Joint Services Transcript (JST): Everything You Need to Know

joint services transcript

Reading Time: 6 minutesLet’s take a few minutes and learn more about the Joint Services Transcript.  If you’re like many Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, or Coast Guardsmen, you’ve probably completed hundreds—or even thousands—of hours of military training during your career. Between Basic Training, MOS schools, leadership courses, technical training, online courses, and professional military education, you’ve invested a tremendous … Read more

What is DJMS? Guide to the Defense Joint Military Pay System

Promotional image describing DJMS: Defense Joint Military Pay System on a laptop screen with soldiers and US flag in background.

Reading Time: 10 minutesIf you’ve spent any time in the military, you’ve probably heard someone say, “That’s a DJMS issue,” especially when talking about pay. Whether you’re a brand-new Soldier, an experienced NCO, a company commander, or a finance clerk, it’s helpful to understand what DJMS is and why it matters. The truth is pretty simple: DJMS is … Read more

The John David Fry Scholarship: A Brief Overview

john david fry scholarship

Reading Time: 6 minutesThe John David Fry Scholarship is one of the most significant educational benefits available to military families, especially those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. Named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, who tragically lost his life in 2006 while serving in Iraq, this scholarship is designed to support the children and spouses of … Read more

The Army Emergency Relief Program: 10 Things You Should Know

army emergency relief

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe Army Emergency Relief program is a benefit association devoted to giving financial help to Soldiers and their families. AER’s motivation is to gather and hold assets to be utilized by Soldiers and their qualified relatives should a substantial budgetary crisis occurs. The emergencies are conditions that emerge abruptly, are unexpected, critical, and result in … Read more

Veteran Burial Benefits: What You Should Know

veteran burial benefits

Reading Time: 13 minutesLet’s take a few minutes to discuss veteran burial benefits.  Losing a loved one is never easy. During an already difficult time, many families are unsure what veterans burial benefits are available or how to apply for them. The good news is that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several valuable benefits that … Read more

GI Bill FAQ: Top 33 Questions And Answers

Reading Time: 6 minutesUnderstanding the GI Bill can be difficult. The benefits from it are immense but attaining those benefits can be nearly impossible if you do not understand the system, or you may find you have to pay back the government because it was discovered you are ineligible for the benefits. First and foremost, you need to … Read more

31 Places To Visit In Europe On Military Leave

Reading Time: 6 minutesI was recently talking with an old friend of mine and he described to me his time in the Army and stationed in Germany. I asked him what all places he visited when he was on leave, and he told me a few but when I asked about some well-known sites, he said, “I didn’t … Read more

Army Family Separation Pay: What it is and How it Works

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen I look back on what I think were some of the most difficult times while serving in the Army, it wasn’t the hard work or the difficult person I would have to work with or for. No, the most difficult part was being separated from my family. The Army understands that family separation is … Read more

National Guard Health Insurance: 12 Facts You Need

Reading Time: 4 minutesLet’s face it, medical costs can be outrageous. Every man, woman and child needs to have some type of health insurance. And now with the Affordable Care Act, if a person does not have health insurance, they can be fined. As a member of the National Guard, a person has access to a top rated … Read more

National Guard GI Bill: 16 Things You Should Know

Reading Time: 4 minutesThere are many benefits in serving the United States and her citizens by being a member of the United States National Guard. Some of the most common benefits are: Gaining skills to help in the civilian world Earning extra money to help offset the rising living costs Travel But another benefit that isn’t mentioned as … Read more