Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on the Department of War's Historic Increase to Hostile Fire and Imminent Danger Pay

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on the Department of War's Historic Increase to Hostile Fire and Imminent Danger Pay Oct. 1, 2026 The Department of War releases updates to Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) and Imminent Danger Pay (IDP), marking the first major adjustment to these special duty pays in more than two decades. The increased rates are designed to appropriately compensate Service members for the varying levels of operational risk they face while serving the United States around the world. The updated policy increases the monthly rate for HFP to $450 and the monthly rate for IDP to $275, effective October 1, 2026. Since October 2002, both HFP and IDP pay have been set at a flat monthly rate of $225. The new tiered model better reflects the differences between serving in an area where danger is possible and facing hostile fire. Application of the new rates: HFP will be issued at the full monthly rate of $450 for any month in which a Service member is exposed to a hostile fire event. IDP will be prorated at $9.16 per day, up to a maximum of $275 per month, based on the number of days a Service member is present in a designated imminent danger area. If an IDP-designated area escalates into active combat, commanders can transition personnel from IDP to HFP immediately. This provides a clear and timely mechanism to acknowledge heightened risk levels. Consistent with Department policy, Service members may not receive both HFP and IDP for the same period of service. Service members and their families are encouraged to consult their command financial specialists or local finance offices for detailed information on how these changes will appear on the Leave and Earnings Statements (LES). Finance personnel will also be available to answer questions regarding individual entitlements and eligibility. The Department, under 37 U.S. Code § 351, is granted statutory authority to increase HFP to a maximum amount of $450 per month and IDP to a maximum amount of $275 per month, as authorized by Congress and outlined in federal law and the National Defense Authorization Act. The Secretary of War is authorized to establish any amount up to the statutory ceiling. The memorandum can be found here.

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