The employer health care could potentially help the DOD cut costs, without causing too much trouble for retirees. They are also going to take a look at the compensation for those how serve, but do not retire. These individuals give years of their lives and walk away with nothing.

The potential for a complete rethink of the military retirement, pension, and compensation policies is most likely imminent. But there isn’t any current plans to change anything. It may be in the best interest of retirees and current serving military members to get involved. Providing real feed back, and submitting ideas is a great way to make sure any new legislature will be positive for those it would moste affect.

Small items often go missing from time to time in the military. It can be as simple as a cell phone, key board, office equipment, or other type of gear. But the penalty for knowingly stealing from the United States military is often more than people bargain for. The severity of this crime could land a few people in correctional institutions for years to come.

The items were stolen from the 4th Stryker Brigade, but no weapons or ammunition were reported missing. There is currently a reward being offered in the amount of $10,000 to anyone who has information as to the location of stolen items.

Soldiers were restricted Wednesday. Families called the March Forward organization claiming poor and abusive treatment of the restricted members. They are also baling officer negligence for the lose.

The restrictions were eased over the weekend to allow family visits and for supervised escorts for medical appointments and home emergencies.

Most active duty members, and reservist can tell you they pay a lot of taxes each month. One look at their LES and you can see the amount of federal taxes can easily be between $200 to $400 each month. Most members are not aware that they are paying more in taxes then their current tax bracket requires. Because of the excessive amounts, coupled with those claiming dependents or work related expenses, some military members receive $5000 to $10,000 once the tax filing process is completed.

For those members with savings accounts, IRA’s, stock investments, and other financially complicated accounts, talking to an accountant can save time, money, and stress. H&R Block starts to employ accountants as the new year progresses and as filings begin to increase. The accountants are usually very knowledgable and will do everything in their power to priced either a high tax return, or a low owed tax amount. Military members can use Turbo Tax, H&R Block or an individual accountant depending on their needs.

For many, 2012 will be a great opportunity to get a little money back from the government. But for veterans, that may not be the case. Depending on the type of job, and the state, many veterans may be struggling to pay the owed tax amount. If this is the case, there are a few options available. Some have the option to defer payment to the government for a few months. This can be a difficult task to achieve, and may not provide enough time to collect the money. It is usually a good idea to put a percentage away each month into a separate savings account so the money accumulates slowly over the year. By the time the taxes are filed, the savings account should be set to pay.

No one enjoyed paying taxes, but there are many options to help people. TurboTax has provided free services for some in the past, and H&R Block has also offered guaranteed amounts regardless of the governments decision. Make sure to get completely informed on all saving, and opportunities before making a decision.

As the month progress, up until April 15th, this article will be updated with more information of services, discounts and information as it becomes available.

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A factor affecting CONUS COLA is the zip code of the resident. The amount is also subject to taxation, but the amount is included. Those with dependents are likely to receive more that those without dependents.

The calculation process is very simple. It accounts for dependents, pay grade, time in service, and the location. As an example and E5 with dependents living in Boston, MA would receive $116, while the same pay grade with no dependents would receive $84.

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The US military has acknowledged the accident was caused by a system failure and poor choices by the pilot, who was a student. The pilot made decisions which lead to him bypassing a potentially safe landing area at a coastal Navy base. The pilot ejected and watched in horror as the plane crashed into the community.

There have been cases of the government paying individuals and families for wrongful deaths in the past. Because they have admitted fault, the family is now fighting for a dollar amount. Some have been paid millions of dollars, but the current amount for Don Yon isn’t currently public knowledge. The actual amount will come out during the trial.

The process was to incinerate the partial remains. The remains were sent to the King George County Landfill. This information was first found by the Washington Post which gathered its information from Dover Air Force databases.

Though families of the troops had authorized the remains be dispose of with dignity and respect, they were unaware of the practice to destroy their loved ones remains. Currently the Air Force has no plans to inform the families of the 274 troops of the practice used.

This mortuary has been handling the remains of more than 6,300 troops since 2001. This practice may or may not cause a future lawsuit. Any family who feels their fallen loved ones were not take care of properly have the opportunity to contact their respective military branch and ask for more information.

These practices could also cause problems for the landfill and their contract with the military. These unauthorized practices may lead to further investigations.

US Troops Leaving Afghanistan

US troops will be coming home by the end of 2012. Currently, drawdown plans are being announced to pull 33,000 U.S. soldiers from Afghanistan. In June of 2011, the number of American troops currently serving in Afghanistan was around 101,000.

