The Navy will now be the service with potentially the oldest enlisted recruits. The Navy has increased the latest age of enlistment to 41 in November, as long as the enlisted person reports to the training before their 42^nd birthday. This beats out the US Army, which has a cutoff age of 39. The Air Force and Space Force maximum age of enlistment up to age 39. The Marine Corps maximum age of enlistment of age 28.

The minimum and maximum ages for enlistment are not set by the military branches themselves specifically. Congress sets the ages through the National Defense Authorization Act. In 1968, the minimum age for men was no younger than 17 (but needed parental permission for those under 18 years old) and no older than 35 years old. The minimum age for women is age 18, with parental permission required if under age 21 per Public Law 90-235.

Prior to this change, the Army upped its maximum enlisted age to 42 in 2006 with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.  This came after the Army requested an increase in age through a Pentagon report in 2005. With the mandatory retirement age of 62, joining the services at age 42 would allow for 20 years of service before retirement. However, in 2011 the Army returned to its previous age limit to age 35.

The reason for the change? Navy Recruiting Command made a statement about the change. Cmdr David Benham, the spokesperson for Navy Recruiting Command, stated that this change would “widen the pool of potential recruits, creating opportunities for personnel who wish to serve, but were previously unable due to age.

According to the Council of Foreign Relations, in 2018, the Army had the largest group of service members over the age of 45 of all the service branches, with the Coast Guard close behind, then the Navy and Air Force, with the Marine Corps last.

Time will tell how much this changes the enlisted recruitment for the services. 

When a military service member is thanked for their service, some say it can lead to an awkward moment. The military member or veteran says, “you’re welcome,” but it isn’t always an organic response. While it is nice to be recognized and thanked, perhaps it isn’t commonplace enough to make it not lead to an awkward exchange.

Oddly enough, a resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of September by Representative Jack Bergman (R-Michigan-01) and J. Luis Correa (D-California-46). The resolution introduced the idea of replacing “thank you for your service” with “thank you for our freedom.”

Per the press release about the resolution Representative Bergman stated, “As a Nation, we have an obligation to support the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who risk their lives to protect the freedom of the American people, and our allies. Because of their service, we as Americans continue to live in a free Nation with the opportunity to prosper. This resolution will help ensure those of us blessed to call America home understand the personal importance of our servicemen and women’s sacrifice for our Nation.” Representative Correa stated, “Every servicemember deserves our respect and gratitude. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to express our thanks and honor the brave men and women who have and continue to put their lives on the line for our country.”

Will this verbal change make a difference?

Service members say no. In fact, many felt it made the thanks more awkward – as they didn’t single-handedly save the world with the suit made of Iron or a vibranium alloy shield.  It “feels empty” said another service member about the change.

Zac Baddorf, executive director of Military Veterans in Journalism told Task & Purpose that it was a “pat on the head.”

Saying thank you is appreciated. It is kind. It doesn’t provide tangible programming and support that the military branches could use. There are barracks that are filled with mold and need to be demolished. What about the maintenance of military aircraft for the safety of service members? The programming for military family services has gradually been cut through the service branches leading to less support for those families that are being thanked. There is a global lack of childcare spots for military children on base, and off-base childcare costs limit the ability of military spouses to take work outside of the home. Addressing these challenges and concerns with tangible answers are ways Congress can say thank you.

What do you think?

Barracks built in the 1970s on Fort Bragg have been deemed uninhabitable and are scheduled to be demolished after all soldiers living there are relocated. Twelve barracks in total failed inspection in August due to mold. Mold has been a recurring issue in the barracks due to increased moisture levels due to poor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It was deemed that it would be too costly to pay for the changes to repair the building versus building new buildings altogether. In fact, the air conditioning unit leaks often and is too expensive to repair or replace.

The Soldiers planned to be relocated by the end of September. There is no new housing for the soldiers to move to immediately, and many will have to move to privatized housing which will not be as close in proximity to their unit as in the barracks. About 500 soldiers in total have been given or are awaiting approval for a move to privatized housing due to the mold.

Some soldiers were given days’ notice to move, and some were moved one floor down in the barracks. In addition to moving their items, the individuals also must clean their room of mold. Per reports, mold-covered walls, ceiling tiles, and furniture throughout the barracks.

