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Photo credit: UN Photo/UN792337
Information sharing on national military expenditure
Governments can report their annual military spending to the United Nations. This may increase confidence among States within regions and beyond.
Limiting military spending?
Over the past century, governments have sought ways to reach a global agreement on reductions in military expenditures. Various proposals were discussed in the League of Nations, and later in the UN. Early proposals in the UN focused on reducing the expenditures of States with large militaries, and on freeing up funds for development aid.
Focus on transparency
Proposals for cutting military spending did not materialize. However, they led to the development of the UN Standardized Instrument for Reporting Military Expenditures in 1981—later renamed United Nations Report on Military Expenditures (MilEx)—under which countries are encouraged to report on their military expenditures.
The original goal of MilEx—to facilitate reduction of military expenditures—gradually gave way to another important goal: to increase transparency and build confidence among States. If States submit reports every year, MilEx will provide insight on military spending patterns and contribute to increased international trust and security.
Building trust
Sharing information on military expenditures is important for increasing trust between governments in all parts of the world. But having this information available is only the first step in confidence-building. As a follow-up measure, authorities from different countries may meet and discuss their respective military expenditures, e.g. within their regional contexts. UNODA stands ready to assist regional organizations in making such confidence-building talks a reality.
Secretary-General’s reports and related resolutions on objective information on military matters, including transparency of military expenditures
Military confidence-building in post-conflict
Transparency in military matters is important in all parts of the world. States coming out of conflict and their neighbours and States in regions perceived to have high levels of military spending are among those that may benefit particularly from using the UN Report on Military Expenditures. For countries where defence sector reform is planned, reporting current military spending by category of expenditure may provide a baseline assessment of present priorities, which can constitute a sensible and transparent start of the reform process.
How to report
Reporting to the UN Report on Military Expenditures can only be done by governments.
States with no military expenditures may submit a “nil report”. Other states can use either a standardized reporting form, a simplified reporting form, or a “single-figure” form.
UNODA stands ready to assist States with their national reports. We also work with regional organizations – upon request – on organising military confidence-building activities.
Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:54:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/Milex/Killexams : The Best Banks and Credit Unions for Military Members and Their Families, February 2023
Our experts answer readers' banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
A good military bank should make it easy for you to access your money, loans, and investments from wherever you are in the world. It should also provide special incentives for military members and families.
The Best Banks and Credit Unions for Military Members and Their Families
Learn more about our top picks for the best banks and credit unions for military members and their families. Each one is federally insured to keep your money safe and has competitive perks for the military.
Insider's Featured Products for Military Members
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
4X points on all travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Members, 3X points on all travel categories, 1.5X points on all other purchases
50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening
$95 (waived for existing Honors Advantage Members)
2% cash back on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage Members, 1.5% cash back on all purchases made with your card
$100 statement credit offer when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days from account opening
5x points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations, 3x points at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services, 1x points on all other purchases
15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days of account opening
The Best Military Banks and Credit Unions
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% on balances of $1,000 or more
Minimum Deposit Amount
$25
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% on balances of $1,000 or more
Minimum Deposit Amount
$25
USAA Classic Checking
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% on balances of $1,000 or more
Minimum Deposit Amount
$25
Pros & Cons
Pros
Reimburses up to $10 in out-of-network ATM fees
No overdraft fees
Free overdraft protection is available
Early direct deposit
Access to 1,200 free USAA ATMs
Access 60,000 USAA-preferred ATMs nationwide (Allpoint, MoneyPass, and PNC Bank ATMs)
Cons
$2 transaction fee on USAA-preferred ATMs if you exceed the limit (10 free withdrawals per month)
Highlights
More Information
Available to active military, veterans, and military families
Financial centers in Colorado, Maryland, New York, and Texas.
On Navy Federal Credit Union's secure site. Navy Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Navy Federal Free Active Duty Checking™ Account
On Navy Federal Credit Union's secure site. Navy Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.05%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
No minimum opening deposit
Refunds up to $20 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
Receive direct deposits one day before payday
No monthly service fee if you set up military direct deposits
Free personalized checks
3 overdraft protection options: savings transfer, line of credit, or optional overdraft protection service
Cons
Interest compounded monthly, not daily
Free Active Duty Checking is only for active military, retired military, or reservists
Highlights
More Information
Available to active military, retired military, or reservists
Join Navy Federal Credit Union as an active military member, military veteran, Department of Defense employee/retiree, or family member of any of the aforementioned groups
355 branches worldwide, including on select military bases
30,000 free ATMs
Interest compounded monthly, paid monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Premium Online Savings Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.70%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$5
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Premium Online Savings Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.70%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$5
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Premium Online Savings Account
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.70%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$5
Pros & Cons
Pros
Competitive APY
$5 opening deposit
No monthly service fee
Cons
Compounds interest monthly, not daily
You may find a slightly higher rate elsewhere
Highlights
More Information
Many ways to join PenFed, the easiest being to open a savings account with $5
Branches in US and on military bases in Guam, Puerto Rico, and Japan
Interest compounded monthly, paid monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Security Service Power Checking Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Security Service Power Checking Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
On Security Service Federal Credit Union's secure site. Security Service Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Security Service Power Checking Account
On Security Service Federal Credit Union's secure site. Security Service Federal Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
No monthly service fees
No minimum opening deposit
Overdraft protection available as a transfer from savings or as a line of credit
Cons
$1.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Doesn't reimburse fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers
$2 overdraft transfer fee when you exceed 3 transfers per month
Highlights
More Information
Join Security Service FCU if you are a member of select military branches at certain military bases; are an employee of the Department of Defense; live, work, worship, study, volunteer, or have a business in CO, TX, or UT; are related to someone who is already a Security Service FCU member
67 branches in CO, TX, and UT; 5,000 shared branches in the CO-OP network
Over 30,000 free ATMs in the Security Service FCU, CO-OP, and Stripes networks
Federally insured by the NCUA
Service Everyday Checking Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Service Everyday Checking Account
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
On Service Credit Union's secure site. Service Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Service Everyday Checking Account
On Service Credit Union's secure site. Service Credit Union, NCUA insured.
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
No minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
No out-of-network ATM fee
Earn up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM refunds, depending on tier level
Earn up to 0.75% discount on certain loans, depending on tier level
Get paid up to 2 days early
Transfer funds from savings for overdraft protection
Cons
No ATM fee refunds or loan discounts for Basic tier
Limited fee refunds and loan discounts for Direct Deposit tier
$5 overdraft transfer fee (no fee for Direct Deposit + tier)
Highlights
More Information
Join Service Credit Union as an active or veteran military member, former or current employee of the Department of Defense, employee of a Select Employer Group, or member of the American Consumer Council
Branches and ATMs in the US and Europe
Three Everyday Checking tiers: Basic, Direct Deposit, and Direct Deposit +
Basic doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees or offer loan discounts; Direct Deposit reimburses up to $15 per month in out-of-network ATM fees and offers 0.50% discounts on certain loans; Direct Deposit + reimburses up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees and offers 0.75% on certain loans
Qualify for Direct Deposit tier by setting up direct deposits (minimum $500 in direct deposits each month to qualify for perks); qualify for Direct Deposit + by setting up DFAS direct deposits, OR by setting up direct deposits and making at least 5 payments per month
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% effective as of 7/1/2022. Interest rates are variable and subject to change
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% effective as of 7/1/2022. Interest rates are variable and subject to change
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
On JPMorgan Chase Bank's site. JPMorgan Chase Bank, FDIC Insured
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
On JPMorgan Chase Bank's site. JPMorgan Chase Bank, FDIC Insured
Details
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.01% effective as of 7/1/2022. Interest rates are variable and subject to change
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
No required opening deposit
Over 4,700 branches
Four waived out-of-network fees per month
Free 3-inch by 5-inch safe deposit box (20% off larger boxes)
Free Chase design checks, cashier's checks, and money orders
Waive monthly fees on 2 other Chase checking accounts when linked to this account, and to Chase savings accounts excluding Chase Private Client Savings
Cons
$25 monthly fee unless you have $15,000 or a Chase mortgage
$2.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs
No out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements
3% foreign transaction fee
$34 overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees
Highlights
More Information
The $25 monthly service fee is waived when you keep an average beginning day balance of $15,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances, including in qualifying investment accounts
No Chase fee on first four non-Chase ATM transactions per statement period
Earn interest on your checking account balance
Access to 16,000 Chase ATMs and over 4,700 branches
Open your account online now
Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
Additional Reading
Our Expert Panel for the Best Military Banks and Credit Unions
Insider
To learn more about what makes a good military financial institution and how to choose the best fit, four experts weighed in:
We're focusing on what will make a bank most useful for military families, including branch and ATM locations, savings rates, variety of military products, and more.
