October

Army Training: More Than Just a Resume Bullet
Too often Army personnel do not realize the information and skills they gain while in the military will allow them to reap huge profits in the stock market.

Port Security Law Helps Protect American People
America’s seaports are vitally important to the nation’s economic health. New law leverages technology to enhance security at U.S. ports. The new legislation also codifies the Container Security Initiative implemented in 2002. That program deploys U.S. customs inspectors to dozens of foreign ports where they screen ship’s cargo before it departs for American destinations.

Considering the Army Reserve? Read About Army Reserve Employer Relations
In the current Global War on Terrorism, civilian employers of Army Reserve Soldiers play a critical role in the defense of the nation. It is imperative and vitally important that the Army Reserve and the local community work together to build on the talents and skills of the Citizen-Soldier.

Dog Tags Get a High Tech Makeover
The war in Iraq has brought many changes. Find out the facts about the New Iraqi government, economy, and social structure.

A New Slogan for the U.S. Army APTN (APTN), World Tue 10 Oct 2006 05:23 AM EDT The U.S. Army unveils a new recruiting campaign as it also announces recruitment numbers jumped significantly over last year.

Top 5 Reasons People Fear Boot Camp
...and How to Overcome Them - Fear is a recruit’s number one enemy. Here are the top five aspects of basic training that recruits fear the most and how to overcome that fear.

GI Bill Increased Educational Assistance Allowance
As of October 1, 2006 Active Duty servicemembers are eligible for up to $1,075 a month. Full time reservist are eligible for up to $309 per month. Use your GI Education Benefits. You earned them.

Iranians Behind Shipping Weapons to Iraq
Labels on weapons stocks seized inside and outside Iraq point to Iranian government complicity in arming Shiite militias in Iraq.

What Army personnel Should Know About the REDUX Military Retirement System
There are currently two retirement options for military retirees, High-Three and REDUX. Consider all the facts before you decide which path to take.

Freedom Rings On The Airways in Iraq
The voices and the faces of freedom are making their way onto the airwaves in the Diyala Province for the first time since coalition forces arrived in 2003.

What Do You Know About the New Iraq? Here are the New Facts
The war in Iraq has brought many changes. Find out the facts about the New Iraqi government, economy, and social structure.

Video News - Israel Withdraws Its Troops From Lebannon Sun 1 Oct 2006 07:18 AM EDT The Israeli Army says it has withdrawn the last of its troops form Lebannon. The withdrawal fulfills a condition of the cease-fire that ended the war between Israel and Hezhollah guerillas.

Recruiting, Retention Remains Solid
Five years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, recruiting remains solid, with every service meeting its active-duty recruiting goal for the 15th consecutive month.

Troops To Teachers - New Web Site - New Opportunity
Troops-to-Teachers provides Referral Assistance and Placement services to military personnel interested in a teaching career. 10 Minute Troops To Teachers and 1st Lady Laura Bush's PSA videos are now available on the Troops-to-Teachers New web site.

POW/MIA Recognition Day Reaffirms Nation's Commitment
As Americans pause to observe POW/MIA Recognition Day today, teams of military and civilian experts will be excavating sites looking for remains to help identify servicemembers still missing from past wars.

Buying or Refinancing a House? Use Your VA Benefits - You Earned Them
Service members and veterans, buy a home with no money down. Lock in historically low rates. Refinance to lower your monthly payments. Save thousands of dollars with a VA Loan.

VIDEO CLIP: Are We More Secure? APTN (APTN), World Fri 8 Sep 2006 10:42 AM EDT Despite the billions of dollars spent on security since the attacks of nine-eleven, many believe the United States is still vulnerable to attack.

September Shines a Spotlight on Life Insurance Awareness
This month you have two good reasons to give your life insurance an annual check-up. One – September is national Life Insurance Awareness Month. Two – some life insurance rates have actually gone down over the years, due in part to people living longer, healthier lives.

AKO Homepage Gets New Look, Easy Features
Computer users landing on the Army Knowledge Online homepage are finding a new format. AKO launched a new homepage Aug. 26 to help users easily navigate the site and find information quickly.

