Field Guide (Page 4)

Stories about benefits, career, education, quality of life and policy updates for active duty military, veterans and their families.

Latest in Field Guide

VA investigates, veterans affairs employee with El Paso, Texas VA who called veteran and left voicemail that prompted an investigation.
Benefits

A Marine vet thought he found a ‘home’ working at the VA. Now he’s one of 1,000 fired.

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Feb 14, 2025

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA - FEBRUARY 29: Images of cells dividing, on the walls at West Coast Fertility Centers, photographed February 29, 2024, in Fountain Valley, CA. (Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/for The Washington Post)
Military Life

Pentagon says it will cover travel costs for military families’ IVF treatments

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 11, 2025

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircrafts, assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, being prepared for the morning flight during Sentry Savannah 25-1, at the Air Dominance Center, Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, Jan. 21, 2025. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guard’s premier fourth- and fifth-generation fighter integration exercise, with this year’s event involving more than 1,000 participants and 56 aircraft from eight flying units. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Xaviera Stevens)
Air Force

Airmen say ‘people first, mission always’ is falling by the wayside in DEI crackdown

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 11, 2025

Elementary school students sit around multiple tables in a classroom.
Military Life

Department of Defense tells its schools ‘do not use’ certain lessons

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 8, 2025

Soldiers render honors during a ceremony marking the change of command for the Georgia Army National Guard in which Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman.
Military Life

Majority of troops and military families believe large-scale war is on the horizon, survey finds

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Feb 7, 2025

Two of three newly opened 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff, G-9 (Installations), and Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry, his senior enlisted adviser, joined 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Garrison leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. They are the first 3D-printed structures to comply with the Defense Department’s updated Unified Facilities Criteria, a mandate updated annually that provides construction guidance DOD-wide and now reflects standards for additive manufacturing, or 3D-printed, facilities.
Military Life

Fort Bliss gets a glimpse into the future with 3D-printed barracks

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 6, 2025

A hospital campus with fall foliage.
News

Flooding damages multiple buildings at Walter Reed

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 2, 2025

Contractors with JMJ Construction of New Lisbon, Wis., along with support from Heritage Movers of Blue River, Wis., move a World War II-era building in the 1600 block on the cantonment area Feb. 24, 2023, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The contractors are relocating and repairing four barracks buildings that are currently located in the 1600 block to alternate locations in the 1700 and 1800 blocks, according to the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works. The plan is to relocate the buildings to the new locations before the ground thaws, then lift them onto the new foundations and complete the remaining work by summer 2023. This was the first time in Fort McCoy's history a barracks building was moved like this. (U.S. Army Photo by Greg Mason)
Military Life

The Army is moving WWII-era barracks across a base to house visiting troops

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jan 29, 2025

Five men stand listening to their instructor who is pointing at a plane.
Career

Boot camp recruits will learn about Tuskegee Airmen, Air Force insists

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 26, 2025

Pvt. Alecsander Daniel (Left) and Sgt. Kyle Angove (Right), with Alpha Troop, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, bore-sight their M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, Oct. 20, 2020. The soldiers are in Syria to support Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) mission. CJTF remains committed to working by, with and through our partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jensen Guillory)
Career

Army recruits hoping for cav scout or armor jobs will have to wait for boot camp

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jan 23, 2025

A soldier deposits funds into a safe in a finance office, Nov. 4, 2013, at Bagram Air Field, Parwan province, Afghanistan. The 101st Financial Management Support Detachment, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade (Lifeliners), in support of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), effectively manages millions of dollars throughout Afghanistan. The 101st Financial Management Support Detachment is a Massachusetts National Guard Unit. (U.S. Army Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, Task Force Lifeliner Public Affairs)
News

Paychecks for junior enlisted troops are better than 90% of civilian peers, report says

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jan 15, 2025

An airman with the 802nd Security Forces Squadron stands outside a gate to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas in June, 2024. (photo by Brian Boisvert/U.S. Air Force)
News

Military bases reinstate Trust Traveler program following pause

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 12, 2025

The US Department of Veterans Affairs building is seen in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2019.
Education

VA extends education benefits by a year for more than a million veterans

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 5, 2025

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alec Blackmon with the 802nd Security Forces Squadron stands outside a gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in June 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Boisvert)
News

