Spouse Tuition Assistance. Section 582 of the act allows the Secretary of Defense to set up a tuition assistance program for military spouses to help them get or keep a job. This new program would be designed to pay tuition assistance for the purpose of taking college courses or training resulting in a credential or license. The law doesn't specify tuition assistance amounts or what courses would be authorized, so that will be up to DOD, should they decide to implement the program. If DOD decides to implement the program (the law doesn't mandate it, only authorizes it), then it will become effective whenever DOD establishes the program details.
Parental Leave for Dads. Section 532 of the bill authorizes 10 days of non-chargeable leave for married military members whose wife gives birth to a child. While this new leave is an entitlement, like other leave, it's still subject to commander's approval, based on mission requirements.
Sabbatical. Section 533 of the act allows the Department of Defense to conduct an experiment, limited to 20 officers and 20 enlisted members over the next three years to see if offering a sabbatical for members in critical specialties would enhance retention. Under the plan, selected members could be granted up to three years time off from the military for such purposes as child-rearing or enhancing education. Those on sabbatical would not receive military pay and allowances, but would be paid an equivalent of two days basic pay for each month they are on sabbatical. Time spend on sabbatical will not count toward retirement, but members would be reinstated at the same rank and level of responsibility when they return.
Family Separation Allowance. Section 604 of the bill allows military-married-to-military members, with dependents to both receive the family separation allowance of $250 per month, if both husband and wife are deployed at the same time. Under previous law, only one member could receive the payment. To qualify, both members must have been living together, with their dependent(s) prior to when the deployment(s) began. This change is retroactive to October 1, 2008.
Professional Equipment Shipment for Spouses. Section 621 of the bill allows spouses to ship up to 500 pounds of professional books or equipment with a member's household goods, not charged against the household goods weight entitlement. Military members have had this authority for their own professional books and equipment for years. The law does not define what constitutes professional books and equipment for spouses, so DOD will have to establish criteria before this change goes into effect. Expect that to take at least six months.
Temporary Lodging Expense. TLE is paid to to military members and their families when they must stay in temporary lodging in the states due to a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move. Generally, up to 10 days of TLE is authorized, but that can be extended up to 60 days for emergencies, such as a natural disaster or evacuation. Section 603 of the act increases the maximum amount of TLE from $110 per day to $290 per day. This change became effective on October 14, when the 2009 Defense Authorization Act was signed by the President.
Tricare Fees. For three straight years in a row, the Pentagon has tried to increase Tricare enrollment and cost-share fees. Each year, Congress has blocked them by including a provision in the annual Defense Authorization Act prohibiting any increases for a year. This year is no different. Sections 701 and 702 of the act prohibits any increases in Tricare or Pharmacy fees for another year. The act also waives co-payments for certain preventative care services, such as annual physicals, vaccinations, and cancer screenings.
Active Duty End Strength. Section 401 sets authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2009, as follows:
(1) The Army, 532,400. Last year's authorization: 525,400
(2) The Navy, 326,323. Last year's authorization: 328,400
(3) The Marine Corps, 194,000. Last year's authorization: 189,000
(4) The Air Force, 317,050. Last year's authorization: 328,600
Change in Minimum Authorized Active Duty Size. Section 402 of the bill changes the minimum size that the branches are required to have on active duty by the end of the Fiscal Year:
(1) For the Army, 532,400 (changed from 525,400)
(2) For the Navy, 325,300 (changed from 328,400)
(3) For the Marine Corps, 194,000 (changed from 189,000)
(4) For the Air Force, 317,050 (changed from 328,600)
End Strength for Selected Reserve. Sections 411 of the act sets the maximum size of the Selected Reserves:
(1) The Army National Guard, 352,600. (Changed from 351,300)
(2) The Army Reserve, 205,000. (Changed from 205,000)
(3) The Navy Reserve, 66,700. (Changed from 67,800)
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 39,600. (No change)
(5) The Air National Guard, 106,756. (Changed from 106,700)
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 67,400. (Changed from 67,500)
(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 10,000. (No change)