While the decision to close some barracks may seem rash, the leadership at Fort Bragg admitted that they were unable to track the mold or problems in the barracks until recently. The software used to track issues in the barracks made it difficult to identify systemic issues versus outlier issues. Per a press conference, mold issues were previously dealt with through cleaning and moving individuals into different rooms. Once the recent inspections showed the level of mold, the decision was made that the buildings or certain areas were uninhabitable.

The demolition of twelve buildings is set for some time in 2023. Refurbishment is planned for another five buildings. Per a spokesperson for Army Material Command, the barrack construction and renovation will occur over 5 years and will require $13 billion in funding.

The military tradition is deep within the community. One such tradition is the military ball. The military ball for each branch of service occurs around the birthday of that service. For the Army, it is around June 14^th. For the Navy, October 13th. For the Air Force, September 18th. For the Marines, the birthday falls on November 10^th. The Coast Guard’s birthday is August 4^th. The birthday ball is a time for military members and their family members to celebrate together. This celebration means dress uniform for the service members and ball gowns or suits for their partners. It is a time to feel like a Gilmore all dressed up and somewhere to go. It is, however, an expensive time. For the Navy and Marine Corps, the birthday falling in the fall season is right before the holidays, so spending a bit of money before the holidays can be daunting. Here are some ideas to make the most of the ball and what to consider before going.

Budget Tips

One of the key factors of the ball is the cost. There are several factors that add up: tickets, outfits, travel, hotel, and babysitting. How do we make the most of it?

Ticket

If you want to have a hand in the ticket cost, you must get involved in the ball committee. The ball committee for one year usually meets the moment the previous ball ends. For instance, the 2023 ball committee would start to meet the month after the 2022 ball is completed. The ball committee decides the venue location of the ball, meals, and ball gifts, which are ultimately the items that decide the cost of the ball ticket. The ball committee also decides and works on fundraising, which can lower the ticket cost. The goal of fundraising is to find a way for the ball ticket to be free for E1-E3 ranks due to its cost. If you want to have a hand in this and the cost of tickets, join the ball committee!

Outfit

For the military member, the dress uniform can be an expensive piece of clothing costing thousands of dollars. Depending on rank, the uniform allowance can be used to purchase the dress uniform offsetting cost. Another way to save money is to look for uniform items at local base thrift shops. Sometimes those military members who are leaving service or change uniform types or size donate their uniform, and any purchase of the uniform supports programming for the military families. Ask your local base pages to find out if there are uniform sales at other locations.

For those looking for suits or ball gowns, check local thrift stores both on and off base. Ball gowns are worn once or twice and on resale aren’t as expensive – this is an item you may be able to pick up for a few dollars in comparison to the new price.

Some bases hold gown swapping or gown giveaways in preparation for the ball season, stay tuned to your military base’s social media pages and websites to learn about their events.

Outfit swapping – this one could be fun. Swap suits or gowns with friends. This expands your closet to much more than what you have and allows you to try new outfit types and colors you may not normally try.

Travel

If your ball is out of the local area of your base, you may have to travel there. Depending on the location, you may fly or drive. If you are driving, consider carpooling to save money on gas. Splitting the gas bill can help, especially if you have a lengthy drive ahead for the ball. If you are looking to fly, don’t just look on the website for airlines – check our Google Flights and CheapO airlines to save money. Time is money, so if you need to fly because you have to return to work the next day, a factor that in.

Hotel

The key with this one is to make sure the ball committee made a room block for the ball. The room block typically provides a group rate for the hotel that the ball is happening at. This usually means much cheaper room cost, plus you will be rooming near others there for the ball. If you want to make a weekend of it, the hotel room block is typically there for several days – one day before the

Babysitting

This one is tough. Especially if you have just moved. Sometimes childcare is offered by the ball committee. Check with the ball committee to see if they have set up a babysitter at the ball location.

If not, ask friends if they would be willing to swap babysitting, especially if the ball is local.

If you are using a new babysitter, save by staying for the ball and not staying overnight.

With all the expenses of the military ball, it can feel overwhelming. While it will probably be the most expensive date you will have this year, participating in the tradition is a memorable event. Make the most of it. Being a member of the armed services doesn’t last forever and taking part in the ball as an active member is a unique experience. Make the most of it by using the tips above.

