Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth promised to restore what he called the “warrior spirit” of the U.S. military in North Carolina Thursday and announced a salary increase for paratroopers.
Speaking at Fort Bragg, Hergers raised President Donald Trump’s vision, focusing on combat readiness, performance-based standards, and investment in American fighters.
“We're going to bring it back to the basics,” Heggs said. “We're going to restore the spirit of the warrior… and we've crossed our formation, and this standard is set here every day.”
According to the Department of Defense, Hergus used the opportunity to announce an increase in dangerous obligations to incentivize wages, known as a high jump salary. For paratroopers, it will rise from $150 a month to $200, the first time Jumpmasters have received an existing salary of $150.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at an event with President Donald Trump at the White House Oval Office in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“This is the first time in 25 years…we are increasing the high jump salary,” Heggs said. “Not only are we increasing the high jump salary, but…the people who jump… will receive a reward salary of $150 a month.”
He added: “It's about our paratroopers, our high jumpers, who do difficult things in difficult places that most Americans can never imagine.”
Heggs told the crowd that the troops remained the focus of every major Pentagon decision.
“In the corridors of the Pentagon, you make decisions in our minds, in budgeting, planning, deployment, ordering, reorganization. We have you and your family.”
Hegseth
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) is right, right, as Senator Kevin Kramer (RN.D. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
In his speech, Heggs shared Trump’s core defense strategy: prioritizing preparation, rejecting identity politics and redefining U.S. deterrence.
“We will focus on preparation, training, combat, accountability, standards. Black, white, male, female, irrelevant. We will be colorblind and good fighters like you are in No. 82.”
Hegseth believes that this is the fundamental principle of rebuilding fundamentals, which is necessary to rebuild the troops and prevent the growing global threat.
“President Trump is committed to historic investments in our formation. Our commitment to you is that when deploying the 82nd airborne… your equipment will be better than any other combat power in the world.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
In contrast to previous governments, Hegs mentioned global instability, including the Ukrainian War, the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“Unfortunately, the world has been paying attention and wondering where American leadership and American power are for years,” he said. “By putting America first, we will rebuild peace through our strength.”
Hegseth ended by commemorating the 82nd Heritage and Future.
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“Like those who are in front of you, you keep showing your work to the world. Because we know you are ready to complete the important work ahead.”
The Army Public Affairs Office did not immediately return a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
