Since the sequester took hold in March, there have been no official changes to benefits received by servicemembers, but on Thursday, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned that some may be looming in the future. Speaking to troops at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hagel said that the Pentagon is considering reducing retirement benefits and enacting changes to healthcare and prescription drug coverage, according to U.S. World and News Report.
Any changes to benefits could deter troops from enlisting in the first place. Many soldiers join the military with the expectations that they will be receiving the same hard-earned benefits that their predecessors had. Veterans advocates say that without those incentives, the Department of Defense may find it difficult to entice troops to stay in the Armed Forces for their professional lives. Still, Hagel says there may be no choice.
"We are reviewing every component of our budget, and we have to look at personnel costs because they represent the biggest part," he told the crowd, as quoted by U.S. News. "We are looking at everything across the board, [such as] entitlement programs, in every way."
Hagel certainly does not have an easy task ahead of him. The Pentagon chief has to find a way to cut spending from the DOD budget by nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years, according to NBC News.
Gary Sinise rose to fame thanks in large part to his Oscar-nominated performance as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump," but aside from helping his career the part also has changed his life. Nearly 20 years later, he is among the most ardent supporters of veterans. His work ranges from helping servicemembers transition to civilian life to performing fundraisers at military communities, reports Politics Confidential.
It wasn't long after "Forrest Gump" hit theaters that Sinise knew his role had an impact on veterans. His depiction of the physical and mental struggles troops have to overcome when they return stateside was among the most gripping parts of the film.
"I realized from the get-go that that particular character had been seen by so many people within the military community that it meant something to them," he told the news source. "That particular character is bigger than a movie really."
One of Sinise's longest standing initiatives to support the troops pays homage to his character. The Lt. Dan Band, which Sinise plays in alongside musician Kimo Wlliams, has been traveling to bases around the U.S. and abroad to perform for troops. They also frequently play at fundraisers and other events meant to support the military community.
With the military on its way out of Afghanistan but the threat of terrorism around the world still very prevalent, the national defense strategy is at a crossroads. In what was seen by many as a landmark speech on Thursday, President Barack Obama laid out his plans for his counter terrorism strategy and touched on everything from the use of drones and the closing of Guantanamo Bay to the rethinking of the war on terror and national security.
Changing policy
One of the biggest takeaways from Obama's speech was that his second term will shift the focus on counter terrorism efforts from overseas to back home. Specifically, he pointed to the fact that fighting a global war on terror is no longer a feasible option, especially at a time when the Armed Forces is downsizing. In other words, he wants to fight against terror to go from casting a wide net to having a more specific, targeted approach.
"Beyond Afghanistan, we must define our effort not as a boundless 'global war on terror' – but rather as a series of persistent, targeted efforts to dismantle specific networks of violent extremists that threaten America," he told the audience at National Defense University. "In many cases, this will involve partnerships with other countries."
In defense of drones
Obama's use of drone strikes has come under heavy fire in recent months, especially in light of recent revelations that they have killed four American citizens overseas – three of whom were inadvertently targeted. Despite the controversy, Obama defended his use of these unmanned aircrafts to perform targeted air strikes. However, he did say that he is ordering a review of how the drones are deployed and will increase the oversight of the process.
Mixed responses
Obama's much anticipated speech was met with a variety of reactions, and both sides of the political spectrum felt he did not go into detail enough. On the Republican side, Speaker of the House John Boehner said it left few questions unanswered, including whether or not a less aggressive foreign policy approach will diminish the threat of terrorism, according to The Boston Globe. As for Democrats, the President's own party wants him to be more aggressive in his efforts to close Gitmo, something he pledged to do while running for the office in 2008.
In 2012, the Supreme Court struck down a law that made it illegal to lie about having earned a military medal on the basis of free speech. Now, a year later an improved, more narrowly tailored law is on its way to President Barack Obama's desk. The law, known as the Stolen Valor Act, would make it a crime to profit from lying about having a medal, according to The Associated Press.
