A permanent change of station (PCS) presents military families with many unique challenges. Aside from the stress associated with moving and having to adapt to a new location, there is also the question of how they're going to get their belongings from point A to point B. This is especially true when it comes to moving their pets, who often require special attention. While there are obstacles, taking the appropriate steps can make it easier for troops to bring their pets with them when they move.
Act quickly
Perhaps most importantly, servicemembers need to start planning as soon as they learn where they are moving. This includes a number of steps, but the first one should be to visit the veterinarian. Pets need specific certification to fly on planes – whether overseas or within the United States – and vets can provide military families with the correct documentation. Experts recommend heading to a doctor with experience in the military community.
"I would definitely start with a veterinarian, particularly military, since we do this all of the time," Erin Stough, veterinary corps officer, Combat Center Veterinary Services, told Military.com. "I would encourage people to read records and keep copies of the vaccine and health records. Be informed."
Do research
Families flying on commercial airlines need to be well-researched when they're making arrangement to transport their dog or cat. For instance, dogs that weigh more than 100 pounds can't be shipped on a commercial flight, and if the temperature is too hot or too cold airlines may not allow them to be shipped either. Military families also should look into whether there are any border crossing fees for animals they may encounter.
After arrival
The process is not done once families reach their ultimate destination. Experts also stress the importance of servicemembers taking steps to ensure their pets can adjust to their new surroundings. While this may be easier said than done, there are a few things that can make the process go more smoothly. For instance, pet owners try to keep a normal routine for the immediate time period after their arrival, and for those families with dogs, it's imperative for them to keep their canines leashed until they get used to their new surroundings.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the controversial federal legislation which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, went before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, and though a decision is not expected for several months, early signs indicate the law may be struck down, according to The Washington Post. If that happens, it will be a big step forward for same-sex military couples, who are currently denied many benefits because of DOMA.
The law was brought before the Supreme Court by lawyers for 83-year-old Edith Windsor. She challenged the 1996 law after she was told she owed $360,000 to the IRS after the death of her wife. The two had been married in New York – which recognized same-sex marriage – but because it wasn't recognized at the federal level she was on the hook for taxes. The issue is similar to what is faced by gay and lesbian couples in the military, because they are often barred from receiving benefits even if they are legally married.
Reporters inside the court hint that the Supreme Court could rule in favor of Windsor and the millions like her. The most encouraging sign came from Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, often a deciding vote, who said he questioned the law's uniformity.
"I think it went beautifully," Windsor told reporters. "I thought the justices were gentle…. I didn't feel any hostility or any sense of inferiority. I felt we were very respected, and I think it's going to be good."
Wednesday marked the second day in a row the Supreme Court heard cases regarding the rights of same-sex couples. On Tuesday, they took up the issue of California's controversial Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage. Experts were less clear on what the outcome of that case could be due to the fact it deals with a state law rather than a federal one.
Repealing DOMA is one of the final hurdles for same-sex military couples. In September 2011, the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was officially repealed, which allowed gay and lesbian troops to openly serve for the first time. The victory would come soon after outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced that benefits such as hospital visitation rights and admittance to family groups would be extended to gay couples, The Boston Globe reports.
Military families are not unfamiliar with financial challenges. Having to frequently move can make it difficult for spouses to find steady work, but as the cuts from sequestration begin to take effect, they may face new obstacles. Holly Petraeus, the assistant director of servicemember affairs for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, says furloughed salaries and other cuts may make troops and their loved ones prime targets for unscrupulous lenders, The Associated Press reports.
Salaries exempt from cuts, but challenges remain
The Department of Defense (DOD) has to make billions of dollars in cuts over the next several months, but the salaries of military personnel can't be touched. Still, sequestration could significantly delay the pay to civilian employees, many of whom are spouses of active duty soldiers. Furloughs could mean that military families have to reach out to lenders, making them susceptible to fraudsters who may be looking to take advantage of people in vulnerable positions. Petraeus recently spoke to attorneys general in the South to warn them of the impending crisis.
"I think a lot of folks have some concern that if the sequester does hit hard, that they may seek loans and they may seek loans in places where they are going to get really bad rates," Petraeus told the crowd, according to the AP.
A popular target
Even before sequestration, military families were already a common target for scammers. Petraeus said that because they are young – usually 25 and under – servicemembers are seen by unscrupulous lenders as easy to manipulate into bad deals with high interest rates. The startling trend has not gone unnoticed by the Department of Justice, which recently penned a blog to offer advice to soldiers looking for loans.
The department said that one of the most important things to remember is to be aware of up-front fees and to always ask what the total price of the loan is. It's also important for servicemembers to be sure of who they're dealing with, the DOJ says.
