Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System - Military Service Credit Eligibility - Helicopter Pilots

Helicopter pilots gain pension credit with limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying Maryland law enforcement helicopter pilots can get military service credit toward their State pension. This applies even when another retirement system counts that service toward benefits already received or payable later. Eligible people must be current or former members of Maryland’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System with State law enforcement aviation assignments. Former members must qualify for benefits under the covered rules; retirees are excluded. Generally, members need 10 years of service credit from State-system employment before receiving military credit. Military credit is capped at 5 years, and credit under this section can be received only once. Within that cap, Maryland National Guard or reserve service earns 4 months per full year, up to 36 months. U.S. service academy attendance earns 4 months per full year, up to 16 months. For applications submitted on or after July 1, 2011, the pension calculation uses the rate in effect when applying.