In a powerful address to soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division during All American Week at Fort Bragg, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pledged to restore the U.S. military’s “warrior ethos” and announced a long-overdue pay raise for paratroopers—an effort closely aligned with President Donald Trump’s broader defense agenda centered on combat readiness, merit, and deterrence.
Hegseth’s remarks, delivered on Thursday, echoed the Trump administration’s focus on rebuilding the strength and discipline of the armed forces. He emphasized a return to fundamentals, saying, “We’re going to bring it back to the basics. We’re going to restore the warrior ethos… and we are across our formations, a standard that’s set here every single day.”
In a major update for airborne troops, Hegseth announced that hazardous duty incentive pay, commonly referred to as jump pay, will increase from $150 to $200 per month—the first such increase in over 25 years. In addition, jumpmasters will now receive an extra $150 monthly, on top of their standard jump pay. These changes, part of a broader effort to boost military morale and readiness, highlight the Department of Defense’s renewed investment in those who serve in high-risk roles.
“For the first time in 25 years… we are increasing jump pay,” Hegseth said. “Not only are we increasing jump pay, but… jumpmasters… are going to receive an additional $150 a month in incentive pay.” The Department of Defense pay raise for paratroopers is a tangible reflection of Trump’s commitment to strengthening the force. “Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine,” Hegseth added.
Speaking directly to the troops, Hegseth reaffirmed that service members remain the focal point of every Pentagon decision, from budgeting to deployments. “Inside the corridors of the Pentagon, you are on our minds, with the decisions we make in budgets, in planning, in deployments, in orders, in reorganizations. We have you and your families in mind.”
As part of President Trump’s military policy, Hegseth underscored the importance of combat readiness, a return to colorblind merit-based standards, and a renewed focus on strength and deterrence. “We will focus on readiness, on training, on warfighting, on accountability, on standards. Black, white, male, female, doesn’t matter. We’re going to be colorblind and merit-based warfighters just like you are here in the 82nd.”
This philosophy, Hegseth argued, is essential to counter growing global threats. From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, he pointed to a world increasingly destabilized by a perceived absence of American leadership. “Unfortunately, for a number of years, the world watched and wondered where American leadership and American strength was,” he said. “By putting America first, we will reestablish peace through strength.”
With the 82nd Airborne Division standing as one of the most elite fighting forces in the U.S. Army, Hegseth promised future deployments will be matched with the best resources available. “President Trump is committed to historic investments inside our formations. Our promise to you is that when the 82nd Airborne is deployed… you will be equipped better than any other fighting force in the world.”
He concluded by honoring the legacy and future mission of the division, thanking paratroopers for their unwavering service and sacrifice. “Like those who came before you, you keep showing the world the stuff you’re made of. Because we know you are ready for the important work that lies ahead.”
The Army Office of Public Affairs did not immediately return a request for comment.
