# pay & benefits (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 10 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover pay & benefits. Page: Feed: --- ## [Behind the $1 million viral moment: The life of Navy veteran and ‘Beast Games’ standout](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/08/21/behind-the-1-million-viral-moment-the-life-of-navy-veteran-and-beast-games-standout/) _2026-08-21 · Clay Beyersdorfer · Navy Times_ Navy veteran Harrison Schoen had been forging his own nomadic lifestyle before going viral on Amazon Prime's “Beast Games." ## [He earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. Why did it take decades to receive it?](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/20/he-earned-the-medal-of-honor-in-vietnam-why-did-it-take-decades-to-receive-it/) _2026-08-20 · Ethan Rocke, The War Horse · Marine Corps Times_ A June Medal of Honor ceremony concluded a 20-year struggle that profoundly shaped the latter decades of retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr.'s life. ## [Army unit offers 96-hour Grand Theft Auto binge as incentive for reenlisting](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/08/19/army-unit-offers-96-hour-grand-theft-auto-binge-as-incentive-for-reenlisting/) _2026-08-19 · Eve Sampson · Military Times_ Soldiers in the 9th Engineer Battalion who reenlist by Nov. 14 will be authorized a four-day pass that aligns with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. ## [Who decides what works? Inside VA’s mental health treatment playbook](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/18/who-decides-what-works-inside-vas-mental-health-treatment-playbook/) _2026-08-18 · Natalie Oliverio · Marine Corps Times_ Why can’t veterans always get FDA-approved treatments through VA? VA's Dr Wiecher explains how evidence, safety, guidelines and resources shape VA care. ## [AAFES boss leaves legacy of benefits for more veterans and stronger perks for all](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/08/17/aafes-boss-leaves-legacy-of-benefits-for-more-veterans-and-stronger-perks-for-all/) _2026-08-17 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Tom Shull, who retired earlier this summer, was the longest-serving director in the military exchange service's 131-year history. ## [DoD to launch pilot for some service members to freeze sperm, eggs](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/08/12/dod-to-launch-pilot-for-some-service-members-to-freeze-sperm-eggs/) _2026-08-12 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ The Pentagon will soon cover the cost for some service members to freeze their sperm or eggs. ## [Majority of VA mental health visits are timely, but referrals lag: Watchdog](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/11/majority-of-va-mental-health-visits-are-timely-but-referrals-lag-watchdog/) _2026-08-11 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ The VA watchdog found that 80% of referrals for mental health services in the Community Care program were scheduled within 30 days. ## [From tanks and rifles to Dungeons and Dragons: Veteran’s experience shaped game’s famous artwork](https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2026/08/11/from-the-draft-to-dungeons-and-dragons/) _2026-08-11 · Brooke Griswold · Military Times_ Before Larry Elmore became one of the artists behind Dungeons & Dragons’ popular imagery, he was drawing tanks and rifles for the U.S. Army. ## [Veterans unemployment stable despite job market cratering in July, report shows](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/10/veterans-unemployment-stable-despite-job-market-cratering-in-july-report-shows/) _2026-08-10 · Richard Sisk · Marine Corps Times_ A volatile month of July saw employers shed 23,000 jobs and lay off another 153,000, but the unemployment rate for veterans appeared to stabilize. ## [Major VA study to examine effectiveness of psilocybin on depression, PTSD](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2026/08/06/major-va-study-to-examine-effectiveness-of-psilocybin-on-depression-ptsd/) _2026-08-06 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ The VA is launching a study on the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin — magic mushrooms — for treating major depressive disorder. ## [International money transfers (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/qWVdkWbdca0c) _2026-08-06 · **Sponsored**_ Send money to other countries and manage multi‑currency balances online. ## [Their military careers were cut short in combat. Now they’re fighting Congress for their full benefits.](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/06/their-military-careers-were-cut-short-in-combat-now-theyre-fighting-congress-for-their-full-benefits/) _2026-08-06 · Natalie Oliverio, The War Horse · Marine Corps Times_ Combat-injured veterans argue they shouldn’t be penalized after war injuries cut their careers short, but the cost could