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New to the Military

Getting Settled

New to the military? That means new surroundings. New digs. New routines. You’ll want to get up to speed on your new living arrangements, rules and ways to get rooted in your new military community.

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Latest Content

Family enjoys healthy exercise outside

TRICARE 101: Military Health Benefits Basics in Five Minutes or Less

December 13, 2019 @ 12:06 PM | 8 Min Read | 12352 Views

TRICARE is the health care program for almost 9.4 million service members, retirees and their families around the world that provides military health benefits and health care support to ensure mission readiness
Service Member Doing Pushups

The New Army Combat Fitness Test

December 2, 2019 @ 9:13 AM | 3 Min Read | 99954 Views

Starting October 2020, all soldiers will be required to pass the new Army Combat Fitness Test, which will replace the Army Physical Fitness Test. You will be expected to meet ACFT requirements regardless of age or gender, as part of your military training.
service members sitting in classroom

Military Pay 101: Basic Pay, Allowances and S&I Pay

November 26, 2019 @ 3:45 PM | 11 Min Read | 46536 Views

As an active-duty service member, you receive many benefits and entitlements like free access to Military OneSource services and support. One of the primary benefits to working in the military is a steady paycheck and tax-free allowances. Here’s a summary of the different military pay elements you might see on your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. takes the oath of allegiance at a U.S. Naturalization ceremony at Kadena Air Base in Japan

Your Military Service Offers a Faster Track to US Citizenship

November 1, 2019 @ 1:25 PM | 11 Min Read | 8800 Views

Every year, thousands of foreign-born service members and their family members become U.S. naturalized citizens. Learn more about steps to become a U.S. citizen and how you can use your military service to speed up the process and save money for processing fees.
F-16 falcons fly in a row over mountains

The Military's A+ Financial Benefits to Protect Your Future

October 9, 2019 @ 9:12 AM | 5 Min Read | 31574 Views

As a service member, you've earned financial benefits to help protect your future.
A servicemember counting out cash.

Deductions, Allotments and What Comes Out of Your Military Pay

September 9, 2019 @ 11:54 AM | 5 Min Read | 1819 Views

Like a coin, there are two sides of your military paycheck. There’s what goes into your paycheck – basic pay, allowances and special and incentive pays – and there is what comes out. You can see your deductions and allotments listed on your Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES. Here are some of the more common items you’ll see listed on your LES.
Military pay technician examines a financial document.

Your Leave and Earnings Statement

August 26, 2019 @ 2:54 PM | 3 Min Read | 65633 Views

Your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, is one of the most important financial documents you have for mastering your money and achieving your financial goals. Here's how to decipher the code.
service member looks at smoke

Life After Basic Army Combat Training

July 1, 2019 @ 5:24 PM | 5 Min Read | 3998 Views

Following your Army basic combat training, you’ll take one of two paths, advanced individual training or Officer Candidate School to advance in your military career.
U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Meeting Military Fitness Standards

May 13, 2019 @ 5:25 PM | 3 Min Read | 35082 Views

Physical fitness is a big part of life in the military. It’s required. Each service member is regularly tested. A Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coach can help you get or stay fit.
Soldiers working out on grass.

Military Pay 101: How to Open a Bank Account and an Introduction to TSP

April 22, 2019 @ 2:14 PM | 5 Min Read | 5717 Views

When you’ve received your first Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, that means you’ve been paid for your service in the Armed Forces. We’ve got some tips on how you can make the most of your basic pay – from the most important parts of your actual pay stub, to picking the right bank account, to even getting a “raise” by increasing your Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, contributions.
Airman working

Military Jobs: Your Future Career in the Armed Forces

April 22, 2019 @ 11:18 AM | 12 Min Read | 3357 Views

Enlisting in the military can help you achieve your career goals. In fact, there are even some jobs that you can only do as a service member, like drive a tank or fly a fighter jet. Here’s what you need to know about your future military career.
Man in a military uniform shows a stack of twenty dollar bills.

Managing Your Money as a New Service Member

April 10, 2019 @ 12:19 PM | 4 Min Read | 24368 Views

You're learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management should be one of them. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. It's your money. Make the most of it by creating a financial plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.
Cashier helps soldier with debit card

On Your Side: Military Financial Support

January 22, 2019 @ 2:32 PM | 6 Min Read | 34321 Views

Service members and their families have access to substantial resources to save money and manage your expenses. Learn more about ways to save and protect your family’s financial health with the following programs:
Child high fiving adult at community event

Military Housing: Living on an Installation for the First Time

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 39708 Views

Moving is an exciting time, and moving on to a military installation for the first time can be a great opportunity to become part of a service-oriented community. You’ll likely have many things in common with your new neighbors, and save some money by living in more affordable housing provided to you by the military.
Four new service members do push-ups in front of a line of their peers.

What to Pack for Basic Training

August 29, 2018 @ 12:48 PM | 4 Min Read | 149815 Views

You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training - everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.
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