Some of the most significant personnel changes in the U.S. military's history appear to be on the horizon. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, looking to enlist a generation of servicemembers for the 21st century, while also forcing the Pentagon's entrenched bureaucracy to modernize, is the driving force behind the reforms. According to the Associated Press, Carter's plans to recruit – and, just as importantly, to keep – troops in the armed services were the subject of a major speech given earlier this month in Hawaii.
Proposed changes to military benefits and retirement plans, such as the one that will automatically invest a small percentage of troops' pay beginning in 2018, are part of the effort. Other improvements include expanded sabbatical programs, which encourage service members to pursue advanced education and internships for knowledge and experience that they can then put to use at the Pentagon, as well as facilitated mobility between active duty and the reserves.
The Military Times reported back in August that major personnel reforms were under discussion, spurred on by increasing concerns within the military command structure that its personnel system was lagging far behind the ever-evolving private sector. In a memo obtained by the Military Times, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness Brad Carson wrote that "This is a moment that calls for revolutionary change in the human resources practice of DoD."
Many of Carter's modernization goals are designed to make the Pentagon more closely reflect the corporate world. To draw young people into the services, he plans to have the Pentagon embody the same kind of innovative, high-tech leadership displayed by successful companies in Silicon Valley.
More changes are expected to be announced in the next few weeks. Though some of the programs could be easily implemented, more extensive expansions require congressional approval.
At a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Thursday, President Obama awarded Capt. Florent A. Groberg the Congressional Medal of Honor. In Afghanistan in Aug. 2012, Capt. Groberg was serving as the head of a personal security detachment in the Fourth Infantry Division when the group of senior commanders he was escorting on foot through Kunar Province was approached by an individual with his back turned to the group.
Capt. Groberg's Medal of Honor citation states that the man made a sudden turn towards their formation, a suspicious bulge visible beneath his dark clothes. Rushing the man without any regard for his own safety, the captain confirmed that the bulge was a suicide vest. He selflessly tackled the bomber down and away from the security detail. Upon hitting the ground, the bomber's dead man switch detonated the vest, killing four of Capt. Groberg's fellow soldiers and wounding him desperately. The explosion triggered a second bomber's vest nearby, but it did little damage.
The citation credits Capt. Groberg's heroism with minimizing the severity of the coordinated suicide attack. He saved the lives of many of his comrades and senior leaders. The New York Times reported that the extent of the injuries to his legs, which required 33 surgeries over three years, did not keep the captain from standing at attention while his president awarded him our country's greatest commendation.
"A day after Veterans Day, we honor this American veteran whose story – like so many of our vets and wounded warriors – speaks not only of gallantry on the battlefield, but resilience here at home," said Obama. Capt. Groberg retired from the Army earlier this year. Even in his life after military service, he has chosen to continue to serve, now as a civilian in the Department of Defense.
On the eve of Veteran's Day, the Senate passed an $80 billion spending bill which increases funds for veterans' programs and military base construction projects. The Associated Press reported that the measure, which was delayed for months by fierce negotiations over the federal budget, is the first spending bill the Senate has passed all year.
The bill received unanimous support in a 93-0 vote. It will now proceed into House-Senate negotiations and probably join 11 additional spending bills as part of a massive $1.1 trillion budget vehicle. An extra $2 billion was added to the bill as part of the bipartisan budget agreement agreed to last month by President Obama and leaders of both parties on Capitol Hill. The Veterans Administration's budget for medical services, many of them covered under veterans insurance, was increased to $51 billion.
The measure was one of two military-related bills that went through the Senate on Tuesday. A revised National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) worth $607 billion passed in a 91-3 vote, according to The Hill. President Obama had originally vetoed the bill over concerns about new war funds, but it seems unlikely that the new bill, even with its language barring the transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay – a campaign promise of the President's – will meet the same fate.
Leaving the military for life after service is a big step for many veterans. A future without the familiarity of uniforms, dog tags and ranks may seem daunting and a tad confusing. Among the social challenges in post-service, veterans must also confront new financial obstacles and career decisions. AFBA has outlined some helpful financial advice for servicemembers preparing to make the transition into civilian life.
Research the differences of civilian finances
Many military members are given tax breaks in a variety of different sectors. Most do not even realize this. Be prepared to begin paying taxes you did not have to pay as a soldier. You should know that civilians pay state income taxes, as well as property taxes. Use the Internet, talk to your military contacts and consult a financial advisor to find out what changes you will see and how you can prepare for them.
Get the job your deserve
Finding a civilian job is a big part of the transition from military life. Check out AFBA's video blog on tweaking your resume so that it gets more views. You can also talk to veteran career services about ways to translate your military skills into a civilian career. A good job can boost your confidence in life after service and help you face any financial challenges that may arise.
