The latest on spouses, families and military life

DoD to offer tax-saving child care accounts, other benefits for troops

Defense officials have announced measures to address family needs in child care, parental leave, education and career advancement for military spouses.

9 days ago

Commissary director to leave post March 31

When he was hired more than two year's ago, Bill Moore's mandate was to bring the stores 'into the 21st century.'

3 weeks ago

Pentagon & Congress

Proposal would give tax incentives for hiring military spouses

Bipartisan group of lawmakers cosponsoring bill that would grant large tax credits for hiring military spouses.

Tricare now covers new costly insulin device for Type 1 diabetics

The new device makes it easier to manage Type 1 diabetes with constant monitoring, automatically adding needed insulin.

4 weeks ago

Troops will get an extra $100,000 in life insurance coverage March 1

Troops will automatically get $500,000 life insurance coverage, even if they previously reduced or declined SGLI, and must take action to opt out.

5 weeks ago

Nearly half of junior enlisted spouses coped with food insecurity

Higher percentages of Marine Corps and Army spouses reported food insecurity, in the DoD survey.

6 weeks ago

DoD schools diversity chief responds to ‘racism’ claims

The schools' top diversity officer disputes that she made racially disparaging remarks against white people.

7 weeks ago

New program opens up more jobs for overseas military spouses

Military spouses can be hired quicker overseas using this new hiring authority, some DoD agencies say.

7 weeks ago

Very few low-income troops eligible for Basic Needs Allowance so far

"DoD’s implementation of this benefit is inconsistent with congressional intent," said one military family advocate.

2 months ago

New DoD health agency director is ‘baddest woman in the Army’

Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland said she'll work with Tricare contractors to make sure all beneficiaries in the community are served.

2 months ago

Parents: Here’s your chance to speak your mind about DoD schools

The survey is open through Feb. 4 for parents of all students in DoDEA schools. Surveys for students, educators and support staff will come later.

2 months ago

Troops earn more than civilians but are more likely to go hungry

The data suggest things that researchers just don't understand at this point.

2 months ago

Military spouses can now apply for ‘game changing’ employment program

DoD is paying spouses' salaries for a 12-week fellowship with private companies during the three-year pilot program.

3 months ago

More pharmacies rejoin Tricare network. Are there enough?

An additional 4,356 independent pharmacies will rejoin the Tricare retail pharmacy network, effective Jan. 15.

3 months ago

It’s official: Military spouses to get employment relief after moving

There are more than 132,000 active-duty spouses in occupations that require licensing.

3 months ago

Are spouses’ problems with license portability about to be solved?

A law awaiting the president's signature would make it easier for 132,000 active duty spouses to transfer their professional licenses when they PCS.

3 months ago

Roadblocks cleared for $6.2 billion reform of household goods moves

The transition is under way, but moves under the new system won't start until after this summer's peak season.

3 months ago

Military stores not immune to shortages of kids’ over-the-counter meds

While Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores are well-stocked, other exchange commands and commissaries report strains in their supply.

3 months ago

Pentagon awards Tricare contracts worth $136 billion, to start in 2024

TriWest returns as a Tricare contractor, and Humana continues.

3 months ago

Are housing conditions causing medical problems? DoD doesn’t know.

Military housing is generally safe and healthy, but auditors need more information to make connections between unsafe conditions and residents' health.

3 months ago

Spouses

military spouse, mom advice, dad advice, military brats, military benefits

Defense officials have announced measures to address family needs in child care, parental leave, education and career advancement for military spouses.

When he was hired more than two year's ago, Bill Moore's mandate was to bring the stores 'into the 21st century.'

Bipartisan group of lawmakers cosponsoring bill that would grant large tax credits for hiring military spouses.

The new device makes it easier to manage Type 1 diabetes with constant monitoring, automatically adding needed insulin.

Troops will automatically get $500,000 life insurance coverage, even if they previously reduced or declined SGLI, and must take action to opt out.

Higher percentages of Marine Corps and Army spouses reported food insecurity, in the DoD survey.

The schools' top diversity officer disputes that she made racially disparaging remarks against white people.

Military spouses can be hired quicker overseas using this new hiring authority, some DoD agencies say.

"DoD’s implementation of this benefit is inconsistent with congressional intent," said one military family advocate.

Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland said she'll work with Tricare contractors to make sure all beneficiaries in the community are served.

The survey is open through Feb. 4 for parents of all students in DoDEA schools. Surveys for students, educators and support staff will come later.

The data suggest things that researchers just don't understand at this point.

DoD is paying spouses' salaries for a 12-week fellowship with private companies during the three-year pilot program.

An additional 4,356 independent pharmacies will rejoin the Tricare retail pharmacy network, effective Jan. 15.

There are more than 132,000 active-duty spouses in occupations that require licensing.

A law awaiting the president's signature would make it easier for 132,000 active duty spouses to transfer their professional licenses when they PCS.

The transition is under way, but moves under the new system won't start until after this summer's peak season.

While Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores are well-stocked, other exchange commands and commissaries report strains in their supply.

TriWest returns as a Tricare contractor, and Humana continues.

Military housing is generally safe and healthy, but auditors need more information to make connections between unsafe conditions and residents' health.