As parents, family, and friends of new military members, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for your friends and loved ones as they embark on their military journey. Joining the military opens up a world of possibilities and benefits with unwavering congressional support. The people you elect for your districts and states all care about the well-being of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen. 

These young men and women have volunteered to defend our nation, and Congress is always pushing our Department of Defense to be at its best. I am incredibly proud to see our legislature and DoD leadership thoughtfully focus on our service’s quality of life just as much as we focus on ships, aircraft, installations, systems, and training — creating a comprehensive defense strategy for global good. 

A recent report released by the House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel sheds more light on the ongoing and comprehensive legislative measures aimed at supporting service members, particularly the younger enlisted ranks. 

The Congressional Commitment to Quality of Life

The Quality of Life Panel was established in June of 2023 to address the evolving needs of military personnel and their families. Through bipartisan collaboration, the panel created a series of recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — more commonly known as the Defense budget — to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve. The focus of this panel has been on improving various aspects critical to service members’ welfare, including pay and compensation, housing, healthcare access, and spouse support. 

Under the leadership of Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) as Chairman, and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), as the ranking minority member, the panel has focused on core areas that drive both recruitment and retention of our service communities. There has never been a better time to join and stay in the military. 

Higher Pay and Better Housing Options for Service Members

One of the standout recommendations the panel has produced is the proposed 15% increase in basic pay for junior enlisted members (E-1 to E-4). Basic Pay is the foundation of military pay and entitlements and is based on a service member’s pay grade (rank) and time in service. You can learn more about Basic Pay here.

This initiative aims to restore the real-world value of service members’ income, acknowledging the increase in civilian earnings for individuals with similar educational backgrounds. Doing so ensures families can pay their bills, put food on the table, and invest in their future while they serve in the military. Moreover, the proposal to adjust the Regular Military Compensation (RMC) benchmarks reflects a concerted effort to ensure military pay remains competitive and fair. These RMC benchmarks represent the combined value of Basic Pay and other military entitlements servicemembers of all ranks receive in each paycheck.

The Panel also emphasizes the need for continued improvements to housing solutions. It recommends reversing the recent reduction in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to ensure it covers 100% of the calculated rate for service members and their families, providing the finances required for a more stable living situation. BAH rates are calculated based on a service member’s pay grade, number of dependents, and location, with rates varying by zip code based on the local housing markets.

For too long, families only received 95% of this benefit as a cost-saving measure from the Department of Defense. We should never balance the checkbook on the backs of families and we are excited to see this injustice corrected. Further, enhancing the calculation methods for the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) will better reflect the actual living costs faced by military families stationed throughout the country and around the world. These entitlements are meant to offset the cost of service members’ meals (BAS) and any additional costs incurred by living in more expensive locations (COLA). 

Improving Access to Healthcare and Military Spouse Opportunities

Improving access to medical care has been highlighted as a critical area by military leaders and members of the Quality of Life Panel. The Panel suggests evaluating the effectiveness of current healthcare access standards and expanding direct access to specialty healthcare providers. 

These measures aim to reduce waiting times and improve the overall healthcare services available to service members and their families. This next generation of service members is much more aware of health and well-being than many in the last generation. As such, we must strive to not just create equity in the comparable healthcare system, but to make military healthcare services among the best in the world. 

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by military spouses, particularly in maintaining their careers amid frequent relocations, the Panel also recommends expanding the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program — a competitive multi-year program that provides military spouses with paid 12-week fellowships in companies spanning a breadth of industries and locations. Participating spouses receive hands-on training and mentorship within the professional civilian environment to better equip them for a successful career. 

Spouses should not have to choose between supporting their loved ones and pursuing their own careers. This program facilitates employment opportunities for spouses, significantly bolstering their professional and personal stability. 

What This Means for Parents

These developments provide parents with valuable reassurances about their children’s welfare and future in the military. The legislative focus on improving pay, healthcare, housing, and family support underlines a robust commitment to addressing the everyday challenges faced by service members. By staying informed about these changes, you can better support your child’s career and well-being in the armed forces.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has already pledged to include these recommendations in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (Defense budget). It’s an optimistic time for military families, with tangible improvements on the horizon to enhance the quality of life for all service members. 

