Army making improvements to Family Readiness Groups

By Joe Lacdan, Army News Service

The Army recently made some of the most significant changes to Family Readiness Groups since their creation following the first Gulf War. 

The groups have been re-named "Soldier and Family Readiness Groups" or SFRGs. 

This designation links Soldier readiness to the Family, and clarifies the role of the SFRG to be more inclusive to Soldiers who are single, are single parents or have non-traditional Families, said Steve Yearwood, program analyst for the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management.

Read more: Army making improvements to Family Readiness Groups

Army lengthens tours for Soldiers in Europe, Japan

By Sean Kimmons, Army News Service

The Army is adding a year to overseas tours for some Soldiers heading to Europe and Japan, as part of an effort to boost readiness and reduce moves.

Under the new policy, which applies to permanent change-of-station orders published after June 14, tours for Soldiers who have no dependents and are not married to other service members will extend from 24 to 36 months. 

Read more: Army lengthens tours for Soldiers in Europe, Japan

Sailors Encouraged to Take Advance Travel Pay During PCS Moves

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

The summer season is a very busy time for permanent change of station (PCS) moves for Sailors and their families. While uprooting and moving somewhere different can be challenging, the Navy is overhauling the PCS experience to reduce the stress for Sailors and their families. One of these improvements is streamlining the existing travel advance process.

Sailors can make a PCS move without any out-of-pocket expenditures by simply taking advantage of the travel entitlements available to them in advance of their move. “Travel advances are available for Sailors to request before transferring with one purpose -- to alleviate out-of-pocket expenses for Sailors and their families,” said Capt. John Popham, Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center (NPPSC) commanding officer.

Read more: Sailors Encouraged to Take Advance Travel Pay During PCS Moves

‘Atomic Veterans’ Can Apply For Defense Secretary’s Honor Certificate

By Terri Moon Cronk Defense.gov

Veterans who were exposed to radiation in the military between 1945 and 1992 are eligible to apply for the newly created Atomic Veterans Service Certificate signed by Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.

Application for the certificate is open to retired and former service members, or next of kin in cases of deceased veterans, Defense Department officials said.

Read more: ‘Atomic Veterans’ Can Apply For Defense Secretary’s Honor Certificate