Jim Absher

Jim Absher, Military.com's benefits editor and columnist, joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is 2/3 water. He also worked for the VA in field offices and Washington, DC before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Email: jim.absher@monster.com

Latest Articles

A view of Fort Jackson's on-post housing in South Carolina.

Retirees, Civilians, Want to Live in Base Housing? Yes, You Can!

While some of us couldn't wait to get out, some can't wait to get in.

An array of Purple Heart medals laid out on velvet background

Army Will Now Award the Purple Heart for a Perforated Eardrum

Many Army veterans may now be eligible to receive one of the nation's highest military awards.

Everything You Need to Know About Military MyPay

Everything You Need to Know About The MyPay Website

The military MyPay website is your one-stop-shop for everything pay related.

GOBankingRates -- Retirement, Ken Teegardin

Can You Retire Overseas?

There are generally no restrictions on where you may retire. Travel restrictions are generally the same as for all civilians

New Money for Troops Ordered to Move Out of Barracks Approved Following Airman's Suggestion

Those forced to vacate barracks, dorms or ships may be eligible for several hundred dollars.

2022 Dislocation Allowance Rates

The purpose of Dislocation Allowance is to partially reimburse a servicemember for expenses related to a PCS move.

2021 National Survey of Military Affiliated Entrepreneurs

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Dislocation Allowance (DLA) can help ease the expense of moving.

Tricare For Active Duty Members and Their Dependents

There are several different Tricare programs available to active duty members and their dependents.

National Guard Pay Overview

If you're serving as a member of the National Guard, you're eligible for regular drill pay and might qualify for some special...

Honor Guard Folding Military Burial Flag

Family Survivor Benefits

Survivors get several benefits including Dependent Indemnity Compensation, a Death Gratuity, and Tricare benefits.

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

DEERS is a computerized database of military sponsors, families and others worldwide who are entitled to TRICARE benefits.

military funeral honors in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery

Military Retiree Casualty DOs and DON'Ts

Help avoid delays in assistance and the unpleasant issues that may arise when dealing with the loss of a loved one.

How to Get Increased Disability Compensation

Did you know you can always ask the VA for increased disability compensation? But be careful, it can backfire.

Get the Facts on Getting College Credit for Service

Most veterans have been told that they can get college credit for military service. But, most never get the whole story.

The Joint Services Transcript

The Joint Services Transcript (JST) provides a description of military schooling and work history in civilian language.

Military News

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Most Popular Military News

High school military recruits receive their oath of enlistment.

Army Drops Requirement for High School Diploma Amid Recruiting Crisis

The service announced that individuals may enlist without previously required education certifications if they ship to basic...

Veteran Affairs building near the White House in Washington.

VA Employee Filmed Beating Patient Suspended Without Pay

A patient advocate at the VA outpatient clinic at Fort McPherson, Georgia, was arrested in April for assaulting an elderly...

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training

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Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Army Officer Overseeing Safety Gets Prison Sentence After Private's Death on Firing Range

An Army officer was found negligent and sentenced to four months in prison for failing to follow safety procedures at a Fort...

New York National Guard members listen to a civil disturbance response training.

He Liked the Pro-America, Pro-Constitution Vibe. But He Liked the Rage, Too.

Since the attack on the U.S. Capitol, where some 15% of the rioters had a military background, the military and veteran...

The three-tube torpedo launcher that was part of the USS Samuel B. Roberts can be seen underwater.

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The “Sammy B" was broken into two pieces on a slope at a depth of 22,916 feet.

Latest Military Videos

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Family matters for Chris Pratt at 'The Terminal List' premier (June 25) AP

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In this master class, learn what the big and small defense contractors are looking for and how to prepare...

Bidens Welcome Annual Soldier Ride to White House

President Joe Biden and the first lady Jill Biden welcomed wounded warriors, their caregivers and families to the White...

Army News

Wiliam Kellerman holds a World War II-era photo of himself at his home in East Atlantic Beach, New York. (William Kellerman via Best Defense Foundation)

A D-Day Vet Finally Gets His Bronze Star and Purple Heart After 78 Years

The Army says an administrative error in processing Kellerman's records was the reason for the delay.

Army Vet Elvis Presley Gets His Own 24/7 Streaming Channel

The Presley estate has just launched the Elvis Presley Channel, a 24-hour channel available on free, ad-supported streaming...

Senior leaders from US Army Alaska travel on snowshoes.

Congress Eyes Extra Pay to Counter Wave of Suicides in Alaska and on Ships in the Yard

The latest NDAA would provide new $200 monthly stipends to sailors on ships undergoing nuclear refueling and $300 stipends to...

Navy News

Congress Eyes Extra Pay to Counter Wave of Suicides in Alaska and on Ships in the Yard

The latest NDAA would provide new $200 monthly stipends to sailors on ships undergoing nuclear refueling and $300 stipends to...

'Top Gun: Maverick' Continues to Dominate, Reaches Landmark $1 Billion Box Office Gross

"Top Gun: Maverick" will go down in history as the film that brought viewers of all ages back to cinemas worldwide.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is shown as a lieutenant, junior grade, in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

This Famous Actor's Secret WWII Program Became a Precursor to the Navy SEALs

While Douglas Fairbanks Jr. appeared in about 100 movies, his role in creating the Beach Jumpers was likely the most...

Air Force News

gavel on desk with flag in the background

Ex-US Air Force Sergeant Pleads Guilty in Deputy Killing

Steven Carrillo, 33, pleaded guilty Monday to all nine counts, including murder and special circumstances.

Training at Idaho's Orchard Combat Training Center and Saylor Creek ranges.

Air Force ROTC Cadet Killed, 2 Others Injured in Humvee Training Accident

The accident happened around noon on June 24, 2022, at Saylor Creek Range, a part of the Mountain Home Range Complex, in...

Sgt. Claudia Villegas poses in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.

Military Photos of the Week: An LGBTQ Soldier Speaks Up, Marines Make Things Go Boom

Military.com's top photos of the week, June 19 - June 24.

Marine Corps News

Expeditionary sea base USNS John L. Canley (ESB-6) at its christening ceremony

Navy Christens Huge Ship in San Diego that Bears the Name of Medal of Honor Recipient John Canley

Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics, becoming the first living Black Marine to receive the highest medal...

Navy, Air Force and Marines Say Transfers over Discriminatory State Laws Possible, But No Sign of Requests Yet

The three services all say that they have policies and procedures in place to help service members transfer to new duty...

A Ukrainian tank on the front line in Severodonetsk.

Russia Indicates Captured Vets Face Trial as Death Penalty Looms and US Grasps for Details

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov called Drueke and Huynh "soldiers of fortune" who are being held for trial.

Coast Guard News

Coast Guard Academy welcomes 302 young women and men to the Class of 2026 for Day One

Coast Guard Academy Welcomes 302 Swabs for Day One

The incoming class is 43% women, the highest ever, and 38% students from underrepresented minority groups.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

Coast Guard Rescues 7 After Boat Struck by Lightning off Florida Coast

The five women and two men were participating in a fishing tournament when their boat encountered a lightning storm.