Here's what they had to say about choosing a place to bank. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
What should someone look for in a military bank?
Tania Brown, CFP:
"In the military, you have no idea where you will be living every few years, so it's important to have a bank that can travel with you. First is accessibility — you have to have easy access to services, either through multiple locations or technology. You should easily be able to handle every transaction by phone or by computer.
"Second, the hours should be long enough for you to reach them if needed, no matter where you are in the world.
"Third, either an ATM network of banks or ATM fee reimbursements so you are not continuously charged every time you take out cash."
How can someone decide between a bank and a credit union?
Laura Grace Tarpley, Personal Finance Insider:
"Look at interest rates and how often interest compounds. The more often an institution compounds interest, the more money you'll earn. Many credit unions pay higher rates than banks. But they only compound interest monthly, whereas banks compound daily. Do the math to figure out where you'll earn the most."
Tania Brown, CFP:
"For most people, it falls into five categories: location, interest rates, services, technology, and relationships. Next, prioritize what's important and you will have your answer. For instance:
If multiple regional and national locations are important: Banks typically have more locations than credit unions.
If the most important thing to you is a high interest rate: Credit unions, on average, offer better interest rates than banks.
If a lot of services (commercial banking, business banking, investment services, etc.) are valuable to you: Larger banks offers more services than most credit unions.
If feeling like a person, not a number, matters to you: Credit unions are known for great personalized customer service.
If you are a tech junkie: Larger banks typically offer more tech bells and whistles for online users than credit unions."
What makes a savings account good or not good?
Roger Ma, CFP:
"It might not be as seamless to get your money out of an online savings account as it is a brick-and-mortar, but you don't want to have so much friction where it's such a pain to get the money out when you need it."
Mykail James, CFEI:
"Anything with a fee is not a good high-yield savings account. Anything that restricts how much you can save is, to me, not very good. If I can't save more than $10,000 in this account, and then I have to move it over somewhere else — to me, that's not a really good savings account, because it's not really prepared to help me expand and grow, which is what a savings account is supposed to do.
"I also look at interest rates, definitely. I look to see when the interest is paid. Is it quarterly, or is it monthly? How often do they pay out interest, and what are the interest rate stipulations?"
What makes a checking account good or not good?
Roger Ma, CFP:
"I would look at the ATM branch locations and then minimum balance amounts to not incur a monthly fee … I think there's other stuff that could make life easier, whether it's a free checks, online bill pay, or are they in the Zelle network?"
Laura Grace Tarpley, Personal Finance Insider:
"Make a list of the top three to five things you want out of a checking account. Is it a great mobile app, 24/7 customer support, no ATM fees? Then research the best banks for those features."
Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Financial Institutions for Military Members and Their Families?
We looked at military banks, military credit unions, and financial institutions that aren't specifically for the military but have products geared toward military members. We chose banks and credit unions that had a wide range of ATMs, and preferably out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements, since military members travel frequently.
Our top picks also had to make it easy to access your money — either with a large branch network and branches near military bases, or with strong online services. We also selected ones that provided multiple products for military members, including bank accounts, loans, and mortgages.
Compare the Best Military Banks and Credit Unions
Navy Federal Free Active Duty Checking™ Account
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Premium Online Savings Account
Security Service Power Checking Account
Service Everyday Checking Account
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
Editor's Rating
4.25/5
0.01% on balances of $1,000 or more
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
Editor's Rating
4.25/5
Editor's Rating
4.25/5
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
Editor's Rating
3.5/5
0.01% effective as of 7/1/2022. Interest rates are variable and subject to change
On JPMorgan Chase Bank's site. JPMorgan Chase Bank, FDIC Insured
The Best Military Banks and Credit Unions Frequently Asked Questions
If you've served in the military or have a family member who has served, then you might want a financial institution that is specifically set up for military members. This could mean either a military bank or credit union, or an institution that has special services for military members.
Most military banks let you receive your paycheck one or two days earlier than other institutions, which gives you access to your money faster and helps you start accumulating interest sooner.
Banks with military benefits often issue loans specifically for military members. For example, you could qualify for a VA mortgage, which doesn't require any down payment. Other banks may not offer VA loans.
Military banks and credit unions typically have a large ATM and/or branch network, because military families tend to move around a lot. Some may even have branches and ATMs on or near military bases, which makes banking much more convenient for you.
A bank is a for-profit company. Almost anyone can keep money with a bank, as long as you have the necessary minimum opening deposits.
A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by its members. You must become a member to bank with a credit union, and each business has its own rules about who can join.
Banks and credit unions each come with their pros and cons, so it depends on what you want out of a banking institution. For example, banks often have stronger technology, but credit unions are known for good customer service.
If you're searching for high interest rates on your savings accounts, your choice between a bank and credit union could be a little tricky. Credit unions typically pay higher rates, but they only compound your interest monthly. Banks usually compound interest daily, which helps you earn more in the long run.
If the difference in interest rates is minuscule, then you might want to go with a bank that compounds interest daily. But if a credit union pays significantly higher rates than a bank — say, 5% versus 0.01% — then the higher rate with less frequent compounding will still earn you more.
Who can join: Active military, veterans, and families of active military or veterans can bank with USAA.
Why it stands out: You can withdraw or make deposits at 1,200 USAA ATMs for free. There are also 100,000 USAA-preferred ATMs around the US, and the first 10 monthly withdrawals are free. If you use an out-of-network ATM, USAA will reimburse up to $10 per month in fees charged by the ATM provider.
USAA offers a wide range of products, including bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance, loans, and mortgages. You'll also receive your direct deposit one day before payday.
USAA could be a good military bank if you're comfortable banking digitally. Its mobile app has strong ratings, including 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store with over 1 million reviews.
What to look out for: USAA only has offices in a few US states, England, Germany, and Luxembourg. It's really a better fit for people who want online and mobile access to their bank.
Who can join: Active military, veterans, employees or retirees of the Department of Defense, and family members of any of the aforementioned groups are eligible.
Why it stands out: Navy Federal is a great choice if you want in-person branch access. There are 355 branches around the world, including in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some of its branches are on select military bases.
There are over 500 Navy Federal ATMs. You also have free access to 30,000 CO-OP ATMs in the US and Canada and to 1,100 CashPoint ATMs in North Carolina, and access to 2 million Visa/PLUS ATMs worldwide. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Navy Federal will reimburse up to $20 per month in fees charged by ATM providers for Navy Federal Free Active Duty Checking, and $10 per month for other checking accounts.
Along with bank accounts, Navy Federal provides loans, credit cards, mortgages, investment accounts, and insurance.
What to look out for: There are plenty of Visa/PLUS ATMs worldwide, but Navy Federal charges a $1 fee when you use one. Some in-network ATMs will charge a 1% international assessment fee.
