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DOD reduces on-base child care fees for military families
January 31, 2024 — The Department of Defense is focused on making quality child care options affordable for military families as officials continue to prioritize initiatives to take care of those who serve.   ... MORE

An adult smiles as children play with toys.

Taking care of service members key to recruiting next generation
January 31, 2024 — The Defense Department's focus on taking care of those in uniform is a critical component for motivating the next generation to serve, a senior Pentagon official said... MORE

For service members, access to mental health care streamlined under Brandon Act
January 23, 2024 — The Brandon Act has greatly simplified and sped up the process of helping service members get mental health treatment if they need it... MORE

The Brandon Act written over a backround of green circles with patches of stars and stripes and the link text: Health.mil/BrandonAct.

Military Health System stabilization: Rebuilding health care access critical to patient's well-being
January 23, 2024 — The Defense Department is on a mission to get the right people into the right military hospital or clinic at the right time — both medical staff and patients. ... MORE

A uniformed service member adjusts vision testing equipment on another uniformed service member.

DOD awards more than $55 million for base energy efficiency projects
January 23, 2024 — Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said the grants provide the Department of Defense with the opportunity to strengthen its energy resilience and operational capabilities while improving quality of life for the force... MORE

A line of solar panels reflect the sun on a partly cloudy day.

DOD expands pilot program to renew USID cards online
January 16, 2024 — As part of an expansion of a Defense Department pilot program that kicked off in February 2023, most Uniformed Services Identification, or USID, card holders can now renew their cards online and receive them in the mail... MORE

A man, in a military uniform, sits at a computer across a desk from a woman in civilian clothing.

Defense Department taking action with Warfighter Brain Health Initiative
December 20, 2023 — The Department of Defense is leading a coordinated effort between operational and medical communities to learn more about brain injuries and their effects on the warfighter as part of its Warfighter Brain Health Initiative... MORE

A service member fires a weapon while another service member, wearing hearing protection, looks on.

Congress passes fiscal 2024 defense spending bill, pay raise for service members
December 15, 2023 — Congress passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which is expected to be signed by the president and authorizes a pay raise for both service members and civilian defense employees... MORE

An aerial photo of the Pentagon and surrounding buildings.

DOD releases 2024 Basic Allowance for Housing rates
December 15, 2023 — Basic allowance for housing rates for 2024 will increase by an average of 5.4%. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2024.  ... MORE

Service members can now sign up for tax-free Dependent Care Spending Accounts
November 16, 2023 — With open season for federal benefits now underway, service members can for the first time take advantage of the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account... MORE

A service member interacts with his children who are seated on playground equipment.

Hicks calls on civilian, military leaders to preserve success of all-volunteer force
November 8, 2023 — Maintaining healthy civil-military relations and taking care of service members is critical to maintaining the success of the Defense Department's all-volunteer force, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said... MORE

A woman in civilian attire stands at a lectern facing a seated audience.

Retiring SEAC calls on Americans to support service members
November 6, 2023 — While U.S. service members come from society, no one should "mistake the warrior few with the society they serve," outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López said... MORE

A uniformed service member smiles while standing at a lectern.

Military well prepared for civilian transition, official says
October 19, 2023 — Service members are better prepared for their transition to civilian life today than at any other time in history, the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness said... MORE

DOD to upgrade discharges from 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy 
September 21, 2023 — The Defense Department is now working to upgrade veterans' discharges that were less than honorable as a result of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said. ... MORE

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DOD highlights 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' resources
September 20, 2023 — In an effort to reach out to veterans who may have been impacted by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was effective from Feb. 28, 1994 to Sept. 20, 2011, the Defense Department is providing resources that will feature useful information... MORE

DOD hosts childcare summit to give military families, providers voice
September 18, 2023 — Pentagon leaders gathered input from service members and their spouses, child development experts and early childhood educators to improve the Defense Department's child care programs... MORE

One woman holds a microphone while women are seated to her right and left at table on a stage facing a crowd.

Deputy Defense Secretary underscores DOD's commitment to suicide prevention
September 7, 2023 — The Defense Department remains relentlessly committed to the health and welfare of the total force, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said... MORE

Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, holds a sign reading, “You Matter” for Airmen entering the installation Sept. 9, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

Big changes coming to improve PCS process: Pet reimbursements will rise, one company handling all moves
August 21, 2023 — This Permanent Change of Station season is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the realm of relocations. Other changes are underway to enhance future moves and the overall experience for military personnel and their families... MORE

A soldier places his pet dog in the car.

Secretary of Defense praises outgoing Army Chief of Staff
August 7, 2023 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised the stewardship of Gen. James C. McConville as he relinquished his duties as Army chief of staff Aug. 4... MORE

An older, male soldier smiles as he looks at a row of smiling soldiers.

Executive order changes how military handles sexual assaults
August 2, 2023 — The president signed an executive order that changes how some crimes — including sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and murder — are handled within the military justice system... MORE