Other nations are also planning to bring their armed forces home, giving more control of the conflict to Afghanistan. Some troops, however, will stay behind to help train the Afghan forces. This continued training, coupled with aid and support, would help Afghanistan gain better control over the situation on their own.

Many foreign forces have left the region this year. By the end of Dec., roughly 14,000 foreign troops will be pulled from the area. The United States will also be pulling 10,000 soldiers. This drawdown would have the added benefit of saving the US government money.

Money spent on wars has had a heavy cost to the United States economy. Congress is in the process of finding ways to save money and cut spending. Most military programs and benefits are currently safe. There have also been legislation to provide funding to help veterans find job opportunities.

Troops will most likely be pulled from the region up until 2014, when the Afghans will take full control of security.

Loans and mortgages under the VA are very standard, but other types of loans can vary greatly between banks and lenders. When choosing a financial institution, it is good to weigh the benefits between them and various loan types. Using Bank of America and the Navy Federal Credit Union as examples, we see similar policies and services other than VA;

Bank Of America

30-year fixed-rate mortgage
20-year fixed-rate mortgage
15-year fixed-rate mortgage
Other fixed-rate mortgages (10 and 25 Year Loans)
Jumbo loans(For higher than conventional thresholds)

Navy Federal Credit Union

15- and 30-year terms with fixed monthly payments
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on many conventional loans
Personal guidance from first call to closing, 7 days a week
Navy Federal servicing for the life of your loan

One difficult hurdle many vets face is qualifying for the VA mortgage. The standards associated with the loan are high, and those applying need to have a strong financial background. One requirement is the need to have 2 years of employment history. Many banks and credit unions will not allow a person to receive a VA home loan until they have been stable in a position for at least a 2 year time period. Each institution is different, and many are willing to work with individuals to help them get a home loan.

Rates associated with the loan will vary depending on the person applying’s credit score. The benefits of a VA loan are great, but does not guarantee a lower APR. Multiple financial institution provides the service, but ultimately it comes to personal preference.

Those wanting to research more about the VA loan process should visit the Veterans Administration Website for more information on loans and other VA services. Veteran benefits such as VGLI (Veterans Group Life Insurance), GI Bill, and other services are always available to those looking for assistance.

Affiliates - [The Daily]

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

The VGLI is a program for post separation insurance. It allows Servicemembers to convert their SGLI coverage to a renewable term insurance plan. It can be issued in multiples of $10,000 up to a total of $400,000. Application can usually be done online, and the process is relatively simple. Application must start within one year and 120 days from discharge. Those who do not submit within 120 days will have to provide evidence of good health.

Many people choose VGLI. But, VGLI rates tend to increase every 5 years. Premium rate for people below the age of 29 for a $400,000 plan is $32.00 a month. A full chart of their rates can be found on the VA website.

Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Associaton (AAFMAA)

Another option for separating service members is the AAFMAA. They can provide insurance coverage at varying rates, often cheaper, than that of the VGLI. Though it may not be for everyone, competition and rate comparison can often lead to better decisions.

The AAFMAA program can be a little restrictive compared to the VGLI.
From their website:

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

• Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard personnel who are:
• Active Duty (or within 120 days after separation)
• Guard or Reserve (Full or Part Time)
• USMA, USAFA, USNA, or USCGA Cadets
• ROTC Contract/Scholarship Cadets
• Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Retirees (through age 65)
• Honorably discharged Veterans residing in Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia

LIFE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY

• Members and spouses (age limits are dependent upon product selected)
• Children and grandchildren 6 months through age 17 (whole life only)
• Children and grandchildren ages 18-23 (whole life and Level Term I)
• Widows of members (for themselves and children/grandchildren of member)
• Children 15 days through age 13 (Generations Plus)

Compared to other life insurance providers such as Metlife, Prudential, New York Life, and others, the rates and coverage amounts are hard to beat. Multiple states provide various amount, such as florida’s rates for term life. Any individual looking for term life insurance should check with companies to get rate quotes before making a decision.

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The first test flight of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept was completed today November 17th 2011. The glide vehicle, which is the first of its kind and can fly within the earth’s atmosphere at hyper sonic speed, launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. It traveled to the Reagan Test Site in Kwajalein Atoll.

Image Source: Wired.com

This yes was designed to collect data on hypersonic boost-glide technologies and test range performance. A large focus was on aerodynamics and the affect on navigation, guidance,control and thermal protection.


The data could help develop other vehicles that could cover a large distance in a short time span to help support various missions and goals. The success or failures of onboard systems and construction will provide invaluable information for the future development of DOD hypersonic boost-glide capabilities and technologies.

Source [DOD Press Release]