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

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Tennessee Man Shot Dead After Flipping Middle Finger at War Memorial

Albert Sturgill Jr., 63, was confronted by a group while gesturing at the flag and monuments at Cumberland County Veterans...

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Chicago Braces for Potential National Guard Deployment Amid Trump Threats

Illinois politicians are sounding an alarm and bracing for possible National Guard deployments to Chicago amid President...

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As hijacked planes turned into weapons on September 11, 2001, inside a quiet Air National Guard facility in upstate New York...

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As President Donald Trump goads Democratic-led cities, Americans are grappling with a fundamental question of American...

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Jackson was quietly demoted to captain in 2022, three years after his retirement from the Navy, following an inspector...

Soldier Dies on Fort Leonard Wood Rifle Range

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Latest Military Videos

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a single shot in a targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday...

EU Parliament Backs Resolution Condemning Israel over Gaza Situation

The European Parliament on Thursday backed a resolution condemning Israel’s military offensive and restriction of aid in the Gaza...

Trump 'Vows' Never to Forget 9/11, Marking the 24th Anniversary of the Terror Attack on the Pentagon

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Investigations and Features

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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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Disabled US Army Veteran in ‘Limbo’ at Tacoma ICE Detention Center

A U.S. Army veteran's immigration case remains uncertain after he was recently denied bond by a judge, family members say.

A guardsman stands at a gate to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Could National Guard Soldiers Be Deployed in Dallas to Combat Crime?

There’s less enthusiasm among Texas politicians for deploying the National Guard to curb violent crime in Texas cities.

Navy News

U.S. Navy meritorious promotion ceremony

Navy Ranks: A Complete Guide to Enlisted and Officer Ranks

Explore U.S. Navy ranks from seaman recruit to admiral. Learn rank structure, pay grades, insignia and promotion paths in...

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Navy Culinary Specialist Charged in Death of Fellow Sailor in Norfolk

Jeremiah Copeland has been held since the discovery of Seaman Angelina Resendiz’s body in June.

Air Force News

Senate Democrat Tries to Formally Condemn Funeral Honors for Ashli Babbitt

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

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The National Championship Air Races are kicking off in New Mexico for the first time in the competition's 60-year history.

Space Force News

Col. Edward Segura, director of manpower, personnel and services, Air Force Reserve Command, speaks

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

Applications have opened for certain Air Force reservists to join the Space Force under its new one-of-a-kind, part-time...

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U.S. Space Command headquarters can be fully operational before President Donald Trump leaves office, a Redstone Arsenal...

Marine Corps News

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Camp Pendleton Officer, Wife Sue Military Housing Company over Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Son

A Marine Corps family whose 8-year-old son died last year after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Camp...

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Once held on $1 million bond for livestreaming threats to shoot elementary school children, a military veteran is now out of...

Coast Guard News

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A Military Approach to Drug Busts Upends US Efforts and Raises Legal Questions

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