As recruiting rebounds, the Army will expand basic training to rebuild the force for modern warfare By LOLITA C. BALDOR WASHINGTON (AP) — Buoyed by an increase in recruiting, the Army will expand its basic combat training in what its leaders hope reflects a turning point as it prepares to meet the challenges of future wars. The added training will begin in October and comes as the Army tries to reverse years of dismal recruiting when it failed to meet its enlistment goals. New units in Oklahoma and Missouri will train as many as 4,000 recruits every year ..read more

By Joseph Clark, DOD News The Defense Department has released the results of its first Exceptional Family Member Program survey as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the program provides comprehensive support to military families with special medical or educational needs.  The survey, conducted by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, polled active-duty service members to assess their experiences and overall satisfaction with the program's three primary components: identification and enrollment, assignment coordination ..read more

Entering college as a veteran involves a unique set of challenges and opportunities. You are transitioning from military to civilian life and adapting to the academic environment, which can drastically differ from your past experiences. Embracing this new journey requires preparation, understanding, and the right resources. This MilitaryWives.com article will guide you through essential steps to make your transition as smooth and successful as possible. Research Veteran-Friendly Schools When selecting a college, it’s crucial to choose one that offers robust support tailored to veterans, such a ..read more

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Individuals who left the military with a discharge that's less than fully honorable retain the right to upgrade that discharge even years later through their own military department's Discharge Review Board or through their military department's Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records. "The department encourages all service members who believe they have suffered an error or injustice to request relief from their military department review boards," said Christa Specht, director of the office of legal policy for the office of the undersecretary  of defense ..read more

ALNAV 034/24 Authorization of Combat Awards and Devices for the Red Sea Area Secretary Carlos Del Toro issued a message authorizing Combat Awards and Devices for the Red Sea Area ..read more

Capt. Sarah EasonHeadquarters Marine Corps Deployments, permanent changes of station, and long work hours are just some facets of military service that put a strain on a marriage. The pressure increases when both parties in the marriage are service members. Manpower Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, is creating a dual-military monitor billet to alleviate stresses associated with dual-military couples’ orders assignments process ..read more

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs The Air Force is now accepting applications, from April 25 to May 31, for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields. Plans to re-introduce warrant officers to the Air Force was announced by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium in conjunction with the Department’s plan to Reoptimize for Great Power Competition ..read more

from DOD News The "Saving on a Valuable Education," or SAVE plan, announced in August 2023, is not just for civilians. Service members, family members and civil servants alike can also benefit from the program to help reduce or even eliminate student loan debt. The SAVE plan, managed by the Department of Education, is an income-driven repayment plan that calculates payments based on a borrower's income and family size — not their loan balance — and forgives remaining balances after a certain number of years.  ..read more

Commissaries on Hawaii will no longer issue single-use shopping bags starting on April 30 By Keith Desbois, DeCA public affairs specialist Commissaries on Hawaii will no longer issue single-use shopping bags starting in April, as the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) follows local laws to reduce waste and protect the environment, the agency announced. In accordance with the state of Hawaii Ordinance 19-30 signed December 15, 2019, disposable carryout bags will no longer be available at Hawaii commissaries effective April 30, 2024 ..read more

From CNIC Public Affairs The Navy has made it easier for active duty service members and their families to utilize recreational vehicle (RV) parks on installations for long-term stays. The Navy has made it easier for active duty service members and their families to utilize recreational vehicle (RV) parks on installations for long-term stays ..read more