied to a Marine who recertified on or after 1 October 2026.

Multiple Languages

A Marine earns FLPB in more than one language. Every language and category counts toward the same $12,000 annual cap and the $1,000 monthly cap for monthly categories.

FLPB and Other Pays

FLPB stands apart from BAH, BAS, hostile fire pay, and SDAP. A Marine in a language billet draws SDAP, when the billet qualifies, in addition to FLPB.

Audit Implications

• FLPB without current scores or an approved extension creates a finding.
• FLPB without a Page 11 entry creates a finding.
• A rate outside the pay table compounds monthly.

Testing Resources

• DLPT and OPI through the installation test control officer.
• The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center supports DLPT and OPI testing.
• I&I staff coordinate testing for reserve Marines.

Coordination Touchpoints

• HQMC Foreign Language Program, FOREIGNLANGUAGEPROGRAM@USMC.MIL. Waivers, Category 3 adjudication, and the CUI addendum.
• Installation test control officer. DLPT and OPI scheduling.
• Unit S-1. Page 11 entries and Category 3 request routing.

Related Roles

• Marines keep scores current and check FLPB on the LES.
• Leaders push testing and track expiration.
• Commanders approve Category 3 requests at the first O-5 level.