Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Military Pay Changes – Will it Lead to Increase Enlistment?

By

All monetary changes to the budget from the Department of Defense stem from Congress. Congress must debate, agree and sign the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) each year for the coming fiscal year – running from October to September. For example, the 2023 fiscal year begins October 2023 through September 2024. The FY23 NDAA was signed into law in December 2022. This month, the debates begin for the FY 24 NDAA. One can hope that the NDAA will be signed into law before the fiscal year begins, or multiple continuing resolutions will precede it.

One addition the U.S. House wants to add to the FY24 bill is a raise to military pay. The proposed 5.2% raise is the largest seen in over two decades. In the past, the military has not typically received a raise like its civilian counterparts. Federal estimates state that with this pay raise will match it to civilian wages. The U.S. inflation rate in 2021 was 7%, and 6.5% in 2022 with preceding inflation rates in the 1 and 2% for the previous five years.

Members of the House Armed Services Committee introduced the proposed pay raise. It would mean that those joining military service within that fiscal year would see an increase to about $15/hour wage. This hour wage does depend on hours worked, as the base pay does not change during deployment, but the hours worked do typically increase. Base pay is not the only thing troops receive for compensation. The benefit of accessible healthcare to active duty, housing and food stipends increases the overall compensation. In addition to the pay raise, those ranked E5 and below would see a general increase in their base pay.

Bipartisan support will be needed for the bill to pass. The FY23 NDAA did not pass before the fiscal year began, so if history should repeat itself, the FY24 NDAA will not pass before the fiscal year begins. In that case, continuing resolutions continue the functioning budget. Furthermore, the bill must go through the House and Senate. Typically, many items lead to debates that hold up passing the law. It is not necessarily the military pay or pay raise that is debated, but part of the bill cannot be passed without the whole.

It is unclear what the pay raise would cost. In 2022, there were 1.3 million active-duty members. Numbers in the budget are typically what lead to debates in Congress. If you are part of a military family, feeling the pinch of inflation and seeing the hours the military member works, this pay raise is well-deserved. Time will tell what happens to the bill and potentially to the pay raise for the all-volunteer military force.

House Armed Services Committee Introduced Quality of Life Panel

By

Among military families, one pain point involves the military’s impact on quality of life: spousal employment, housing, and childcare are three main points. The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) through Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) announced the Quality of Life Panel.

Per their announcement, the panel would focus on these issues and more, including housing, compensation, health care, and support programs for spouses of service members. The committee would start with at least two hearings a month from officials from the Pentagon. The notes from these meetings would be made into a written report to the Military Personnel Subcommittee Chair and Ranking Member to be made into a proposal for the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Chairman Mike Rogers specifically stated, “I created the Quality of Life Panel to specifically focus on issues impacting the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families – there is absolutely no reason why any U.S. servicemember should have to worry about food or unsafe housing. I have no doubt that the hard work of this panel will lead to much-needed improvements across the Department of Defense to ensure that the needs of our service members and their families are fulfilled.”

Military Personnel Subcommittee Ranking Member Andy Kim (D-NJ) said, “Raising pay, improving TRICARE, addressing mental health, increasing access to childcare, expanding workforce development, and other efforts are needed. As the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel subcommittee, I’m glad we are standing up this Quality of Life Panel to ensure we are prioritizing people over hardware.”

The list of Pentagon officials and experts was not included in the press release. Within the National Capitol Region are two major organizations with their pulse on the needs of military families – National Military Family Association and Blue Star Families. National Military Family Association conducts research, data collection and analytics annually on multiple topics, including but not limited to health, education, employment and military children. Blue Star Families collects information across military branches from military families every year in their annual survey.  While this data is shared with legislative leaders, this committee would also be a great location for this information.

Members of the Committee Include:

Majority:
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Chairman
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX)
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA)
Rep. James Moylan (R-GU)
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO)
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), ex officio
 
Minority:
 
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ranking Member
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-WA)
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)
Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), ex officio
 

Keep up to date on hearings and news from the House Armed Services Committee here. You can also subscribe and get the hearings, news, and updates directly to your email box here.

Your voice matters! If your state isn’t represented in the committee but you want to share your concerns, find and contact your representative here.

Sage, the Comfort Pup, Goes to Sea

By

Sage, the first of her kind, joined the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford as part of a pilot program this May, according to US Fleet Forces Command. The program takes Sage, the first “expanded operational stress control canine” to be part of the crew as part of their deployment. The program’s goal is to provide mental health and operational stress support to the sailors on board the ship.