Security tightened at military bases following New Orleans, Las Vegas attacks

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 4, 2025

Members of the 8th Maintenance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea work on an F-16 during an exercise in 2013. ((U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler)
Air Force

Air Force expands the number of skilled jobs up for retention bonuses

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 28, 2024

A man in military uniform with a face mask installs a white square Internet router in the ceiling of a barracks.
Military Life

Congress authorizes free Wi-Fi for troops in barracks

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 22, 2024

Soldiers of the Georgia Army National Guard complete a sunrise run during annual training at Fort Stewart. The Guardsmen are assigned to the 78th Troop Command's 110th Combat Services Support Battalion.
News

Troops are skipping mental health treatment over privacy fears, report finds

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Dec 20, 2024

Los Angeles, CA - November 26: Travelers make their way to LAX as large crowds travel for the Thanksgiving holiday at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Army

Soldiers can now get $2,000 if they travel for a family emergency

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

Airmen assigned to the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron train with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, assigned to the 190th Fighter Squadron, during a night close air support training mission at the Saylor Creek Range near Bruneau, Idaho on Sept. 25, 2018. The training started right before sunset and went well into the night, providing essential training to both the pilots and ASOS tactical air control party Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Joshua C. Allmaras)
Benefits

Veterans benefits are a cost of war that America is honor-bound to pay, a top veterans group says

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Dec 16, 2024

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 30: Former Seattle Seahawks player and United States Army Green Beret Nate Boyer prepares to run an American flag onto the field before the Salute to Service game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants at Lumen Field on October 30, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks beat the Giants 27-13. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
Culture

Nate Boyer, Green Beret turned NFL player, on the parallels between military service and sports

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Dec 13, 2024

Navy boot camp 9 weeks
Career

Navy cuts length of boot camp for new recruits from 10 weeks to 9 weeks

By Matt White

Posted on Dec 11, 2024

Maj. Caitlin Oviatt, 55th Logistics Readiness commander, inspects a shaving waiver during an open ranks inspection on July 9, 2024. Open ranks was being conducted as part of an Air Combat Command initiative to boost troop readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Watkins)
Air Force

Beards in the Air Force and Space Force will be debated in Congress

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Dec 9, 2024

A service member thumbs through a stack of cash.
Career

Junior enlisted troops set to receive major pay increase in 2025

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 8, 2024

MAYPORT, Fla. (Apr. 14, 2024) – Master Chief Electronics Technician Ryan Magill (left), a native of Valparaiso, Ind., conducts push-ups during U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Navy Reserves physical readiness test, Apr. 14. COMUSNAVSO/4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Sippel)
Military Life

Sailors who ace fitness test are now exempt from Navy body fat limits

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Dec 2, 2024

Judge David O. Carter looks at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus through a chainlink fence.
Veterans

A judge ordered the VA to build thousands of new veterans housing units in Los Angeles. An appeals court halted it

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 1, 2024

Gen. Eric M. Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, very casually let everyone know that he knocked out a CFT 324 days after having open heart surgery.
Military Life

Marine Corps commandant completes combat fitness test 11 months after open heart surgery

By Matt White

Posted on Nov 28, 2024

We showed the U.S. Marine Corps' latest recruiting ad, "Made For This" to a bunch of teenagers.
Career

We showed the new Marine Corps recruiting ad to some teenagers. Here’s what they thought of it.

By Matt White

Posted on Nov 19, 2024

Twenty sets of family members from the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing deployed together earlier this year, which included parents, siblings, spouses, cousins, uncles and nephews.
Career

20 sets of military family members serving in the National Guard deploy to Japan

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Nov 5, 2024

Hunting for a job after the military? Here are 8 ways to protect yourself from scams

Hunting for a job after the military? Here are 8 ways to protect yourself from scams

By Paige Cox

Posted on Nov 4, 2024

Army developing robotics technician field for special operations
Career

The Army is planning for a new robotics technician MOS

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 31, 2024

VA investigates, veterans affairs employee with El Paso, Texas VA who called veteran and left voicemail that prompted an investigation.
Benefits

‘All about the money’ — VA employee’s accidental voicemail to veteran prompts investigation

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Oct 29, 2024

RAF Mildenhall Housing
Military Life

Air Force families at RAF Mildenhall forced to move due to condemned homes

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Oct 23, 2024

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer announced a new mountaineering badge during the AUSA 2024 annual meeting and exposition.
Army

The Army is creating a new mountaineering badge, but it won’t be the ‘Ram’s Head’

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Oct 21, 2024

Data Analysis and Protect Insights to Improve Your Business Process with Software Development. A female software engineer on software project development to analyzing and ensuring reliability in a tech business office.

