Family

If you’re wondering why your child’s school asked whether a parent is active duty, it’s because for the first time, schools are being required to collect and report data on assessments of military children.

It’s anticipated that states and school districts around the country will start reporting that data later this year, according to the Department of Education. The data will be based on performance records from the 2017-2018 school year; generally states release their report cards in the winter following the school year, officials said.

Military spouses will find it easier to apply for Department of Defense civilian jobs using military spouse preference, under new procedures being finalized now, according to DoD officials.

Those leaving the military will have more time to use free resources such as income tax help, nonmedical counseling, spouse employment assistance and other resources via Military OneSource, thanks to a provision in the defense authorization bill

Starting next year, service members who have been in the military for more than 16 years will no longer be able to transfer GI Bill benefits to their dependents — a change to current Pentagon policy that’s garnered mixed reviews from military advocates.

The Defense Department announced today it is instituting the 16-year cap, effective in one year, and making other changes “to more closely align the transferability benefit with its purpose as a recruiting and retention incentive,” according to a statement.