By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2011 – President Barack Obama today signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which increases active-duty and reserve pay by 1.6 percent and governs Defense Department activities, from procurement to military personnel policy. Several provisions in this year’s act will potentially affect active-duty … [Read more...]
Top 10 Military Family Moments of 2011
By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2011 – It’s that time of year when top 10 lists seem to proliferate across nearly every web and news page in the nation, proclaiming everything from the best movies and TV shows to the most memorable photos and celebrities of the year. Since I find it tough to encapsulate a year's worth of information into a … [Read more...]
Black Women Show Higher Enlistment Rates in the Military
December 23, 2011 A study by the Pew Research Center found that of the 167,000 enlisted women in the military, 31 percent are black, twice their percentage in the civilian female population, while 53% of White women represent the military, making up 78% of the civilian female population. Beth J. Asch, a senior economist and defense manpower specialist at the Rand … [Read more...]
Move over Justin Timberlake, Marine Steps Game up and Asks First Lady to Marine Corps Ball
By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2011 – When it comes to a date for next year’s Marine Corps Ball, Lance Cpl. Aaron Leeks is starting early and setting his sights high. At a Toys for Tots event on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling here last week, the Marine reservist asked First Lady Michelle Obama to be his date at the ball next November -- … [Read more...]
Overseas Cost of Living Allowance Adjustments
December 2011 and January 2012 Effective in December 2011, 47 members stationed in Moscow, Russia will see an increase. In January 2012, roughly 1600 members stationed in Homer, Juneau, Kodiak, Unalaska, Alaska will see an increase in COLA while other locations will see no change. Increases in COLA will also be seen for the Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, and Cape Verde. Members … [Read more...]