Pentagon considers a boost to troops’ special combat pay rates

The Pentagon is considering doubling the rates troops are paid while serving in certain dangerous areas, officials said this week.

The proposal would raise the current monthly caps on imminent danger or hostile fire pay troops can receive from $225 to $450, according to officials and military budget documents.

A Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no decision about the potential pay boost has been made.

“The Department continuously evaluates its policies to ensure that they are advancing its mission,” the official said in a statement to Stars and Stripes. “At this time, no decision has been made to increase the current rates for hostile fire event or imminent danger pay.”

Any increase in those pay rates would have to be approved by Congress.

Hostile fire pay applies to troops serving in an area where commanders have certified a hostile incident — such as an attack or explosion — has occurred or a service member has been killed or injured by enemy action. Troops are paid the full $225 per month when a commander authorizes hostile fire pay for that time frame.

Imminent danger pay is paid to troops serving in countries or regions where the Pentagon has determined they likely face the “threat of physical harm or imminent danger based on civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism or wartime conditions.” Imminent danger pay is paid at $7.50 per day for each day a service member is located in a designated location, up to $225 per month.