Military retirees and their dependents without an expiration date will need to move to the Next Generation Uniform Services Identification, USID, anytime  – in the next four years.  The goal of rotating to the USID cards, so they are more durable. Read more about the cards, and see what to expect in regards to the imaging here.

Any current cards that have expiration dates must be updated to the USID within 90 days of the expiration date.

The goal of the Department of Defense is for the USID card to be the only acceptable identification card by 2026. The USID card is more similar to the Common Access Card, or CAC, that military service members are more familiar with.

To renew an ID card, check the ID Card Office Online and click the office locator to find a location that is convenient and make an appointment to save time. The appointment locator can be utilized to schedule an appointment with anyone eligible to renew or update their Department of Defense identification card.

Patriot Day was introduced as a National Day of Mourning in October of 2011, making 9/11/2002 the first Patriot Day. The day is a day of remembrance in memory of those who died during the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. While memorials have been created at the sites of these losses, Patriot Day is a day to remember and reflect on 9/11.

Patriot Day is a time of remembering for all Americans, and for military families, it is a time to also reflect on the military service of the service member.  Those who were old enough to remember this day, remember where they were and what they were doing. It is a memory that will not soon be forgotten. For many serving in service now, 9/11 was the impetus for them to come to service or even return to service.

Walk/Run to Remember

Military bases around the world have set up memorial runs or walk on 9/11. While Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, doing something active to reflect on this loss is important. Bases or units hold organized runs. Participating in the activity provides time to be together and reflect on the losses of the day.

Reflect on Service

For those who were not in service at 9/11, it may have been the impetus to enter service. Per Veterans Affairs, of the 4.2 million Post-9/11 veterans, 2.8 million of them served only during Post-9/11. Seeing the tragedy play out on television, or for some in real-time as they were in Washington DC or New York City, was the call to serve their country in some capacity. Within the 246th Marine Corps Birthday Message, General Berger and Sgt Maj Troy Black reflected on those who specifically joined or rejoined service and, after twenty years, had reached their retirement. The events on 9/11 led to the campaigns of Operation Iraqi Freedom(OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), of which military service members deployed and served. Whether 9/11 was the reason for serving or not, military service members deployed in some capacity in support of those campaigns, and Patriot Day is a time to reflect on that service and those who they served with.

Memorials

Fully recognizing that 9/11 shaped the military course for the following decades, Patriot Day is a time for memorials. Not just for those who perished on that day, but for those who died in service to their country. Pictures with names of service members line streets on the base, at entrances of military posts, and sometimes in personal yards. It’s a stark reminder of the meaning of the day. It is tangible.  For military families who may not be able to travel to the memorial sites in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, or New York City, this is a way to reflect and remember, creating their own memorial.

There are pieces of the Pentagon and World Trade Centers around the United States. The Marine Corps Museum has a specific 9/11 unit with items and a wall from the Pentagon. The Ronald Regan Presidential Museum in Southern California has a piece of bent structure from the World Trade Center showcasing the power of that day. Families that are closer to these locations don’t visit just on Patriot Day but throughout the year, sharing the life-changing day with their children.

Being a member of the military, and a family member of a service member, during the post-9/11 world means there is an understanding of what deployment is. Typically, multiple deployments for military service members. At the height of OEF and OIF, deployments were on average 6+ months in length. Sometimes that meant 6 months deployed, 6 months home, and then repeat. That is the reality of the all-volunteer military service.  As a military family member, that meant more time alone – juggling all of the demands at home alone. The weight of home life was burdened on those left behind. The operation tempo meant long hours of deployment work-up and then periods of no communication while the service member was deployed.

The profound immediate shock of September 11, 2001, has passed. Now over twenty years later, it may feel remote, especially for those who were not alive at that time. In fact, there are military service members in active service who were born after that date. But among the military community remembering the loss of 9/11 and the impact it had on the military community is valued, and remembering this day will continue.

It is not a secret that military service members are sometimes exposed to toxic substances. Legislation addressing this exposure allowing for access to healthcare in related illnesses to this exposure passed in the Senate in an 84-14 vote. The bill, titled Sergeant First Class Heath Robison Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022 or Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, expands health care eligibility. The bill passed in the House on 03/03/2022 with a 256-174 vote and then passed in the Senate on 06/16/2022. It is now awaiting the signature of President Joe Biden.

