The U.S. military, with so many of its troops overseas for such long periods, has decided to remove some of the sting by increasing cash bonuses paid for time in combat zones and away from home. The combat pay has been around since World War II, but the new version gives single and married troops the same amount. In the past, married folks got paid more. Now, the single troops in a combat zone will get about $150 a month more. This will only affect those in Iraq and Central Asia. More important, at least for more troops, is the new pay system for those serving away from their home base for long periods. The monthly payments will range from two hundred dollars for those away for more than 191 consecutive days, to $600 a month for those away for more than 233 consecutive days and away more than 450 out of the last 730 days. Many key job categories are affected by the maximum payments, especially Special Forces and electronic and intelligence specialties.