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

The White House Can Send You Personalized Presidential Greetings for Major Life Events

The nearly 70 year old tradition is available for any citizen who requests it.

U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Nick Janowsky and U.S. Military Academy cadet Mitch Walker listen to midshipman Jacey Akpokli as she talks about a class during lunch Dec. 1, 2023. Walker took part in the semester-long service academy exchange program and was one of seven West Point students exchanged at midfield prior to the Army-Navy game. (Shannon Collins/Defense Media Activity)

Learn About the Armed Forces Service Academies

These tips give you an edge in getting into one of these elite institutions.

Why You Should Get a Veterans Designation on Your Driver's License

Most states offer a free veteran's designation on their driver's licenses, and if you want to get your full benefits as a...

How to Change or Update Your VA Direct Deposit Information

Learn how to change the bank account where your VA disability payments get deposited in four simple steps.

Should You Sell Back Leave or Take Terminal Leave When You Get Out?

In the final months of active duty, one of the biggest decisions isn’t about paperwork or moving logistics — it’s whether to...

Do Veterans Benefits Expire?

Did you know that many of your VA benefits have an expiration date? If not, you are not alone. Most veterans aren't aware of...

Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance Increase Announced

The benefit will increase by the same percentage as retirement pay every year from now on

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.

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.

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Most Popular Military News

Command Sgt. Maj. John Brown, senior enlisted advisor of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, provides a rousing speech to the Soldiers of Bravo Battery before departing on a deployment to the United States Central Command area of responsibility on August 19, 2024 at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan. (U.S. Army photos by Capt. Frank Spatt)

Which Americans Will Be Automatically Registered for Military Draft, and When?

Last year's defense bill passed by Congress paved the way for the new automatic registration process.

A VA Clinic Gave Veterans GLP-1s for Weight Loss. A Year Later, Everything Improved

Researchers tracked 201 veterans prescribed semaglutide, the drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. After one...

Marine Corps veteran Al Duran. (Facebook)

WWII Veteran Who Lied About His Age to Serve Takes Honor Flight

Joining the military at 16 to serve in World War II to service in Korea and Vietnam, humble Al Duran has lived quite a life.

A federal class-action lawsuit accuses a company, Trajector, of taking advantage of disabled veterans and their spouses. (Adobe)

Disabled Veterans Charged Up to $20K to File VA Benefits Claims: Lawsuit

The company being sued told Military.com it doesn't charge for VA claims. Plaintiffs disagree, citing purported deceptive...

3 Big PCS Changes Are Coming at Once. Here’s What Service Members Need to Know Before Peak Season.

In 2026, three major changes are affecting military household goods moves: a new permanent agency to run the system, the end...

Latest Military Videos

Top US General Likens Hormuz Blockade to Supermarket Parking Lot

Top US general likens Hormuz blockade to supermarket parking lot and confirms no ships boarded yet.

Hegseth Blasts ‘Unpatriotic’ Press, Compares Reporters to Biblical Pharisees

Hegseth blasts ‘unpatriotic’ press, compares reporters to biblical Pharisees.

Ukrainian Farming Tycoon Helps Turn Volunteer Unit into Fighting Corps

Ukrainian farming tycoon helps turn tiny volunteer unit into fearsome fighting corps.

Divers Recover Artemis II Astronauts After Splashdown

New video of divers recovering Artemis II astronauts after splashdown.

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

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

Army News

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House Approves Aviation Safety Bill Based on Deadly Midair Collision near Washington

An aviation safety bill seeking to address lessons learned from last year’s midair collision of a jet with an Army helicopter...

Navy News

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations. (U.S. Central Command Photo)

‘Turn Around or Be Boarded’: US Blockade Forces Ships Back

U.S. warships are forcing vessels to reverse course without firing a shot, as officials warn the standoff could quickly...

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Comments should contribute meaningfully to the conversation and maintain a respectful environment for all users.

Air Force News

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The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen board member James Thompson honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen in Philadelphia, Penn., on March 28. (The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen)

'Not Just a Moment in History': Tuskegee Airmen Honored in Philadelphia

“It’s something that we need to make sure the rest of the world knows about,” a Tuskegee Airmen supporter told Military.com...

Space Force News

Robbie Robertson, Sedaro CEO and co-founder, presents a live demo to USSF leadership Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Spacepower Conference in Orlando, FL. (Photo courtesy of SFA)

National Spacepower Center: Advancing US and Allied Spacepower

The Space Force Association launched the National Spacepower Center in Dec. 2025 to connect government, academia and industry...

This year's USO 2026 "Service Members of the Year." (USO)

'Exceptional Courage': USO Announces its 2026 Service Members of the Year

This year's crop of USO honorees saved motorcycle crash victims, rescued bodies underwater, saved civilians from a building...

Marine Corps News

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The 2026 International Sniper Competition ends with an Awards Ceremony April 10, 2026 in McGinnis-Wickam Hall on Fort Benning, Georgia. Staff. Sgt. Tyler Johnson and Sgt. Spencer Harrell, representing the United States Marine Corps, won the championship trophy. (U.S. Army photo by Daniel Marble)

Marine Corps Team Takes Army's Top Sniper Title for First Time Since 2009

Staff Sgt. Tyler Johnson and Sgt. Spencer Harrell won the International Sniper Competition at Fort Benning, only the second...

Coast Guard News

A USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) crew member wraps bails of illicit narcotics during a drug offload at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Feb.13, 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Moriah Cannion)

Coast Guard Seized Enough Cocaine in Eastern Pacific to Kill 1.4M Americans

The Coast Guard has seized more than 215,000 pounds of cocaine since August 2025 as part of Operation Pacific Viper.

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Jim Absher

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