The additional diseases associated with exposures to certain agents for which there is a presumption of service connection for veterans who served in certain locations included monoclonal gammopathy and hypertension.  The previous diseases thought to be associated with exposure to burn pits and associated toxins included asthma, many types of cancer including but not limited to melanoma, respiratory and head, and neck cancers, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, glioblastoma and any disease thought to be in connection to a substance, chemical or airborne hazard. These illnesses are thought to be related to exposure and allow veterans to have health care and disability benefits for these illnesses through the VA without having to prove the connection of the illness to their service.

The geographic areas served are expanded to areas including Spain, Thule, Greenland, near Palomares and the Enewetak Atoll for radiation-exposed veterans for dates from 1966 to 1980 depending on the location served. The areas for exposure to herbicide agents were expanded from Vietnam to include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, or on the Johnson Atoll from 1962 to 1976 depending on location.

Within one year from the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Veterans of Affairs is called to establish a Toxic Exposure Research Working Group in cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Department of Defense, The Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency and other entities of the federal government involved in the research of the impact of toxic exposures experience during active military service including but not limited naval, air and space services.

In no later than 270 dates from the date that the Act passes to analyze the total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served on or after August 2, 1990, serving on active duty in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates and for those who served on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria or Yemen. The study will collect qualitative characteristics in addition to health concerns.

The bill also includes a required study on the jet fuels used in the armed forces and possible health risks it causes with additional safeguards that will be put into place to lower health risks.

Why the changes? Many advocacy groups have lobbied for the addition of hypertension to covered causes after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released information that the herbicides used in Vietnam and Southeast Asia led to hypertension or high blood pressure.

With the changes and expansion of the bill, about half a million Vietnam War veterans may be eligible for disability coverage.

The bill also includes a section on illnesses related to the water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Those covered in this section include individuals who lived on, resided in, or were exposed to the water for no less than 30 days from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987. Individuals who suffered illnesses after exposure to the water may file claims to that effect.

The expansion of coverage to affected veterans will slowly be phased-in so that the Veterans Affairs hospitals are not overwhelmed by an increase in patients. No announcement from the VA has been made in regards to increasing facilities or providers to care for a potentially large increase in the population they serve.

If you are currently evaluated by the VA Health system and one of the above includes you or someone you know, the VA has been instructed to review any previous submissions or denials in regards to the above. Contact your local VA if further assistance is needed.

PCS Season is here. The permanent change of station means traveling from the base you are currently stationed at to the one you will be moving to.  This travel is often by car. Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, then you know that gas prices continue to increase. In California, some areas have prices over $9 a gallon. This large spike in gas cost is something that military families will have to absorb when they move. The government requires the move as part of military order, but they do not cover all the costs of moving.

For PCS required to travel in a Privately Owned Vehicle, the government provides reimbursement for mileage allowance has been $0.18 per mile, but as of July 1 2022, the mileage rate is now $0.22 per mile.

Military families will calculate the miles traveled from originating place of duty to the final duty station.

Entitlements for PCS Active Duty Military families can collect

• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
• Plus (Per Diem)- members and dependents get different rates. If dependents are traveling with the service member, any dependent over the age of 12 gets 75% of the per diem and any dependent under 12 gets 50% of the member’s per diem rate. If dependents are traveling separately from the service member, one dependent over the age of 12 will get 100% per diem, 75% per diem for any other dependents over the age of 12, and 50% for any dependent under 12.
• Temporary Lodging Expense – this amount is limited by the monetary amount and based on location PCSing to and from
• Dislocation Allowance – reimbursement to cover expenses incurred in relocation

PCS Entitlements for Separating or Retiring Military Service Members

• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) -aka mileage reimbursement
• Plus (Per Diem) – same per diem rules apply as above

To understand all entitlements, check out the Defense Finance and Accounting Service here.

The viral video of a mother on Camp Pendleton sharing with the world about her difficulty in finding baby formula for her child for the rest of the week made the plight of mothers with young children visible and known. The baby formula shortage is affecting the Commissaries within the United States and its overseas stores. Per the commissary, the stock is about 50% of its typical stock, a little higher in overseas commissaries. They recognize the issue and are working to remedy it.

