New Pentagon quality of life improvements target temporary housing, uniform allowances and Wi-Fi

The Pentagon said Thursday it is working on another series of changes and programs that could improve the lives of soldiers, including Wi-Fi in barracks rooms, new health care options and more flexible uniform allowances for enlisted personnel.

Officials who spoke to reporters Thursday said the measures, which range from studies to programs nearing implementation, are the result of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s commitment to caring for members of the armed forces, but also an effort to listen to troops and learn about their needs.

One of the most immediate changes would facilitate permanent transfers of station (PCS) by extending the length of time soldiers can use federal funds to stay in transitional housing. Troops will now receive 21 days of funds if they are moving within the continental U.S. and up to 60 days if they are coming from outside the lower 48 states.

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The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program is also being expanded. The $4,000 scholarship is designed to help military spouses gain professional qualifications that will enable them to work or advance their careers.

Spouses of active duty soldiers in the three highest ranks of E-7, E-8 and E-9, as well as Warrant Officer 3, can now use the money to purchase licenses, certificates or associate degrees.

A group of five Pentagon officials spoke to reporters on Thursday on condition of anonymity about the changes.

However, aside from the few immediate changes, most of the plans outlined by the Pentagon have long lead times, and many soldiers may have to wait months or even years to see the first benefits.

When asked whether they were moving quickly enough to address some of the immediate concerns of soldiers, officials pointed to the Pentagon’s long-standing work on pay and benefit increases but did not provide a direct answer.

Looking ahead, the Pentagon also announced the expansion of Wi-Fi pilot programs designed to provide free high-speed Internet access in the homes of young, single military personnel.

An official told reporters that the Navy is currently running a pilot program offering wireless Internet in about 4,000 rooms at 12 facilities in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and that the Marine Corps also launched a Wi-Fi pilot program in June at 12 facilities across four locations, covering about 2,500 rooms.

“We’re using an iterative process to learn from the Navy and Marine Corps … and we’re going to take that knowledge and quickly transfer it to Air Force and Army pilots late this calendar year or early next year,” the official added. The Air Force also includes the Space Force.

The Pentagon also wants to examine the standard parts of its uniforms to check whether “the parts are reaching their intended lifespan,” according to a fact sheet on the plans.

At the same time, officials said they also want to address the annual uniform allowance that all military personnel receive to pay for or subsidize the maintenance and upkeep of their uniforms.

“We’re just looking very carefully at how people get that allowance and then how they want to use it,” one official said of the uniform subsidy. “We think the most flexible models are probably the best.”

“Some people may want to get the uniforms through the exchange, others may want to get them through other means,” they added.

The Pentagon expects the uniform clothing quality review to be completed by April 2025. The review of cash replacement allowances for enlisted uniforms will be completed by September 2025.

Other future benefits include a new health savings plan that is more closely aligned with employer offerings for civilians, and higher salaries for day care center directors and supervisors to improve employee retention.

But overall, most of those who spoke to the press acknowledged that their efforts are not only important, but are far from all the Pentagon needs to do to address soldiers’ concerns.

“As we look at these new measures, it is important to also consider the overall package and … view them as incremental actions that we continue to take to address the issues we are hearing about,” one official said.

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