Military Pay & Allowances - Military Times

Other pay: Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay

When military personnel serve on land, aboard ship or in aircraft within an officially declared “imminent danger area,” they are entitled to be paid an extra $225 a month.

Troops do not have to be committed to combat to qualify for imminent danger pay; they just have to be on official duty in an officially designated area. The principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness designates the areas. Members who unexpectedly come under hostile fire in a foreign country are entitled to hostile fire pay, which also is $225 a month. However, a member may not receive both imminent-danger pay and hostile-fire pay in the same month.

The pay was $150 until Congress temporarily increased it in April 2003 to better compensate those fighting in Iraq, though the increase applies to danger zones worldwide. The increase was made permanent beginning Jan. 1, 2005.

Imminent danger pay is tax-free if earned inside a designated combat zone or hazardous duty area.