Of all the sequester-related spending cuts, few have been met with such fierce criticism as the decision to reduce the annual military pay raise to 1 percent – its lowest in decades. White House officials say that the move is a necessary one, especially since Congress has refused to slash spending on weapons systems. Still, many members of the military community are unhappy with the decision at a time when thousands of troops are still serving in Afghanistan, reports USA Today.
Lower raise a trade-off
Top officials from the White House and the Department of Defense (DOD) say that the lower raises were enacted in an effort to maintain readiness levels, training capabilities and other benefits many military families use. This explanation has not been sitting well with some people, however, especially Joyce Raezer. The executive director of the National Military Family Association said they should not be forced to choose.
"We understand that funding training and readiness are vital to the servicemember and the Department of Defense, but why should something this important be an either-or?" she told the publication.
Considerable savings
Most years, the annual pay raise is linked to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Cost Index, and if that were the case servicemembers would see a 1.8 percent raise in 2014. However, by lowering that to 1 percent, the Pentagon will save an estimated $540 million – certainly no small figure when the DOD is looking to trim billions of dollars in spending over the next several months as a result of sequestration.
TRICARE not immune to changes
Lower raises are not the only proposed changes that may irk many members of the military community. As part of the recently released 2014 budget, the Pentagon has a plan that could increase TRICARE fees for working-age retirees under 65, according to Military Times. Specifically, the enrollment fees for TRICARE Prime would increase over the next four years, eventually rising to $594 by 2018.
These changes could affect a large portion of the military population in the coming years as many soldiers prepare to separate from service. Officials estimate that about 300,000 soldiers will leave the service each year for the next four years.
Christy McAnally, a teacher Landstown Middle School in Virginia Beach, knows firsthand how challenging it is to be the child of someone in the military. Her father was a Marine pilot and as a result she spent much of her childhood on the move. Now, she puts her unique experiences to good use, reaching out to military children at her school though the BRATs Club, which she founded nearly three years ago, reports The Virginian-Pilot reports.
BRAT stands for British Regiment Attached Traveler and was used overseas as a way to describe the children and spouses of servicemembers. The club attracts more than two dozen youngsters who have parents in the military. Aside from giving them a chance to share experiences with people who are going through the same thing, the members also do considerable amounts of community service. But perhaps most importantly, McAnally hopes her club can help military children recognize that there is someone to help them through the challenges.
"I was seeing there were students who all had that BRAT experience in common but didn't know that about one another," she told the newspaper. "That conversation had to take place. And I thought it was important to have an adult in their lives who grew up feeling the same things they feel."
The students at Landstown Middle School certainly aren't alone when it comes to knowing the challenges of military life. An estimated 1.8 million children have at least one parent in the military.
One of the biggest challenges associated with being in a military family is having to frequently move, an issue which is especially prevalent as many servicemembers and their loved ones prepare for the arrival of permanent change of station (PCS) season this spring. There are many obstacles that come with moving, ranging from emotional challenges to financial issues, and in an effort to help reduce the stress of the move, Montana Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring legislation to make the process easier.
The bill
Military spouses often face the greatest obstacles associated with a PCS because it can have a significant impact on their ability to find a job. Having to move so frequently often requires them to earn new licenses or certifications depending on the state. In fact, an estimated 35 percent of military spouses have a job that requires them to have some sort of certification. Tester's bill would offer a tax credit to this portion of the military community in the hopes of making the transition to a new location that much easier.
"Serving our nation is a decision that involves entire families, and we need to make sure we support everyone affected by a career in the military," Tester said. "This bill will support military spouses as they adjust to their new surroundings and make staying in the military an easier choice for American families who already sacrifice so much."
A significant need
Tester's bill addresses a significant concern among military families. In fact, an estimated 1 million servicemembers have to change location each year, something which has taken a substantial toll on the unemployment rate among military spouses. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), the unemployment rate for that particular demographic stands at about 26 percent – significantly higher than the civilian population.
Other challenges as well
Finding work in a new environment is one obstacle, but there are many others associated with a PCS. This is especially true for families who have children. Youngsters in the military community have to grapple with challenges like disruptions in schooling. The average military child will have to attend between six and nine different schools by the time they graduate from high school, according to the University of Pennsylvania.
Blue Star Families has long offered support to the military community in a variety of ways, and one of the most recent endeavors is a program known as Blue Star Theaters. The initiative, which began in 2012, offers military families free or discounted prices on everything from theater tickets to classes. It recently announced it has expanded its efforts significantly, according to The Associated Press.
When the program launched in September 2012, just 22 theaters were participating, and by the end of the year that number had hit 57. Theater Communications Group, which supports the organization, announced last week that it has since expanded to more than 90 theaters in 33 different states. Some of the participants are especially well known, including Philadelphia's Wilma Theater and Burning Coal Theatre Company.
Of course, Blue Star Theaters is not the only initiative launched by the organization. The charity also runs Blue Star Museums, which provides military families with the opportunity to visit hundreds of museums across the country free of charge.
Whether they choose to visit the theater, museum or anything in between, there are many citizens who can take advantage of Blue Star's program, especially children. In fact, an estimated 1.8 million children have at least one parent in the military.
Military children face many challenges. Frequent moves coupled with spending time apart from their parents can certainly be difficult, and as communities across the country recognize the Month of the Military Child, some Indiana groups are hoping to shed light on some of the positive aspects of military life, the Journal and Courier reports.