Preparation becomes more important
It may become even more crucial for military families to be wary of scammers in the coming months and years as thousands of soldiers return home from Afghanistan. Around 34,000 troops will return to the United States by the end of 2013, with the remaining forces expected home by the end of 2014.
First lady Michelle Obama has been one of the most ardent supporters of military families over the last several years, and she recently furthered her commitment when she made a visit to both the Fisher House and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She stopped in not only to talk to the loved ones of wounded servicemembers, but also to offer tickets to the upcoming Easter Egg Roll at the White House, USA Today reports.
The visit gave Obama the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by military families, which are often especially prevalent among those who have a family member currently in the hospital. However, she discussed more than just the obstacles they have to overcome. She also praised the Fisher House, which offers families the chance to stay close to their loved ones while they are recovering.
"I mean, the Fisher Houses, as you all know, are just so important to families who are recuperating," she told those in attendance. "They're doing some great stuff. As you can see, the houses are beautiful. And all around the country, they are as beautiful and as welcoming and as comforting as you guys are experiencing here."
Obama's visit is evidence of her commitment to the Joining Forces initiative, which she launched with Dr. Jill Biden to support military families across the country.
The tuition assistance program has been at the center of much debate in Washington over the last several weeks. First, the popular benefit was suspended until at least October and then an amendment attached to the upcoming budget bill was defeated. However, there was some good news on Thursday when Congress passed a bill that restored the program to every branch of the military except the Coast Guard, The Associated Press reports.
Initial efforts fall flat
Soon after it was announced that the program would be suspended, thousands of complains came flooding in. Veterans' advocates in Congress, led by Senators James Inhofe and Kay Hagan, worked to propose an amendment that would restore funding for the program attached to the upcoming government spending bill. However, the plan was initially shot down because lawmakers wanted to move forward as quickly as possible on the law to avoid the potential for a government shutdown.
Change of course
Despite the setback, Inhofe and Hagan kept pushing for the amendment and eventually got it attached under one condition: the military would have to make cuts to other areas to save the estimated $250 to $350 million that suspending the tuition assistance program would have done. Inhofe applauded the decision of Congress to change its actions and accept the amendment to the government funding bill.
"What this does is reverse the decision from the Department of Defense that took away some of the abilities of our troops, when they are brought into the service, have in terms of subsidizing their tuition," said Inhofe, a senator from Oklahoma.
What it means for military families
While the amendment is certainly a victory for servicemembers and their loved ones, the addition of the amendment is not a permanent solution. Specifically, it only extends the benefit through the end of the fiscal year 2013 – which is through September 30. Still, it could have a significant impact on the financial future of military families. The program pays up to $250 per semester hour for active duty personnel, which adds up to as much as $4,500 per year. The program has been a big help to many soldiers looking to pick up a degree or earn a new license, which could help lower the unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans.
The announcement that the tuition assistance program has been suspended has caused concern among many members of the military community. The vital resource helped many servicemembers earn their degrees, licenses and other credentials, but while the decision may be a setback, it doesn't mean soldiers can't pay for school. There are other resources available that can help troops cover the costs without tuition assistance.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
While tuition assistance has been suspended until October, lawmakers have not touched the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This vital benefit has helped many servicemembers return to school after separating from service, but it can also be used while they're still in the Armed Forces, Military.com reports. The biggest difference about using the GI Bill before leaving the military is that troops lose the housing allowance portion of the benefit. However, if housing isn't an issue, taking early advantage of the GI Bill can be one of the best ways to replace the tuition assistance program.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill may see some changes in the near future that could add some benefits. One proposed piece of legislation, Expanding Education Opportunities for Post-9/11 Vets' Families, would allow troops who retired due to injury to transfer their benefits to their family members.
Turn to the school
The tuition assistance program may not be able to provide servicemembers with funds, but that doesn't mean they can't find assistance from other sources. For instance, looking to see what kind of financial aid each individual school offers can pay big dividends, notes Military.com. Of course, these programs can vary considerably from school to school, and servicemembers can find help in a wide variety of ways – from work study to scholarships.
Some schools may also have programs designed specifically for soldiers. In fact, a 2012 study found that more institutions have such offerings now than in 2009.
Research tax credits
Knowing the tax breaks one is entitled to can go a long way to providing supplemental income. The money can be used for anything, but in the case of soldiers looking to head back to the classroom without the help of the tuition assistance program, education may be a good use for it. However, it's important to keep in mind that tax regulations frequently change so it's crucial for servicemembers keep abreast of the latest revisions.