This collaborative and effective bipartisan effort is not only a model for our other committees to follow, but it is also a successful case study on the positive outcomes that our military members reap when our elected officials and senior military leaders come together for the good of the services, and most importantly, the people within them.

You can read more about the recommendations HERE, and you can read the full Quality of Life Panel report HERE.

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Becoming a Soldier requires a lot of learning. Moreover, a significant part of that learning curve is understanding how to speak like a Soldier; it practically means learning a new language. Initially, this process starts with getting familiar with the phonetic alphabet. Subsequently, one dives into Army lingo and abbreviations. However, with a little practice, you’ll have it down in no time.

Your Trainee will learn a lot of specific terminology in basic training, but you’ll also hear some Army terms around military establishments like bases or government buildings. If you’re getting ready to head off to Army Basic Training or have a Trainee in basic training, reviewing these terms will give you a basic understanding of what certain abbreviations and terms mean. Getting familiar with the phonetic alphabet is a great starting point in order to make learning Army lingo easier. 

What is the Phonetic Alphabet?

You may have wondered why your Trainee is in B Company in basic training but they refer to it as Bravo Company. The phonetic alphabet is used throughout the U.S. military to ensure letters spoken over communications systems, like a radio, are received without any confusion.  

Army Lingo: Get Familiar with Abbreviations

While the phonetic alphabet takes a little time getting used to, in no time you’ll be a pro at translating military terms and have a better understanding of what they mean. Give “Lima Charlie” a try next time you want to tell your trainee you understand what they’re saying loud and clear. Or ask if they are continuing the mission, using “Charlie Mike”.

There are many more terms you’ll learn than what’s listed here, but these are some of the main military terms you’ll want to know right away. Below, we’ve included a list of words to help you get started.

Army Lingo: Terms to Know

AGSU – The Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) is the U.S. Army’s new service uniform. With that, the AGSU is inspired and based off the iconic service uniform worn by America’s “Greatest Generation” during World War II.

AWOL – Absent without leave

BAH — Basic allowance for housing

Barracks – Building where Soldiers or trainees live

BAS — Basic allowance for subsistence (meals) for service member 

BDE – Brigade

BN —Abbreviation for Battalion

BRM – Basic Rifle Marksmanship

BTRY – Abbreviation for Battery

Carry On – Order to resume work or duties

COB – Close of business

CO – Abbreviation for Company

Commissary – A place on base to buy groceries

CONUS – Continental United States. US territory between Canada and Mexico, including territorial waters.

DFAC – Dining Facility

DoD – Department of Defense

FTX – Field Training Exercise

G2G – Good to go

Getting Smoked – Rigorous exercise as a punishment

Hooah – Pronounced hu:a. A spirited cry, which can mean nearly anything positive. Others claim that it is an acronym for “Heard, Understood and Acknowledged”.

HQ – headquarters

Joe – an Army Soldier

JTF – Joint Task Force. A multi-service military unit.  

Latrine – bathroom

Leave – Vacation

Leg – Non airborne Soldier

Lima Charlie – radio speak for “loud and clear”

Negative – a form of saying “no”

OCONUS – Outside continental United States. Areas outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska

OCP – OCP represents the Operational Camouflage Pattern. It is the camo pattern. Operational Camouflage Pattern was codenamed originally as Scorpion W2. This is a pattern used by the military by the United States Army.

Oscar-Mike – On the move

PCS – Permanent Change of Station; when you move from one duty station to another.

PLF – parachute landing fall

PLT – Platoon

Pop Smoke – Call for extraction. Alternately to leave work or complete a period of service.

POV – privately owned vehicle

PT – Physical Training

PTs – Physical fitness uniform

PX – Post Exchange. This is a shopping area on base that is similar to a department store.