Corps Engineers Unsung Heroes of Katrina
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who are involved in disaster operations have never welcomed the experience of something called the “storm of the century.”
10 Vital Things To Know About Military Retirement
During my husband's retirement ceremony back in 2004, I was surprised to hear so many soldiers saying they weren't ready personally or financially for retirement.

Stopping Army Divorce, Communication Key to Relationships
At least a quarter of all therapy sessions conducted by marriage and family therapist Belinda Jellison, a licensed, professional counselor at Lyster Army Health Clinic, are for relationships, she said. Some couples may be able to reconcile their differences, but statistics show that roughly half of married couples cannot, and the relationship ends in divorce.

Who's Doing All This Traveling
Check out Special Offiers! Traveling has always been one of those activities in life that satisfies needs and wants. Humans sometimes need to travel, perhaps for business or personal reasons.

September

AKO Homepage Gets New Look, Easy Features
Computer users landing on the Army Knowledge Online homepage are finding a new format. AKO launched a new homepage Aug. 26 to help users easily navigate the site and find information quickly.

Corps Engineers Unsung Heroes of Katrina
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who are involved in disaster operations have never welcomed the experience of something called the “storm of the century.”

10 Vital Things To Know About Military Retirement
During my husband's retirement ceremony back in 2004, I was surprised to hear so many soldiers saying they weren't ready personally or financially for retirement.

Stopping Army Divorce, Communication Key to Relationships
At least a quarter of all therapy sessions conducted by marriage and family therapist Belinda Jellison, a licensed, professional counselor at Lyster Army Health Clinic, are for relationships, she said. Some couples may be able to reconcile their differences, but statistics show that roughly half of married couples cannot, and the relationship ends in divorce.

Who's Doing All This Traveling
Check out Special Offiers! Traveling has always been one of those activities in life that satisfies needs and wants. Humans sometimes need to travel, perhaps for business or personal reasons.

August

Recruits Defy Anti-Military Myths
A step through the doors of the Military Entrance Processing Station here blows away the myths that the military is struggling to get enough recruits, dropping its standards to get those it does, or glossing over the fact that it’s recruiting into a wartime force.

New DOJ Web Site Explains Military Rights
The Department of Justice has launched a Web site to protect servicemembers’ rights, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzalez said yesterday. Gonzales, speaking to the Disabled American Veterans annual convention in Chicago, said the Justice Department has made it a priority to enforce civil rights laws for American servicemembers.

DoD Announces Military Spouse Employment Opportunity
The Office of Family Policy, is working with the real estate industry to significantly improve training and career opportunities for military spouses as part of the Military Spouse Employment Initiative. DoD is appreciative of the efforts of many real estate organizations that have collaborated with this initiative.


Worldwide Terrorist Incidents Tracking System
The Worldwide Incidents Tracking System (WITS) enables users to search for and display incidents using a search functionality.

Sept. 11 Freedom Walk Honors 5th Anniversary
The first city to join the Defense Department’s “America Supports You” program is preparing to host a Freedom Walk on the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.


The U.S. Team Meets America's True Heroes
Instead of the regular morning team meeting with the coaches and players, former West Point grad and coach Mike Krzyzewski brought in one of his former players, Col. Robert B. Brown, and three of Col. Brown's soldiers who were wounded in Iraq to talk to the team. Coach K believes it's important to "connect with the military and engaging with them in this manner would be a tremendous opportunity."

Helmet Stops Enemy Bullet
Though a religious man, Cpl. Brian M. Henner doesn’t attribute divine intervention, luck, fate or destiny to the fact that he’s still alive after taking an enemy bullet to the head.

New Recruiting Age Limits
Obviously, as a result of this new age limit increase, a different crowd of people are joining the military; and they all have the same concerns. Here are a few of the questions I have received recently about basic training.

Critical Need For Warrant Officers
Warrant Officers are technical and tactical leaders who specialize, throughout an entire career, in a specific technical area. Although small in size, the level of responsibility in the Army Warrant Officer Corps is immense and only the very best will be selected to become Warrant Officers. Benefits include extended career opportunities, worldwide leadership assignments, and increased pay and retirement benefits.