Frequent moves are one of the biggest challenges facing military families. Aside from having to adapt to a new location, moving can also cost hundreds of dollars extra if they have a family pet. In some cases, they cannot take their four-legged family member with them. In an effort to help and prevent more pet admission to shelters, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to All Animals (SPCA) launched Operation Military Pets to make sure families do not have to be separated from their animals.
Moving pets can cause a significant financial burden, and the costs are not covered by the Department of Defense. Operation Military Pets helps fill this void by offering financial assistance to members in all five branches whether they are moving within the United States or to an international destination, Military.com reports.
The program has already been a significant success, according to the SPCA. Among those the program has helped is Shawn Flint, an Iraq War veteran who required assistance for moving his dog Heidi. He rescued her while serving in Iraq, and the program helped bring her back to the United States. Now, the two have been together for more than three years.
Operation Military Pets is certainly not the only program dedicated to helping servicemembers balance the care of their cats and dogs with the stress of military service. Another program, known as Dogs on Deployment, matches soldiers up with volunteers who will take care of their pets while they're deployed.
The decision to suspend the tuition assistance program for members of four of the five service branches has caused a significant amount of controversy. Members of the military community believe they are not in the clear just yet, with some analysts expecting the Department of Defense (DOD) to suspend Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) programs in the coming weeks, SpouseBuzz.com reports.
MyCAA first launched in 2009 as a way to help spouses of active duty servicemembers further their careers. Originally it provided up to $6,000 in tuition assistance, but its popularity proved too much for the funding to handle and the benefits had to be cut. Still, it has offered vital assistance at a time when unemployment among military spouses is much higher than the civilian population. Although there's no confirmation, experts foresee the DOD taking some action regarding MyCAA in the near future.
"I would expect DOD to suspend MyCAA very soon," Terry Howell, the education benefits expert for Military.com, told the website. "Like [tuition assistance] the DOD is being very quiet about their next moves."
The MyCAA program was a big help to military spouses who were earning certifications and licensures. Transferring these across state lines is often a problem for families who have to frequently move. Dr. Jill Biden recently called on governors to make it easier for spouses to transfer such credentials from state to state.
Whether during deployment, on the home front or after they've separated from the Armed Forces, servicemembers face a number of challenges that are unfamiliar to the civilian population. The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs both offer a number of resources to help the military community overcome these obstacles, and the Army recently consolidated these efforts through the March 12 launch of the website for its Ready and Resilient Campaign.
What is it?
The initiative began with the goal of making it easier for soldiers and their families to reach out for help when they need it. Specifically, organizers hope to help servicemembers improve their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. The program hopes to highlight the importance of integrating resilience training into Army's military education so that troops are better equipped to overcome the myriad obstacles they may encounter during their time in the service.
The recently launched website includes a number of resources that will help the Army reach this goal. On the front page, for instance, users are presented with a list of helpful hotlines that address everything from suicide prevention to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The website also offers transition assistance by providing resources to help soldiers find employment in the civilian realm once they leave the service.
"You can find this information in 500 other different places. But this is supposed to be the one-stop shop for soldiers," said Col. John Sims. "We wanted to make a place where leaders, soldiers and family members could go and find information and quick resources, emergency hotlines, and learn to improve their resiliency."
Why is it necessary?
The website's launch comes after the release of a report detailing the serious issue of mental health in soldiers, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The report found that the diagnostic criteria for PTSD are often hard to pin down, and some troops who should be diagnosed are not. As it stands now, an estimated 20 percent of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD.
The Ready and Resilient Campaign may also help lower the unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans. While it dropped by more than 2 percentage points in February to 9.4 percent, it still stands above the civilian rate.
Nearly seven years after he was killed, a Marine is being honored by his mother in a unique way. Amy Wolfe is preparing to debut a touching ballet tribute to her son Colin who was killed just several weeks into his first deployment in Iraq, reports Prince William Today.
Wolfe is the artistic director for the Manassas Ballet Theatre in Manassas, Virginia, and she was recently approached by a local composer about creating some new music for an upcoming performance. Eventually, the idea of an act dedicated to Colin's life came to the forefront and Wolfe got to work on the emotional undertaking. Not only was it a way for Wolfe to remember her son, but it's a fitting tribute given that he studied ballet since he was young.
"Actually, for me, it really brings Colin back to life," she told the newspaper. "Now I have something I can listen to that is Colin. Now there is something that I can watch that is Colin," she told the newspaper. "It makes it as if he is right here with me."
The ballet is set to open on March 16 and will incorporate many pieces of music familiar to soldiers, reports Military Times. In fact, the score includes both a 21-gun salute and the Marine Corps Hymn.