The initiative is being led by the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University and an organization called Indiana Operation Military Kids. The two groups say that some military children keep a positive outlook in the face of challenges. Emily, Stephanie and Sarah Huff are all living proof of the silver lining of having parents serving in the Armed Forces. Emily, 11, says that frequent moves offer the chance to experience something new.
"It's always something different," she told the newspaper. "Seeing different places and trying new foods."
Furthermore, technology has changed the way military families stay in touch with one another. Skype, Facebook and other social media tools have helped make the time apart less difficult.
The MFRI operates many other programs geared toward improving the lives of military children and their families, including initiatives such as Operation Diploma, which has contributed more than $2 million to help servicemembers and their families get degrees.
Recent statistics revealed that more military family members are making use of post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, but starting later this year servicemembers will see some changes. Beginning Aug. 1, soldiers who transfer their benefits to a spouse or child will have to serve an additional four years in the Armed Forces, according to Army News Service.
The changes will largely impact senior officials and retirement-age soldiers. They come as military officials look to increase recruitment and retention efforts. Under the current guidelines, senior officers and retirement-eligible troops can transfer their benefits with anywhere from zero to three years of additional service. The announcement came in a memo released earlier this month and experts expect it will give troops enough time to plan ahead.
"We want soldiers to be informed of the impact of this change in policy," Lt. Col. Mark Viney told the news source. "This is going to impact their decisions and their families, and whether or not they are going to have this money available to find their dependent's education."
The post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most popular benefits troops receive. Under the bill, soldiers receive full tuition for public in-state universities, which can help put them on the fast track earning licenses, certification and degrees.
The post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most popular benefits in the military community, and not only because it gives soldiers the chance to further their education. Those benefits can also be transferred to the families of servicemembers, and recent statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suggest that spouses and children are making use of the GI Bill more than ever before, according to Marine Corps Times.
Troops still make up the majority of those taking advantage of the GI Bill – about 500,000 in 2012 – but that portion is getting smaller. In 2011, for instance, about 32,000 spouses used the benefit. In 2012 that number jumped to 54,000. As for children, about 93,500 made use of the GI Bill in 2012 – an increase of 13 percent compared to the previous year. Experts believe the increase is due largely to the fact that many troops are coming back from overseas.
"There's a drawdown occurring right now," Michael Dakduk, the executive director of Student Veterans of America, told the publication. "I think you're going to see a rise in usage from veterans and from spouses and children."
It's no wonder that the post-9/11 GI Bill is so popular. The bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits that cover full tuition and fees for all in-state public institutions.
The Department of Defense recognizes April as the Month of the Military Child, and on Friday some of the Pentagon's top officials honored many of the brightest young members of the military community. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was on hand at the Military Child of the Year Awards Gala to pay tribute to one child from each branch who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, reports American Forces Press Service.
Among those who was recognized this year was Mark Michael Newberry, an 18-year-old who lives at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. Despite having moved 10 times, he still finds time to give back to the community. Among his many contributions are teaching Sunday school and volunteering at the VA thrift shop. Dempsey had nothing but praise for Newberry and the millions others like him.
"These are incredible young men and women who not only do their parents proud, but do their schools proud, their friends proud, their communities proud and ultimately the nation proud," Dempsey told the gathered audience.
Newberry was not the only child to be honored. Nicole Marie Daly, Abigail MaryRose Perdew, Alexander Ray Burch and Amanda Wimmersberg were all recognized for their selfless attitudes and dedication to the military community.
Baseball season is in full swing, and for one charity that means it's time to support military families. Hitting for Heroes, an event launched by the Missouri-based Little Patriots Embraced and Wounded Warriors, recently welcomed children and families to Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where they got to have batting practice on the same field where the St. Louis Cardinals play every home game, NBC affiliate KSDK reports.
Along with providing military families with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the event served as a fundraiser for Little Patriots Embraced, which works to provide financial assistance to families who may be struggling. Above all else, however, organizers hope it reminds the civilian community about the sacrifices military families make on a daily basis.
"We're here just to let everyone know across the nation how important these children are, and how important these families are to everyone. Carol Watanabe, founder of Little Patriots Embraced, told the news station. "I mean, we need to recognize them for their sacrifice."
Hitting for Heroes is just one of many evens held throughout the country to pay tribute to the military community. Operation Homefront is another such charity, and it has been one of the leading organizations to do so by providing everything from food assistance program to help with home repairs.
There are approximately 1.8 million children who have a loved one in the Armed Forces, and they often face challenges other youngsters do not encounter. In an effort to recognize their sacrifice, April is being recognized as the Month of the Military Child, and a traveling exhibit of artwork created by the kids of service members is making its way through some of the most important buildings in Washington, D.C., the American Forces Press Service reports.
The exhibit, which contains almost 50 paintings, drawings and writings, started off at the Department of Education. Aside from offering a glimpse into the creative minds of military children, each piece contains an explanation on the back as to why each child created what they did. Cindy Simerly, the marketing chief for the Military Child Education Coalition, says that the program is a unique representation of the challenges the military community's members have faced over the last decade.
"The exhibit is a powerful medium for military children to express their experiences over a decade of war, and to show their sacrifices," Simerly told the news source. "It's a way for the children to express themselves in a way that they might not be able to do in words."
After stopping at the Department of Education, the roving exhibit will make its way to the headquarters of the Department of Defense Education Activity as well as the house of Vice President Joe Biden.