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Taking care of our service members and families

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Secretary of Defense Announces New 2023 Initiatives for Taking Care of Our People

The well-being and readiness of our service members is a top priority for the Defense Department. In September 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced initial actions. As of March 2023, new initiatives have been added to strengthen support to service members and their families.

Changes will make military moves easier, support careers of military spouses, strengthen support for military families and ensure economic stabilization.

Read the "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families"and "Strengthening Our Support to Service Members and Their Families" memos from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

Download the "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families" fact sheet.

Strengthening Our Support to Service Members and Their Families

Learn more about new initiatives for supporting the well-being and economic security of our military community.

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Jump to a section for additional information and fact sheets:

4 Priorities to Benefit Military Families

1. Economic Stabilization

Our military families must be secure in their ability to afford the basics. In addition to the 4.6% pay increase for service members included in the president’s 2023 budget, the Defense Department will:

Fully Fund Commissaries for Further Savings add
Pay a Basic Needs Allowance add

2. Making Moves Easier

Service members and families are required to move frequently, and these moves often come with costs that strain budgets. We are easing the moving process by:

Increased Maximum Temporary Lodging Expense Allowance add
Increased Dislocation Allowance add
Enhanced Military OneSource Digital Services add

3. Strengthening Our Support for Families

We’re expanding support for families and making it easier to find affordable, quality child care options by:

Provide Service Members Access to Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accountadd
Provide Universal Prekindergarten at Department of Defense Education Activity Schoolsadd
Implement Military OneSource Specialty Consultantsadd
Reinforce the Expansion of the Military Parental Leave Programadd
Investing in Child Development Program Facilities add
Standardize a Minimum 50% Fee Discount for the First Child of CDP Direct-Care Workers add
Improving Access to Child Care Programs and Resources add

4. Supporting Careers of Military Spouses

Military spouses are the strong foundation for our service members and military families. We are expanding employment opportunities by:

Promote Military Spouse Licensure Portabilityadd
Expand My Career Advancement Account Eligibility To More Spousesadd
Accelerating Development of Occupational Licensure Compacts add
Increasing Direct Hiring and Remote/Telework Options add
Launching a New Career Accelerator Pilot Initiative add
Increasing Partners in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership add

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Resources for Service Providers and Leaders

Force readiness depends on service member well-being. Get resources you can pass along to fortify MilFams in your community. Explore the economic security toolkit »


Frequently Asked Questions

Will service members have to apply for the higher rates like they did for the temporary increase in BAH rates last year? add
What is the Basic Needs Allowance? Who will get this? Do you have to apply? add
How much do service members save on grocery shopping at the commissary? add
When will the increase in DLA for E-1 to E-6 service members be effective? How much will it be? add
Do child development program employees currently receive any discounted fees if their children are enrolled in a child development center or school-aged care facility? add
What kind of child care assistance does DOD provide to service members? add
How is DOD going to expand remote work and telework options for military spouses? add

Looking for Immediate Support?

Explore a range of existing resources to support your family’s well-being and financial goals.

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