Family Life

The latest news and information for U.S. military service members and their families, to better understand benefits and options.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cameron Richardson, 337th Air Control Squadron weapons technician, holds out a photo of his family at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 6, 2022. As a weapons technician, Richardson is in charge of helping secure the airspace between Eglin AFB and Tyndall in support of F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II training missions, although his responsibilities continue at home as a father to a newborn baby boy. (Senior Airman Anabel Del Valle/Air Force)

Airmen, guardians could see revamped parental leave policy by new year

The changes are awaiting approval by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s policy shop.

6 weeks ago

Historic boost in troops’ housing allowance set for 2023

As housing costs rise, troops will get the largest percentage increase in BAH in at least 15 years.

6 weeks ago

Your Military

DoD considers universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-old military kids

Other efforts include programs to allow kids outside the installation to attend on-base DoD schools and rural kids to attend DoDEA's Virtual High School.

Making your PCS move a little less stressful

An Army spouse shares her story of launching her Stressless PCS Kit and tips for military families on the move in this episode of The Spouse Angle Podcast.

8 months ago

Meet the moms behind the Army’s new parenthood policies

Meet two soldier moms who discuss the sweeping changes benefiting new parents and others on this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast.

8 months ago

Jill Biden displays artwork by military kids in new exhibit

First lady Jill Biden added a temporary installation in the East Wing of artwork from military children in honor of the Month of the Military Child.

9 months ago

Making the transition from service easier for military families

Transition from the military to civilian living is a major life change for service members and their families.

9 months ago

‘Military Child of the Year’ winners talk sacrifice and resilience

Two teenagers share their experiences growing up in military homes and what they’ve sacrificed to support their parents’ careers on The Spouse Angle podcast.

9 months ago

Reducing military and veteran suicide with a push for gun safety

On this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast, the Department of Defense is ramping up its suicide prevention efforts with a focus on gun safety.

9 months ago

The top 5 lifestyle concerns for military families

The Spouse Angle is a podcast breaking down the news for military spouses and their families.

10 months ago

What it’s really like growing up as a military caregiver

The Spouse Angle is a podcast breaking down the news for military spouses and their families.

10 months ago

Military kids are waiting … and waiting for special education services

The Spouse Angle is a podcast breaking down the news for military spouses and their families.

10 months ago

Duty to protect: It's time to remove barriers to autism services for military children

Military families with children who have autism face the same struggle: accessing applied behavior analysis services for their children.

10 months ago

Capt. Donovan Carroll, 20th Bomb Squadron, embraces his daughter Colby for the first time at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 12, 2018. His wife Bree was six months pregnant with Colby when Carroll left for his deployment. (Airman 1st Class Tessa B. Corrick/Air Force)

Air Force parents choose how to care for their children, not commanders, service says

The Air Force expects to move toward 12 weeks of parental leave for all starting later this year.

11 months ago

Veterans can request appeal of VA caregiver program denials

A recent court decision opened the door for individuals denied access to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to appeal their denials.

12 months ago

Nearly a third of military spouses are jobless. What’s being done to help?

A recent report found 39% of military spouse respondents discussed wanting their service member to leave active-duty military service because of their own employment struggles.

12 months ago

Here are the military commissaries that will test doorstep deliveries

Doorstep deliveries will be made to customers within a 20-mile radius of the commissaries, according to preliminary documents.

12 months ago

DoD to appeal Hawaii’s order to drain fuel tanks that contaminated water

Hawaii’s deputy director of environmental health, Kathleen Ho, said she will fight in court to force the Navy to make Red Hill safe.

12 months ago

Millions of military kids serve as caregivers. They need help too.

The specific impacts of caregiver duties will vary by child, but there is a potential for adverse effects on their mental and physical wellbeing.

12 months ago

Students’ scores in DoD schools among highest in the nation, report says

Students with disabilities and Black and Hispanic students also scored consistently higher than their peers, according to the analysis conducted by the Government Accountability Office.

12 months ago