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Military Life Cycle

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.

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test
Getting Started in the Military – The Essentials

Latest Content

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 | 29766 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.
Service Member Doing Pushups

The New Army Combat Fitness Test

May 13, 2019 @ 4:06 PM | 3 Min Read | 1657 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 member looks at smoke

Life After Basic Combat Training

May 8, 2019 @ 4:42 PM | 5 Min Read | 677 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.
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 | 1991 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 | 724 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.
Group of Marines and Sailors with open books listen to financial seminar.

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

April 10, 2019 @ 3:54 PM | 12 Min Read | 1315 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.
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 | 21139 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 | 32088 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:
F-16 falcons fly in a row over mountains

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

January 17, 2019 @ 11:29 AM | 5 Min Read | 27098 Views

As a service member, you've earned financial benefits to help protect your future.
Family enjoys healthy exercise outside

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

January 2, 2019 @ 1:25 PM | 7 Min Read | 6066 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
Military pay technician examines a financial document.

Your Leave and Earnings Statement

December 26, 2018 @ 12:24 PM | 3 Min Read | 53273 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.
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 | 30054 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 | 103864 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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