In mid December the President of the United States announced a one-time military bonus payment of $ 1,776 to millions of currently serving military members.Who receives this bonus? All active-duty members and certain reservists in pay grades O-6 and below. According to some sources, the Department of Defense plans to provide this bonus to “most recipients” by the end of 2025.
The United States Senate passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on December 17, 2025. The NDAA includes $900.6 billion for national defense and military operations. Learn more.
There are approximately 120,000 military families at overseas military bases, with some 170,000 servicemembers assigned to overseas duty. The quality of their healthcare is as mission-essential as that of stateside troops and families, but according to an Inspector General report, that overseas care is lacking.
The DoD approves a BAH increase of 4.2% for 2026, impacting one million service members with updated housing allowances. Learn more.
Congress finalized the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with a 3.8% increase in basic military pay for service members, effective January 1.At press time, the 2026 NDAA has not signed into law; it must pass both the House and Senate before being sent to the President’s desk for signature. The House of Representatives voted to pass the 2026 NDAA on December 10, with the Senate to vote (ideally) before the December 19 recess.
An assessment published in 2025 by the RAND Corporation reveals a staffing crisis within the Department of Defense Child Development Program (CDP). A shortage of childcare staff can quickly translate into a shortage in childcare overall, and it’s a problem that potentially threatens military retention and readiness. According to Congress.gov, “The Department of Defense (DOD)… Read more »
The United States military operates on obedience, but there’s a catch. Military orders must be lawful and comply with various regulations, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Articles of War, and the Geneva Conventions. Every service member has a legal duty to disobey an unlawful order, but there is a caveat. >> Find… Read more »
Military service requires commitment to national defense and conflict. But not everyone who joins keeps that commitment. When an active-duty member develops a moral or ethical conviction that conflicts with military duty, they may consider applying for a discharge as a conscientious objector (CO). What does it take to leave the United States military in… Read more »
TRICARE beneficiaries will see higher pharmacy costs in 2026. The TRICARE Pharmacy Program implements new prescription drug copayments starting January 1, 2026, affecting “most beneficiaries,” according to TRICARE.mil. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 established the pricing structure that governs these copayments through December 31, 2027. Higher TRICARE Pharmacy Costs in 2026… Read more »
Explore the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, a program connecting military spouses with job opportunities across various sectors.