Reevaluate your budget
Your military budget will likely look very different from your new civilian one. Creating a budget is an important step toward relatively stress-free financial management. Factor in your new income, housing costs and family expenditures to avoid overspending. A financial advisor may also come in handy during this process, as he or she would have the skills to assess your financial situation from a professional perspective.
Take what you can with you
According to Military.com the Thrift Savings Plan is a "tax-advantaged way of saving for retirement." Many servicemembers participate in this plan but may not realize that they can take the balance they have saved with them upon departure from the military. Servicemembers can opt to leave the funds in the TSP to gain interest, move the funds into their new retirement plan or transfer the balance to an Individual Retirement Account.
Remember to think of your health
Typically, military health benefits do not continue once you leave service. If your spouse does not have a plan that will provide duel coverage, you should begin your search immediately for a plan of your own. Research various medical, dental and vision plans to avoid paying expensive premiums. Your new employer may offer these plans, as well, so discuss options with your human resources contact in your company.
Plan for the future
It is never too early to start planning for the future. Once you leave the military, you will need to choose a civilian life insurance and retirement plan. You might also consider enrolling your spouse in a Survivor's Benefits Plan. If you have children, it is a good idea to open a savings account for them so that they can use the money for college or other future endeavors. Setting aside an emergency fund is never a bad idea, either. Life is unpredictable and having a backup account to cover you in times of need can be a huge comfort.
Life after service should be an exciting time for veterans. There are endless opportunities and new ventures to explore. Finance-related stress should not hold you back from pursuing the civilian life you want. Use the advice above to make the financial part of your transition from military service a little easier.
When a servicemember is deployed, his or her family members experience many different emotions. Deployment is especially difficult for children, as they will be faced with feelings they likely do not understand. AFBA has compiled five tips to assist you in helping your children cope with deployment.
1. Establish a routine
By bringing back an established pattern into your children's lives, you can help alleviate some of the stress that they are already experiencing. Having a parent leave for service can be a confusing time. A routine will give your children some sense of control and regularity. Try to stick to the same bedtimes and wake-ups if possible. You can also give your children daily chores to keep them busy and on-task. While routines may seem tedious, they can be a lifeline for children coping with a major life change like deployment.
2. Open lines of communication
The deployment of a parent may inspire some strong emotions in your children. It is important to let them know early on that you are available to talk about these feelings. You should also share your own emotions with them, so they realize that they are not going through the experience alone. Your chats do not have to be formal or scheduled. Just check up on them from time to time or ask them how they are feeling over dinner.
3. Allow for emotional outlets
One of the worst things you can do for your children during their parent's deployment is chastise them for expressing their emotions. This does not mean you should allow them to throw tantrums to get rid of their anger. Instead, you should help them find healthy ways to deal with their reactions to missing their parent. Buy your children journals and encourage them to write or draw what they are feeling.
4. Put them in a peer group
There will be times when your children do not want to discuss things with you. Instead of getting frustrated with them, understand that this is normal. Give them the chance to communicate with their peers who may be experiencing the same thing. There are a number of summer camps and activity programs designed specifically for children of military personnel. Your children may find strength and support by surrounding themselves with other children whose parents are also deployed.
5. Work through it together
It is important to let your children know that they are not alone in missing their mother or father. Deployment is a time you should help one another through. You can make your children feel important by explaining to them that you will need extra assistance around the house now that you are without your spouse. Additionally, there are a variety of activities designed to bring you closer, even during a tough time like deployment.
There are a wide range of emotions your children may experience during their parent's deployment. Your children may be unable to cope with all of these feelings on their own. That is why AFBA outlined some helpful ways for you to make sure your kids can work through these emotions in a healthy way.
Deployment is a difficult time for military families. Exchanging letters, email and video calls can help combat the feelings that accompany separation, but many soldiers still long for the familiar luxuries from home. One thing military families can do for their heroes is send care packages. There is nothing like being halfway across the world from everything and everyone familiar and receiving a big box of your favorite items from home. AFBA has complied a list of items to include in your next care package.
Personal care items
The military provides soldiers with personal hygiene products, but some specialty items are not included. Your servicemember is hard at work most days, so sending a tub of IcyHot or other topical pain reliever can really make his or her day. Things like lip balm and exfoliating body washes are also appreciated. However, package any items that could leak in a Ziploc bag to avoid contaminating the rest of the package. Servicemembers also spend a great deal of time on their feet. Keep your soldier's feet dry and comfortable by sending cushioned camping socks and gel insoles regularly.
Activities for downtown
While your servicemember will have his or her fair share of action, there is still plenty of downtime. Send some items to combat boredom, such as movies and video games. iTunes gift cards and mp3 players are another luxury your servicemember is sure to appreciate. However, there may not always be a way for them to play or watch. Include non-digital items like books, puzzles, board games and decks of cards in your care package.
