WASHINGTON, D.C., July 1, 2026 - Military Times today opened the application window for Best for Vets: Trusted Brands, the new annual recognition program identifying companies that deliver verified, documented value to active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Applications are now being accepted at bestforvets.com/trusted-brands/enter.
Announced in May during Military Appreciation Month, Best for Vets: Trusted Brands covers 12 categories representing the full commercial landscape relevant to military families. Top-scoring companies in each category earn the Trusted Brand designation and the right to license the Best for Vets: Trusted Brands badge. All verified entrants receive a permanent listing in the program directory on MilitaryTimes.com.
“Every company that applies is making a statement that they want their performance measured against a verified standard. That’s exactly what this program is for — and exactly what military families deserve.”
- Jon Simkins, Editor-in-chief, Military Times
How to Enter
- Who can apply: Any company with a documented program serving active-duty service members, veterans, or military families that has been operating for a minimum of two years. Companies may apply in multiple categories; each category is a separate application and entry fee.
- Entry fees: Standard entry is $250 per category. Premium entry is $750 and includes a print directory listing and pre-announcement email to Military Times’ subscriber base. An early bird discount of 20 percent applies to applications submitted by August 31, 2026.
- Application deadline: The entry window closes January 1, 2027. Applications are submitted at bestforvets.com/trusted-brands/enter.
- What entrants receive: Every company that clears the program’s eligibility requirements receives a verified listing in the Best for Vets: Trusted Brands Directory on MilitaryTimes.com — a permanent, searchable resource for the 8.8 million monthly readers across the Military Times network. Trusted Brand designees additionally earn the right to license the Best for Vets: Trusted Brands badge.
Program Categories
Best for Vets: Trusted Brands covers 12 verticals of the military consumer market:
- Financial Security & Banking
- PCS & Mobility Support
- Transition & Veteran Advancement
- Healthcare & Wellbeing
- Insurance & Protection
- Military Family Services
- Veteran-Owned Business Excellence
- Retail & Dining
- Technology and Connectivity
- Financial Technology, Tax & Legal
- Travel & Hospitality
- Automotive
How Recognition is Determined
Best for Vets: Trusted Brands uses a rigorous, independent scoring methodology to evaluate applications across five weighted criteria: Commitment to the Military Community, Customer Satisfaction and Retention, Ethical Practices and Compliance, Community Impact and Veteran Support, and Accessibility and Consistency.
All applications are reviewed against mandatory eligibility gates before scoring begins. Companies with significant unresolved regulatory actions are flagged. Financial product companies must demonstrate Military Lending Act compliance. Retail & Dining, Technology & Connectivity, and Travel & Hospitality entrants must offer a publicly verifiable, year-round military discount program. Advertising spend with Military Times plays zero role in scoring or designation decisions.
The top 25 scoring companies in each category earn the Trusted Brand designation. Designees are announced simultaneously across all Military Times platforms in spring 2027. Badge licensing follows the same tiered structure as the established Best for Vets: Colleges program.
Key Dates
- July 1, 2026: Application window opens at bestforvets.com/trusted-brands/enter
- August 31, 2026: Early bird deadline — 20% discount on entry fees
- January 1, 2027: Application window closes
- Spring 2027: Best for Vets: Trusted Brands list, directory, and research report released across Military Times network
Full program details, eligibility requirements, and category descriptions are available at bestforvets.com/trusted-brands/enter. Questions may be directed to trustedbrands@militarytimes.com
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About Military Times
Military Times is the nation’s leading independent news source for the military community, with 75 years of editorial service to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The Military Times network — including Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times, Marine Corps Times, C4ISRNET, Defense News, and Federal Times — reaches 8.8 million monthly readers across print, digital, and broadcast. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group.
About Best for Vets
Best for Vets is Military Times’ flagship recognition franchise, established more than a decade ago with Best for Vets: Colleges - the most trusted college rankings for the military community. Best for Vets: Trusted Brands extends that editorial credibility into the commercial brand market, applying the same rigorous, independent methodology to the companies competing for the trust and loyalty of military families.
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephanie Durham
VP of Marketing, Military Times
sdurham@militarytimes.com