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

Should You Sell Back Leave or Take Terminal Leave When You Get Out?

In the final months of active duty, one of the biggest decisions isn’t about paperwork or moving logistics — it’s whether to...

Do Veterans Benefits Expire?

Did you know that many of your VA benefits have an expiration date? If not, you are not alone. Most veterans aren't aware of...

Most Military Retirees Saw Medicare Costs Increase in 2025

Medicare costs will go up 5.9% on average for 2024

Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance Increase Announced

The benefit will increase by the same percentage as retirement pay every year from now on

The GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program Explained

The Yellow Ribbon program is designed to help students avoid up to 100% of their out-of-pocket tuition costs

Graduate mortarboards, one decorated, pictured from the rear with a row of flags representing the military services on a stage in the foreground.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Overview

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers greater benefits than ever, but figuring out who gets what can be very confusing.

Soldiers return from a 11 month long deployment in Kosovo.

Military Permanent Change of Station PCS Overview

The government will reimburse many costs associated with a PCS move. Here is an overview of what you can expect.

Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants

Grants are available for veterans to help purchase a new or used car or special equipment to assist those with disabilities

A woman holds a military discharge paper.

Understanding the Types of Military Discharge

A military discharge is when a service member is released from their military service obligations. More than 200,000 U.S...

Future airmen take the oath of enlistment.

Everything You Need to Know About the Military Draft

What is the military draft and Selective Service? Here’s everything you need to know.

Airman & Son Place Flag on Veteran's Grave

When You Die, VA Will Provide a Free Grave Marker

The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world.

Military PCS Allowances

If you PCS, the government will either provide you transportation between duty stations or will reimburse your travel.

A housekeeper hangs clean towels at the General John K. Cannon Hotel.

PCS Spotlight: Temporary Lodging Allowances

Temporary lodging reimbursement will help to pay some of your expenses while occupying temporary quarters during a PCS move.

Ship Your Household Goods During a PCS Move

The government will ship your household goods when you are transferred to a new permanent duty station.

Ask the Right Questions Before Choosing a School

Deciding whether a school is right for you requires asking smart questions. This guide will help you become a smart consumer.

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Most Popular Military News

Rep. Michael Lawler, R-N.Y., left, confronts House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Federal Government Shutdown Grinds into a Second Week as Tempers Flare at the Capitol

As the federal government shutdown enters a second week, there’s no discernible endgame in sight.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) questions U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

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At 50, He Survived Marine Boot Camp — Then Fought at Peleliu and Okinawa

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Latest Military Videos

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Investigations and Features

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Army News

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Florencio Davila. His family made sure that his final wish was honored with the help of the local community. (Submitted photo)

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U.S. Marines currently deployed to the Caribbean are well poised for any potential conflict in the U.S. Southern Command Area...

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The White House pressed Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during a recent military...

Air Force News

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Former US Airman Threatened to Assassinate Trump Over LGBTQ+ Policies, Feds Say

Joshua Levi Young, 21, of Ishpeming, is accused of issuing several threats since January that called for the execution of...

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Space Force News

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Marine Corps News

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Rick Colts knew something was wrong the moment his military working dog changed his search pattern. It was June 1, 2011, the...

Coast Guard News

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