- Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026Fort Hood soldiers can now spend their meal entitlement at seven on-post Exchange restaurants, starting Nov. 3.The Space Force activated its own special operations component at MacDill Air Force Base on Nov. 2.The new seminary path for troops who want to become chaplains has not opened applications yet, and funded seats are capped.
- Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026Fort Jackson, where about half of new soldiers start, has a new commanding general as of Oct 30.Army National Guard drill-weekend child care is now free in every state and territory.Enlisted troops with four years in can now train to become chaplains without leaving the service.
- Monday, Nov 2, 2026A Colorado Springs report finds military recruiting up two years running while youth unemployment climbs. More applicants means more competition for the jobs you want.The Army Reserve has about 100 volunteer ambassadors nationwide who help families far from bases and can start a student on the Minuteman ROTC scholarship.November GI Bill payments go out early in the month. Housing money only keeps coming if the student verifies enrollment every month.
- Friday, Oct 30, 2026The Air Force again requires the flu shot for recruits and trainees under an Oct. 20 memo.Week 5 of Army basic at Fort Leonard Wood is rifle week: simulator first, then grouping and zeroing the M4.Marine recruits in San Diego have a new 100,000-square-foot mess hall, the largest in the military.
- Thursday, Oct 29, 2026The Army Fitness Test is five events: 300 points passes most jobs, 350 for combat jobs.The Space Force has finished absorbing the Guard and Reserve space units. There is no Space National Guard.Tricare Young Adult premiums rise again in January.
- Wednesday, Oct 28, 2026The Army is linking recruiting, basic training and job school into one schedule to cut the wait between basic and AIT.The Pentagon is creating an expert council on troop sleep, nutrition and injury prevention.The Navy announced a stay-in bonus for bomb-disposal officers, with conditions attached.
- Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026Army trainees take their first scored fitness test in week 4 of basic training, not at graduation.Air Force special warfare trainees now wait about two months less between courses, with the same standards.The Pentagon put a Medal of Honor Marine in charge of checking barracks in person.
- Monday, Oct 26, 2026The Air Force is recruiting enlisted airmen to retrain as special agents. No degree required.A plan to cut highway tolls for troops driving to base is a proposal only, not a benefit.The Army's new campus-style dining halls are busier than the old chow halls, and soldiers can now order takeout from a phone app.
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