Army Moving Toward Joint, Capable Aircraft
The idea of the services operating jointly with fewer aircraft platforms that share common features is the key to the modernization effort taking place throughout the military aviation community, the Army Aviation director said here yesterday.

Want To Make Your Money Work For You While You're Deployed?
Want to make your money work for you while you’re deployed, and come home to twice as much? Or maybe turn that hard-earned pension into enough to retire on – 10 years early? You served your country. Now it's time for your money to serve you. Our team of seasoned experts is dedicated to wringing every last cent of value out of each of Uncle Sam's dollars. You fought for us. Now let us fight for you.

July

Are The Recent Rapes And Murders Due To Lower Recruiting Standards?
The military has been able to fill its ranks without sacrificing quality, DoD's top personnel official told reporters yesterday. David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said all active-duty components met their recruiting goals in June for the 13th month in a row. He said the reserve components also did well, with all but the Navy Reserve making their recruiting goals.

Can I Join The Military With A Felony Conviction?
One of the most common questions we get is "Can I Join the Army if I have a Felony". This F.A.Q. Answers that questions and outlines what other offenses that may keep from joining the U.S. Army.

Online Higher Education
"The initials after your name lend credibility." Karen Cheathem has certainly learned that firsthand. Having recently completed her online MBA, she is now pursuing a Ph.D. on the Web as well. Lucky for her, the workplace values formal education and is increasingly embracing online learning as a means for employees to obtain it.

USAA - Financial Answers for Service Members
The new Financial Readiness Digest features answers to real financial questions from military members and their families. The answers, which are provided by June Walbert, a Certified Financial PlannerTM with USAA Financial Planning Services and Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army Reserve, are also featured in her “Ask June” column on military.com.

Servicemembers Getting Free Country Music CDs
The Armed Services YMCA is sending servicemembers free CDs with new and old popular country music hits that express pride in America. Under the "Send a CD to a Soldier" program, the Armed Services YMCA is sending the CDs to units supporting the global war on terrorism.

Latest on Veterans Data SNAFU
In May 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) learned that an employee, a data analyst, took home electronic data from VA that was stored in his home on a laptop computer and external hard drive. He was not authorized to take this data home. Get the latest info.

US Military Faced With Funding Issues
For the last quarter of 2006 United States Army bases stateside face a funding deficit of $530 million while troops active in Iraq and Afghanistan will not see the promised replacement levels of military equipment previously committed.

Army Raises Enlistment Age To 42
The U.S. Army announced today that it has raised the maximum enlistment age for both the active Army and Army Reserve from 40 to 42.

Basic Training More Combat Oriented
In a Pentagon briefing, Gen. William S. Wallace, commander of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, spoke with reporters about the command’s campaign plan and how basic training has evolved over the last four years.

Free Credit Monitoring For Vets
As part of the continuing efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to protect and assist those potentially affected by the recent data theft that occurred at an employee’s Maryland home, Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson today announced that VA will provide one year of free credit monitoring to people whose sensitive personal information may have been stolen in the incident.

Recruiting Stats Alone Don't Tell Whole Story
The Army Reserve may fall 3 percent or 4 percent short of its recruiting goal for the year, but its new chief said that's not necessarily "a bad-news story."

3 Tips to Getting a Degree Faster and Cheaper
Getting a 4-year degree, as the name suggests, usually requires you go to school for 4 years. In addition, for a typical individual, this education will cost more that $50,000. That is a lot of time and money, neither of which servicemembers have just lying around. Fortunately, there are ways to get your degree faster and cheaper.

Shopping for a Mortgage Loan?
In 1974, the Federal Government created the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act or RESPA. The idea behind RESPA was to provide consumers with more accurate and timely information about the settlement process for mortgage loans. There are two important disclosures for borrowers, the Truth in Lending (TIL) and Good Faith Estimate (GFE).

June

Army Streamlines Service Uniforms to One Blue Army Service Uniform
Army service uniforms will be streamlined to one blue Army Service Uniform, the Army announced today. “World-class Soldiers deserve a simplified, quality uniform. The blue Army Service Uniform is a traditional uniform that is consistent with the Army’s most honored traditions.”

