The US Department of Defense has announced an increase in two types of special payments for service members: hostile fire pay and imminent danger pay. The decision marks the first revision of these payments in almost a quarter of a century — their rates had remained unchanged since 2002. The increase will affect service members serving in areas officially designated as combat zones or zones of heightened danger. Department officials noted that the change is intended to bring the payments in line with current economic conditions and to acknowledge the risks faced by service members carrying out missions in dangerous regions. Details on the new payment amounts and the timing of the changes taking effect will be clarified at a later date.