Navy Federal does reimburse between $10 and $20 per month for ATM fees. These refunds apply to the $1 charge for Visa/PLUS ATMs, but not toward the 1% ISAs.
Who can join: You can be a member of the military, employee of an eligible association or business, employee of certain US government agencies, worker or volunteer at the American Red Cross, resident of certain areas, or family member of anyone who falls into one of these groups.
Otherwise, you can become a PenFed member by opening a savings account with $5.
PenFed has branches in 13 US states and DC, and on military bases in Guam, Puerto Rico, and Japan. You'll also have free access to around 68,000 ATMs.
PenFed offers credit cards, loans, mortgages, and investment accounts.
What to look out for: PenFed charges $1.50 when you use an out-of-network ATM, and unlike some of our other top picks, it doesn't reimburse any fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers. You'll also be charged up to 2% for using your debit card or credit card outside the US.
Who can join: You may be eligible as a member of certain military branches at select bases. As a citizen, you can join if you live, work, study, worship, or have a business in Colorado, Texas, or Utah. Or you can join if you're a relative of a current Security Service member.
Why it stands out: Security Service FCU has branches in Colorado, Texas, and Utah. It also participates in CO-OP shared branching. This means you can make deposits, withdrawals, or loan payments at 5,000 other credit unions throughout Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, which is helpful if you don't live near a Security Service branch.
You have free access to Security Service ATMs and Stripes ATMs in areas with branch and shared branch locations. You can also use 30,000 CO-OP ATMs for free around the US.
Security Service FCU offers bank accounts, loans, credit cards, mortgages, investment accounts, business accounts, and insurance.
What to look out for: Security Service FCU charges $1.50 when you use an out-of-network ATM fee, and it doesn't refund any fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers. You'll also be charged a 1.10% fee for using your debit or credit card abroad.
Eligibility: You can join Service Credit Union as an active or veteran military member, or as a current or former Department of Defense employee. Citizens of New Hampshire or parts of Massachusetts are eligible. You can also join if you're a family member of someone who qualifies.
Why it stands out: With a Service Everyday Checking Account, you can receive discounts on certain loans. You'll receive a 0.50% discount if you qualify for the Direct Deposit tier, and a 0.75% discount with the Direct Deposit+ tier.
Service Credit Union provides loans, bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, business loans, insurance, and investment accounts.
Service Credit Union has branches and ATMs in parts of the US and Europe. The credit union won't charge you for using an out-of-network ATM, but the ATM provider might. In this case, you can receive up to $15 or $30 per month in reimbursements for the Direct Deposit and Direct Deposit+ tier, respectively.
The Primary Savings Account pays a very high APY on your first $500. The rate drops on balances over $500, but it's still higher than what many banks pay.
You can contact a customer service representative over the phone 24/7, or chat live online.
What to look out for: Service Credit Union's loan discounts do not apply to business loans, lines of credit, home loans, VISA loans, or certificate/share secured consumer loans. But you may be able to get a discount on personal loans, vehicle loans, or student loans.
Eligibility: You can receive Chase military benefits as an active, veteran, reserve, or National Guard military member.
Why it stands out: Chase isn't a military bank, but it does have benefits for military members. When you open a Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ account, Chase waives the $25 monthly fee; gives you a free safety deposit box; lets you use out-of-network ATMs for free four times per month; gives you free counter checks, cashier's checks, and money orders; waives the monthly fee for up to two additional checking accounts and a savings account.
Active duty members and reservists for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Navy receive additional benefits if you set up military direct deposits. Benefits include unlimited waived fees for out-of-network ATMs; free incoming and outgoing wire transfers; free foreign exchange rate adjustments when you use your debit card or an ATM with a currency other than US dollars.
Chase also has business accounts, mortgages, and auto loans for military members. The Survivor Program forgives debts of spouses and dependents of military members killed in action.
What to look out for: You can add a family member to your account, but military family members can't receive military benefits on their own accounts. For example, if you're an active military member with an 18-year-old child who wants to open a Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ account, then the child would still have to pay the monthly fee.
Other Institutions That Didn't Make the Cut and Why
Air Force Federal Credit Union: This is a solid credit union, but AFFCU doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees charged by ATM providers, and you can find higher savings rates elsewhere.
Armed Forces Bank: This bank charges monthly service fees on checking and savings accounts, but you might like it if you qualify to waive the fees.
Bank of America: This is another big bank with military offerings, but it doesn't have anything equivalent to Chase's Survivor Program.
US Bank: Another good national bank with military services, but its benefits aren't as robust as what Chase offers.
Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo has a lot of resources for military members, but you still might prefer Chase if you're interested in the Survivor Program.
The Better Business Bureau grades companies by evaluating responses to customer complaints, advertising, and transparency about business practices. We've included the BBB grades for all of our top picks:
Chase has a A rating due to government actions taken against the business. Navy Federal Credit Union has an NR rating because it's profile is being updated. USAA has an NR("No Rating") grade because it is in the process of responding to previously closed complaints.
A strong BBB score doesn't guarantee you'll have a smooth experience with a company, though. You may want to ask friends and families for their opinions, or read online reviews. You could also consider any exact scandals.
In 2019, USAApaid $12 million to customers after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the bank didn't stop automatic payments when customers requested.
A Navy Federal employee claimed the lender pressured mortgage underwriters to approve loans even if they didn't have sufficient reason to believe applicants could repay the loans. Then she filed a lawsuit and said Navy Federal retaliated against her whistleblowing by changing her job duties. She dropped the case in late 2020.
The Department of Justice required Chase to pay $920 million for wrongful trading in 2020. If any of these issues worry you, you may prefer to go with another bank or credit union on our list.
Why trust our recommendations for the best financial institutions for military members?
Personal Finance Insider's mission is to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. We understand that "best" is often subjective, so in addition to highlighting the clear benefits of a financial product or account — a high APY, for example — we outline the limitations, too. We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of various products so you don't have to.
Laura Grace Tarpley (she/her) is a personal finance reviews editor at Insider. She edits articles about mortgage rates, refinance rates, lenders, bank accounts, wealth building, and borrowing and savings tips for Personal Finance Insider. She was a writer and editor for Insider's "The Road to Home" series, which won a Silver award from the National Associate of Real Estate Editors. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).She has written about personal finance for over six years. Before joining the Insider team, she was a freelance finance writer for companies like SoFi and The Penny Hoarder, as well as an editor at FluentU. You can reach Laura Grace at ltarpley@insider.com.Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »
Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-banks-and-credit-unions-military-and-familiesKillexams : Military operation in Ukraine
Sat, 18 Feb 2023 15:18:00 -0600text/htmlhttps://tass.com/military-operation-in-ukraineKillexams : JTAC vs TACP: A user’s guide to the troops who call in close air support
There’s a new movie, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, coming out this spring about a former Army Special Forces soldier who travels back to Afghanistan to rescue a former interpreter who saved his life. In the trailer, we see Jake Gyllenhaal’s character with a beard, a baseball cap, Oakleys, and all the traditional operator accouterment. In a couple of shots, he’s got a patch on his uniform practicing “JTAC.”
This might lead to some confusion, seeing as some might assume that Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is an Air Force responsibility. Given how much people like to point out military uniform inaccuracies in movies, this has unsurprisingly created the occasional debate about whether or not Gyllenhaal’s Army character is a JTAC.
But before getting into all that, let’s start with the basics: Joint Terminal Attack Controllers are the people certified to control and coordinate airstrikes from the ground. The certification is sometimes confused with an Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) or Combat Controller (CCT), which are both military occupational specialties in the Air Force. So who is a JTAC and who is a TACP or CCT? And what is the difference?
