WASHINGTON, September 13, 2024 - Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced seven initiatives to improve the quality of life for Service members and their families today. These actions build on the extensive and unprecedented actions that Department of Defense (DoD) leaders have taken over the past four years as part of Austin's Taking Care of People initiative.

Secretary Austin directed the implementation of the following:

Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSAs) for Service Members: To reduce out-of-pocket health care costs for Service members, the DoD will make HCFSAs available to Service members for the first time through a Special Enrollment Period in March 2025. HCFSAs are an optional benefit that enable Service members to set aside up to $3,200 in pretax earnings per Service member to pay for health care costs, such as co-payments, contact lenses, glasses, dental care, and annual deductibles.

Access to Wi-Fi Pilot: To reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve quality of life for junior enlisted Service members, the DoD is implementing a series of pilot projects to provide high-speed Wi-Fi internet access at no cost to Service members living in unaccompanied housing, which will form the basis of a long-term plan to build a Wi-Fi connected force.

Making Moves Easier: Building on previous expansions of move-related payments to Service members, the DoD will increase Temporary Lodging Expense reimbursement to 21 days (up from 14 days) and allow Temporary Lodging Allowance to be authorized for up to 60 days when it is necessary for a Service member or dependent to occupy temporary lodging immediately before leaving a permanent duty station outside the continental United States. The DoD will also initiate a study to review and evaluate increasing the household goods weight allowances for Service members.

Further Expand Spouse Eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Financial Assistance: To support career advancement for military spouses, eligibility for MyCAA financial assistance will be expanded to spouses of active-duty Service members and spouses of National Guard and reserve Service members on Title 10 orders in the E-7, E-8, E-9, and W-3 ranks. Financial assistance may be utilized to pursue a license, certification, or associate degree as well as testing for college credit and continuing education units. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to employment for military spouses.

Investment in Childcare Workforce: To improve access to childcare for military families, we must invest in our childcare workforce to ensure we can recruit and retain childcare providers. The DoD is working closely with Congress to fund compensation increases for childcare providers and to add key positions—lead educators and special needs inclusion coordinators—that will enhance the developmental and educational support provided to children served by DoD child development centers.

Quality of Life at Remote and Isolated Installations Review: The DoD will conduct a review on risk and protective factors, and prevention capabilities of harmful behaviors at three remote installations. The results of the review will be used to inform and improve quality of life at those locations.

Uniform Costs Review: The DoD will review the quality of standard uniform clothing items issued to the enlisted force and the enlisted monetary uniform replacement allowance rates to ensure they are sufficient.

The Department continues to collaborate with Congress and state partners to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing support of these initiatives.

Find the Secretary's memorandum "Our Enduring Duty to America's Service Members and Their Families" here.