Sage is a 3-year-old Labrador retriever specifically trained to provide comfort, boost morale, and help cope with the stress of deployment like no other way but a dog can.

Sage is deployed aboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford. The yellow Lab will be handled by Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, right, chaplain for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, and three volunteers. (MC2 Jackson Adkins/Navy)

Per the Navy, the Expanded Operational Stress Control program was made to promote resilience in the sailors, with the mission to build that resilience “through toughness, trust, and connectedness while educating on stress management to maintain mission and personnel readiness.” The objectives of the program include building resilience, self-care, and buddy care techniques, identifying and managing stress to maintain positive reactions, and connecting sailors in ways to support growth. 

Sage is not the first dog to deploy. The Defense Department has about 1600 working dogs in the military, doing various jobs worldwide. In 1942, the Marines initiated the war dog training program at New River, North Carolina (now Camp Lejeune). Dogs had been accompanying men to war in Roman times, and in World War I, first aid dogs were used. Over fourteen weeks, the dogs were trained in two types of work and understanding cues and commands. The handlers were selected for their character, ability, and intelligence. The first Marine Corps dog unit was sent to the Pacific as the 1st Marine War Dog Platoon arriving to participate in the Bougainville operation in November 1943.

The Marine Corps’ war dog training program initially procured sixty-two dogs, with forty-two going to the Army. Per the Marine Corps University, most of the first dogs were Doberman Pinschers and were shipped to the First War Dog Platoon. The other dogs were German Shepherds or Belgian Shepherds. The other service branches, including the Coast Guard, had war dog programs then. The dogs were used as messengers and scouts dogs during the war. The bonus of emotional support was there.

Therapy dog training is a bit different than the War Dog training school. The non-profit Mutts on a Mission raised Sage. Sage’s primary handler is Chaplain Genevieve Clark, who completed 120 hours of handler training with Mutts with a Mission. There are three other volunteer handlers on the Ford to help with Sage. Clark told NBC15, “One of the positives of having Sage aboard the ship is her help in breaking down some barriers to utilizing mental, emotional, and spiritual resiliency resources. Sailors are coming to more warrior toughness events and improving their morale through the vast network of resiliency resources the ship offers with Sage now present at these opportunities.”

Sage’s daily schedule will include private therapy sessions, attending morale, welfare and recreation events, and general visitation.

Sage is ready to take on the mission. Mutts on a Mission sent her with bedding appropriate for her handler’s stateroom, paw, hearing, and eye protection, as well as a life vest. She, of course, was sent with a waste collection mat.

While the first of its kind, this mission could potentially shape more comfort canines joining the crew to provide doggy-centric comfort.

Stay Tick Free This Summer

By

Summertime is a time to get outside and explore. The layers are shed, and many get out to hike the trail. Throughout the outing and after, make sure to check your skin for small black specks – they may be ticks!

Ticks are very active in the warmer months – spring through fall. They go from tall grass or trees to clothing and onto the skin of humans. They can even hide under dog hair when your dog goes out with you. Knowing there are tick bites can be difficult because the bite itself is relatively painless.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

When you are going out to hike to explore, keep these tips in mind to lessen the chance of a tick bite.

  • Wear a long sleeve, lightweight shirt.
  • Wear a hat.
  • Wear long pants, with socks – tuck the pants into the socks and shirts into pants.
  • Wear light-colored clothing so it can be easier to see ticks if they land on you.
  • Wash clothes immediately in hot water, and tumble dry clothes on high heat for 40 minutes or low heat for 70 minutes.
  • Use an insect repellant containing DEET.

Check For Ticks

Once home from a walk outside, make sure to check yourself, kids and pets for any ticks. After checking, take a hot shower. Make sure to shower within two hours of coming indoors.

Check these areas:

  • Behind the ears and knees – these areas can hide ticks easily.
  • In the belly button
  • At all joints
  • At the waist line
  • At the ankle line
  • At the waist
  • Between the legs
  • In the hairline

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick, the key is to remove it quickly. If the body of the tick is not engorged, it means that it has not been on long and is least likely to transmit illnesses like Lyme disease. Pull off the tick fully, including the head and body. Clean a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol and pull it firmly. Save the tick if you need to provide it to your medical provider or health department later.