Army celebrates 231st birthday
Cake-cutting ceremonies, balls, special concerts and Soldier appreciation days will take place throughout the Army and around the world this week in honor of the Army’s 231st birthday.

Dead-on Shooting Tips from a Combat Sniper
There is one word that every rifle shooter should know: BRASS. It is a word I learned many years ago as a young US Marine rifleman, and later a Marine sniper.

Services Achieve Active-Duty Recruiting Success in May
All the military services achieved or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals in the month of May, which marks the 12th consecutive month they've done so, according to information released by DoD June 9.

Breach Of Trust Undermines Active And Retired Military
On the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944, when the United States Armed Forces as part of the Allied Forces including Britain and Canada, landed on the beaches of Normandy, France and helped free France and much of Europe from the strongholds of Nazi Germany, there is no better time than to remember the sacrifices of all U.S. military members and their families.

Shopping For A Mortgage Loan?
Most mortgage consumers ask, “what’s your interest rate?” While this is an important question, it is not THE question that should be asked.

QUICK TIP: Recent Changes In Creditor Policies Recent changes in creditor policies and the United States Bankruptcy laws have created a tremendous financial burden for consumers. It is critical that we raise awareness and increase education in regards to these areas.

Identity Theft Tips from USAA
With one unfortunate incident, 26.5 million U.S. veterans had their personal information compromised, and it could just as easily happen to anyone of us.


Tips for Families of Activated Personnel
Reservist and National Guard families whose loved ones have been activated for duty in Iraq or other distant lands face not only separation but often financial hardship as well. A survey by the Department of Defense for Reserve Affairs found that 31 percent of families saw a decrease in income when a husband or wife was called up.

10 eLearning Questions
If you're like many considering eLearning as a way to advance your career or continue your education, you might find the world of online education as confusing as it is intriguing. For those of you wondering how a college experience can be delivered on a computer, we've compiled answers to 10 frequently asked questions about distance learning from seasoned professionals.

Earned Retirement Opportunities Act Gives Combat Troops Tax Help
An act signed into law May 29 by President Bush solves a conflict in the tax code by allowing servicemembers who serve in a combat zone to still contribute to their individual retirement accounts, a Defense Department official said here today.

MWR Travel Packages Make Australian Vacations More Affordable
Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons will be hard-pressed to beat the cost of an Australian vacation purchased through their Information, Ticket and Reservation office.

May

Bush: 6,000 National Guardsmen to Assist Border Patrol in U.S. Southwest
Southwestern border states will deploy up to 6,000 National Guardsmen to provide support to border patrol missions, President Bush said this evening in a nationally televised speech.

Certificate Programs: Are They Worth It?
For the past 32 years, Linda Smith has worked for the Social Security Administration. Now, as a 60-year-old manager, she’s looking toward retirement, but doesn’t want to stop working altogether. So she decided to pursue an online master’s degree in distance education at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC, Adelphi, MD), and earn certificates along the way.

What is a Family Readiness Group?
A Family Readiness Group (formerly know as Family Support Group), is an organization of family members, volunteers, and soldiers belonging to a unit, that together provide information and assistance to others in the group.

Army Optimistic Current Recruiting Trend Will Continue
The largest of the services, the Army is also the most heavily deployed, and with its one-year "boots-on-the-ground" deployment policy, it keeps its members away from home for the longest duration.

Congressional Recoil From Latest Dubai Takeover
The silence on Capitol Hill has been deafening. On April 28, 2006 the White House announced the approval by President George Bush regarding the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS) of its recommendation that Dubai International Capital LLC (DIC), a subsidiary of Dubai Holding and a Dubai government owned conglomerate, to assume the U.S. operations of Doncasters Group Ltd.

New recruits in critical specialties eligible for matching TSP funds
The Army announced April 14 that new recruits who are willing to fill critical specialties may receive matching funds when enrolling in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Self Employment, a Wise Career Choice for Military Spouses
Today’s home office technologies offer a wealth of opportunity for military spouses who wish to launch online Internet-based businesses that can be operated from virtually anywhere.

