Pay & Benefits
Hegseth authorizes cash bonuses of up to $25,000 for top civilian employees

Hegseth authorized cash bonuses for "the top 15% of performers."

Anastasia Obis
December 23, 2025 5:31 pm
3 min read

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed all department heads to recognize “outstanding” Defense Department civilian employees with cash bonuses.

A Dec. 15 memo authorizes Pentagon leaders to award the top 15% of civilian employees bonuses worth 15% to 25% of their basic pay, capped at $25,000.

Hegseth said if department heads want to recognize more than 15% of their civilian workforce with cash awards, they can do so within their internal budget.

“Since the dawn of the Republic, civilian employees have played an essential, foundational role in driving the success of America’s military and ensuring it prevails on the battlefield. Over the past 10 months, Defense Department civilians upheld that proud tradition through their steadfast support of the worldwide mission of U.S. armed forces and their dedication to executing the transformational changes necessary to revive the warrior ethos, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence,” Hegseth said in the memo.

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