Jill Biden and Austin highlight enhancements in military benefits for service members at Maxwell Air Force Base
New and Improved Perks for the Military!
📍 Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III showcased a series of new measures to boost the living conditions for our troops and their loved ones during a trip here on the 13th of September.
The announcements include providing military families with the opportunity to establish tax-free Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), securing reimbursement for longer stays in temporary accommodations during a permanent change of station move, and bolstering child development center benefits at military bases.
First Lady Jill Biden also accompanied the Secretary, and they highlighted the upcoming universal pre-K at Department of Defense schools. This move is projected to facilitate the education of thousands of military children over the next five years within DOD Education Activity (DODEA) schools. Austin and his wife Charlene, along with Biden, spent time engaging with students at Maxwell's elementary and middle school, sharing sweet moments including Austin holding a paper dinosaur during a toddler lesson and being serenaded with a frog-counting song.
Austin expressed his determination to support troops and families, stating, "We're pushing hard to ensure these benefits are in place, and we're not stopping here."
These fresh initiatives strengthen Austin's "Taking Care of Our People" initiative, a priority since he assumed the role as the Pentagon's top civilian. As he wrote in a memo to senior military leaders, taking care of troops and their families is a crucial readiness factor.
"We must do right by our all-volunteer joint force and their families," Austin said. "We've made significant progress, but there's still work to be done."
The landing of these updates takes place as military recruitment and retention face challenging times. The rollout will progress over the next several months.
Beginning in 2025, service members will gain the privilege to set aside up to $3,200 from their income in pretax dollars for healthcare expenses such as copayments, eyeglasses, dental care, and other uncovered health-related expenses. Entry into the CDC system works like the existing Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Service members' families are set to benefit from expanded financial assistance for pursuing associate degrees, licenses, and certificates. Beginning October 1, financial support for the spouses of junior enlisted members will expand to cover all enlisted spouses.
"We're expanding our My Career Advancement Account to include the entire enlisted force and the warrant officer corps," a senior defense official remarked.
To ease spouse employment, the Pentagon aims to expand the opportunities for remote jobs in government positions and encourages the private sector to do the same.
"This initiative is vital for our families' financial well-being, as many U.S. families rely on dual incomes," a senior defense official explained.
Childcare remains a significant barrier for spouse employment. However, the Department of Defense is making strides in improving childcare availability.
All military departments are now encouraged to model the Department of the Air Force's approach to improving recruitment at military child development centers. The Air Force covers 100% of a childcare worker's first child's tuition at a CDC, and 25% for the second child. Austin wants all services to follow suit.
"We're making progress, but there's still more to do," Austin emphasized during a gathering of Airmen at the base.
In addition, out-of-pocket costs are under review, with an investigation of uniform items and allowances to ensure they reflect the expected wear and tear. The impact on service members stationed in remote and isolated locations is also being evaluated, considering issues like healthcare, off-base housing, and quality schools.
Lastly, a pilot program will explore the feasibility of making Wi-Fi internet access widely available to troops at no cost. Shoutout to these bold moves! Our troops and their families deserve the best, and here's to more progress!
- Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III showcased new measures at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, aiming to enhance the living conditions of troops and their families, in line with his "Taking Care of Our People" initiative.
- These initiatives include offering military families tax-free Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), reimbursing longer stays in temporary accommodations during a move, and bolstering child development center benefits.
- Austin expressed his determination to support troops and families, stating that the benefits are only the beginning, implying continued efforts towards military welfare.
- Beginning in 2025, service members will be able to set aside up to $3,200 from their income in pretax dollars for healthcare expenses, similar to the existing Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- To support military families financially, the Pentagon is expanding financial assistance for pursuing associate degrees, licenses, and certificates, aiming to make remote government jobs more accessible and encouraging the private sector to do the same.