Is Distance Learning Right For You?
If you're like most people, you know someone who has taken an online class, or has considered it. After all, it makes perfect sense, especially when it comes to furthering your personal and professional goals. You can earn your degree online, minus all the time and location hassles that often accompany attendance at a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

Military, Families Can Get Online Mental Health Screening
Military members and families coping with the stress of overseas deployments and other potential health-threatening issues can log onto the Internet to get help, a U.S. military psychologist said here today.

Deployment disrupts children's lives, too
When deploying Soldiers leave behind loved ones, the disruption to family life can be especially hard on children. That’s why Dr. Thomas Hardaway, a child psychiatrist and chief of behavioral medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center, spoke with first- and second-graders at Fort Campbell, Ky., last fall when the 101st Airborne Division went to Iraq. He was coaching school administrators, counselors, nurses and parents to talk with children about deployment.

The Truth About Tax Refunds
RS records show most of us have $40 too much taken out of our earnings every week. Why? We either don’t know how many allowances to claim on our W-4, we’d rather overpay than write a check to the feds on April 15, or, we see it as an easy way to set aside funds for a vacation or big-screen TV.

April

Recruiting, Retention Rates Remain High for 10th Straight Month
Recruiting and retention rates released today demonstrate that young people see military service as a viable career option and, once they join, they want to continue serving, Defense Department officials said today.

Payday Loans vs. Installment Loans
Whether it's for car repairs, travel, or other unexpected bills, when consumers need immediate money their options are often limited. For service members, it can be even more so due to time constraints, lower-than-average pay scales, and a mobile lifestyle caused by deployments, training, and frequent moves.

Advance As An Army Warrant Officer
The landscape of the Army has changed over the years. Today’s Soldier has also evolved. Most join the Army already fully aware of the plethora of opportunities and benefits available to them. Local Army recruiters initially present many of the opportunities and benefits. Once in-service, career counselors may further advise, recommend and present various career advancement opportunities.

Portable Careers for Military Spouses - "Pack your Career and Go"
How many times have you relocated? How many jobs have you held in the past 10 years? Do these questions sound familiar? I bet they do. Military spouses face unique challenges when it comes to their professional careers.

TRICARE: DoD Attacks Rising Pharmacy Costs
In the first full year since the Department of Defense (DoD) began implementing the Uniform Formulary process to review and classify prescription drugs, $500 million has been saved through improved formulary and contract management.

Army Changes Tattoo Policy
The Army has revised its policy on tattoos in an effort to bolster recruitment of highly-qualified individuals who might otherwise have been excluded from joining.

First $1,000 Referral Bonus Earned
Sgt. Jeffrey Kauten, of the Army Reserves Detachment 4, 2300 Military Intelligence Group, Charlottesville, Va., was the first Soldier to qualify under the latest recruiting incentive that pays Soldiers a $1,000 lump sum payment for referring applicants who enlist, complete basic training, and graduate advanced individual training.

New Procedures for Soldiers to Request Tuition Assistance
The purpose of this message is to announce a new Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) Army Continuing Education System (ACES) process for automating tuition assistance (TA) through a new education website. Starting 1 Apr 06, Army TA will only be available through the education website, www.GoArmyEd.com.

Army Wife Talk Radio "Gets A Life Too"
The new internet talk radio show, Army Wife Talk Radio (AWTR), developed specifically for army wives, will be celebrating it's one year anniversary in April of this year. Kicking off the anniversary celebration, authors of "Help! I'm A Military Spouse -- I Want A Life Too!" Holly Scherer and Kathy Hightower will share a four part audio conference with the AWTR listeners.

Underfunded Federal Mandates Belie Port Security
As the story unfolds, it is perhaps important to gain some perspective on the underlying facts and historical context of the United Arab Emirates based Dubai Ports World (DPW) since its takeover of London based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O), before political allegiances and commercial interests totally obscure the main issues at hand.

