Service Member Privacy Versus Public Access to Information
As service members, you have the right to keep your personally identifiable information private. Meanwhile, the public has the right to access federal agency records.
No matter where you serve or live, free and confidential help is available.
In Crisis?
Call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800−799−7233.
Contact Military OneSource
Information and support for service members and their families. About the Call Center.
As service members, you have the right to keep your personally identifiable information private. Meanwhile, the public has the right to access federal agency records.
Military and family life counselors are among the benefits available to help service members overcome challenges and thrive in their military lives.
More than 80% of the U.S. military is made up of enlisted members, with officers making up the rest of the military population of the armed forces. Officers are trained to be managers and leaders. They plan missions, provide orders and assign tasks, while enlisted members are technical experts and leaders that hold the specific skills necessary to complete the mission.
The Department of Defense’s Military In Lasting Tribute memorial honors and remembers service members who died while serving honorably on active duty from 1985 to the present. It is the only DOD memorial to include peacetime deaths.
The information in this article will help you understand the benefits and protections available for lesbian and gay service members.
You’re closing the chapter on your military life and opening a new one. This means transitioning from being a soldier to a civilian employee in a company, nonprofit organization or maybe the government.
When your spouse or loved one suffers a severe injury or debilitating illness, it can feel as if your entire world has been turned upside down — and the goals and plans you had for yourself, your marriage and your family go on hold.
Your service member has just told you that they’ve received “orders to mobilize” – that means they’ll soon be deployed. This is the moment they have trained for since they entered basic training: preparing to serve a greater mission wherever and whenever they are needed.
Your deployment is over and now you are returning home. Next, it’s time to reconnect with your family and friends and return to your “normal” life.
Families where both spouses are service members have a unique challenge. While the dual-military life is rewarding, time apart can strain communication. Learn techniques to help you balance work and family life so that your relationship thrives. Develop strategies for dealing with stress and sacrifice so that your marriage is strengthened by your and your spouse’s service to the country.
Communicating with friends and family is very important for service members; a phone call or care package can help them feel connected, boost spirits and improve focus. However, whether your service member is in boot camp, stationed far away or serving in a combat zone, it can be tough to get ahold of them sometimes.
From budgeting and car buying to building a good credit score or getting a handle on student loans, your service member has access to several free benefits and protections to help them gain firm financial footing.
You know the drill: paperwork comes with the military. It also comes into play for legal protections — in your professional and personal life.
Thinking about college? You already have the discipline it takes to pursue higher education. From big universities to small colleges, you have plenty of options and each has something unique to offer. Here’s how to compare your college options and find the right institution for your education goals.
You may feel pride that your child, grandchild, bother, sister, significant other or friend is serving our nation. At times, that may also cause you stress. Your concern can grow during deployments, trainings, relocations and other life events.
Find answers to your questions about Common Access Cards for service members and others.
Your support can go a long way in easing the stress of a military move. Even if you live too far away to watch the kids or pitch in with the packing, there are ways you can make it easier for your loved ones to prepare for a PCS.
Holidays can feel very different when your service member is away. There are traditions that you’d like to share with them or wish they could participate in. But there are things you can do to help yourself – and your service member – make the holidays special, whether they are stationed far from home or deployed. Sharing old traditions and creating new ones can keep the holidays fun and meaningful, and help you stay connected.
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