Everything veterans need to know about post-military security clearances

By Paige Cox

Posted on Oct 10, 2024

Hundreds of service members, civilians, families, and members of the community gathered at the installation's Community Club on Jun 26, 2024 to participate in the Fort Buchanan Hiring and Education Fair in Puerto Rico.
Career

Navy officer launches career mentorship program for vets, military spouses

By James Clark

Posted on Oct 9, 2024

marriage fraud army
Army

Former soldier in fraudulent marriage must repay $200k in benefits

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Oct 1, 2024

Team McConnell Airmen receive information from colleges and universities during the annual education fair held in the Robert J. Dole Community Center ballroom June 19, 2012, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The fair was held to spread knowledge of the different programs for Airmen and their family members.
Career

Bill would automatically give separating troops ‘competency records’ for civilian jobs

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Sep 24, 2024

Marines fire a mortar.
Career

Surge in Marines staying in the Corps past their first enlistment

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Sep 23, 2024

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls” load a plane at Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Cavazos, Texas, March 10, 2024, in preparation for the unit’s movement overseas. Red Bull Soldiers will spend nearly 10 months away from their homes in support of Operation Spartan Shield as part of a regularly planned operation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)
Army

101st Airborne Division troops headed to Middle East, 3rd Infantry will go to Europe

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

The variable In-flight Simulator Aircraft (VISTA) flies in the skies over Edwards Air Force Base, California, 26 August. The aircraft was redesigned from NF-16D to the X-62A, June 14,2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kyle Brasier)
Air Force

At famous home for test pilots, the Air Force is testing a new approach to housing

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

The tower of power includes the special forces, ranger, and airborne tabs.
Culture

A comprehensive guide to the shoulder tabs Army soldiers wear on their uniforms

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

The Pentagon announced new initiatives to save troops money and improve their quality of life. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone
Military Life

Free Wi-Fi in the barracks, and other quality-of-life improvements coming to all branches

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Sep 13, 2024

Marines CFT Air Force
Military Life

Four Marines trained an Air Force base to take the Marine Corps fitness test. The Air Force gave them medals for it.

By Matt White

Posted on Sep 9, 2024

Judge David O. Carter inspects the West L.A. VA campus on Aug. 21, 2024, while overseeing a lawsuit against the VA brought by veterans. (Getty Photo via Los Angeles Times by Brian van der Brug)
Veterans

Homeless vets sued the VA and won. Now the government has to build thousands of homes.

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Sep 7, 2024

Team USA and the Denmark Operators
Culture

Pucks, knucks and DGAFs: US military vets dominate international hockey tournament

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Sep 4, 2024

Determine Earning Power and Professional Growth Opportunities. A new female employee on a job interview final round with an HR officer in a business office.

The tried-and-true method to answering any tough job interview question

By Joel Martycz, RecruitMilitary

Posted on Sep 3, 2024

A New Jersey National Guard Soldier, 508th Military Police Company, walks down the hallway at East Orange General Hospital, East Orange, N.J., April 29, 2020. The National Guard is assisting the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in reopening a wing of the East Orange General Hospital in response to the COVID-19 relief effort. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Michael Schwenk)
Veterans

Supreme Court asked to rule if troops can sue over military health care mistakes

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 30, 2024

An Army team won the Call of Duty Bowl as services look online for new recruits
Career

An Army team won the Call of Duty Bowl as services look online for new recruits

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 29, 2024

Michael Powell
Career

‘I want to be an infantryman,’ says man who joined the Army at 39

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Aug 28, 2024

FILE PHOTO: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 16: A military veteran leaves a Stand Down event designed to help veterans who are homeless or housing insecure on June 16, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The semi-annual event helps veterans who are experiencing homelessness connect with services to find them housing. The event also connects veterans with agencies to help with medical services, food, clothing, and also helps veterans navigate the VA benefits system. There are an estimated 500 homeless veterans in the Chicago area, and 38,000 nationwide. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Veterans

