The U.S. Army will end parachute incentive pay for thousands of soldiers as part of a restructuring of its airborne forces, Stars and Stripes reported.
An administrative message sent to troops on July 30 stated that over 22,000 airborne positions have been reclassified as ineligible for jump pay, a monthly incentive awarded to soldiers who are parachute-qualified and actively serving in airborne roles.
According to the message, soldiers in these positions, who previously received $150 per month, will no longer participate in airborne training or unit operations. Their pay adjustments will take effect on October 1, 2025.
Soldiers who remain in designated airborne roles will receive a $50 monthly pay increase, raising their incentive to $200. Jumpmasters, who train and lead airborne operations, will get an additional $150 per month, bringing their total incentive to $350.
Maj. Travis Shaw, an Army spokesperson, told Newsweek that the decision came after a 16-week study found the airborne force structure “exceeded the operational requirements.”
Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps, said on an April episode of the “From the Green Notebook” podcast that a shortage of available aircraft and personnel challenges with parachute riggers and jumpmasters were key factors driving the reorganization.
“We’re trying to prop up a very big structure of 56,000 with dwindling resources, we’re spreading those resources out, and we’re undermining our own readiness goals,” Anderson said.