If you cannot get the tick out, stop pulling at it and see an urgent care or your primary care quickly. The provider will remove it quickly.

If a tick is crawling on you, but has not bitten – remove it quickly and dispose of it. You can put it in a sealed bag, throw it out, or flush it down the toilet to avoid it getting on you or a family member.

If the tick has been on for over 36 hours or thought to be for the time period, your medical provider will likely prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic dose. The antibiotic is a treatment to prevent the long-term side effects of the three major tick-borne diseases.

What to Watch For

Your medical provider will likely review this with you but we will review it here as well. If, after a known or unknown tick bite, a rash appears in a “target” pattern – that is, a bullseye much like the store of the same name, you need to see a medical provider quickly. This rash is called erythema migrans. The symptoms of headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, malaise, fatigue, myalgia, and arthralgia can also occur from Lyme disease.  Unnoticed Lyme disease can lead to multiple joints swelling or pain, nerve issues like Bell’s Palsy, and heart issues. There are pictures of rashes at the CDC site here.

There are other illnesses that ticks can transmit beyond Lyme disease, including Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. Know your area with the maps on the CDC website to know your risk. The key is checking for ticks frequently and removing them when you see them.

Service Members Sent Nefarious Smartwatches

By

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Army Criminal Investigative Service are investigating reports by several service members that they received unsolicited smartwatches in the mail. A press release by the Army Criminal Investigative Service stated that when the smartwatches were used, they connected to Wi-Fi, connected to cell phones without prompting, and gained access to user data. Further, the smartwatches had malware that allowed not just access to data like banking information, and account information, including passwords and contacts, but also sent the information. The malware was noted to potentially contain voice and cameras allowing access to conversations by the service member.

NCIS and Army Criminal Investigative Service have advised not to turn on the device if one is received but to turn it into your unit security manager or local counterintelligence agency. They have not announced how many service members were affected or which service branches were affected.

Many units already do not allow smartwatches. Secure areas do not allow service members to wear smartwatches. Deployed troops were not allowed to utilize smartphones, fitness trackers, or even dating apps using geolocating features in 2018.

“Smartwatches, like any wearable device, can be used by adversaries to gain a wide collection of personal information and pose a security threat to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps service members,” NCIS spokesperson Jeff Houston stated in a CNN article.

This is not the first time a group has been targeted for information. In 2022, an Eastern European cybercriminal group tried to hack US companies in the transportation, defense, and insurance sectors by mailing people within the organization USB drives with malware on them. Per an article on CNN, several fake letters were sent via the US Postal Service and UPS impersonating the Department of Health and Human Services or Amazon, and the letters contained a USB with malware on it. The malware allowed access to the networks. The FBI determined that these acts were due to the FIN7, an Eastern European cybercriminal group. According to the a previous report, the organization had used USB sticks in 2020.

There is no return address on the packages being sent. It is unknown where the smartwatch devices are coming from or who is collecting or looking to collect data. If any suspicious devices are ever received in your mail, do not connect to them, or open them. If you receive devices that you did not order, or you know a friend or family sent, immediately stop opening the package. Notify your service branch criminal investigative service immediately. The phrase Loose Lips Sink Ships may not specifically apply to this, but using an unknown device can open you, your family and possibly your unit up to unwanted information sharing.

How Will You Celebrate America’s Birthday?

By

Many families shared they are looking forward to gathering with neighbors and friends for a cookout. All the usual yummies are there – hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, watermelon, and dessert. Some even splurge with rubs and BBQ!  

Military families worldwide shared the way they celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

Neighborhood Gathering

Another shared that they have continued the tradition of a bike parade at each new neighborhood with each move. That once started as a tradition on one coast has now continued to and traveled with them, sparking tradition on multiple bases.

Seeking Out Adventure

Some planned special adventures for the fourth of July. Out camping to a National Park on the bucket list or taking the camper out to a favorite campground to get away, explore a new place and really enjoy time together with family or friends. Take out the new camper to a local destination to see how it drives. Several campgrounds have their own July 4th celebrations with fireworks, meaning no traffic and easy enjoyment from the camper.

Others shared their adventures, including theme parks, to enjoy their celebrations. Places like Legoland California have fireworks show earlier in the day, perfect for younger kids and parents who want to see and experience fireworks but also want to be in bed nearer regular bedtime.

