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Hegseth orders review of homeschool support efforts
May 27, 2025 — The Defense Department has initiated a review of the department's existing support for homeschooling by military-connected families... MORE

Dozens of students stand in front of adults in a warehouse.

Pilot program to cover certain child care costs after permanent change of station move
October 1, 2024 — The Defense Department is launching a three-year pilot program meant to reimburse service members up to $1,500 for travel-related expenses incurred for a temporary child care provider following a permanent change of station move.  ... MORE

A woman reads a book to a group of children.

DOD announces latest efforts to improve quality of life for service members
September 13, 2024 — The Defense Department announced a new series of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of service members and their families. ... MORE

A man in a military uniform holds a small child in his arms, as a woman hugs him.

DOD releases Exceptional Family Member Program survey results
July 30, 2024 — The Defense Department's first Exceptional Family Member Program survey is part of ongoing efforts to ensure it provides comprehensive support to military families with special medical or educational needs. ... MORE

Two children crouch inside of a cardboard box.

DOD's FY 2025 budget focuses on defense, people, teamwork
May 1, 2024 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told lawmakers the Department of Defense budget request centers on defending the nation, taking care of service members and their families, and strengthening relationships with like-minded U.S. partners and allies... MORE

Two men, one in a suit, one in a military uniform, sit near each other at a long wooden table.

CSAF: DOD FY25 budget request aligns with message to Joint Force
April 10, 2024 — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., explained during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing April 9 how the Defense Department's fiscal year 2025 budget request aligns with his message to the joint force. The chairman's message focuses on three expectations: giving primacy to the honing of warfighting skills; modernizing the joint force and leading aggressively with new concepts and approaches; and recognizing trust as the foundation of the military profession... MORE

A smiling man in military dress uniform sits with a microphone in front of him.

State liaisons advocate for military families throughout U.S.
February 29, 2024 — In recognition of the unique challenges that come with military life, the Department of Defense, through the Defense-State Liaison Office, engages policy and lawmakers at the state level to educate them on ways states can help ease the burdens placed on military families... MORE

A smiling sailor holds a young child as other civilians look on and smile.

Assistance available to help transitioning service members, families
February 29, 2024 — The Defense Department's Military-Civilian Transition Office has three key programs available to help eligible service members and their families make the move into civilian life... MORE

Woman facing camera shakes hands with woman facing her.

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.

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.

DOD Issues Exceptional Family Member Program policy
June 26, 2023 — The Defense Department issued its own Exceptional Family Member Program, a move that ensures consistency across the services for military families with special needs. ... MORE

Bug Awareness Week: Small bugs pack a pathogenic punch
June 13, 2023 — Bug Awareness Week is an annual public health campaign held June 10-17 to heighten awareness of the potential risks associated with insect-related transmissible diseases... MORE

Austin pledges to 'ease the load' for service members 
September 23, 2022 — The Defense Department laid out an array of efforts — some already underway and some on the horizon — that address the needs of married service members and their families, as well as single service members... MORE

A uniformed service member, a woman and two children walk near a beach.

Defense official: Food insecurity a readiness, national security issue
July 28, 2021 — Readiness in the armed forces comprises many factors, but food insecurity impacts physical and mental health, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy said... MORE

Purple flags honor military children in an uncertain time
April 17, 2020 — A team of 10 youth and three adults went out from the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Youth Center April 16 planting purple flags around the base in honor of military children everywhere. April is the nationally recognized Month of the Military Child... MORE

Joint Base San Antonio greets schoolchildren for ‘Purple Up! For Military Kids’ day
April 12, 2019 — Joint Base San Antonio leaders, service members, teachers and school administrators greeted Fort Sam Houston Elementary School students before classes for “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day April 12... MORE

Joint Base San Antonio leaders, service members, teachers and school administrators greeted Fort Sam Houston Elementary School students before classes for “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day April 12. JBSA and San Antonio community members were encouraged to wear purple to recognize military children for their personal sacrifice and courage in supporting their military parents. The children were given purple beads by service members as they made their way to school. “Purple Up! For Military Kids” day commemorated the Month of the Military Child in April, which acknowledges the important role of military children and families worldwide in the armed forces, acknowledging the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome on a daily basis.

AF JROTC course now offered to Lackland ISD students
March 30, 2018 — A crosstown agreement between Lackland and Northside Independent School Districts will now allow students attending Lackland ISD at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to enroll in its Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp courses starting in fall 2018... MORE

Lackland Independent School District students listen as John Jay High School JROTC senior instructor, Col. John Lopardi, explains the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program during a field trip. A crosstown agreement between Lackland and Northside ISD will now allow Lackland ISD students at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to enroll in its JROTC courses starting in the fall 2018.

Lackland ISD selected as Go Public Cool Schools winner
March 28, 2018 — The Lackland Independent School District at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, one of 16 San Antonio-area ISDs, was recognized for the month of March as the Go Public Cool Schools winner contest... MORE