The bill is the creation of Nevada lawmakers Rep. Joe Heck and Sen. Dean Heller and easily passed both the Senate and House earlier this week. There are slight differences between this piece of legislation and the earlier version, most notably that one would have to earn some benefit or payment from his or her lying about military honors and service. If that's found to be the case, the perpetrator could face up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
"Our nation can never fully express our gratitude for all that our men and women in uniform have experienced on our behalf," Heller told Military Times. "Their acts of valor helped to ensure the safety and security of our national. The honor of their awards should never be compromised."
Not all military decorations are covered by the bill, according to the news source. However, it does include the Medal of Honor, service crosses, Silver Star, Purple Heart and combat badges.
The military has made a strong push to become more energy efficient in recent years, and nowhere is that more evident than at their bases around the country. Many installations have implemented solar panels, a recent report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) revealed that they are creating an estimated 130 megawatts. Although the Armed Forces still has a long way to go until they reach their eventual goal of having solar power be responsible for 58 percent of its renewable energy, experts are encouraged by the progress.
Saving money, saving lives
Part of moving to more renewable sources of energy is about helping the Pentagon cut spending, but it is also about protecting troops. For instance, switching to solar power will help the military reduce its dependence on foreign sources of power that can often be unstable. Not only that, but focusing on alternative sources slashes the number of trucks necessary to transport fuel, and these convoys are often prime targets for improvised explosive devices and other attacks. Experts also say that this move toward going green can help troops find jobs after separating from service.
"After using solar energy on military bases and in the field, many returning servicemen and servicewomen are finding great career opportunities at solar firms, which have been actively recruiting veterans." said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. "Many other veterans have started firms of their own."
Fort Bliss stands tall
While the entire military has made an effort to go green, Texas' Fort Bliss is among the best, reports Stars and Stripes. Earlier this month it became the first DOD installation to operate on the microgrid, which allows officials to collect solar energy and save it for later use. This is especially important because it means that Fort Bliss will not suffer in the event of a power outage caused by a cyber attack or other unforeseen circumstances.
Long road ahead
The military has undoubtedly made great strides in its efforts to use renewable energy and alternative fuels, but it has a lot more work to do. According to the publication, Congress mandated that the Pentagon needs to generate 25 percent of its entire energy supply by renewable sources by 2025, and there remains an increased focus on biofuels.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the greatest challenges facing servicemembers after they leave the battlefield. Although there are no official statistics, experts estimate that approximately 20 percent of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTSD symptoms. While some troops get treatment for the condition, others encounter obstacles by not meeting certain criteria for being officially diagnosed with the disorder. However, new guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) could change that, Time magazine reports.
Fewer obstacles for diagnosis
The changes will come about as part of the APA's latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, also known as DSM-5. Experts say the shift could make it easier for troops with PTSD to be diagnosed because of the elimination of criterion A-2. This requirement stipulated that troops needed to experience fear, helplessness and horror during the incident that may have given them PTSD. The issue with this is that most troops respond without any of those feelings in the event of a gun battle or improvised explosive device being detonated, and it's the lingering memories that are the most problematic. According to the publication, the new criteria would focus on things like cognitive difficulties, depressive symptoms and strong reactions to certain triggers.
Potential treatment breakthrough?
A revision to the diagnostic criteria is not the only potential good news for servicemembers with PTSD. Researchers from New York University's Langone Medical Center believe they have potentially developed the first pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD. The team's findings were published recently in the journal "Molecular Psychiatry" and relate to relationship between the brain's cannabinoid receptors and PTSD.
"There's not a single pharmacological treatment out there that has been developed specifically for PTSD," said lead author Dr. Alexander Neumeister. "That's a problem. There's a consensus among clinicians that existing pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants simp[ly] do not work."