Reminders of home
Even though your servicemember is busy, he or she will inevitably get homesick at some point during deployment. By including photos of the family, the house and favorite places around town you can give them a piece of home to carry along. Handwritten letters are great care package items. While email may be faster, there is something special about reading the handwriting of loved ones as they wish you well. If you have the opportunity, you could also pack home videos that include messages from friends and family, the baby's first steps or a younger sibling's graduation. USB drives can hold quite a few photos and videos, and they fit well in care packages.
Special foods
The military makes sure that your servicemember will never go hungry, but many soldiers find the food repetitive and bland. A care package is the perfect opportunity to send along some luxury food items. Veteran United Network recommended including a bottle of your servicemember's favorite sauce or condiment from a local restaurant to give the package that extra personal touch. Typical American snacks like beef jerky, potato chips, sunflower seeds and hard candies are always appreciated. Make sure the food is non-perishable and will not be crushed or leak during shipping.
Deployment is rough on both servicemembers and their families, but care packages are a great way to connect. They help families feel like they are there for their servicemembers, even when they cannot be physically present, and it gives the soldiers something to look forward to.
If you have ever served in the military, you probably have many stories to tell about the people you met and the things you experienced. Military stories make some of the most memorable and inspiring narratives. Take a look at AFBA's top five military novels that epitomize what it means to be a soldier and most accurately recount war.
1. 'Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10'
This nonfiction story follows Operation Redwing leader Marcus Luttrell and his unit. This elite team was tasked with taking down a known al-Qaeda leader on the Pakistani border in 2005. By the end of their mission, only Luttrell remained alive. Operation Redwing saw the largest loss of Navy SEAL life in history, but it also recounts Luttrell's unrelenting will to live as he crawled, wounded and alone, 7 miles through enemy territory in the Pakistani mountains. This amazing story follows the leader's account of his survival and recovery, and it is a must-read for anyone who has ever known the loss of a unit member.
2. 'All Quiet on the Western Front'
Erich Maria Remarque's classic 1928 novel has often been referred to as the greatest war novel of all time. Remarque tells the story of Paul Bäumer, a young man who follows his friends into enlistment with the German army. Bäumer quickly becomes disenchanted with the war and rejects the senseless hatred that drives men into battle. The young soldier witnesses many horrors and makes a vow to combat the prejudices that turn men against one another if he can survive the war.
3. 'Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest'
This novel follows the U.S. Army's 506th Airborne Division. The real men who fought in this unit were notorious for getting some of World War II's toughest assignments. Stephen Ambrose's nonfiction novel recounts their mission to parachute into Berchtesgaden in France on the morning of D-Day to the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. This mission resulted in a 150 percent fatality rate. The novel demonstrates the unfailing courage of the American soldier to complete assigned missions and the brotherhood that is forged along the way.
4. 'The Killer Angels'
Michael Shaara's historical fiction is one of the most interesting accounts ever written about the Battle of Gettysburg. The novel gives unique insight into the thoughts and emotions commanders from each side may have experienced. More than that, it defines what the American Civil War was all about. More than brother vs. brother, the war pitted two different ideologies against each other. Starving, exhausted men fought with everything they had left to preserve the country they believed in. Shaara's dramatic recount captures all of this in an unforgettable way.
5. 'Black Hawk Down'
Set in Somalia in October 1993, Mark Bowden's nonfiction novel tells the story of the 100 Americans who were airdropped into a Mogadishu marketplace. Their mission to capture two lieutenants to a major Somalian warlord was supposed to be a quick one. Instead, it became one of the toughest missions in American history. The Americans had to spend an entire night fending off thousands of armed Somalians. The novel documents their bravery in the face of adversity, and it demonstrated the strength it takes to survive in the face of certain doom.
There are many novels that convey the bravery of soldiers and equally as many that tell of the strength it takes to overcome the horrors of war. However, the five novels outlined above stand out from the rest. They take the reader on a journey through the lives of soldiers and show what it takes to be a hero.
Since 2014, the American College of Financial Services, the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services, has honored an individual with the Soldier-Citizen Award. This award is meant to decorate an honorable person who served in the military, is successful in the financial services industry and demonstrated selflessness in giving back to his or her community. This year's honoree is four-star Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart, formerly with the United States Air Force.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gen. Eberhart spent 36 years as a Commander, U.S. Northern Command and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. During this time, he logged over 5,000 hours of command flight time. In retirement, Gen. Eberhart continued to serve his country by accepting the position of president and chairman of The Armed Forces Benefit Association in 2009.
Gen. Eberhart is also the chairman of 5-Star Bank and 5-Star Life Insurance Company, and he serves on the board of several organizations, such as TERMA, Jacobs Engineering, Rockwell Collins, Triumph Group, VSE and Segs4Vets. Not only does the general give his time to those companies, but he is currently a trustee for the Falcon Foundation and a director on the board of the USAFA Endowment. At one time, Gen. Eberhart served his alma mater as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates Board of Directors.
