DoD Increases Uniform Allowance for Fire Fighters

June 26, 2008 – The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a final notice in the federal register establishing an initial uniform allowance rate for federal fire fighters employed by the Department of Defense. Previously, DoD federal fire fighters received an initial annual allowance rate of $400 at the start of their employment. The newly established initial allowance rate will be $1,600, effective June 23, 2008.

The IAFF and 16th District Vice President James Johnson worked with the Department of Defense to effectuate the allowance rate change.

“Federal fire fighters are required to purchase NFPA-compliant station uniforms, and the initial allowance that was provided simply did not cover the costs,” says IAFF 16th District Vice President Johnson. “Our members should not have to dig into their own pockets to buy uniform items. This long-overdue change is a step in the right direction for our members employed by DoD.”