WASHINGTON, October 10, 2013 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki painted a dire picture today of the impact of the government shutdown on benefits and services to veterans -- from a slowdown in claims reviews to the threat of cancelled compensation checks to more than 5 million beneficiaries if funding isn't restored soon. "All the effects ... are negative," … [Read more...]

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2013 - Amid the government shutdown, service members and their families still must face the unique challenges associated with multiple moves and more than a decade of war, so a Pentagon official has listed available resources on the "DOD Live" blog Oct. 9. Though Department of Defense Education Activity schools will remain open, wrote Rosemary Freitas … [Read more...]

NEW ORLEANS October 08, 2013 - Despite the government shutdown, Reserve Marines will still have the option to receive medical coverage through the TRICARE Reserve Select Program. TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based TRICARE plan that qualified Marines in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve and their families can purchase. The program provides comprehensive health coverage … [Read more...]

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. October 08, 2013 - The Marine Corps announced a voluntary separation program for staff and gunnery sergeants per MARADMIN 519/13 Oct. 7, 2013. The Voluntary Separation Pay program coincides with the Corps’ recent restructuring efforts and commitment to excellence Corps-wide. The program allows active duty staff and gunnery sergeants with six … [Read more...]

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, October 04, 2013 - Before reaching the end of recruit training, recruits must run through a battery of tests to show that they are qualified to earn the title Marine and ready for Fleet Marine Force. Recruits of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, faced one of the fastest paced and physically exhausting tests, the Combat Fitness … [Read more...]