On Post Celebration

Those local to their military base shared that they made it out to their base celebration. “We always have a fun time.” One spouse shared. On-base activities vary across bases from a kid-friendly festival to a beachside concert, varying on the post location.

Checking Out the Nation’s Capital

Some families feel the pull to be in and explore Washington DC. The Memorial Day concert that airs on PBS is amazing in person, but you have to get there early. Seeing the fireworks on the mall being framed by the Washington Monument is an amazing sight. A once in a lifetime opportunity for some, and for those stationed in the National Capital Region, taking in the America’s birthday in America’s capital is a major bucket list item.

In A Hotel

Many military families, ours included again this year, are spending the Fourth in a hotel. They are looking for places to call home at their new duty station or simply waiting for their new home to be available. There won’t be a neighborhood gathering or visits with friends as they are brand new to the base/area and don’t know anyone. It is a reality that military families experience every 1-3 years, so I know we aren’t alone.

One family shared they intentionally checked into a hotel with a nice view to enjoy the fireworks without having to find a parking space or a spot early. She shared that they know the area well, and staying at the hotel with the patio and view of fireworks is something they enjoy doing.  

Staying Home

While some want to avoid the crowds, the travel, the traffic and just stay home to enjoy time with family. That doesn’t mean yummy treats aren’t enjoyed, and the Memorial Day Concert can be enjoyed – but this time on television and not in the heat or fighting for parking.

Favorite Eats

It is no surprise that favorite dishes shared were all red, white and blue. When you live the military life, with deployments and work-ups and waking up to morning colors, the red, white and blue becomes a part of you.

No Bake Red, White and Blue Cheesecake

Ingredients:

-15 graham crackers (makes about 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs)

– 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted

– 2-3 TBL granulated sugar

– pinch of salt

– 2- 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese at room temperature

– 1 cup Greek Yogurt

– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

– I cup of fresh strawberries and 1 cup of fresh blueberries

Instructions:

Like all great no-bake cheesecakes, this one starts with a graham cracker crust. If you aren’t using premade, add about 15 full graham crackers to a plastic bag and let out that stress with a rolling pin on the sealed bag. Mix the graham crackers, a pinch of salt and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Mix in one melted stick of butter. Press the graham mix into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

In an electric mixer, beat 2- 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese until fluffy. Slowly add in confectioners’ sugar, yogurt, vanilla and another pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and smooth. Slowly fold in the whipped heavy cream. Once combined, pour this mixture over the graham cracker crust and smooth over the top.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, overnight preferred.

Once ready to serve, pop the cheese cake out of the springform pan and top with the berries. You can change from strawberries to raspberries or even mix in blackberries with the blueberries. The key is to have the red, white and blue represented in this delicious desert.

Triple Berry Angel Food Cake Roll

Another easy, no bake desert featuring the classic red, white and blue. It can be made from scratch, or utilize the shortcut in store bought angel food cake or use angel food cake mix. We went the angel food cake mix way, because time-savers are key and for those military families living in a hotel with a minimal kitchen, this can still be done.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Angel Food cake Mix
  • ¼ cup and ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • One 8 ounce block of cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 and ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries diced
  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions. Pour into the rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. Watch it to ensure the top is slightly golden and no cracks in the center.

Loosen the cake from the pan when it is still warm so the cake can come away easily.

Onto a kitchen towel, sprinkle ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Flip the warm cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. Roll up the cake with the towel inside and let cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

While the cake roll is cooling, beat the cream cheese with ¾ cup powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream together until fluffy and forming stiff peaks.

Unroll the cooled cake and spread half the filling and half the berries, roll up the cake. Spread the cream filling on top and top with remaining berries. Serve and enjoy!

Caprese Skewers with Blueberries

Caprese skewers take three ingredients: cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella balls. On the skewers, alternate tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. Add a pop of blue color to the top of the skewer to complete the red, white and blue.

What is your favorite way to spend the fourth? What recipe do you have to have for the celebration?