While the supply chain changes are affecting all stores, the Defense Commissary Agency, DeCA, recognizes that the supply chain uniquely affects its customers, especially overseas patrons. With the limited amount provided to stores, there is less to sell. This can lead to panic buying by those who do see it- but the commissary recommends not doing this as it will further limit the availability of the stock. Each commissary has placed a limit on the number of formula containers can be purchased, and it varies per commissary so make sure to check with your local commissary.

It is thought that the shortage will last about sixty days, the time-period it will take for the production to increase enough to provide the needed amount. Then it will depend on delivery schedules and ordering ability to get the items to the stores.

As per the Federal Drug Administration’s recommendations, it is advised that individuals should not make their own formula at home. It is also recommended to discuss any

If You Are In Europe

DeCA has an alternative resource for formula in Europe through local companies so there may be more options in the commissaries located on bases in Europe.

If You Are In the Pacific

DeCA is researching local options for formula for the commissaries located in the Pacific.

If you have a child who has a medical illness requiring certain formulas, you can request a prescription from your TRICARE provider but this applies only to certain conditions. Make sure to ask your child’s medical provider.

The military services of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force are an all-volunteer force. These individuals have volunteered their time, energy, and abilities to serve and protect the American public. Being an all-volunteer force comes at a price – the inability to fill every job needed for the military services.

The job market outside of the military, the civilian job market as it were, has seen great changes in the last decade. The minimum wage rising to double digits is just the beginning. The pandemic showed that many civilian jobs could be done remotely effectively, leading many Americans to continue their work at home with the easier commute and improved work-life balance. While the military is no longer supporting Operation Enduring Freedom overseas, the operational tempo of preparedness has not slowed in all branches of the military.

In the spring of 2022, the Air Force announced that they would be offering bonuses upwards of $50,000 to recruits who were open to going to training quickly. According to a press release, qualified recruits were offered bonuses with they would leave within five days or less.

In January of 2022, the Army announced that for the first time ever they would be offering enlistment bonuses of $50,000 to highly skilled individuals committing to six years. Until January of this year, the maximum bonus was $40,000. That’s still a sizable amount.

The Navy has now offered a bonus of $25,000 for those who will commit to leaving in a matter of weeks after their commitment.

Other offerings of retention bonuses are being offered to keep the U.S. military up to snuff. Major General Ed Thomas, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander, shared in an interview with Military.com that the military recognizes its competition in the civilian job force. “If you can work at Buc-ee’s along I-35 in Texas you can do it for $25-an-hour starting salary. You can start at Target for $29 an hour with educational benefits. So you start looking at the competition: Starbucks, Google, Amazon. The battle for talent amidst this current labor shortage is intense.”

According to Lisa Lawrence, a Pentagon spokesperson, the Department of Defense saw about 200,000 transitioning military members. According to the Air Force Times, about half the number of airmen enlisted in 2021 as compared to the previous year. The Army reported that they did not meet the recruiting goals by several thousand. This means that the number of individuals transitioning out of service in a year are not matching the number that are entering. There are less military members overall.

What does this mean for the military? Recruiting and retention bonuses are at an all-time high. The Air Force is dedicated $31 million to recruiting bonuses this year which is about double the planned budget. The Army has increased their enlistment bonus to $50,000 and offering a first duty station of choice – a surprising move for any military family who knows you are the mercy of the military as to where you live. The Air Force is offering up to $100,000 in reenlistment bonuses and the Navy is offering jobs like network cryptologist incentives to make pay around $90-$100,000.

It isn’t just money or job potential that is threatening the all-volunteer force. It is also the health of the recruitable group – the 17 to 24 year olds. Per the CDC, about 40% of that population is obese – a metric that deems them unable to join the military services as they would not meet the physical fitness standards. In addition, the pandemic has led to a division- those who vaccinate and those who do not. The military requires vaccination for COVID to remain in the military service, and certainly requires it for recruits. According to Senator Thom Tillis of the Senate Armed Services Committee, only 8% of the American population has even considered military service. With such a small group even considering, and the job market providing ample opportunities, will the military fill their ranks?