WASHINGTON, October 21, 2013 - Pentagon officials announced a plan that will enable the military services to resume conducting community and public outreach activities in the new fiscal year, but at a significantly reduced capacity, Oct. 18, 2013. This cost-cutting measure will yield a savings of $104 million in fiscal year 2014. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined the … [Read more...]

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...]