U.S. Military
There are more than 1.4 million active members of the U.S. military, according to Department of Defense statistics. Over 300 million people are affected by the military either through service, or as family of military personnel. This guide provides information on military life and history, the requisites for a military career, and the rights and benefits military members deserve. Use these resources to get informed and involved, or to make the most of your military life.
The U.S. military is made up of five branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast ... read more »
Although regular news sources often cover military events and affairs, the details of what's ... read more »
Be All You Can Be. An Army of One. Accelerate Your Life. Most people have heard the slogans, but ... read more »
Like any specialized career, the military has developed its own set of terms and vocabulary. The ... read more »
Managing finances, dealing with legal matters, and choosing insurance can be confusing even if you're not in the military. A life in the armed forces adds a whole slew of complexities: constant moving, deployment, and long absences can make it hard to keep up with bureaucratic details. Fortunately, the military publishes this necessary information online.
- If you can afford it, consider hiring a financial planner to help you manage your finances and expenses. Moving around constantly can make keeping track of your bills and financial goals difficult. If you are busy defending the country, someone else can be busy with your finances.
- While the sites in this guide are directed specifically towards financial matters for the military, you'll find a host of financial sites for civilians in the findingDulcinea Personal Finance Guide. Even as a member of the military, you may find tools that can help you manage your finances.
- Visit findingDulcinea's Support Our Military Family Web Guide for information on how to get help for both servicemembers and military families. Resources that help you reach out to the military as a civilian are also provided.
For information on financial protection ...
Military Sentinel
, provided by the Department of Defense and the Federal Trade Commission, exists to protect military families from financial scams. With a focus on consumer protection issues specific to military members, this site allows military members and their families to enter complaints directly to a database accessible by over 500 law enforcement organizations both in the United States and abroad.
U.S. Coast Guard
has put together this straightforward page explaining the benefits of SCRA (the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act). This act is the best source of civil-law protections for military members and families, covering a number of areas domestic, financial, and professional.
For help managing your finances while in the military ...
MilitaryMoney.com
is the online complement to the print magazine of the same name, and is a partner of the Department of Defense's Financial Readiness Campaign. Intended to educate military members and their families on how to best manage their finances, the site features news, columns, and advice on a wide spectrum of financial matters.
Department of Defense's Per Diem
, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee helps you figure out if you're getting all the financial benefits to which you're entitled. Learn about rates, allowances, and travel regulations for service members. This site also discusses programs that seek to compensate members for housing and other living costs, such as the BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) program. Visit the links to these programs to determine your eligibility for such reimbursements.
myPay
, of the system of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), provides members of the military with an online pay management system. Learn how to manage your pay information, leave, and earning statements, and W2s. (If you're having trouble or can't find the answer to your question on this page, try their
customer service section.)
For general information on legal issues ...
American Bar Association
provides high-level military information. Although the gathered materials are geared toward lawyers and paralegals, this site's extensive coverage of the SCRA is worth reading as the organization works to protect the rights and benefits of servicemembers.
For official legal information from the different branches of the military ...
Legal Services
, the official Web site of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, has the most legal information of any of the branch sites. What it offers on various legal issues is not only comprehensive, but also accessible and often applicable to the whole military.
Judge Advocate General's Corps
provides information on JAG internal procedure for members of the Navy. The "Our Offices" section provides
contact information for the Naval Legal Services Offices, who offer legal services to members, reservists, and retirees.
Staff Judge Advocate
, part of the Marine Corps' Web site, also contains information mostly used by law professionals. The "
Research" link provides information on how to research legal issues.
For insurance information ...
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
is an organization of state insurance regulators that work to protect the interests of consumers. The "Insurance Issues for Military Personnel" section of the NAIC's Web site, provides a window into the workings of and reasons for all major types of insurance.
For information about healthcare and health insurance ...
TRICARE
, the military's official health insurance program, is explained on this useful site. You'll learn how to keep your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) information up to date. Other topics in this site include eligibility issues, enrollment, plans and special programs. You can research specific medical information as well.
The unique difficulties of military life can put a tremendous strain on service members and their ... read more »
Being part of a military family can be difficult. It's important to make connections with people ... read more »
Even if you're not in the military or in a military family, you may be looking for ways to show ... read more »
Most Recent Guides
Expand All Guide Sections
