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?

While 2020 was the planned year for the release of Top Gun: Maverick, 2022 is the year it reigns supreme. The film opened officially on Memorial Day weekend and is shaping up to be the top hit for actor Tom Cruise who reprised his role as everyone’s favorite rogue Naval Aviator, Maverick. While the film opened up to the public for the long weekend, military bases played host to free advanced screenings the weekend before. From a World War II hangar in Hawaii to the theater on MCAS Miramar, the original home for the Top Gun school, military families were treated to the film and in some cases treats like meals courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation.  Other locations had question and answer sessions with behind-the-scenes personnel to provide an inside look into the film and filmmaking.

Hawaiian shirts and aviators were donned. The opening music felt familiar, and 131 minutes of storyline, reminiscence, and jet scenes played out for all those in the theater.

While the pilots, of course, found holes in the plotline (why are the masks off?) and the uniforms weren’t perfect, the film was enjoyed by all. The call signs were discussed – especially Bob. Without a spoiler, his call sign makes sense once the character is introduced.

For the Gen Xers who grew up watching the film on VHS and listening to the soundtrack on the classic cassette tape, it was validating to see “the old guy, the O6 who still has it” said another military member.

Many military members commented on the nostalgia it brought forth. One family member commented, “I laughed, I cried…pretty sure I was an emotional mess.”

The enjoyment of seeing the film amongst those military members and families who know and understand what it is to live that life led to clapping, laughing, and jeering altogether. Also, for those who enjoyed the 1986 Top Gun many times, the nods to the first film brought a chorus of awes. Also, it brings to mind the reality of intensity and loss in military life. As a military family member said, it brought “all the feels wrapped up into one movie.”

The reality of the film is that Naval Aviators were behind the scenes too. And while the pilots and their families and friends had to stay silent until the film came out, the entertainment of the film was brought to life with Hollywood magic and Naval Aviator skill. The training and talents of those pilots brought the power and beauty of flight to reality and to the screen for all to enjoy.  

Great Balls of Fire! Whether for nostalgia or to enjoy a new flick, the film was a hit. Several military families are going to watch the film again, and in IMAX or 4D to get more of the experience. Because they feel the need…the need for speed.

In 2021, a bipartisan agreement listed the plan to rename bases across the military that were named after Confederate Generals, and a commission was formed. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act outlined the commission’s goal to find new names for 10 Army bases. The list has now expanded in scope dramatically to potentially renaming 750 assets from street names to Naval vessels for Army and Navy assets around the world.

The Naming Commission is made up of eight individuals:

• Admiral Michelle Howard, USN, Retired
• Brigadier General Ty Seidule, USA, Retired
• Lt. General Thomas Bostick, USA, Retired
• Mr. Jerry Buchannan
• General Robert Neller, USMC, Retired
• Mr. Lawerence Romo
• Dr. Kori Schake
• U.S. Representative Austin Scott, Representative for Georgia

For instance, U.S. Army base Fort Gordon is being considered for name change in addition to their conference and catering center, bowling center, housing center and various signs, unit level signage and monuments within the cemetery on the installation. Fort Stewart also in Georgia has street names in reference to General Gordon, a general within the Confederate Army.

Beyond Army bases, the crest of the USS Shiloh and the USS Chancellorsville stationed out of Yokosuka are being assessed to rename as these vessels are named after Civil War battles. Both Maury Hall and Buchanan House at the U.S. Naval Academy are also being considered for renaming. Maury Hall is named after Commander Matthew Maury and Admiral Franklin Buchanan were in the Confederate Navy.

The Commission has been directed to provider their final report to Congress no later than October 1, 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is an expectation that new names for current bases will be announced in 2023.

Read the entire list of 750 items here which includes the historical reference as to why the name is being considered for name change.  Check out more about the Congressional Commission at their website here.

Military uniform regulations have been present since the Revolutionary War. While the militia didn’t follow uniform regulations, the Continental Army did have specific uniform regulations. From the 1800s onward, as each service branch developed, military uniforms were made, and regulations became commonplace. As time moves forward, so do the uniform options and regulations.

Change in 2022 for the Navy

Facial Hair: Per NAVADMIN 0624/22, for those diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae, beards may be outlined or edged, and a paper copy of the facial hair waiver treatment form is no longer required to be carried while in uniform.

Name Punctuation: Sailors whose legal names contain apostrophes, accent marks, tildes, and hyphens can be used in name tags or name tapes.

Heels: Uniform pumps are allowed up to 3 inches instead of the previous 2 and 5/8 inches.

Changes in 2022 for the Marine Corps

In March of 2022, MARDDMIN 134/22 was published and listed changes to uniform policy. It ranged from haircut changes to maternity uniform overhauls.

Manicures for Female Marines: in addition to clear and nude fingernail polish, French and ombre manicures are now authorized to wear with all uniforms.

Nametape Changes: Apostrophes, accent marks, tildes, and hyphens can now be included on the nametape as long as the space in the tape allows

Haircut changes: “edging up” undesirable hair that extends beyond the natural hairline is authorized as long as it provides a professional and natural appearance and the hair length has changed to 3 inches.

Boot socks: Both olive drab or black cushion socks may be worn with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform in addition to brown socks.

Maternity Uniforms: The maternity tunic, maternity short, and long sleeve shirts have both tab and non-tab options. A maternity undershirt is now available for purchase, and those who receive a uniform allowance will receive a supplemental allowance from purchasing two shirts.

A nursing undershirt is now available. Maternity physical training shorts will tentatively be available in the fiscal year 2023.

As the year progresses, more changes could occur to the regulations. These are the updates as of this writing.