For Air Force TACPs and CCTs, it’s a career field, their one and only job. JTAC, however, is a certification, available to service members from all branches.
The Special Operations Terminal Attack Control Course (SOTACC), run out of the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, “encompasses five weeks of intense academics, simulators, and live controls using real aircraft” according to Air Force spokesman 1st Lt. Victor Reyes.
The course is attended by “Air Force Combat Controllers, Army Rangers, Army Green Berets, Marine Special Operators, and NATO SOF partners,” and leaves graduates of the course “certified with an advanced capability to enhance battlefield operations,” said Reyes.
Air Force TACPs and CCTs all attend the Special Warfare Preparatory Course, Airborne School, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance & Escape (SERE) school. Meanwhile, CCTs — often expected to operate as lone attachments that integrate into a variety of different units and environments — also attend the Combat Dive Course, Military Free-Fall, and Air Traffic Control courses. Both career fields also attend an Air Force special tactics selection course and an apprenticeship.
All of this leaves them with the ability to integrate surface-to-surface fire, rotary and fixed-wing air support, naval gunfire, and electronic warfare assets.
“On the Air Force side, when it’s your whole career field as terminal attack, you focus very heavily on the planning process,” said Jarred Taylor, a former Air Force TACP who served for 15 years, including four as an instructor at the Air Force TACP schoolhouse. “On the JTAC or SOTACC side, as say an 18E [U.S. Army Special Operations Communications Sergeant Military Occupational Specialty] you’re more focused on the control aspect — ‘how can I call in an airstrike to save my team.’”
JTAC-certified personnel work at the lowest level — a Special Forces operational detachment, an Army Ranger platoon, or with Marine Corps Special Operations Command units.
“There’s never going to be enough TACPs to go around, so it’s necessary to have the SOTACC training,” said Taylor.
While they can also integrate down to a platoon or an operational detachment, TACPs “live” with a battalion, group, brigade, or division.
“Your job is to constantly be involved with those S3s [Operations Officers] and commanders, so you can forecast what is needed,” said Taylor. “It’s learning. MDMP [Military Decision Making Process], learning how allocation and apportionment work. The scope of knowledge is much vaster on the planning side.”
Essentially, the JTAC certification focuses more on the tactical aspect of airspace control and calling in fires, while dedicated Air Force TACPs and CCTs are also trained to plan and operate on a broader scale. Every TACP and CCT is a JTAC, but not every JTAC is a TACP or CCT. Enough acronyms for you?
Whether The Covenant is any good remains to be seen, but an Army Special Forces soldier who qualified as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller is legit.
Sat, 11 Feb 2023 08:36:00 -0600Max Hauptmanen-UStext/htmlhttps://taskandpurpose.com/culture/jtac-vs-tacp-military-definition-covenant-movie/Killexams : Military and Government Ticket Discounts
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Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:20:00 -0600text/htmlhttps://www.nba.com/spurs/saluteKillexams : World Military & Civil Aircraft Monthly Briefings Service 2023
The World Military & Civil Aircraft Briefing is a monthly-updated information service consisting of reports that track the status and outlook of more than 150 aircraft programs and markets.
The market overview reports contain a compilation of the production forecasts for a given market, along with resulting market shares for aircraft programs and manufacturers. This information is given in both units and current dollars.
Each program report includes information describing the aircraft, designating the agency responsible for development or purchase of the plane, an explanation of the various subsystems and the companies involved in supplying the components (primes as well as subcontractors), an overview giving a brief history and current status of the program, and, finally, a 10-year funding forecast (US programs only) and 10-year production forecast (all programs) is included, along with a publisher evaluation explaining our rationale for the forecasts.
The program reports are organized in sections by mission (e.g., fighter/attack or transports) and within sections, alphabetically by manufacturer/model.
The market overviews are contained together in their own section. Most of the Western world's aircraft programs are covered in World Military & Civil Aircraft Briefing. These include planes under development, in production or out of production, but still in significant service.
Key courses Covered:
User's Guide
Market Overviews
World Aircraft Overview
Business Aircraft
Commercial Jet Transports
Fighter/Attack Aircraft
Military Transport Aircraft
Regional Aircraft
Special Mission Aircraft
Trainers/Light Attack Aircraft
World Rotorcraft Overview
Fighter/Attack
AIDC Ching Kuo
AMX International AMX
BAE Systems Harrier/Boeing AV-8B
Boeing F-15 Eagle
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
Boeing/Saab T-7 Red Hawk
Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000
Dassault Aviation Mirage F1
Dassault Aviation Rafale
Eurofighter
Hindustan Aeronautics LCA
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Mikoyan MiG-29/35 Fulcrum
Mitsubishi/Lockheed Martin F-2
Northrop F-5 Tiger II/T-38
Panavia Tornado
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
SEPECAT Jaguar
Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker/T-50/Su-57
Transports
Airbus Industrie A220
Airbus Industrie A300
Airbus Industrie A310
Airbus Industrie A318/319/320/321
Airbus Industrie A330
Airbus Industrie A340
Airbus Industrie A350XWB
Airbus Industrie A380
Airbus Military Company A400M
Airbus Military Company CN-235/CASA C-295
Antonov An-38/PZL M28
Avions de Transport Regional ATR 42/72
BAE Systems/Avro 146/RJ
Boeing 737/P-8
Boeing 747
Boeing 757
Boeing 767/KC-46
Boeing 777
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Boeing MD-11
Boeing MD-80
Boeing MD-90
Bombardier Regional Jet (RJ)
CASA C-212 Aviocar
COMAC ARJ21
COMAC C919
De Havilland Canada DHC-8
Embraer ERJ 145 Series
Embraer 170/190
Embraer KC-390
Fairchild Dornier/RUAG 228
Ilyushin Il-96
Irkut MS-21
Leonardo G.222/C-27
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules
Mitsubishi Regional Jet
Sukhoi Superjet
Tupolev Tu-204
General Aviation/Utility
Bombardier Challenger/Global Series
Bombardier Challenger 300
Bombardier Learjet Series
Britten-Norman Islander/Defender
Cessna Caravan I/II/SkyCourier
Cessna Citation Series
Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet
Daher TBM 700/850/900
Dassault Aviation Falcon Series
Eclipse Aviation Eclipse Series
Embraer Legacy/Phenom Series
General Dynamics Gulfstream G100/200
General Dynamics Gulfstream G300/400/500/650/700/800
About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:59:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/world-military-civil-aircraft-monthly-230000768.htmlKillexams : Playbook: A Valentine’s week guide to political relationships
With help from Eli Okun and Garrett Ross
DRIVING THE DAY
SPECIAL REPORT —“Inside the stunning growth of Russia’s Wagner Group,” by Erin Banco, Sarah Anne Aarup and Anastasiia Carrier, “Exclusive U.S. diplomatic cables and internal documents detail the expansion of the paramilitary force and global network led by a top [Russian President VLADIMIR] PUTIN ally.”
HOT ON THE LEFT —“Presenting: MAGAzine!” edited by Air Mail’s Graydon Carter and Bruce Handy: “The Official Lifestyle Publication and Policy Journal of Your Once and Future Favorite President”
VALENTINE’S WEEK — Everyone was focused on relationships this week. JMart exposed the secret feelings Democrats have about Biden. Senate Minority Leader MITCH McCONNELLcontinued to neg Florida Sen. RICK SCOTT. And the NYT’s Magdalene J. Taylor declared that things would be better if everyone just had more sex.
Today brings a pair of must-read pieces about two relationships dominating politics right now.
“[T]heir emerging rivalry is the latest twist on a years-long public alliance that belied private misgivings and suspicions, according to interviews with more than a dozen people, many of whom were present for key decisions and conversations, and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private interactions. Despite basking in each other’s reflected glow, Trump and DeSantis had a relationship based on mutual advantage rather than genuine closeness — ‘an alliance of convenience,’ in the words of one person who knows both men.”
