ALMOST 4000 ADF specialists will get a super bonus when they retire following the Government's decision to pay superannuation on specified elements of their allowances.

Defence Minister Robert Hill and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough announced recently that the decision implemented one of the key recommendations of the Review of Australian Defence Remuneration 2001.

"The change will affect about 3800 highly-skilled ADF personnel who are trained to undertake our frontline responses in war and to a terrorist incident," the Ministers said.

"These include members of SASR, the Tactical Assault Groups, the IRR, clearance divers, submariners, pilots and navigators."

The changes will mean a significant boost to the retirement income of specialist ADF personnel.

For example, a private with specialist skills and seven years experience is currently entitled to a $51,660 lump sum at preservation age or a $4305 per annum pension at age 55.

After the change takes effect, the same soldier would be entitled to a $67,410 lump sum or $5617 a year pension.

The move will come into effect when the necessary amendments are made to the Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme rules and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit regulations.

.