25 Free or Cheap Ideas for Fun This Summer

By

  1. Check for Local Freebies: Some libraries offer summer programs with coupons for local museums or even free treat coupons if you read several books for a few minutes.  Going out for free frozen yogurt or even checking out a new-to-you museum is a fun and cool way to enjoy the warmer weather together. Some local museums offer free admission on holidays like Memorial Day or July 4th.
  2. Local parks: Check out local city or state parks for free fun. Check the local website for a list of hikes recommended for different age groups. There may even be a summer events calendar – free water play day, teen park meetup day, or even a free movie in the park. If you are new to the area, ask the local neighborhood group.
  3. Eat outside: Speaking of parks, why not have a change of scenery for lunch or dinner and have it outside? Pack up sandwiches or your favorite snacks, and go enjoy them on a blanket outside. Don’t forget the bug spray.
  4. Playgrounds: Don’t be afraid to take kids of any age to the park. Let’s face it, being an adult on the swings is an enjoyable experience. Take the time to check out your local park, or even pack everyone up to check out a new one.
  5. Fly a kite: If you don’t have one at home, consider making one Mary Poppins style. Maybe even sing Let’s Go Fly A Kite while doing it.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard: Gather up sheets, pillows, and blankets and make it a night under the stars.
  7. Stargazing: Not wanting to camp out all night? Check out a stargazing book from the library and search the sky for constellations.
  8. Go for a Nature Walk: Download the free app Seek and for a walk. Learn about the local plants and insects that inhabit the area. It may even give ideas for your own garden and inspire.
  9. Art Day: After a nature walk, go home and draw some of what you saw. Or what you would like to plant if you had a garden space.
  10.  Geocache: This free activity provides a fun way to get everyone involved on a hike or walk nearby. Start by creating a free account here to find discoveries and start to come up with ideas on what to leave behind.
  11. Bubble Battle: You don’t have to buy a bubble solution; make it at home! Mix two cups of dish soap, two tablespoons of baking powder, two tablespoons of corn starch and four tablespoons of corn syrup with half a gallon of water. This will make the bubbles thicker. Bubbles are best if the solution sits overnight. Use rope, string, or old bubble wands to blow bubbles. See how far they can go or who can make the largest one. This will provide fun for those of all ages.
  12.  Backyard Play: Get everyone involved in developing a family play. Perhaps Shakespeare or a family-written play. Set up a stage with sheets. Make costumes with what you have at home. This could take all day or several days depending on the depth of the play. Learning, reading, writing, and enjoying time together is a fun way. Plus, it’s all free!
  13.  Scavenger Hunt: Make your own scavenger hunt in your home or backyard. You can expand it to include the neighbors or community if others are interested. Make up hints and hide items or make it about exploring the community.
  14. Birdwatching: Download the free app from the Audubon Society to learn about the local birds. Hang out in a park or watch from your backyard.
  15. Free Local Events: Check out your local city page for free outdoor movies, concerts or events. Sometimes local theaters offer free or cheaper performances during the day, specifically geared toward children who may not sit as well through a three-hour performance. Free outdoor movies are popular in local parks, and usually, the city website or library has this list of activities online available for review.
  16. Library Day: Make it a date at the library. Sit in the air conditioning and check out new books to read. Maybe get a travel book in your area to do some hometown exploration.
  17. Farmers Market: While not free, this is a cheaper outing and supports local farmers and artisans. There may even be free samples. Oftentimes, the markets are accompanied by live entertainment. If you are new to an area, this is a great way to really get out and learn about what an area offers.
  18. Walk It Out: Make it a goal as a family to hit a certain number of steps a day or maybe a certain distance. If it is hot and humid where you are, plan for an early morning or an evening walk together. This is totally free and provides a planned time to be together, all while getting some cardiovascular exercise!
  19. Family Cooking Challenge: While not free, use what you have at home to come up with meal plans for the week. Take turns who is cooking, ensuring the little ones have help, and make it a cooking challenge that can be the most creative or flavorful. Bonus that it takes the guesswork out of who is making dinner and what is for dinner each night.
  20. Family Movie Night: Pick a movie from the streaming services or a DVD you have, and make it a plan to have movie night one night. Plan out snacks, set up comfy chairs, and make it special. Have a projector? Take the movie night outside, weather permitting.
  21. Family Game Night: All those board games sitting in the closet? Pick a night a week or so to plan a game night. Don’t have access to your board games? Check to see if the local library has a section to borrow, or maybe a neighbor will loan you games!
  22.  Summer Reading Programs: While not for adults, kids can participate in the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program and the Pizza Hut Camp Book It! Program. These programs have age and grade limits, so make sure you know what they are. The Barnes and Noble program allows children to pick out a free book, and the Pizza Hut program gives coupons for personal pan pizzas – just like when we were kids!
  23. Sidewalk Chalk Adventures: Everyone in the family gets a piece of chalk or two to make masterpieces. Draw out hopscotch to play together. Draw out the scenery on the driveway. Bonus that the neighbors or passersby will also enjoy the drawings.
  24. Virtual Adventures: Look for online virtual adventures. The San Diego Zoo has live cameras on various animals in the zoo, where you can watch and enjoy. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has live cameras too, and some are set to music for pure visual and audio ambiance. Home Depot offers virtual field trips talking about plants, and various ideas, including Backyard Ideas for kids and how to build a birdhouse.
  25. Plan Ahead: Make a plan for the fall on things to do. Check out the library for books if you want to travel. If you need to budget for that travel, get the family involved – maybe it is time to sell some outgrown kids’ clothes, and that money can be given to the kids for spending money. Or maybe you want to declutter for the fall and winter, and it’s time to make some larger donations of goods to a local charity. Summer is all about time off, relaxation, and breaks, but it is also a good time to plan ahead for the fall and winter seasons. Don’t forget to look out for tax-free school supply days, state-dependent, when you can purchase school supplies, kids’ clothes, and even electronics without tax to save money for the upcoming season.