Rack – Bed

Red Star Cluster – A distress call. This literally refers to the hand-launched red pyrotechnic signal flare. Alternatively, in non-combat situations, this is an acknowledgement of a precarious situation or need for help.

Roger – Another form of “yes”

Ruck Up – “Ruck” is short for “ruck sack,” which refers to backpacks service members sometimes wear. To “ruck up” is to get through a particularly challenging or stressful situation.

Sick call — time designated for personnel to seek non emergency medical attention

S.I.T. – Soldier in Training

SOP – Standard Operating Procedures. SOPs often offer guidance where official doctrine does not cover a situation, or treats a situation only in extremely broad terms.

Soup Sandwich – all messed up

TA – Tuition Assistance

TDY – Temporary Duty outside of normal duty location

UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice

XO – Executive Officer (2nd in command)

Zero Dark Thirty – Humorous term for really early in the morning

The Bottom Line

Mastering the language of the Army is an essential aspect of becoming a Soldier. Ultimately, from understanding the phonetic alphabet to familiarizing yourself with Army abbreviations, embracing Army lingo is a vital step towards building camaraderie as a Soldier, and ensuring clarity in all missions.

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I went from saying I would never join the military to serving 27 years in the Corps, and it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made! I am Sgt Maj Paul Davis (USMC Ret). Let’s take a look at the reasons why reenlisting in the Marine Corps could be the best decision for you, and discover the great options available to you when you choose to stay Marine. 

Semper Fi: Beyond the Job – When to Consider Reenlisting

The decision to reenlist can be overwhelming. You’ve conquered boot camp, faced deployments, and honed your skills. But is the Marine Corps life for you in the long term?

Being a Marine is more than a job; it’s a brotherhood, a legacy, and a chance to make a difference. You’ll wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with pride, knowing you’re part of something bigger.

When should you start thinking about re-enlisting?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some signs it is time to consider your options:

• You thrive under pressure and crave constant learning. The Marines offer endless training opportunities and exciting career paths.
• Leadership is in your blood. You enjoy mentoring and leading your fellow Marines, and the Corps offers unparalleled leadership development.
• The global stage beckons. You’re eager to travel, experience different cultures, and contribute to a larger mission.
• The camaraderie is irreplaceable. The bonds you’ve forged with your fellow Marines are a vital support system, and you can’t imagine leaving that behind.

Successfully Reenlisting in the Marine Corps

The key is to start early. I was proactive in my career choices and duty stations, which always paid in my favor. The old saying “being proactive versus reactive” is vital in controlling your career. The days of waiting until the 36-month mark to think of reenlisting are over. It really should be no later than two years in. 

Talk to your career planner about reenlistment options and benefits. Explore different career paths within the Marines and see if there’s a good fit for your goals. The earlier you start planning, the smoother the transition will be if you decide to reenlist.

Do not listen to the “Terminal Lances” or the infamous “Sea Lawyers” for advice. Lean on your leadership, career planner, and like-minded Marines. It’s essential to do your own research instead of listening to hearsay. 

The best place to begin your research for accurate, up-to-date information is Manpower and Reserve Affairs, courtesy of GySgt Darrick Proffitt at M&RA HQMC. The site acts as a one-stop shop to assist Marines in making the right decision for their circumstances. Here you can review comparisons between civilian and Marine Corps benefits, from medical coverage to bonuses, leave and allowances. 

Remember, reenlisting is a personal choice. But if the thought of leaving the Corps and the life you’ve built fills you with a sense of loss, it is time to explore your options. 

Semper Fi Marines!

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The knowledge, skills and attributes possessed by your Soldier will be in high demand after their time in the Army. With a keen understanding of this, the Army created a unique pathway program, the Army PaYS Program, to help companies identify and bridge their hiring gaps with transitioning Soldiers from the U.S. Army.  

The Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations and public sector agencies designed to support employment opportunities for transitioning Soldiers. The program guarantees five job interviews for transitioning soldiers. 

