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

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.

Social security card indicating retirement income

Can Veterans Get Social Security?

You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement.

In a silhouette appearing mostly black and gray, an airman walks away from the camera while tossing a wrench in the air.

Air Force Tuition Assistance

The Air Force pays Tuition Assistance for up to 100% of the cost of college courses.

Military News

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Most Popular Military News

Andras Toma of Hungary is believed to be the longest-held POW from World War II.

This World War II POW Endured More Than 50 Years in Captivity

When Anna Gabulya saw a television report of a POW’s return to Hungary a half-century after he served during World War II...

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Latest Military Videos

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A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

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In this photo provided by the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement personnel respond to a Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, 2025, helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.

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The helicopter was on a routine training mission when it crashed at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, an Army official said in a...

Navy News

The Naval Station Great Lakes entrance along Buckley Road

Ex-Sailor Sentenced to 12 Years in Terror Plot Targeting Naval Station Great Lakes

Xuanyu Harry Pang, 39, a naturalized U.S. citizen from China, was charged in a sealed criminal complaint in 2022 and pleaded...

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The most notable snipers in U.S. military history aren’t just legends – they include real soldiers, sailors and Marines who...

Air Force News

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Gun Advocates Petition Massachusetts' Highest Court to Free Veteran Facing Gun Possession Charges

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Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., went to the Senate floor to request what’s known as “unanimous consent” to pass a resolution...

Space Force News

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Space Force Opens Applications for Air Force Reservists to Sign Up for Part-Time Service

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Marine Corps News

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The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a nearly $69 million contract to design and build new hangars and “associated facilities” at...

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At U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s annual International Military Law and Operations Conference, the military’s top officer in the...