“The basic story of Fox News and the 2020 election is well understood. Fox’s relatively small news operation covered the vote count accurately; this coverage infuriated President Donald Trump, the MAGA base, and Fox’s opinion stars; some viewers temporarily flipped to further-right outlets, such as Newsmax; and Fox panicked.
“But thanks to Dominion Voting Systems, which is pursuing a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox, we now know that the network’s sense of crisis was even more intense than it appeared from outside. With the case careening toward trial, a court filing yesterday revealed some of what Dominion found during the discovery process, including eye-popping messages from SEAN HANNITY, TUCKER CARLSON, and Fox’s senior management. ‘Getting creamed by CNN!’ Fox’s owner, RUPERT MURDOCH, wrote to its top executive after seeing the overnight ratings on November 8. ‘Guess our viewers don’t want to watch it.’
“He was right. Some of Fox’s top shows began broadcasting a better story, one that its viewers did want to watch: a conspiracy-laden tale about crooked Democrats stealing an election. Dominion is arguing that Fox knew full well that Trumpworld’s voter-fraud allegations were bunk but promoted the lies anyway. Whether or not Dominion prevails in court, and many experts believe it will, the lawsuit is already forcing an ethical reckoning over Fox’s disrespect of its audience. Hour after hour, day after day, Fox stars kept signaling to viewers that Trump might still win the election not because they thought he would, but because they were panic about their ratings. And we all witnessed the consequences on January 6.”
Some bonus relationship reads:
—Maureen Dowd on John Leguizamo’s beef with the Times over the underrepresentation of Latinos in its newsroom.
—Darren Samuelsohn on “Questioning Obama’s love for America, 8 years later”
— White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates on Sen. Rick Scott bowdlerizing Point 6 of his “12 Point Plan to Rescue America”: “We congratulate Senator Scott on joining the post-State of the Union red wave of Republicans acknowledging that they have, in fact, been attempting to put Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block. For the past year he has explained the absence of an exception by saying, ‘If it's worth keeping, we're going to keep it.’ But make no mistake, his true colors are undeniable and on the record. Cutting Medicare and Social Security benefits is a longstanding passion of Senator Scott’s, as it is for the majority of House Republicans who comprise the Republican Study Committee and many of his Senate colleagues, ranging from John Thune to Ron Johnson. For example, in the 1990s Senator Scott supported fully privatizing Medicare. And now, by supporting repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act, Senator Scott is pursuing the biggest Medicare benefits cut in a generation just so Big Pharma can receive a debt-worsening bailout. We thank Senator Scott for continuing to share his heart with the world. We always support him doing so.”
Good Saturday morning. Thanks for practicing Playbook. Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite political relationship: Rachael Bade,Eugene Daniels,Ryan Lizza.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
PLAYBOOK READS
9 THINGS THAT STUCK WITH US
1. THE SEARCH PARTY’S OVER:“U.S. Calls Off Search for Unidentified Objects It Shot Down,” by NYT’s Katie Rogers in Deadhorse, Alaska: “The United States on Friday called off the search for two of the unidentified flying objects that the military shot out of the sky this month, raising the possibility that the devices will never be collected and analyzed, according to a U.S. military official. … American authorities had been trying to reach remote areas of Alaska and Lake Huron for two of the objects, but on Friday a U.S. official said the conditions made it too difficult to pinpoint the objects. The Canadian search for the third object over the Yukon was still continuing, the official said.”
2. DeSANTIS STAFFS UP:“DeSantis 2024 Bid Takes Shape as He Enlists Aides, Woos Donors,” by Bloomberg’s Nancy Cook and Michael Smith: “DeSantis is expected to appoint GENERRA PECK as campaign manager and director … Peck earned the trust of both DeSantis and his wife, CASEY, who remains his most influential political adviser, by running his successful gubernatorial campaign last year. … Florida pollster RYAN TYSON, who runs his own agency in Tallahassee … will be responsible for all internal polling. HEATHER BARKER is expected to run the finance operation, with TUCKER OBENSHAIN as her deputy. PHIL COX, a longtime GOP operative, is likely to sign on as a consultant.”
3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:“Meet ‘Patriot’s Row’: Mark Meadows’ MAGA hub buys a multimillion-dollar chunk of ‘the Swamp,’” by Grid’s Maggie Severns, Steve Reilly and Anna Deen: “Though former president Donald Trump’s own political future is in doubt, the Conservative Partnership Institute, whose leaders include ex-Trump chief of staff MARK MEADOWS, Trump elections lawyer CLETA MITCHELL and former Tea Party senator JIM DeMINT, is pursuing an aggressive expansion. The group appears to be quietly buying up properties, often in off-market transactions, Grid has found — apparently using a network of anonymous shell companies registered in Delaware to conduct the purchases.”
4. HEADS UP:“Negotiations ongoing for Blinken meeting with Chinese official in Munich,” by Phelim Kine: “U.S. and Chinese officials have spent the last few days locked in last-minute negotiations to broker a meeting between Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN and China’s top diplomat, WANG YI, on the sidelines of this weekend’s Munich Security Conference, according to three people familiar with those efforts. Beijing’s condition that the U.S. formally request the meeting had slowed progress in the talks, said a Washington, D.C.-based diplomat with knowledge of the discussions.”
5. TIGHTENING THE SCREWS:“Momentum builds in Congress to crack down on TikTok,” by NBC’s Scott Wong, Kate Santaliz and Liz Brown-Kaiser: Members of Congress are “sounding the alarm that the Chinese Communist Party is using TikTok as an entry point to spy on its tens of millions of American users. … The discovery of a Chinese spy balloon in U.S. airspace has only amplified the warnings.”
6. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Rep. MAXWELL FROST (D-Fla.) sat down with our colleagues for an interview to discuss the latest string of deadly shootings. Frost told us that he’s “representing the ‘mass shooting generation.’” Watch the interview on The POLITICO Show on Snapchat
7. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE:“RNC weighs requiring loyalty pledge from every 2024 GOP candidate to support eventual Republican nominee,” by Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser: “GOP sources confirmed to Fox News that longtime RNC chair RONNA McDANIEL, concerned that disunity in the nomination race could hurt the party as it aims to win back the White House next year, is pushing for the pledge. It’s modeled on a similar pledge the RNC asked presidential contenders to sign during the turbulent 2016 GOP nomination race.”
8. HOW IT’S PLAYING:“Turmoil in courts on gun laws in wake of justices’ ruling,” by AP’s Alanna Durkin Richer and Lindsay Whitehurst: “A landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment is upending gun laws across the country, dividing judges and sowing confusion over what firearm restrictions can remain on the books. The high court’s ruling that set new standards for evaluating gun laws left open many questions, experts say, resulting in an increasing number of conflicting decisions as lower court judges struggle to figure out how to apply it.”
CLICKER — “The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics,” edited by Matt Wuerker — 15 funnies
GREAT WEEKEND READS, curated by Ryan Lizza:
—“Get Me Risa Heller!” by N.Y. Mag’s Shawn McCreesh: “If you’re Jeff Zucker or Mario Batali or Jared Kushner and you’re trying to survive a bout of very bad press, she’s who you call.”
—“Joe Montana Was Here,” by ESPN’s Wright Thompson: “He won four Super Bowls and retired as the undisputed greatest. What came next was turning a legacy into a life.”
—“What was it like to grow up in the last Ice Age?” by April Nowell for Aeon: “With the help of new archaeological approaches, our picture of young lives in the Palaeolithic is now marvelously vivid.”
