Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
"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."
He added: "Here’s to our paratroopers, our jumpmasters, who do the difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine."
Hegseth told the crowd that troops remain the focus of every major Pentagon decision.
"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."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Drawing a contrast with prior administrations, Hegseth referenced global instability, including the war in Ukraine, the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel, and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
"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."
Hegseth closed by honoring the legacy and future of the 82nd.
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"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 Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/defense-secretary-announces-pay-raises-army-paratroopers-you-your-families-in-mind