World History and the Captain America movie series share the World War II posters in common – specifically, the one with the picture of a ship and the phrase “Loose Lips Sink Ships” emblazoned underneath it. The idea behind this poster was if you talk about troop or ship movement, the enemy could get that information and use it. World War II occurred during the days of letters, phone calls, and telegrams – not the world with social media on everyone’s personal phones and computers. While the technology has changed, the main idea has remained the same – loose lips, sink ships – do not share personal or military movement publicly. This idea is called PERSEC and OPSEC.

PERSEC

PERSEC is Personal Security. This means a service member and family members keep themselves safe. This isn’t just about sharing when the service member is deployed or training, but also about sharing that the family may be home alone. Avoid posting a countdown clock on a social media profile. There are excel sheets entitled the “donut of misery” that you can edit on your computer, but this is not sharing the info publicly.

Avoid geo-tracking or “checking in” at certain locations on social media. Especially if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Yes, it is on-trend to share the comings and goings of your daily life, but digital information is still information.

Don’t share your or your children’s schools or activities – this creates a routine that others can follow you and make take advantage of that time and information.

OPSEC

OPSEC means Operation Security. This is self-explanatory – keeping the operation, the mission, safe and secure. This means not sharing when units deploy from a base or an area. This varies from branch to branch, and the local news may share when a ship leaves a port. It may feel like you can share if the news shares, but what they share is a little different when you share it on your personal profile. The news is sharing general information, and not specifying individuals or missions. When you personally share that the military member moved, you are sharing that your spouse or family member is on it and now you are home alone, or home without your spouse. It is smart to avoid sharing the 5 W’s of movement of military troops publicly– The Who, Where, When, What, and Why of movements. Avoid sharing what unit the military member is part of, where they are going. It may seem contrary to the sharing culture that social media has created, but sharing this information leaves the military member and you open and vulnerable.

It may feel counter-culture to not share daily while you are on vacation, or openly ask for prayers or help when your military spouse is deployed, but by not sharing those items you are using OPSEC and PERSEC. This doesn’t mean you can’t share. You can share homecoming photos after the military member has come home, you can share vacation photos after you are back. You can even share the burrito you ate if you want to without the geo-tag. It may take time to change previous habits, but operational and personal security is worth it.

There have been a lot of changes to the shopping world over the last decade. The move from in-store shopping to an online mega shopping experience has made automated shopping more ideal. The ability to shop using a device has made life more convenient, easier, and clear-cut. You know the prices, the calculator on the app tells you the expected shipping costs if any, and it makes shopping clear and concise.

Self-Check-out

Maybe the convenience to shoppers wasn’t the reason for self-check-out additions in the stores. Self-check-out allows for the store to have one or two employees watching over multiple check-out areas. Some big stores have also added the convenience of using their app to scan items while shopping and then using the scanner at self-check-out to complete the check-out process. This level of convenience for the customer with these additions helps lessen moving items in and out of the cart, in addition to fewer people handling items for those who are trying to limit that.

Why Receipt Checking?

With all of the technology for checking out with scales for measuring the weight of each item as you put it into a bag, cameras at self-check-out and all over the stores, and with the addition of apps for self-check-out convenience, why the receipt checking?  Big box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club have receipt check out on the way out whether there is a self-check-out or a traditional check-out. If those big box stores have this gap, it isn’t surprising that other stores have added this. But this adds another stop and another touchpoint for those who are trying to limit contact.

Company Policy

Per one store, the policy for checking every receipt is to catch and deter shoplifting, and they check every receipt on the way out and are not targeting any individuals.  Another store said the reason they check the receipts to make sure that people are not overcharged, not because they are worried about their customers stealing.

Self-check-out is a convenience they many enjoy. It is frustrating when the scales go off saying the item isn’t placed on it – come on machine, its toilet paper it isn’t heavy – and sometimes it is slower than the regular check out, but it is convenient. Will receipt checking prevent you from using self-check-out or using certain stores?

The Pentagon is reviewing the needs of military families, especially given the economic changes and difficulty after COVID-19. From the temporary BAH increase to cover the increasing rental costs across the country to the increase in 2021 BAH rates, the Pentagon is analyzing the needs of military families and responding to those needs. A November 17 memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated he wanted to address the challenges of “food insecurity, extended wait times for housing, drastically reduced housing inventories, and sudden, sharp increases in rental or purchase costs for housing.”

Fifty-six geographic areas were identified as areas with a high cost of living leading to the temporary BAH increase in those areas to help cover those costs. The temporary BAH increases are in place from September to December 2021. The rate increase required an application by the service member demonstrating the need and the rate increase is given as a lump sum payment on January 1, 2022.

An additional measure released by the Pentagon to help recently PCS-ed military families is the extension of temporary lodging reimbursement beyond 10 days in areas with housing shortages.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that he has asked the Army, Navy, and Air Force departments to come up with a strategy to address food insecurity. In a November press briefing, he gave the departments three months to find an “economic security toolkit” to identify military service members and families that have food insecurity and connect them with resources to address that.

Austin stated in a Pentagon press briefing, “Our men and women in uniform and their families have enough to worry about. Basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them.” One reason these measures are being made is that BAH is currently included as income for federal programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.  Consequently, non-taxable pay such as BAH and BAS can disqualify servicemembers from such federal programs despite the financial need.

The November 17^th memo from Austin also outlines increased stability for service members and families, when feasible, through extended tour length – beyond 36 months – for both CONUS and overseas tours at locations where the quality of life conditions are comparable to U.S. standards.  The memo also permits flexibility on CONUS assignment reports dates where housing wait times and reduced inventory are present.

The federal government announced on November 10^th that the inflation rate increased to 6.2% in the last year, which is an unprecedented increase since 1990. While the 2.7% pay raise and 2.9% BAH increase are less than inflation, the Pentagon is looking to support troop housing and economic stability through other measures including the temporary BAH increase and addressing food insecurity.