Established in 2000, PaYS has partnered with over 1,200 organizations nationwide. These partners include 91 Fortune 500 companies and over 150 city, county and state governments. Many of the Army’s PaYS partners are household names like Tesla, Amazon, Delta Airlines, Ford Motor Company, and many more. Since its inception, the PaYS Program has provided over 3.9 million Veteran job opportunities to Army Soldiers.  

How Does the Army PaYS Program Work?

Traditionally, the PaYS Program was an option new Soldiers could select at the time of their enlistment or commission. Today, every Soldier who serves in the Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve is eligible to participate in the program. It is open to all Soldiers that want to participate. This also means the program is available retroactively for any Soldier who did not receive the option at the time of their enlistment or commission. The only requirement is to register on the PaYS website and you must receive an honorable discharge to remain eligible.  

In 2023, Army PaYS Program partners hired over 67,000 Veterans. The program continues to highlight the benefits of acquiring the highly talented and qualified Veteran population. If your Soldier hasn’t registered for the PaYS Program, make sure you remind them of this amazing benefit. 

To register or view the partner companies visit the Army PaYS website.

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I vividly remember talking with a 32-year-old sergeant first class my first month in the Army. He was rambling on about retirement and life after the military—there were two thoughts in my head:

1. “Wow, you’re old.”
2. “I’ll NEVER retire from the Army. That’s so far from now.”

Well, that was 17 years ago, I’m now older than that sergeant first class and I’m 3 years away from retirement in the Army National Guard. It goes by fast.

What’s In It for You?

Retiring at 38-years-old from the military is an aspiration that many servicemen and women share. Achieving this milestone means having dedicated years of your life to the nation’s defense and service, and it often comes with a range of benefits, one of which is a retirement pension.

Let’s talk about living off your military pension when retiring at a young age, planning ahead, the Blended Retirement System and monthly payouts.

Breaking the Stereotype

You probably think (military) retirement looks something like this:

Approximately 20% of military personnel make it to the full 20 year retirement—and most retire after the age of 40. But, if you’re like me and you enlist when you’re 18 (or 17), you may be in luck.

There are a variety of reasons why many service members choose to leave before then—some may leave due to injuries or disabilities sustained while on active duty, others may leave to pursue other career opportunities—but if you stay the course, there are some great benefits in the long run.

Retiring at 38: A Unique Opportunity

Retiring from the military at the age of 38 is a unique opportunity that isn’t available to everyone. It typically requires joining the military at a relatively young age and serving for a minimum of 20 years. While this may involve significant sacrifices and challenges, it opens the door to a pension, healthcare and other benefits that can provide financial stability and security in your post-military life.

After 20 years in an upside scenario, your retirement pension is 50% of your base pay while serving. If you stay in for 30 years, that goes up to 75%.

It’s not a windfall, but it can cover some major expenses like mortgage, car payments, etc. Many people that retire from the military after 20 years begin another career in the civilian workforce. You’re young enough, and you have something most people don’t—at least two sources of income.

Unless you are much better at saving money than most—the average American has $65,100 in personal savings—that pension likely won’t be enough.

Understanding Military Pensions

Military pensions are retirement benefits provided to servicemen and women after they complete at least 20 years of military service. The amount you receive is based on a formula that takes into account your final pay grade, years of service and other factors. This pension is guaranteed for life and is adjusted annually for inflation, making it an attractive financial asset for retirees.

Two Types of Retirement

In 2018, the United States Department of Defense introduced the Blended Retirement System (BRS) as an alternative to the traditional pension system, known as the Legacy Retirement System (commonly referred to as the High-3 System). The BRS combines elements of both traditional pensions and a defined contribution retirement savings account, similar to a 401(k).

Under the BRS, service members who complete 20 years of active service still receive a pension based on their years of service, but it is calculated differently from the Legacy Retirement System. Additionally, the BRS provides government matching contributions to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, which service members can contribute to throughout their career.