VA issues more than $800 million in grants to help homeless veterans

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 18, 2024

U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training trainees carry weapons at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on August 2, 2024. Beginning on July 29, 2024, Col. Billy Wilson Jr., 737th Training Group commander, launched a weapons handling initiative. From now on, BMT trainees will carry weapons throughout their 7.5 weeks of training to instill a profession of arms and a warrior mindset into the future Airmen. JBSA-Lackland is home to USAF BMT where enlisted civilians are transformed into capable Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ava Leone)
Career

Seeking ‘warfighter mindset,’ Air Force basic trainees now carrying rifles through boot camp

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 13, 2024

U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Sgt 1st Class. Aleman assigned to Foxtrot 1st Battalion 34th Infantry Regiment participates in the “Shark Attack” or fear stage of the discipline process, as trainees arrive to the First day of Basic Combat Training on 12 June 2017 at Fort Jackson, SC. Among those assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment are Reserve Drill Sergeants from the 3rd Battalion, 518th Infantry Regiment who are required to serve two weeks for annual training (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darius Davis/Released).
Career

Army adds new boot camp companies in Oklahoma and Missouri

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 9, 2024

California Veterans are suing the VA to build more housing on 388-acre Los Angeles lot
Veterans

California Veterans are suing the VA to build more housing on 388-acre Los Angeles lot

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Aug 6, 2024

New recruiting MOS selects first class of 25
Career

New recruiting MOS selects first class of 25

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Aug 5, 2024

DPAA investigation team traversing the mountain side of the former Lima Site 85.
Military Life

Inside the recovery of MIA Americans from a secret jungle base

By Joshua Skovlund

Updated on Aug 2, 2024

New U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Abraham Lopez with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, receives a brief as part of a receiving event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, July 15, 2024. During the receiving process, recruits are checked for contraband, given a haircut, make a scripted phone call home, and issued their gear required for training. Lopez was recruited out of Recruiting Station Lake County, Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Francisco Angel)
Career

Marine recruit arrives at boot camp with glorious mop top

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 26, 2024

103-year-old WWII veteran finally gets VA benefits 78 years later
Benefits

103-year-old WWII veteran finally gets VA benefits 78 years later

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 24, 2024

Special Forces Assessment and Selection candidates carrying a log during a team building exercise.
Military Life

Special Forces Assessment and Selection: Everything You Need To Know

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Jul 23, 2024

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9587 commander speaks to U.S. Marines and Sailors at a luncheon during Fleet Week New York on May 27, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marine-Air Ground Task Force Fleet Week New York engages in special events throughout New York City and the Tri-State area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
Benefits

What does Project 2025 mean for military veterans?

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

Marines
Military Life

Project 2025’s plan for the US military

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 19, 2024

The San Diego sun begins to break through the clouds as sailors man the rails aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) as it departs its homeport of San Diego to support Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12). PP12 is the seventh in a series of U.S. Pacific Fleet-sponsored humanitarian and civic assistance missions that works with and through host and partner nations, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen regional relationships and capacity to collectively respond to natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the western Pacific region.
News

Mental health program for ‘vulnerable’ troops fails to reach 70% of enrollees

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 18, 2024

IRR Marines
Career

Do I have to go to my IRR muster duty event?

By Joshua Skovlund

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Audrey Griffith, left, points to an area of interest while standing guard with Spc. Heidi Gerke during a force protection exercise at Forward Operating Base Hadrian in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, March 18, 2013. Both women are members of the 92nd Engineer Battalion. (U.S. Army courtesy photo/Released)
Military Life

Female veterans of heavier combat face more chronic pain, as do spouses back home

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jul 10, 2024

Shot of group of business persons in business meeting. Three entrepreneurs on meeting in board room. Corporate business team on meeting in modern office. Female manager discussing new project with her colleagues. Company owner on a meeting with two of her employees in her office.

Everything Veterans need to know about soft skills in job interviews

By Shawn Gardner, RecruitMilitary

Posted on Jul 2, 2024