—“The writing of Roald Dahl,” by The Telegraph’s Ed Cumming, Genevieve Holl-Allen and Benedict Smith: “Across his beloved children’s books, hundreds of the author’s words have been changed or entirely removed in a bid for ‘relevancy.’”
—“Hidden Hydrogen,” by Science’s Eric Hand: “Does Earth hold vast stores of a renewable, carbon-free fuel?”
—“I Thought Mentalphysics Was New-Age Nonsense. It Changed My Life,” by GQ’s Eric Wills: “It sounds like a hippie fantasy: a kind of super yoga that can supposedly extend your lifespan, deliver you clairvoyant powers, and help you control your reality. But in a dark moment on a desert retreat, I became a believer.”
SPOTTED: WSJ’s Berber Jin having lunch with Devon Spurgeon on Friday at Tatte on Connecticut Ave. (We see everything, Berber.)
MEDIA MOVE — Theodore Johnson is joining WaPo’s opinion section as a contributing columnist. He currently is director of New America’s [email protected] initiative.
TRANSITIONS — Toby Tyler Douthat has been named executive director of Engage, the women's economic security nonprofit founded by Rachel Pearson. She most recently was deputy comms director for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). … Celia Morté will be a military legislative assistant for Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). She previously was a military legislative assistant for Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). …
… William A. Miller is now director for industrial trade policy for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He most recently was senior policy adviser at the Commerce Department. … Will Mitchell has been hired on the clean energy and energy efficiency legislative affairs team of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He most recently was senior adviser for Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.).
ENGAGED — Kevin LeBoeuf, a marching arts composer and clinician who works with marching bands and drum corps around the world, on Wednesday proposed to Lyzz Schwegler, co-founder and SVP of digital at state-focused progressive group Sister District. “We were visiting a friend in the U.S. Virgin Islands and went for a hike out to the end of a deserted peninsula when he asked,” Lyzz tells us. “Another fun fact is the ring was my great-grandmother’s, who married a longtime union organizer in 1917! We met through mutual friends on a group trip to Mexico in 2019. He presented a plastic placeholder ring (he was too nervous to bring the real one on the hike lol).” Pic
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) … Keith Urbahn … James Hohmann … NPR’s Rachel Martin … Bill Bertles … Kiara Pesante Haughton … Al Quinlan … FT’s Janan Ganesh … Marc Lampkin … Abby Blunt … Lucien Zeigler … CBS’ Rebecca Kaplan … Angela Chiappetta … Elizabeth Kanick … Matt Burgess … Adam Prather … Jesse Purdon … former Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) … Ben Wofford … former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner … Denise Dunckel … Commerce’s Ayodele Okeowo
ABC“This Week”: Secretary of State Antony Blinken … Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Panel: Averi Harper, Susan Glasser, Catherine Lucey and Rachael Bade.
CBS“Face the Nation”: Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki … Secretary of State Antony Blinken … Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) … John Sullivan … Fiona Hill … Joshua Gordon.
FOX“FOX News Sunday”: John Kirby … Nikki Haley … Jack Keane. Panel: Rich Lowry, Peggy Collins, Michael Allen and Juan Williams.
NBC“Meet the Press”: Secretary of State Antony Blinken … Larry Hogan … Richard Engel. Panel: Peter Alexander, Thomas Friedman, Amna Nawaz and Danielle Pletka.
CNN“State of the Union”: Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Mike Turner (R-Ohio) … U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield … Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Panel: Geoff Duncan, Karen Finney, Alice Stewart and Bakari Sellers.
Send Playbookers tips to[email protected]or text us at202-556-3307.Playbook couldn’t happen without our editorMike DeBonis,deputy editorZack Stanton,digital editorGarrett Rossand producersSetota HailemariamandBethany Irvine.
Sat, 18 Feb 2023 01:59:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2023/02/18/a-valentines-week-guide-to-political-relationships-00083567Killexams : Four weeks later, military still waiting on post-vaccine guidance
The long delay has prompted lawmakers to reach out to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with their concerns.
Defense Under SecretaryGil Cisneros, DoD’s personnel chief, told Military Times on Jan. 11 that his office was looking into specific policies on religious considerations and combatant command regulations with respect to traveling to countries with vaccine mandates.
“There are still things that we need to kind of tie up,” he said.
Gil Cisneros, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, discusses some of the top issues facing his office in 2023.
But that process is still ongoing, a Pentagon spokeswoman told Military Times Thursday, though lawmakers first asked for an implementation plan on Dec. 23.
“The Department is working to leverage existing policies and procedures, where appropriate, to manage post-repeal issue sets and is examining whether additional guidance is necessary,” Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman said.
In a Feb. 8 letter sent to the Pentagon, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the chairman of its subcommittee on military personnel pressed Austin for answers on the new guidance, saying that a Jan. 26 letter from his office on their progress was only four sentences long and “failed to include any implementation plan.”
“While we acknowledge and appreciate your rescission memorandum writ large, many questions remain and have gone unanswered regarding the implementation of the rescission,” Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wrote in the letter.
The representatives included a list of 14 questions for DoD, including data on involuntary separations for vaccine refusal, service members required to pay back bonuses and confirmation that any academy graduates denied their commissions for refusing the vaccine were still able to earn their college degrees.
The letter also asks whether DoD intends to offer reinstatement for any troops discharged because of the mandate.
Though Republican lawmakers have pushed for that provision since last summer, it was not part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the law that compelled Austin to rescind the mandate.
Since the new Congress came into session, Republican members have reopened that discussion with bills introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
“I’m glad that we were able to remove the COVID-19 vaccine mandate last Congress, but there is more work to do,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in a statement. “[This bill] would correct the wrongs done to unvaccinated service members who were discharged for exercising their conscience.”
The bill would allow reinstatement of any separated troops, as well as restore rank and back pay for any troops who faced discipline before their discharges. It would also upgrade any general discharges.
Previously, separated troops’ reasons for discharge were noted in their paperwork, allowing them to come back into service if they got vaccinated.
Now, under Austin’s rescission memo, they can apply for a records correction with their service’s board, and ostensibly re-enlist or re-commission if they choose.
What the Pentagon is not considering, however, is offering restitution for vaccine refusal.
“We are not pursuing, as a matter of policy, backpay for those who refused the vaccine,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters in January. “At the time that those orders were refused, it was a lawful order.”
Rogers and Banks requested a response from DoD by Feb. 22.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:09:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/02/09/four-weeks-later-military-still-waiting-on-post-vaccine-guidance/Killexams : The Best Military Moving Companies of 2023
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Few are more familiar with the process of moving than military families, who move an average of about once every 2.5 years. Often these moves are long-distance, taking families across state lines or overseas.
Since moving is such a big part of being in the military, many military members must have a reliable moving service they can count on to move their belongings safely. The best military moving companies can easily facilitate local, long-distance, or international moves. Ahead are some of the most reliable moving companies in the business.
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Military Moving Companies
While cost is crucial when vetting a moving service, there are other important features to pay attention to, including the type of move, the moving distance, and specialty-item moving. Ahead, military members and their families can learn more about these factors.
Type of Moving Service
There’s more than one way to move one’s belongings from point A to point B. Full-service moving companies will load, transport, and unload the customer’s belongings and can even take care of the packing and unpacking (for an additional fee). While these full-service moving companies are convenient, they can cost thousands of dollars.
Those who don’t mind packing, loading, and driving can save money by renting a moving truck. Some companies also rent shipping containers that the customer packs up and are then delivered to the new destination.
Moving Distance
Moves are either local, long-distance, or international. While what a moving company defines as a local move may vary from company to company, a local move is typically within 60 or 70 miles of the original location. Long-distance moves cover greater distances and often cross state lines, while international moves involve transporting one’s belongings across national borders.
