Army Times interviewed one of the service's top civilians overseeing housing policy about the service's vision for privatized barracks at Fort Irwin. Residents will receive a text or email link to take the survey, which runs from March 18 to April 18. Both House and Senate lawmakers want to pass targeted pay raises for junior enlisted troops, but budget caps may complicate those plans. Thousands of military families in privatized housing can sign up to get EV chargers installed in their garages or carports. Just 77 military families have qualified for the Basic Needs Allowance, a stipend that can amount to more than $1,000 a month, under the current rules. A move by VA officials to simplify rules for the Post-9/11 GI Bill could cause new problems, advocates warn. Amid budget challenges, the Army is looking at in-house solutions to address pay, recruiting and quality-of-life concerns. Soldiers at Fort Cavazos say that officials won't grant any religious exceptions to rules requiring deductions from their Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Members want next year's spending plan to include money for junior enlisted pay raises and military housing improvements. Expensive defenses against drone swarms and cheaper missiles will be too costly against a better armed foe. Load More