Pentagon taking action
Recently, The Department of Defense (DOD) has been working to improve how it responds to PTSD. Specifically, DOD officials have been working to foster an environment that encourages troops to seek treatment if they experience PTSD symptoms, according to The News Tribune. These changes come after a review of doctors at Madigan Army Medical Center revealed some of them were downgrading troops who may have had the condition.
As the U.S. winds down operations in Afghanistan and the Pentagon looks to shrink its size by 2017, a growing number of troops are separating from service. The trend is especially evident at Fort Benning, where officials say an estimated 200 men and women are transitioning each month, which is up considerably from the year before, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
The Army is prepared for the expected influx of separating soldiers. For instance, they hired more counselors at transition service offices to help answer any questions about the process. They have also been interested in finding out what soldiers do once they separate from the Armed Forces. A recent poll of troops found that 80 percent want to return to school, while 20 percent are planning on working or opening their own business.
"We capture the soldiers when they first get in the Army, and when one decides to leave," Eddie Perez, the transition services manager at Fort Benning, told the newspaper, "We put them on an education track or employment, whatever it is they want."
The Army's size is expected to go down considerably by 2017. Officials hope to drop the number of soldiers to about 490,000, which would be a dip of around 72,000 soldiers.
In the midst of his most recent visit to the U.S., Prince Harry has taken a much more somber approach than he did during his previous trips overseas. Harry, an Afghanistan vet himself, made a point to tour Arlington National Cemetery and lay a wreath on one of the graves of his fellow servicemembers who spent time in the combat zone, USA Today reports.
Prince Harry is a captain in the British Army and spent time in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. During his tour of Washington, D.C., Senator John McCain lauded the 28-year-old royal's time working toward the common goal of his comrades in the U.S. The Arizona senator also praised Harry's passion for eradicating land mines, a cause that was important to his late mother – Princess Diana. Earlier in his visit, Harry also joined first lady Michelle Obama as she hosted an event for mothers in the military.
"We are absolutely thrilled that he could be with us today," Mrs. Obama told those in attendance, as quoted by ABC News. "He wanted to be here to personally thank you for your service."
After laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Harry's tour of Washington, D.C., will conclude with a visit to injured troops at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The Army often is recognized for the skill and bravery of its soldiers, but the branch recently earned praise for something else – its research capabilities. The Army was named one of the world's most innovative research organizations in the world after nabbing more than 300 patents over the course of a three-year period, according to the Army's official website.
The award comes from Thomson Reuters, who recognized the branch for its performance in both influence and success. Perhaps most impressive was the wide variety of innovation the Army made. Its portfolio includes everything from new training software to robots that are used to dispose of deadly explosives. Its research also helped create a vaccine meant to guard against the Ebola virus.
"This illustrates how we attack many Army-unique problems, yet also contribute in wide-ranging areas," Dale A. Ormond, director of the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, told the news source. "Our portfolio was heavy in weapons, ammunition and blasting, but also pharmaceutical products, polymers and computing."
Last year wasn't the only good period for the Army's latest inventions. In 2011, the branch unveiled a number of impressive innovations including a new brand of helmet sensors meant to improve treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
For years, air shows have not only been a staple of the summer season, but have also been a great way to showcase the skills of the military's best pilots. However, that won't be the case this year. Dozens of air show have been canceled due to the spending cuts enacted by sequestration reports The Associated Press.
The reduced funding has grounded planes in the Navy's Blue Angels, the Air Force's Thunderbirds and also the Army's elite parachuting team – the Golden Knights. An estimated 60 air shows have been canceled so far this year, and experts estimate that some may not come back in 2014 even if some of the spending cuts are put to an end. By grounding the military planes, popular air shows may face significantly reduced crowds.
"Having the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels is like having the Super Bowl, it's a household name," Bill Walkup, manager of the Martinsburg, W.V., airport, told the AP.
Due to sequestration, the Air Force's flying hours need to be reduced by about 18 percent, The New York Times notes. Although they may be unpopular, policy analysts say the cuts – which will save an estimated $9.75 million from the Thunderbirds' budget alone – was the right choice.