Most moving companies typically calculate a local move based on the number of hours the move will take to complete, the number of bulky items the customer is moving, and the number of movers required. Movers base the cost of a long-distance move on the number of belongings the customer has, the number of movers needed, the size of the truck, and the total distance of the move.
International moves are more complicated and expensive because they generally involve greater distances and additional costs for customs, duties, and import taxes. Moving companies can deliver customers a quote for any type of move, provided the customer can accurately estimate the size and distance of the move.
Military Discounts
Many moving companies often offer discounts to military families. Since moving companies that offer military discounts don’t always publish these special prices, it’s important for customers to ask about these discounts when vetting the company. These discounts are often up to 20 percent. Typically, customers must provide proof of military status to qualify for these discounts.
Licensing and Insurance
When a customer is hiring a moving company, it’s crucial to ensure the service has all the appropriate licenses and insurance to operate. Proper insurance and licensing will ensure the client’s belongings are protected during the move and that the customer isn’t responsible for any injuries that may occur on their property during the moving process. A reputable moving company will have general liability insurance and business property insurance.
Military members will also want to consider if they need a company that is specially licensed to work with goverment agencies. Some military members may need to hire companies with General Services Administration (GSA) approval. GSA-approved companies are able to perform work for the U.S. government. Military members can contact their transportation counselor to see if this licensing is necessary.
Specialty-Item Moving
When vetting a military moving company, customers can consider what kind of specialty items they may need to move. Not all moving companies will move larger pieces of property such as vehicles, pianos, riding lawn mowers, and grandfather clocks. Customers can also consider the cost of moving these belongings, as specialty items will typically increase the overall cost of the move.
Deposit Requirements and Cancellation Policy
Customers will want to note a moving company’s deposit requirements and cancellation policy before hiring the service. Most full-service moving companies and container-rental companies require their clients to make some sort of deposit to reserve the service for specific dates and times. Reputable moving companies will not charge excessive deposits; a few hundred dollars is considered fair.
Cancellation policies also vary among moving companies. While some companies allow customers to cancel up to and including the moving date, others may require up to 7 days’ notice before the move to prevent customers from losing their deposit. Moving companies should clearly communicate the cancellation policy terms before the customer hands over a deposit.
Reviews and Complaints
As with many services, one of the best ways to vet a military moving company is to read the company’s reviews. Most major moving services have an extensive list of reviews on such sites as Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau where customers can see customer ratings and detailed descriptions of the service from clients who have used the service. Customers can also check if a company has had any official complaints filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the top military moving companies in the country. It includes full-service moving companies specializing in local, long-distance, and international moves as well as specialty movers and truck rental companies for DIY moves.
Photo: unitedvanlines.com
Why It Made the Cut: As one of the largest moving companies in the country, United Van Lines offers a host of GSA-approved services to streamline any national or international move.
United Van Lines is one of the top-rated movers in the country, and it’s also an excellent choice for members of the military. The company has some 500 locations around the country, meaning customers benefit from accessing services close to home. UVL carries GSA approval for military moves that require it. Those who are only moving an apartment’s worth of items can also benefit from discounted long-distance rates. Customers can easily access mover contact information, checklists, and tracking from the convenient MyUnited portal.
United Van Lines stands out with its host of extra services, including post-move cleaning and Wi-Fi setup or takedown. The company will also pack and move fragile items and specialty belongings like pianos and grandfather clocks with custom crating for the utmost protection. Some customers report that customer support can be difficult to contact, but UVL does demonstrate a commitment to satisfaction with its flexible policy that allows cancellation until the movers arrive.
Moving distance: Local, long-distance, international
GSA approval: Yes
Deposit required: No
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation until services are provided
Pros
500 locations nationwide
Specialty and fragile items protected with custom crating
Free cancellation as long as no services have been provided
Add-on options like cleaning services or Wi-Fi network disassembly available
Discounts for small long-distance moving jobs for studio apartments or tiny homes
Checklists, mover contacts, and tracking conveniently located in MyUnited online portal
Cons
Somewhat challenging customer service experience
Photo: mayflower.com
Why It Made the Cut: Add-on services and different tiers of insurance make Mayflower Moving one of the most customizable moving services in the business.
Mayflower Moving is a full-service moving company that allows its customers the flexibility of customizing their moves. With services that include packing, debris removal, and car shipping and different tiers of insurance coverage, Mayflower gives customers the ability to create a moving package that fits their needs. The company also has a host of features that help make moving less stressful, including checklists and an online portal that allows clients to track the location of the moving truck. Should customers need to cancel their move, they can do so up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
Customers will want to be aware that Mayflower does require its clients to purchase moving supplies separately as it does not sell any. However, customers may also appreciate Mayflower’s commitment to altruism through its partnership with Move for Hunger; movers can donate any nonperishables the homeowner has to the local food bank.
Specs
Type of moving service: Full service
Moving distance: Local, long-distance, international
GSA approval: Yes
Deposit required: No
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the move
Pros
Customizable long-distance moving service bundles available
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the move
Checklists, mover contacts, and tracking conveniently located in MyMayflower online portal
Move for Hunger partnership helps customers donate food before a move
Cons
Customers are required to separately purchase moving supplies
Photo: internationalvanlines.com
Why It Made the Cut: International Van Lines is a designated military mover with a presence in over 180 countries around the globe.
With a broad international presence in a staggering 180-plus countries, International Van Lines can move military members wherever their next change-of-station takes them. The company provides extensive information on its site to help its customers determine just how much they’ll end up spending on an international move, which can alleviate any budgeting stress. Customers will want to note that the online inventory system can be somewhat cumbersome, and they’re on the hook for a 25 percent deposit at booking. However, customers with flexible moving dates can benefit from discounted rates so they can save some money on a potentially costly move.
Specs
Type of moving service: Full service
Moving distance: Local, long-distance, international
GSA approval: U.S. Department of Transportation government military relocation mover
Deposit required: 25 percent of quoted price
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the move
Pros
Services available in over 180 countries
Discounts available for customers with flexible moving dates
Readily available fee and estimate breakdown information
Cons
Somewhat user-unfriendly online inventory system
25 percent deposit required at booking
Photo: americanvanlines.com
Why It Made the Cut: American Van Lines offers fixed-rate pricing that eliminates surprises and services designed for military members.
With fixed-rate services that ensure the move doesn’t become more expensive than expected, American Van Lines is one of the best military discount moving companies. These fixed-rate services even apply to specialty-item moving, which is a service that can become prohibitively costly depending on what’s being moved. Customers can also take advantage of discounted rates if they’ve moving between major metropolitan areas. Customers will want to know that they’re responsible for a 10 to 50 percent deposit, and cancellation is limited to 7 days before the scheduled move. Additionally, customers who require GSA or special USDOT approval for their move will want to reach out to AVL’s customer support.
Eco-minded customers will also appreciate working with American Van Lines. AVL is one of the more environmentally responsible van moving services with sustainability practices to reduce fuel consumption. The company’s trucks have speed limit governors to control fuel consumption.
Specs
Type of moving service: Full service
Moving distance: Local, long-distance, international
GSA approval: Not specified
Deposit required: 10 to 50 percent of quoted price
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before the move
Pros
Discounted prices for long-distance moving between major cities
Sustainability initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of moving
Fixed-rate services, even for moving specialty items
Cons
10 to 50 percent deposit required
Cancellation is limited to 7 days before the move
Unclear GSA- or USDOT-approval status
Photo: uhaul.com
Why It Made the Cut: With thousands of locations nationwide and affordable pricing, U-Haul is a no-brainer choice for those looking to DIY a move.
