# Marine Corps Increases Combat Pay

The U.S. Marine Corps announced an increase in hostile fire pay to $450 per month and imminent danger pay to $275 per month effective October 1, 2026. This marks the first significant raise in combat-related pay in over two decades, aligning hostile fire pay with its legal cap and raising imminent danger pay by $50. This adjustment reflects the Department of Defense's commitment to enhancing compensation for service members exposed to combat risks, which may influence budgeting, contract negotiations, and support service requirements related to military personnel compensation and benefits.

- Procurement professionals should anticipate adjustments in contract cost structures related to personnel compensation for Marine Corps deployments.
- Contractors providing support services to combat-deployed personnel may see increased demand or revised contract terms reflecting higher pay rates.
- Budget planners within defense agencies need to incorporate these pay increases into future fiscal projections and contract funding allocations.
- This pay raise underscores the importance of monitoring DoD personnel compensation policies as they directly impact contract pricing and resource planning.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Treasury Department
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)

### Key Quotes
> Our troops deserve commanders chosen by proven competence, not paper credentials. The Joint Warfighter Evaluation ensures our flag is carried by our most lethal and most adaptable leaders.
> — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

### Sources
- [
        Marine Corps increases imminent danger and hostile fire pay | Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2026/09/marine-corps-increases-imminent-danger-and-hostile-fire-pay) - Federal News Network