Early Bird Brief: June 18, 2024

Welcome to the Early Bird Brief's LinkedIn Edition, a tightly edited round-up of today's most important military and defense stories. To get the full EBB, with dozens of stories, subscribe here.

Today's Top 5:

What troops need to know about the military’s basic pay in 2024

(Military Times) Service members saw their biggest pay raise in 22 years — 5.2% — this past January. The pay bump in 2025 likely won’t be as large for all troops, but some junior personnel could get a windfall if lawmakers follow through on recent promises. Read More

Marines move some recruiting centers to urban hubs in massive realignment

(Marine Corps Times) As the military services seek to recruit an increasingly disinterested and underinformed population of young Americans, the Marine Corps has quietly begun relocating some of its recruiting hubs, Marine Corps Times has learned. Read More

What troops need to know about the basic allowance for housing in 2024

(Military Times) The military’s housing stipend, known as the “basic allowance for housing,” increased by an average of 5.4% per person in January 2024. Whether a service member saw a larger or smaller increase than average depends on their location. Read More

A dental debacle: Why veterans struggle to navigate VA’s oral care

(Military Times) Advocates say shortcomings in VA dental coverage are a common complaint among veterans, both those with minor and serious injuries. Read More

Court-martial for Air Force general accused of sexual assault being held this week in Texas

(Military.com) Court-martial proceedings for an Air Force two-star general charged with sexual assault are being held this week in Texas, marking only the second time in history that a general officer in the service will head to trial while facing accusations of a sexual crime. Read More

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