reach $78 billion. ## [Senator introduces bill to stop VA from recouping military separation pay from disabled vets](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/08/06/senator-introduces-bill-to-stop-va-from-recouping-military-separation-pay-from-disabled-vets/) _2026-08-06 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ An Arizona senator introduced a bill that would prevent veterans from being surprised when the VA docks their disability payments to recoup separation pay. ## [Risk of developing ALS varies by service, study finds](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/04/risk-of-developing-als-varies-by-service-study-finds/) _2026-08-04 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy veterans had the highest rates of ALS diagnosis in an analysis of more than 14,400 cases. ## [VA medical center, clinics in Spokane evacuated for wildfire](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/03/va-medical-center-clinics-in-spokane-evacuated-for-wildfire/) _2026-08-03 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ Three fires near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed 600 buildings and burned 8,000 acres. ## [Trump’s new commission will target quality of life for military spouses](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/08/03/trumps-new-commission-will-target-quality-of-life-for-military-spouses/) _2026-08-03 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ The new President's Military Spouse Commission, chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, is tasked with addressing persistent problems for military spouses. ## [Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial slated for October unveiling](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/03/desert-shield-and-desert-storm-memorial-slated-for-october-unveiling/) _2026-08-03 · Claire Barrett · Marine Corps Times_ Thirty-five years after the U.S.-led military coalition wrested Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, a memorial to honor those service members has found its home. [Listen](https://d1aodq6o8zrvmc.cloudfront.net/wp-archetype/20260803/6a71091b88726f4e61c3b6c0/t_0ef362c52ddb48bc97f9c08a7021d9a1_name_Desert_Storm_Memorial_Tour_4/file_1280x720-2000-v3_1.mp4) ## [TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage](https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2026/08/03/tsa-stops-alabama-traveler-for-civil-war-era-cannonballs-in-luggage/) _2026-08-03 · J.D. Simkins · Military Times_ An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide. ## [Army offers bonuses topping $200K to keep aviation warrant officers in uniform](https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/08/03/army-offers-bonuses-topping-200k-to-keep-aviation-warrant-officers-in-unform/) _2026-08-03 · Eve Sampson · Military Times_ Eligible Army pilots can earn up to nearly $210,000 in bonuses under a program designed to keep experienced aviators in uniform. ## [‘Good Samaritans’ beware: Scammers ramp up targeting of troops’ goodwill](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/07/31/good-samaritans-beware-scammers-ramp-up-targeting-of-troops-goodwill/) _2026-07-31 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ The father of a sailor is out to warn others in the military community about a “Good Samaritan” scam that cost his son thousands of dollars. ## [Review: New wargame captures uncertainty of the American Revolution](https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/military-history/2026/07/30/review-new-wargame-captures-uncertainty-of-the-american-revolution/) _2026-07-30 · Michael Peck · Military Times_ With a 114-page user manual, a new wargame offers a highly detailed simulation of the American Revolution. ## [Stream Torrents and IPTV Instantly (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/920oySqsMWso) _2026-07-30 · **Sponsored**_ Search, index, and play music, movies, books, and live TV in your browser. ## [Program offering free food to moving military families expands to four more states](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/07/29/program-offering-free-food-to-moving-military-families-expands-to-four-more-states/) _2026-07-29 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Military families relocating to four more areas can sign up for $125 worth of groceries and essentials. ## [Job search ‘coaches’ gear up to help transitioning troops meet AI challenge](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/28/job-search-coaches-gear-up-to-help-transitioning-troops-meet-ai-challenge/) _2026-07-28 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ About 200,000 troops leave the military each year, and this year they are entering a jobs market in flux, with the long-term effects of AI anybody's guess. ## [Suicidal ideation rises among veterans, but attempts remain stable, study finds](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/27/suicidal-ideations-rise-among-veterans-but-attempts-remain-stable-study-finds/) _2026-07-27 