The US military has more than 4,000 sailors and Marines deployed to the Red Sea right now for deterrence missions against Houthi fighters militarytimes.com/news/your-mili…

~ some personnel news ~
Excited to welcome Courtney Mabeus to the Air Force beat (and back to Military Times)! She starts today as the new Air Force Times reporter. Say hi at courtney.mabeusbrown [at] militarytimes [dot] com

After a confirmations blitz this month, one Air Force officer's promotion is still left blocked in the Senate. Details from Nikki Wentling militarytimes.com/news/your-mili…

The holidays can bring unique challenges that may lead to intense feelings of crisis.

If you're a Veteran, we at VA want you to know that we're here for you.

Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to reach us 24/7.

.Veterans Affairs #coronavirus update for Dec. 19 (1,386 days since 1st case):
-- Active cases over 7K today. First time since Feb. 20 (302 days ago). Up 50.3% in the last month.
-- Total deaths at 25,436. Of those, 681 are since July 1, 1,690 since Jan 1.

Senate confirms the final 11 four-star nominees still caught up in Tuberville's abortion protest, clearing the final major leadership headache for the Pentagon militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-…

Schumer says the Senate will extend FAA policy, confirm nominees and finish military promotions before leaving for the year

'We'll not leave town until every last one of these delayed nominees is confirmed'

Heads up -- military families will see a boost in separation pay next year under provisions included in #FY24NDAA militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2…

Schumer on four-star generals' promotions & Tuberville: 'We must also finish the job on confirming military promotions and other nominees.'

New study shows Veterans Affairs disability payouts can help some vets earn more than their non-disabled peers militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/…

Out now -- Homelessness among veterans jumped 7% last year. Disappointing news after years of progress on the issue. And advocates warn it may get worse. militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/…

New RAND Corporation survey finds that the American public mostly holds positive views of veterans, but more would discourage enlistement in the military than encourage it. militarytimes.com/veterans/2023/…

National treasure Jeff Schogol doing what he does best.

Bless CSPAN for their continuing Jeff coverage. I, for one, appreciate it.

Troops’ housing allowances will get a 5% boost in 2024

militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/m…

Here's a look at what made it into #FY24NDAA and what got left out: militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-…

US House handily approves the compromise defense policy bill by a vote of 310-118. Heads to president--who supports it--for his signature.

The #FY24NDAA (expected to be passed by the House laster today) calls for another significant cut in military end strength. In the past three years, more than 60K positions have been cut from the services. militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-…

NDAA set to clear the Senate this afternoon. Schumer just locked in a deal for two votes to start at 5pm. The second vote is on final passage.

White House officially signals that Biden will sign the compromise #FY24NDAA .

Lawmakers press Veterans Affairs for better answers on preventing veterans suicides and float the idea of sending more federal money to outside community groups engaged on the issue
militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-…