Locating a Soldier--With the Army's Help Those who have lost track of old friends in the Army can find help locating their friends with the help of the Army's World Wide Locator. For a small fee (under ten dollars) and a letter, the Army locator can provide military address of that old friend and resume contact. Many people simply submit names and birth date information, only to get a letter back saying more information is needed. This service provides military addresses of soldiers on active duty in the U.S. Army. It does not provide information on Army National Guard, Army Reserves or soldiers who have separated / retired. A fee of $3.50 is charged to private businesses, creditors, friends and profit-making organizations for each address search.The check or money order must be made payable to the Finance Officer and is not refundable. Family members of the individual being searched, state and local government agencies, active/retired military and non-profit organizations are exempt from paying the fee. Mail requests to: Commander, EREC ATTN: PCRE-RP 8899 E. 56th Street Indianapolis IN 46249-5301

March

Deployment: It's A Family Affair
As seasoned military spouses will attest, the challenges of deployment start well before departure, and can continue even after a loved one's safe return. But with preparation, patience and an open mind, you can keep yourself and your family on solid ground before, during and after a deployment.

Army Must Change to Remain Relevant
The U.S. Army is the greatest it's ever been, but to remain effective for the future, it must make changes, a top Army commander said here yesterday.

Special Operations Transforming to Lead Global War on Terrorism
U.S. Special Operations Command is transforming to meet changing needs as it leads the fight in the global war on terrorism. The threat the United States faces today has no borders or boundaries, Army Gen. Bryan D. Brown, SOCOM's commander, told the audience at the 17th Annual National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low-intensity Conflict Symposium and Exhibition.

Money doesn't grow on trees!
Young children may notice that their parents use a plastic card to make purchases and they go to a machine and money comes out, while older children want to spend, spend, spend.

Wounded warriors get 'second chance'
Among more than 900 Soldiers watching the Washington Capitals beat the St. Louis Blues, 5-4, Thursday night in an overtime shootout, was a wounded warrior who aspires to one day play competitive hockey again.

Program expanded for Soldiers to earn $1,000 referral bonus
The $1,000 bonus for referring recruit applicants announced by the Army in January expanded recently to include more Soldiers as eligible to receive this payment.

Advisory Committee Recommends Big Changes to Military Pay System
A committee that's spent the past year studying the military compensation system is recommending sweeping changes that, if approved, would bring military compensation more on par with private-sector compensation.

Top 5 Reasons Why People Fail Boot Camp
Let’s face it, basic training is tough. For the first time ever recruits find themselves having to wait for permission to eat or even go to the bathroom. Given the several weeks of rigorous mental and physical stress, it’s no wonder that many recruits fail basic training before graduation.

Will Your Degree Have Value?
These days, everyone knows someone who's taking a class or even an entire degree program online. But if you're going to spend your precious time and hard-earned money on higher ed', you want to ensure a major return on your investment. Here's how.

DOD Proposes TRICARE Hikes For Younger Military Retirees
The Defense Department is proposing that working-age military retirees and their families pay higher premiums to help address health-care costs that have doubled during the past few years, senior DOD officials said here today.

February

Army requests $110.4 BILLION for FY 2007
The Defense Department's proposed fiscal 2007 budget reflects difficult decisions made by senior leaders as they seek to balance today's military needs with those anticipated for tomorrow, a senior official said here Feb. 10.

Groups Combine Resources, Give Troops Valentines
Two organizations have teamed up to send valentines to troops in Baghdad in a union made possible by "America Supports You."

TRICARE Dental Program Begins New Contract
TRICARE Management Activity will begin its new TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) contract with United Concordia Companies Inc. on Feb. 1, 2006. United Concordia will continue to furnish worldwide, comprehensive dental coverage to include preventive, diagnostic, restorative and maintenance services to all eligible Uniformed Services active duty family members and to National Guard and Reserve members and/or their eligible family members.

Army Modernizing to Win Long War
The U.S. Army needs the support of Congress to win the long war against terrorism and to meet other 21st century threats, Army officials said during testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee here yesterday.

Portable Professions - Spouse Careers Can Survive Frequent Moves
I had the perfect job. As the automotive and real estate editor for The Shreveport Times, I received a new car or truck each week to test drive. I drove luxury autos, sports cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and sedans — all brand-new.