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ Suicidal ideations among U.S. veterans have risen nearly 50% in the past five years, according to a new study based on a survey of 2,636 veterans. ## [Even $500 could make a difference for military childcare workers, researchers find](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/23/even-500-could-make-a-difference-for-military-childcare-workers-researchers-find/) _2026-07-23 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Low pay is the leading reason military child care providers leave their jobs, but even a $500 bonus could help retain them, research found. ## [Military spouses can find jobs. Keeping careers is the hard part.](https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/17/military-spouses-can-find-jobs-keeping-careers-is-the-hard-part/) _2026-07-17 · Natalie Oliverio · Navy Times_ Unemployment among active-duty spouses actively seeking work climbed to 29.9% in 2025, up from 21.8% in 2023. ## [The new military family: staying together while living apart](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/17/the-new-military-family-staying-together-while-living-apart/) _2026-07-17 · Natalie Oliverio · Military Times_ The DoD does not recognize “geo-bachelor” as an official personnel status or maintain department-wide data on how many families live this way. ## [Bad actors use bogus offers to go after payouts to families affected by first atomic bomb test](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/07/16/bad-actors-use-bogus-offers-to-go-after-payouts-to-families-affected-by-first-atomic-bomb-test/) _2026-07-16 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ Scam artists are targeting the $100,000 now available to eligible New Mexico victims of radiation exposure dating back to the Trinity blast. ## [Senators question whether military pharmacy program is the best deal for beneficiaries](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/16/senators-question-whether-military-pharmacy-program-is-the-best-deal-for-beneficiaries/) _2026-07-16 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Senators raised concerns about the potential anti-competitive tactics of the military’s Tricare pharmacy program contractor, Express Scripts. ## [VA, HHS to increase psychedelic therapy research for PTSD, military-related mental health issues](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/14/va-hhs-to-increase-psychedelic-therapy-research-for-ptsd-military-related-mental-health-issues/) _2026-07-14 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ The agreement could help accelerate research into the use of MDMA, magic mushrooms and other psychedelics to address PTSD and other mental conditions. ## [Unemployment for post-9/11 veterans climbs in June as nation’s job market slides](https://www.navytimes.com/military-honor/2026/07/03/unemployment-for-post-911-veterans-climbs-in-june-as-nations-job-market-slides/) _2026-07-03 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ The closely watched jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans bumped up from 4.1% in May to 4.8% in June as national job creation plunged. ## [Auto-trade Cross-Exchange Gaps (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/VWkgpZtPpE8G) _2026-07-03 · **Sponsored**_ Find cross-exchange spreads, backtest strategies, and execute automatically with risk controls. ## [Army contractor swindles over $1 million ... in MREs](https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2026/07/02/army-contractor-swindles-over-1-million-in-mres/) _2026-07-02 · Eve Sampson · Military Times_ Joseph Lavar Davis, 47, was convicted of stealing over 1.1 million dollars worth of the military’s pre-packaged Meals-Ready-to-Eat, or MREs, in Texas. ## [Visa battle for mother of Cape Verde footballer puts spotlight on nation and its military heritage](https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/military-history/2026/06/22/visa-battle-for-mother-of-cape-verde-footballer-puts-spotlight-on-nation-and-its-military-heritage/) _2026-06-22 · Richard Sisk · Military Times_ Visa issues for the mother of a Cape Verde goalie has put a spotlight on the nation, whose residents have a storied legacy of service in the U.S. military. ## [Beyond the battlefield: How 3 Marine Raiders turned combat lessons into a healing mission](https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2026/06/17/beyond-the-battlefield-how-3-marine-raiders-turned-combat-lessons-into-a-healing-mission/) _2026-06-17 · Clay Beyersdorfer · Military Times_ Prime Hall, Don Tran and Rick Briere served together in the 1st Marine Raider Battalion, which traces its lineage to World War II. ## [Has the military been miscalculating spouse unemployment?](https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/06/17/has-the-military-been-miscalculating-spouse-unemployment/) _2026-06-17 · Jennifer Barnhill · Military Times_ A recent report suggests that the Pentagon has overstated spouse unemployment rates and obscured factors unique to a military lifestyle. ## [‘Flashpoint Campaigns: Cold War’ is the ultimate OODA Loop wargame](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/06/09/flashpoint-campaigns-cold-war-is-the-ultimate-ooda-loop-wargame/) _2026-06-09 · Michael Peck · Military Times_ Flashpoint Campaigns is an OODA Loop-anchored computer wargame that depicts a hypothetical Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany in 1989. ## [Michael Bay slated to direct film on rescue of F-15 crew in Iran](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/05/20/michael-bay-slated-to-direct-film-on-rescue-of-f-15-crew-in-iran/) _2026-05-20 · J.D. Simkins · Military Times_ Less than two months after U.S. forces rescued two crew members in Iran, director Michael Bay has confirmed he will be making a movie based on the mission. ## [Iran ‘skirmish’ has no effect on strong US economy, White House advisor claims](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/04/03/iran-skirmish-has-no-effect-on-strong-us-economy-white-house-advisor-claims/) _2026-04-03 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ The rosy analysis was prompted by the monthly jobs report, which showed the jobless rate for all veterans came down from 4.1% in February to 3.9% in March. ## [Military child care centers opening with ‘lightning speed’ under new pilot program](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/03/10/military-child-care-centers-opening-with-lightning-speed-under-new-pilot-program/) _2026-03-10 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ The center brings 216 more child care slots under a DOD contract with nonprofit Armed Services YMCA. ## [Veterans buck trend as jobless rates dip below national average](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/03/06/veterans-buck-trend-as-jobless-rates-dip-below-national-average/) _2026-03-06 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ The development comes despite a cratering labor market for blue-collar jobs. ## [Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/12/12/lawmakers-move-to-further-restrict-cellphones-in-dod-schools/) _2025-12-12 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA. ## [70 commissaries will offer customers doorstep delivery within a month](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2025/12/11/70-commissaries-will-offer-customers-doorstep-delivery-within-a-month/) _2025-12-11 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Here's the list of 70 commissaries that will have doorstep delivery service by Jan. 11. ## [Troops and families: How has the shutdown affected you?](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/10/16/troops-and-families-how-has-the-shutdown-affected-you/) _2025-10-16 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Military Times wants to hear about your experience during the federal government shutdown. ## [DOD imposes burdensome rules, retaliation on home day cares, moms say](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/family-life/2025/10/09/dod-imposes-burdensome-rules-retaliation-on-home-day-cares-moms-say/) _2025-10-09 · Jennifer Brookland, The War Horse · Navy Times_ The Pentagon said military families can help solve the child care shortage, but providers say over-the-top rules are driving them away. ## [Elmo and friends help military families build healthy habits](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/military-benefits/2025/09/18/elmo-and-friends-help-military-families-build-healthy-habits/) _2025-09-18 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Military families asked for ways to incorporate habits into their busy lives to keep their young children healthy. Sesame Workshop delivered. ## [Pick to lead VA benefits work faces criticism over reform proposals](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/09/11/pick-to-lead-va-benefits-work-faces-criticism-over-reform-proposals/) _2025-09-11 · Leo Shane III · Navy Times_ Several Democratic lawmakers argued nominee Karen Brazell’s non-answers about the potential for benefits eligibility changes should be disqualifying. ## [Veterans volunteer longer, vote more often than civilian peers: report](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/09/11/veterans-volunteer-longer-vote-more-often-than-civilian-peers-report/) _2025-09-11 · Leo Shane III · Navy Times_ Fewer veterans are donating their free time to charities today then they did four years ago, but their involvement remains strong. ## [Advocates lobby for new approaches to preventing veteran suicides](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/09/09/advocates-lobby-for-new-approaches-to-preventing-veteran-suicides/) _2025-09-09 · Leo Shane III · Navy Times_ The Veteran Alliance for Legislative Outreach and Reform wants more research into psychedelic-assisted therapy and other unconventional treatments.