Blended Retirement System (BRS)

Overview: The Blended Retirement System is a retirement plan introduced by the Department of Defense to offer a more flexible and portable retirement benefit to service members. It combines elements of the traditional defined benefit system with a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Defined Benefit: Under BRS, service members accrue a defined benefit known as the annuity, which provides a pension-like stream of income upon retirement. The size of the annuity is determined by a formula based on years of service, a multiplier and the average of the service member’s highest 36 months of basic pay.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): BRS includes an automatic government contribution of 1% of the service member’s basic pay to their TSP account, and they are also eligible for a matching contribution of up to 5% if they contribute their own funds. This creates a retirement nest egg that can be invested and grown over time.

Vesting and Portability: The TSP component of BRS is fully vested from day one, and service members can take it with them if they separate from the military. This portability makes BRS attractive to those who may not make a career out of the military.

Legacy Retirement System (High-3)

Overview: The Legacy Retirement System, also known as the High-3 system, is a traditional defined benefit pension plan that has been in place for many decades. It offers retirement benefits based on a service member’s highest 36 months of basic pay and years of service.

Defined Benefit: Under the Legacy Retirement System, service members receive a pension calculated as 2.5% of their highest 36 months of basic pay for each year of service. This means that after 20 years of service, they are eligible for 50% of their basic pay as a pension.

TSP: The Legacy Retirement System does not include a TSP or 401(k)-style savings plan. It relies solely on the defined benefit pension.

Comparison

Pension Component: BRS offers a smaller defined benefit compared to the Legacy Retirement System. The pension in BRS is calculated as 2% of the highest 36 months of basic pay for each year of service. However, the addition of the TSP component can make up for this difference in many cases.

TSP: The introduction of the TSP in BRS provides service members with an opportunity to save and invest for their retirement, something that was absent in the Legacy Retirement System.

Vesting and Portability: BRS is more flexible in terms of vesting and portability, making it a better option for those who might not serve a full 20-year career in the military. The TSP component is fully vested from the start, and the contributions can be taken after separation.

Choice: Service members who entered the military before 2018 were given a choice between staying with the Legacy Retirement System or opting into the Blended Retirement System. This choice allowed service members to select the retirement system that best suits their individual circumstances.

Benefits of Retiring Early with the Blended Retirement System

Flexible Retirement Options: The BRS allows for more flexibility in retirement planning, making it easier for service members to retire early and still have access to retirement benefits.

Enhanced Financial Literacy: The BRS encourages service members to become more financially literate, as it requires active participation in planning for retirement.

Challenges to Overcome

Reduced Pension: The BRS may result in a lower pension compared to the Legacy Retirement System, which could impact the feasibility of retiring at 38.

Investment Risks: With the BRS, service members bear the investment risks associated with their TSP accounts, which could affect their retirement savings.

Sample Monthly Payouts

To better understand the financial aspect, let’s consider an example of a retired military member at age 38 who has served for 20 years under BRS:

Final Pay Grade: E-7 (Sergeant First Class)
Years of Service: 20
Estimated Monthly Pension under the BRS: Approximately $2,000 to $2,500 (depending on factors such as the year’s Cost of Living Adjustment – COLA)

Now this is a simplified example, and actual pension amounts can vary based on multiple factors such as pay grade, years of service, COLA adjustments and the choice of benefits. The TSP account’s value will also vary depending on how much the service member contributed and the investment performance.

Ready to Retire?

Probably not yet. Hopefully, you’re just getting started on your journey or know someone that is. However, it goes by much faster than you think.

If you retire at 38-years-old, there’s a lot of life left and so many opportunities to continue your journey with purpose and determination. The skills and experiences gained during service become valuable assets in the civilian world. However, the transition from military service to retirement can be a profound change, much like the shift from civilian life to the rigors of basic training.

Both stages represent pivotal moments in a military career, each with unique challenges and adjustments. The shared experiences of sacrifice, discipline and resilience create a bridge that connects these two phases. As you embark on this next chapter of your life, have these conversations early and often—talk about finances, career opportunities and everything the military has to offer. Whether you’re headed off to Basic Training yourself, or sending someone off to Basic Training, remember how impactful support and education can be in the early days of service.

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