Jim Absher

Jim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Latest Articles

Tricare Young Adult Program

Tricare Young Adult is a plan that qualified adult children can purchase after eligibility for regular Tricare coverage ends.

Money can't buy happiness. Neither can Pepsi Points, according to the Southern District Court of New York. (U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Behrend)

Aviation Career Incentive Pay for Officers

If you are an active-duty commissioned officer on aviation duty, you are entitled to Aviation Career Incentive Pay.

The Quantico National Cemetery spans 725-acres and was founded in 1983. The facility conducts more than 1,100 funerals annually. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Tiffiney Wertz)

Apply for Burial in a National Cemetery Now to Avoid Problems Later

To ease the burden on surviving family, VA now can determine eligibility for burial in a National Cemetery ahead of time.

FILE – A doctor examines a patient while another doctor oversees the procedure, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jack Sanders)

How Does a Government Shutdown Affect Health Care for Military Service Members and Veterans?

In the event of a government shutdown, for most active-duty service members and military veterans, your health benefits...

How to Find Your Old Military Buddies After You Get Out

Finding old military friends is easier than ever. Here's how.

The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Retiree Appreciation Day brings together the Stuttgart Military Community and connects them to resources for their benefits and entitlements. The traditional cake-cutting ceremony features the eldest retiree and this year included a family member. Col. Robert Allman, garrison chaplain, assisted them during the Oct. 27, 2022, event. (Spc. Briana Jean-Jaques/Army)

Tricare for Retirees

Tricare for Life (TFL) is Medicare wraparound coverage for Tricare beneficiaries who have Medicare Parts A and B.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Details

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Embarking on an Online Degree Program

You could live in the boonies, or maybe you have five kids and a job that keeps you at your desk until 7 p.m. every night. Or...

Scholarships help students and their families limit the financial burden of college.

5 Great Scholarships for Military Veterans and Families

If your GI Bill is gone and you still want to go to college, these scholarships can help.

Dishonorable Discharge: Everything You Need to Know

A "dishonorable discharge" is a type of military separation given as a punishment for a serious offense during military...

Transfer Your Post-911 GI Bill

You can transfer your unused GI Bill benefits to your dependents while you are on active duty.

Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA)

Surviving spouses whose SBP have been offset as a result of receiving DIC are eligible for a Special Allowance.

National Guardsman patrol Chicago during martial law in 1968

Everything You Need to Know About Martial Law

What is martial law? Here's everything you need to know about what happens during martial law in the U.S.

Temporary Lodging

You can be reimbursed for some of your temporary lodging costs in conjunction with a PCS move.

Dislocation Allowance in a PCS

The purpose of Dislocation Allowance is to partially reimburse a servicemember for the expenses related to a PCS move.

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Most Popular Military News

Handcuffs rest on a table inside the security forces building during a training exercise

Tennessee Man Shot Dead After Flipping Middle Finger at War Memorial

Albert Sturgill Jr., 63, was confronted by a group while gesturing at the flag and monuments at Cumberland County Veterans...

U.S. soldiers with the West Virginia National Guard conduct a routine patrol at the Stadium-Armory Metro Station in Washington, D.C.

Chicago Braces for Potential National Guard Deployment Amid Trump Threats

Illinois politicians are sounding an alarm and bracing for possible National Guard deployments to Chicago amid President...

California National Guard stand guard as protesters gather during the No Kings protests in Los Angeles.

Is Trump's Troop Buildup in US Cities a Declaration of War — or Something Else?

As President Donald Trump goads Democratic-led cities, Americans are grappling with a fundamental question of American...

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Poland Says It Shot Down Russian Drones that Violated Its Airspace During Strikes on Ukraine

Poland said that multiple Russian drones entered and were shot down over its territory with help from NATO allies, describing...

Soldier Dies on Fort Leonard Wood Rifle Range

The Army identified the 18-year-old on Monday but has not provided details into the circumstances of his death.

South Carolina National Guard members on patrol on the National Mall in Washington.

Takeaways from Trump's Federal Law Enforcement Surge in DC as His Emergency Order Is Set to Expire

Without an extension by Congress, the 30-day emergency declaration issued by President Donald Trump that federalized the...

Latest Military Videos

Rescuers Search for Victims in Aftermath of Israeli Strikes in Sanaa, Yemen

Israel carried out another round of heavy airstrikes in Yemen on Wednesday, days after Houthi rebels launched a drone...

United Nations Concerned by Nuclear Arms Race, Calls for Shift in Security Approach

United Nations' representatives commented on the latest report on military spending on Tuesday. (Sept. 10) AP

Scenes at Warsaw Airport After Poland Says It Downed Drones that Violated Its Airspace

Poland on Wednesday suspended flights at Warsaw's Chopin Airport, citing the closure of airspace due to military operations. (Sept...

Trump 'Very Unhappy' About Israeli Strike in Doha, Qatar

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he is "very unhappy" about the Israeli strike in Doha, Qatar...

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Tacoma, Wash

Disabled US Army Veteran in ‘Limbo’ at Tacoma ICE Detention Center

A U.S. Army veteran's immigration case remains uncertain after he was recently denied bond by a judge, family members say.

A guardsman stands at a gate to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Could National Guard Soldiers Be Deployed in Dallas to Combat Crime?

There’s less enthusiasm among Texas politicians for deploying the National Guard to curb violent crime in Texas cities.

Navy News

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams

Navy Culinary Specialist Charged in Death of Fellow Sailor in Norfolk

Jeremiah Copeland has been held since the discovery of Seaman Angelina Resendiz’s body in June.

A retail services specialist 3rd class, assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) supply department, conducts a command fitness class in the hangar bay.

Fitness at Sea: Workouts You Can Do on a Ship and Ace the Navy Fitness Test

Staying fit in tight spaces with little to no equipment is always a challenge, whether you are in a hotel room or living and...

Air Force News

Senate Democrat Tries to Formally Condemn Funeral Honors for Ashli Babbitt

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., went to the Senate floor to request what’s known as “unanimous consent” to pass a resolution...

EPA Pilot Program at Scott AFB Combats Waste and ‘Food Insecurity’ Among Airmen

The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and an Illinois farmer launched the pilot to a new nationwide program to...

Space Force News

Col. Edward Segura, director of manpower, personnel and services, Air Force Reserve Command, speaks

Space Force Opens Applications for Air Force Reservists to Sign Up for Part-Time Service

Applications have opened for certain Air Force reservists to join the Space Force under its new one-of-a-kind, part-time...

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle discusses the decision to relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal

US Space Command Can Be Running in Huntsville Before Trump Leaves Office, Official Says

U.S. Space Command headquarters can be fully operational before President Donald Trump leaves office, a Redstone Arsenal...

Marine Corps News

The sign at the entrance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Camp Pendleton Officer, Wife Sue Military Housing Company over Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Son

A Marine Corps family whose 8-year-old son died last year after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Camp...

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Once held on $1 million bond for livestreaming threats to shoot elementary school children, a military veteran is now out of...

Coast Guard News