QUICK TIP: 10 Tips to Survive Basic Training Basic Training is a gruelling experience. You'll be pushed phsyically and mentally to be the best you can be. You've probably braced yourself for the intense demands you'll face but no matter how prepared you think you are you'll be surpised at just how tough things will get. Here are 10 tips to help you survive basic training.

Army Raises Enlistment Age, Doubles Cash Enlistment Bonuses
The U.S. Army announced today that it has raised the active Army maximum enlistment age from less than 35 years of age to less than 40 years of age. It also announced that it has doubled the maximum combination of cash enlistment bonuses, up to $40,000 for the active Army, and up to $20,000 for the Army Reserve.

Four Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Everyone loves extra money — especially in the form of a large tax refund. Americans’ first impulse is to spend their entire refund on a car, vacation or other material object. However, if servicemembers spend that money wisely, for example in an individual retirement account (IRA), the refund can last them a lifetime.

Helmet Saves Soldier’s life
For many Soldiers, even the new Advanced Combat Helmet is a necessary evil; it can be cumbersome when in the dining facility trying to handle a tray of food and it causes headaches and tension in the neck when worn on lengthy missions.

Soldiers May Be Reimbursed for Protective Gear
A provision of the 2005 Defense Authorization Act allows for the reimbursement if service members weren’t issued equivalent equipment prior to deployment in Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

Army Extends Health Assessment for Soldiers
Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis Harvey and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter Schoomaker authorized this week a new health screening program, “Post Deployment Health Reassessment” (PDHRA), designed to address deployment-related physical and mental health needs of Soldiers three to six months after returning from deployment.

QUICK TIP: Waterproofing the Rucksack Waterproofing your rucksack will make sure the contents stay safe, dry and protected from the elements. Follow these simple steps to waterproof your rucksack.

January

A Raise is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Congratulations! Military service members are set to receive another well-deserved pay raise in January. But don’t run to the Post Exchange yet – not until you’ve considered the tremendous impact that even a 3.1 percent raise could have on your future. Bypassing a few luxuries in favor of smart financial choices could put you on the fast track to eliminate debt, create a financial cushion and secure your retirement.

Top 10 Things to Expect When Preparing for Basic Training
Since I have published The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, hundreds of people have asked me for advice. Most of the questions are the same, and served as the inspiration behind this article, in which I rank the top 10 things you should expect when departing for basic training. I have attempted to put this top ten list in order, with number 1 being the most important. So, without further hesitation, below are the Top 10 Things to Expect When Preparing for Boot Camp

New year, new MREs
If you are tired of trying to make Meal-Ready-to-Eat menus more palatable, then your search may be over. The field rations have progressed a long way from the C-rats of the past, and they continue to change even to this day.

Improved Armored Vests Reflect Changing Enemy Tactics
U.S. military members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous locales will soon receive revamped armored vests that provide more side protection, senior officials said here today.

Changing Face of War Means Morphing Guard, Reserve
The days of the weekend warrior are over, a top defense official said here yesterday. Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said the country has entered the era of an operational reserve force vs. a strategic one.

QUICK TIP: Get Ready For Basic - Physical When you arrive at a Service Academy or Bootcamp, not only will most of you be away from home for the first time, you will be placed in a stressful environment and expected to excel in military education, close quarter living, team work, and physical fitness tests (PFT).

3.1% Pay Raise Across the Board for 2006
Starting January 1st the U.S. Military has approved a minimum 3.1% pay increase across the board. Some MOS's and experience levels may see a larger increase but everyone will see a minimum of a 3.1% increase.

How to Create a Mental Barrier Between You and… You
The purpose of basic training is to break you down as a civilian and build you back up into a lean mean fighting machine. Although many people associate boot camp with rigorous physical training, there is actually more mental training involved than you might think.

Military Spouses Take on Money Matters
Meg McLean knew from the start that marrying a member of the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team - the "bomb squad" - could have its stressful moments. What she didn't count on was that having a military husband would also come with its own set of financial challenges.

Teacher and Student Serve Together in Iraq
At this time last ye