Preview · Military Times02 · BENEFITS · DOD
Tricare open season is on. Active-duty troops do nothing. Families should check their plan
Tricare's yearly enrollment window runs Nov. 9 to Dec. 8, and any change takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Active-duty service members pay no enrollment fee and no deductible and are not part of open season, but families on Tricare Select will see slightly higher costs next year, with a $137 yearly family deductible for E-4 and below.
Why it matters to you PARENTS
Parents of a single 18-year-old: nothing to do here. Your recruit's medical care is covered with no fees. Married recruits: your spouse and kids get Tricare Prime with no enrollment fee once you are on active duty.
Start here with your recruit →Source: Military Times, Nov 9, 2026 · Confirmed: tricare.mil
03 · RECRUITING · ARMY
Live overseas? An American in Lebanon just enlisted through the Army's office in Germany
A 22-year-old dual citizen living in Lebanon found the Army's program for U.S. citizens abroad online, was flown to Germany and took the oath at Panzer Kaserne in Stuttgart on Nov. 6. The Army's Europe recruiting team says it has helped dozens of Americans living in other countries enlist over the past year.
Why it matters to you JUST THINKING
You do not have to move back to the States to start. U.S. citizens living abroad can begin online with the Army's overseas recruiters, and in this case the Army handled the flight to the oath.
Get ready for your first recruiter call →Source: U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart (DVIDS), Nov 6, 2026 · Single source
04 · BASIC TRAINING · COAST GUARD
Coast Guard recruits at Cape May spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with local families
Operation Fireside, run by the American Red Cross with the Coast Guard for more than 40 years, matches recruits in the eight-week boot camp with host families for a holiday meal off base. Host sign-ups for this year closed Nov. 5, with the Red Cross asking for extra Thanksgiving hosts.
Why it matters to you PARENTS
If your recruit ships to Cape May this fall, the holiday will not be spent alone in the barracks. They get a real meal in a real home, then training picks back up.
What ship day and the first weeks look like →Source: PhillyVoice, Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed: redcross.org (New Jersey release, Oct 27)