These are twenty-five free or cheap things to do this summer. Which ones will you do?

DOD Needs to Re-vamp Military Housing Inspections

By

Military Housing. When you read those words – what comes to mind?

Clean? Free? Mold? Long wait?

It depends on your perspective. If you are a military family familiar with military housing organizations included Liberty Military Housing, formerly Lincoln Military Housing, or Hunt Military Community, you may just feel frustrated – there is a long wait for a smaller house that has mold or no air conditioning. If you are a civilian without a military connection, perhaps the word that comes to mind is free housing – so you don’t understand why there are occasional articles in your news feed.

For military family members, housing is a big factor to figure out with each move. Military members are given a Basic Allowance for Housing, BAH, which is part of their compensation which is supposed to cover 95% of housing costs at each duty station. This means that military members are required to pay for at least some out-of-pocket expenses, For most areas though, military members are paying hundreds out of pocket for rent – plus the expenses of gas, electric, trash, water and internet/television, so that can run out to $1,000 over the BAH. These expenses can be too much for a military family to spend. Military housing is an option where the company takes all of the military members BAH for the home and then just charges for electrical or gas depending on the base in addition to internet or television. Military housing can be more affordable. Affordable housing does not always mean safest or best.

Military housing used to be handled by the military branch at the base. For example, a Navy base had housing managed by the Navy and the same for Army base, etc. As of now, 99% of military housing is owned and operated by private sector companies. When the private sectors took over, electrical costs for example were then put to the tenant of the home. However, the bases were not initially built with this in mind. So streetlights are now linked to military homes and those families are paying for it and not the military base.

Further, military housing has issues with mold, water leakage, and lack of timely responses to these issues. The US Government Accountability Office, GAO, has reviewed the laws put into place in 2019 to increase the Department of Defenses oversight on the private companies, with specific recommendations for the DOD.

A More Streamlined Dispute Resolution Process

One common concern for military families utilizing military housing is the lack of a clear chain of command on how and who to bring disputes to. A chain of command is a well-known structure to active duty members. The 2020 NDAA required the DOD to provide residents a specific formal dispute resolution process to assist with issues with private housing companies. While guidance was recommended by the Secretary of Defense, it was not clear and concise. The GAO recommends actual detailed information on how to file a formal dispute.

Better Oversight

The 2020 NDAA also required that the DOD do inspections on privatized homes prior to resident occupancy. While inspections were formed, the GAO did not develop consistent inspection standards for each military department and recommends that these are developed.

Improved Tenant Advocate

The 2020 NDAA also required that residents have access to a tenant advocate. Each military department does have a person assigned for this, but the GAO found that there was not a clearly defined role nor was there communication to the residents on how to use the tenant advocate. The GAO recommends that these guidelines are clear with clear communication.

Nineteen Recommendations for Executive Action

The GAO has outlined nineteen recommendations for executive action, which can be read here. Each of these guidelines are for specific departments – Army, Air Force, Navy and the Department of Defense are listed specifically. Recommendation 10 for example states that the Secretary of Defense ensures that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing develop a mechanism to collect and incorporate resident feedback on the formal dispute resolution.

