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HomeNewsPentagon Announces Upcoming Changes to Imminent Danger Pay

Pentagon Announces Upcoming Changes to Imminent Danger Pay

By Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., American Forces Press Service

United States Department of Defense - DoDWashington, DC – The Defense Department announced today changes in imminent danger pay that will go into effect June 1, DOD spokesman Army Col. Steven Warren told reporters here.

“This is a process that began [in 2011],” he said, and “included in-depth threat assessment from the combatant commands. It was made in coordination with the Joint Staff, combatant commands and military services.”

Soldiers assigned to Blue Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), discuss possible movement routes through the mountainous terrain before a patrol in Musa Khel District, Afghanistan, March 6, 2013. Soldiers conducted a 12-mile dismounted patrol in order to reach a village in the valley that is inaccessible by vehicle. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton TF 3/101 Public Affairs)
Soldiers assigned to Blue Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), discuss possible movement routes through the mountainous terrain before a patrol in Musa Khel District, Afghanistan, March 6, 2013. Soldiers conducted a 12-mile dismounted patrol in order to reach a village in the valley that is inaccessible by vehicle. (Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton/U.S. Army – File Photo)

Warren noted this policy change was not a budget-driven decision, but part of a routine recertification that “happens every couple of years — it’s an ongoing process.”

According to a DOD news release announcing the recertification, the combatant commands conducted in-depth threat assessments for countries within their areas of responsibility.

Following the review, the release stated, it was determined that the imminent threat of physical harm to U.S. military personnel due to civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism or wartime conditions is significantly reduced in many countries, resulting in the discontinuation of imminent danger pay in those areas.

Periodic recertification of IDP, according to the news release, ensures that imminent danger designations match the actual conditions of designated countries so that the department can provide fair entitlements and benefits. The last recertification was completed in 2007.

The DOD news release noted the following areas would no longer be designated as imminent danger areas for IDP purposes:

  • The nine land areas of East Timor, Haiti, Liberia, Oman, Rwanda, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
  • The six land areas and airspace above Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro.
  • The four water areas of the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea.
  • The water area and air space above the Persian Gulf.

“Of specific note,” Warren said, “imminent danger pay will remain in effect for the following: Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen and Egypt.”

Although 2013 statistics are not currently available, Warren noted the year prior, 194,189 personnel received imminent danger pay.

“Approximately 50,000 less will be receiving imminent danger pay,” he said. “In [2012], we spent approximately $500 million on imminent danger pay. This will result in a reduction of approximately $100 million.”

The benefit provides troops in imminent danger areas about $7.50 per day up to the maximum monthly rate of $225, Warren said.

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