Pentagon Doubles Hostile Fire Pay and Raises Danger Stipend for First Time in Two Decades

The Department of Defense released a directive that raises hostile fire pay from $225 to $450 per month and increases imminent danger pay to $275 per month, effective immediately. Tim Dill, assistant secretary of war for manpower and reserve affairs, authored the memorandum that implements the changes. Anthony Tata, undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness, emphasized that the higher compensation reflects the dangers service members willingly accept.

Under existing regulations, hostile fire pay applies when personnel are exposed to hostile fire events that place them in grave danger, while imminent danger pay covers threats from civil unrest, terrorism, or wartime conditions in foreign areas. The adjustments are permitted by section 37 of the United States Code and represent the first hike in these allowances since 2002, when rates varied between $100 and $240 depending on duty and rank.