A timeline for these changes are not listed on the GAO website, but the recommendations will remain open until they are addressed.

Get Out to Explore Your New Home this Fourth of July

By

PCS season means that about one-third of military service members and their families will crisscross the nation and travel around the world to their new duty stations this year. Most of these moves happen in the summer, and if you are moving in May or June this year, then you will be spending July 4th in a new town and city. Take this opportunity to get out and embrace your new home on July 4th.

Jump In!

Once arriving at your new duty station, ask around for what there is to do on July 4th.  Ask the hotel manager if you are staying a hotel while waiting for housing or ask your new neighbor if you were lucky enough to do a door to door. Check out local neighborhood social media pages or check a neighborhood community board. Find out about local happenings for the month of July – there might even be a neighborhood potluck. While you may not have all your household goods to fully participate in the potluck, consider grabbing some precut fruit or veggies to bring so you can meet the neighbors. Chances are those neighbors can give you the inside scoop on the house you just moved into, and into the area. This is your chance to learn from people who may have been residents for years – who are the best dentists, medical providers, daycares, and babysitters are.

Get Local

Beyond your neighborhood, check to see if there are local happenings at your local library. Perhaps there is a kid’s craft event, or a special book sale for the 4th of July. Maybe there is a big end of the summer reading program kickoff coming up, and you will want to check it out to familiarize yourself and your family with what library programming is offered.

Local museums sometimes due special admission tickets for the July 4th weekend – check them out as a way to learn what is offered in your area to make the best “duty station bucket list” possible.

Parade!

If your new town is having a parade, make it a priority to go. The parade typically showcases local businesses who actively support the area and is a great example of the community spirit. There may be a boy scout troop walking, so you note that in your phone for later.  There may be amazing bands showcased that you want to check out later, or maybe even a float with a symphony that you didn’t know was around town – but now you do so you can add it to your bucket list! The parade itself is a great way to take a break from unpacking and organizing, spend time together, and learn a little about the area.

Fireworks!

As long as no one has issues with loud sounds, this is a great way to get free entertainment for the family and get out of the chaos that is moving. If you have a family member who does not enjoy the loud sounds, make sure to know when and where it is so you can avoid any of these noises. The last thing anyone in a stressed out, PCS family needs is another reason to be stressed out.

Grow Roots

If you jump into the festivities once arriving, this helps your family plug in and put down roots early. The military can move military service members at any time, and while the family can opt to stay put, if you move as a family unit each time it is important to plug in as soon as possible. The July 4th holiday is a great time to jump in as there are typically many different types or events to choose from, and you can take your pick at what suits you and your family’s needs.

If you are moving this summer, or perhaps it is your first summer at your new duty station, it is time to jump in and find those fun July 4th events! Building connections with your community is a great way to get plugged in, and quickly.

Air Force Retention Changes

By

Considering changes in retention in the military services, the Air Force is ready to address this. As of June 1, first-term Airmen can retrain into any Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) they qualify for that is under 90% manned prior to separation, even if the AFSC they are currently in is below the 90% manning mark. The Retaining Selection Board is no longer required during the retraining application process.  

Per the press release, Chief Master Sgt. Of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass stated, “providing these opportunities for our Airmen helps us keep talent on the bench. While this particular change impacts First Term Airmen, expect to see more initiatives like this as we evolve our policies and talent management to focus on the fore of the future and building the Air Force our nation needs.”  This will remain in place until June 1, 2024, but could be rescinded earlier.  

This retention change comes after the announcement that the Air Force faces a 10% recruiting shortfall. With a low unemployment rate and a lack of interest and eligibility to join the service, all military service branches are facing low recruitment. This announcement hopes to retain current Airmen, thus lessening the number of recruits needed overall. According to Major General Ed Thomas, the commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, only 23% of Americans are eligible to serve, and 9% are interested in serving. Additionally, he said that 50% of American youth could not name all of the military services, and 65% of young Americans would not join for fear of death or injury, demonstrating their lack of familiarity and understanding of the military services and the jobs that are entailed.

As of this writing, the Space Force is on track to meeting its goals for recruitment, and the Air Force does have strong retention in comparison to other military service branches.

If this will change, the number of Airmen remaining is yet to be seen. Many challenges will face the Air Force in the coming years, so other programs should roll out in order to continue to bring in new talent and keep the talent within the Air Force.