Both House and Senate lawmakers want to pass targeted pay raises for junior enlisted troops, but budget caps may complicate those plans. The new system is designed to improve troops’ ability to communicate with their moving company and add transparency to the process. Air Force recruiting boss Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein said Tuesday he is “cautiously optimistic” about staying on track for the rest of the year. Pentagon officials fear such reforms could harm active duty retention. New Tricare contracts aim to improve access to health care, clinical quality and patient safety, as well as increase military readiness. Will bringing more medical providers — and patients — into military medical facilities help problems with access to care? The number of overdue requests had surpassed 600,000 in recent years, causing concern among vets. Despite Congress authorizing the increase, the Pentagon is treating it as optional amid an ongoing compensation study. Troops can receive up to $2,000 for transporting one pet to or from overseas during a permanent change of station. Families could see lower costs for mental health care as well as expanded counseling services. Load More