With its affordable costs and a vast number of locations across the country, U-Haul is a great option for those who want to handle a move on their own. U-Haul boasts some 21,000 rental locations, making it easy for customers to use the company for a one-way move to virtually anywhere in the country. Customers can get a quote quickly online and can cancel up to 24 hours in advance. U-Haul also offers a truck-share service that allows customers to pick up a truck at virtually any time by using the U-Haul app on a smartphone.
U-Haul also offers self-storage and U-Box storage container rental (although only one U-Box size is currently available). These additional services make U-Haul one of the more flexible moving service providers.
Customers will want to note that although U-Haul is an affordable truck rental service for many moves, its payment structure, which charges by the mile, may not make sense for some longer moves. Customers can benefit from visiting U-Haul’s website to obtain a quote for their preferred move dates.
Specs
Type of moving service: Moving truck rental, moving container rental, self-storage facility
Moving distance: Local, long-distance; international shipping available for U-Box
GSA approval: N/A
Deposit required: $100 for cash payments; no deposit required for credit card payments
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the move
Pros
Relatively affordable cost
21,000 rental locations nationwide
Fast, streamlined online quote process
Convenient Truck Share 24/7 self-service available to all U-Haul customers
No cancellation or delivery fees for U-Box containers
Cons
Per-mile payment structure may not be cost-effective for moves over 100 miles
Only 1 moving container size available
Our Verdict
United Van Lines boasts some 500 locations throughout the country, has a flexible cancellation policy, and is capable of handling long-distance and international moves, making it the ideal military moving company. Mayflower Moving, which offers customized bundles for long-distance moving and allows users to track their move online, is also a great option.
How We Chose the Best Military Moving Companies
We considered various criteria when selecting the best military moving services. In many ways, military members require the same characteristics in a moving company as everyone else. They need moving companies that offer reasonable prices, are reliable, boast good customer service, and have a reputation for packing and transporting belongings safely. In addition to these qualities, we considered characteristics significant to military members.
Since moves can often take military members across the country or around the globe, we chose companies with a good reputation for handling long-distance and international moves. Flexibility is also important, so our selections include companies with flexible cancellation policies. Some of our selections also include military-approved moving companies with GSA approval, which is required for some military moves.
Before You Use One of the Best Military Moving Companies
Members of the military will first want to consider what options they have for moving services that the government will pay for before deciding to hire and pay for a service on their own. The Department of Defense often uses its own contracted movers to move members of the military at no cost to the family. However, military members can also find their own mover and then file for reimbursement after the move is complete. The Department of Defense typically reimburses 95 percent of a move, though it may sometimes cover the entire bill. While hiring a mover that the Department of Defense doesn’t contract gives customers a broader range of movers to choose from, it does require them to complete paperwork to receive a reimbursement.
Cost of Using One of the Best Military Moving Companies
The cost of moving, especially if using a professional moving company depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the home, the number of large items being moved, the distance of the move, and even the time of year. Keeping that in mind, the average cost of a move within a 100-mile radius is $1,710. Long-distance moves greater than 100 miles across state lines will cost an average of $4,823. International moves can range from $6,000 to $20,000. These costs are before any applicable military discounts, which are often between 10 and 20 percent.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Military Moving Companies
While there are many options to choose from when hiring a military-friendly moving company, there are many good reasons to hire one of the best military moving companies in the business. A reputable moving company offers peace of mind. The best moving companies know how to package belongings safely to reduce the odds of damage, whether traveling across the state or around the globe. A quality moving company is also more reliable, arriving at points A and B on time. Customers can also expect the best moving companies to have good customer service, which is critical for moves that may span days or even weeks. The best moving companies:
Know how to pack and move belongings safely
Will arrive at pick-up and drop-off locations promptly
Have good customer service that’s on hand to address any issues
FAQs
For those wondering if the military will cover their moving costs or what qualifies as a high-value item, read on for answers.
Q. Will the military pay for my moving costs?
The Department of Defense includes allowances for moving. This will cover all or part of moving expenses and often provides an allowance for transportation to the new location and temporary lodging during the move. Whether the government will pay for the move depends on the type of move. Temporary duty moves, which last for less than 20 weeks, usually don’t allow for a full household move. The military usually pays for a full household move for Permanent Change of Station moves, which are more than 20 weeks.
Q. Do movers offer a military discount?
Many, but not all, moving companies offer discounts to military members, veterans, and their families. Since some companies don’t advertise these discounts, it’s important to ask when discussing the move with a customer service representative.
Q. How long do military moves take?
That depends on the distance of the move. Local moves are typically completed in a day, whereas moving hundreds of miles using one of the best long-distance moving companies could require several days. International moves might even take weeks.
Q. Who is the most reputable moving company?
Moving companies such as United Van Lines and Mayflower, both of which have decades of experience in the moving business, are among the best moving companies for military families. These companies offer a full slate of moving services that suit the needs of military members.
Q. What is considered a high-value item during a move?
High-valued items can include a wide range of belongings. Some common high-value items include flat-screen TVs, tools, computers, jewelry, antiques, vehicles, and furniture.
Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:38:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-military-moving-companies/Killexams : Best Car Insurance for Veterans and Military Families
Geico: Good option for retired service members and those not deployed
Annual rate $1,154 ?
Pros and cons
Discount up to 15% for current and former military members
Offers some of the cheapest rates for military members
Not as many discounts for military members who are deployed
Lower customer service ratings
Geico may ultimately be the cheapest option if you are not deployed or are retired from the military. Geico provides military auto auto insurance rates comparable to USAA's rates in the states we surveyed.
Overall, Geico is among the most affordable insurance companies in the U.S. Geico offers up to a 15% discount for those who served in the military, regardless of their active status.
When you factor in Geico's 15% savings for people in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, it may offer the best rates overall.
You're eligible for Geico's military discounts if you are a member of any of the following organizations:
Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA)
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA)
National Infantry Association (NIA)
Geico's biggest shortcoming compared to USAA is its discount for soldiers who are deployed. Both companies reduce your bill when you're overseas and your car is in storage, but Geico's discount is substantially smaller: only 25% off your premium.
Also, unlike with USAA, the discount is only available if you are deployed to an "imminent danger pay" area (as defined by the Department of Defense).
The imminent danger pay areas are only a subset of the countries you may be deployed to, so if you are stationed in Japan, which is not an imminent danger area, you won't be eligible for the discount from Geico.
It's important to note that the military insurance program at Geico is very accommodating to military members. The staff at Geico Military are ex-military members themselves, so they understand what their customers may be going through. The site also has several valuable resources for military members to read regarding the process of leaving for and returning from deployment.
USAA vs. Geico auto insurance for military members
Both USAA and Geico are great options for former or current members of the military and their dependents, but ultimately USAA has a slight advantage — especially if you are serving in active duty. Geico also scores significantly lower for customer satisfaction when compared to USAA.
In the J.D. Power ratings, Geico scored 4/5 and 3/5 for claims handling and customer satisfaction, respectively.
If you or a family member is an active or former military member, we recommend you get quotes from both USAA and Geico. While USAA tends to be cheaper, there are some states where Geico's discount makes it the cheapest option.
State Farm: Low rates and discount opportunities
Annual rate $1,178 ?
Pros and cons
Discounts for safe driving record and online driving courses
Low premiums in some states
No discount exclusively for military members
Although State Farm does not have an exclusive discount for military members, it is still worth mentioning, as it offers some of the cheapest rates. Despite not having a military discount, State Farm still has lower rates than USAA and Geico in Texas. Additionally, there are plenty of other State Farm discounts that you might qualify for.
For example, State Farm offers a good driver discount for drivers that go three years without any moving violations or at-fault accidents. It also offers a program called Steer Clear for drivers under the age of 25. This is an online course aimed to Excellerate your driving skills, and upon completion you can receive up to a 20% discount off your insurance premium.
Recap of the best car insurance for military members and their families