"General Eberhart followed his illustrious military career with a spectacular career in the financial services industry," said Ted Digges, the executive director of The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs and chair of the selection committee. "We are proud to honor such an individual with this award."
The award ceremony will take place on Aug. 20, 2015, at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Military servicemembers and first responders have some of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Not only that, but they are more likely to experience a traumatic event than people in other careers. As a result, individuals who serve in the military and work as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and other first responders have a high probability of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that can greatly affect the quality of an individual's life. AFBA has compiled a list of seven programs designed to help servicemembers, veterans and first responders heal their PTSD.
1. Starlight Military Program
The Stonington Institute launched this program after World War II. The Starlight Military Program specializes in unique treatment for active duty servicemembers and veterans. It offers cognitive therapy and substance abuse programs.
2. Paws for Veterans
One issue many veterans face while dealing with PTSD is the feeling of isolation. Paws for Veterans works to eliminate these feelings by pairing returned servicemembers with a trained dog in need of adoption. The dogs are trained to have a variety of special skills, including therapy and guide dog behaviors.
3. The Station House Retreat
The program was specifically designed by first responders to assist other first responders with their PTSD recovery. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders can come to The Station House Retreat to participate in therapy sessions, exercise programs, meditation and medication management classes all designed to treat PTSD.
4. Homecoming for Veterans
The EEG Institute developed this program to better understand the effects of PTSD on the brain. Homecoming for Veterans provides free neurofeedback and PTSD treatment for former military servicemembers. Not only is this program providing care for veterans, but it is working to better understand the neurological damage they experience in order to improve treatment.
5. Omega Veterans Trauma and Resilience Program
This program was created by health care professionals to help veterans heal from PTSD and other problems that may arise because of the trauma they experienced. Omega offers a variety of seminars and therapy sessions.
6. Princeton House First Responder Program
This inpatient program is designed to provide first responders with whole-body healing methods. It focuses on mental health therapy. The Princeton House First Responder Program teaches first responders who are experiencing PTSD to rediscover the mind-body-spirit connection through fitness, counseling and medication management.
7. Meghan's Foundation
The program was developed with the purpose of providing alternative healing to veterans dealing with PTSD. Meghan's Foundation offers veterans a chance to heal through yoga and meditation as opposed to doctors and medication. The foundation is designed to teach veterans to self-heal and rely on their inner strengths.
PTSD can be a life-altering condition, and many veterans and first responders will be faced with overcoming the challenges of this disorder. Fortunately, there are a number of programs created specifically for individuals in these careers. These programs offer healing, counseling, support and guidance as those coping with PTSD navigate toward healing. The VA also offers a regional-specific list of PTSD help.
When people think of the Army, they don't usually think of their favorite food. However, the military is responsible for creating some of America's tastiest treats. Take a look at which foods are products of the U.S. military.
1. Supermarket bread
Out of necessity, the military created bread that lasts much longer than it used to. Regular bread goes stale and grows mold much faster than supermarket bread. This is because the bread you buy at the store is treated with starch-eating bacterial enzymes. These enzymes keep the bread soft and safe to eat longer.
2. Cheetos
During World War II, the military needed a way to reduce the volume and weight of its food shipments without losing the caloric intake of its soldiers. As a result, they created a full-fat dehydrated cheese product. When the war ended, the manufacturers responsible for the production of this food decided to add it to crunchy corn snacks, and the Cheeto was born.
3. TV dinners
While we mostly enjoy these convenient meals in front of the television or computer screen now, they were originally intended to feed bomber crews during World War II. These crews often had to take long overnight flights to get to their mission point, so the military found a way to freeze the basic parts of a meal such as meat, vegetables and starches in a tray for later heating.
4. Energy bars
For centuries, the military struggled with convenient, portable ways to keep its soldiers fed and alert. Luckily, in 1940, the Hershey corporation invented a melt-resistant chocolate bar for World War II soldiers. The Hershey invention was later freeze-dried and sent to space with the first astronauts, but it still had not reached its full potential. Not until Natick Soldier Systems Center took control in the mid-1960s did the modern energy bar take shape. While most energy bars today are dessert flavored, Natick's initial product was hamburger flavored.
5. The McRib
The military cannot really take credit for inventing the McRib, but the sandwich would not exist without military technology. In 1976, the Natick Soldier Systems Center innovated military rations once more. They needed a way to reduce the amount of money spent on meat, so they restructured cheaper cuts to look like tasty expensive ones. A few years later, fast food powerhouse McDonald's borrowed the process to create the seasonal meal we know today.
Maybe you didn't think of the military as an inventor of food before, but maybe now you do. Many of America's favorite foods are the direct result of military supply and demand.