WASHINGTON — As of October 1, 2025, Soldiers who qualify for hazardous duty incentive pay (HDIP) for parachute duty are now receiving $200 a month for static line jumps, a $50 increase from the former rate. Qualified jumpmaster Soldiers are also eligible for a new monthly jumpmaster special duty assignment pay (SDAP) of $150.
“These pay increases demonstrate the Army’s continued appreciation for airborne service and acknowledge the distinctive challenges faced by our paratroopers,” stated COL Frank Pena, Chief of Total Army Readiness Division, U.S. Army G-1. “We’ve worked closely with airborne units and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to ensure accurate updates for those who qualify for the incentive pay.”
Soldiers eligible for HDIP include qualified parachutists, those in training to become parachutists, those assigned to positions requiring parachute jumps, and those ordered to perform parachute jumps from aircraft in flight. Jumpmaster Soldiers performing jumpmaster duties in authorized positions additionally qualify for SDAP. Eligibility for both incentives is contingent upon Soldiers meeting and maintaining the minimum performance standards detailed in DODI 1340.09.
The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, announced the pay increase in May during the 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Week event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He commended paratroopers for the commitment and sacrifice, stating, “Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine.”
Parachute duty involves significant physical demands and inherent risks, including potential injuries during jumps, exposure to challenging weather conditions, and the physical toll of rigorous training exercises. The increase aligns parachute duty incentive pay with other hazardous duty roles, such as military free-fall operations.
“This was long overdue, and I’m glad we were able to get this across the line,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-1. “Parachutists’ incentive pay hadn’t been adjusted since 1998.”
“The increase reinforces the value of this hazardous duty, and the vital contributions paratroopers make to Army readiness.”
By LTC Andrew Yang, U.S. Army Directorate of Military Personnel Management
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