Army.com Field Report #230, March 2005


Tackling your taxes with a little help from Uncle Sam
Once again its time for taxes. But for those with access to a computer, it is easier than ever to get your tax information. The government has made it easy to get your W2, 1099, LES and other pay data using their online service.

Know Your Off-Base Housing Options
If you are unable to live on a military base the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) pays military personnel a "Basic Allowance for Housing" (BAH) which is intended to supplement their salary and make it possible for them to provide adequate, safe housing for themselves and their dependents.

Special Fares for Military Personnel
American Airlines announced it is extending into June several special offers available exclusively for active-duty members of the U.S. military, including discounted fares and Group One Boarding privileges.

The Army Budget - Fiscal Years 2006 - 2007
America is a Nation at war. Our Nation, the Joint Force and the U.S. Army are engaged in one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history. Identifying and mitigating the risks associated with our mission to fulfill current and future strategic commitments will ensure that we remain relevant and ready.

Online Degrees
The U.S. Military offers one of the best benefits you could want from a job: they give you money for education. Through the G.I. Bill, soldiers get money to use for college. But one of the drawbacks of life in the military is moving around, sometimes frequently, making it difficult to schedule classes or keep up with class work. One answer may be online degrees.





Physical Fitness Requirements
The Army has very specific physical fitness requirements. If your thinking about joining and want to know what kind of shape you need to be in, these charts will tell you everything you need to know.

States are helping by giving perks to soldiers
Many US states have stepped up to offer other perks to enlisted soldiers. A renewed sense of patriotism has spurred interested in making sure our military remains at full strength. States are offering some nice perks to active duty personnel and their families to help boost morale and take care of our soldiers while they are keeping our country safe.

Understanding Military Discharges
Getting in the Military is one thing, but getting out is a whole other matter. The Military isn't like other jobs where you can quit if you are not happy or you don't like your boss. Being in the Military is more like having a contract accept when you break the contract they don't sue you, they put you in jail!

Coming Home - Now What?
How do you deal with the challenges of homecoming? Relax and accept that homecoming can be difficult. In getting ready for the big day, put your own needs aside and help your spouse reconnect with the life he or she left behind. The real challenge is life after deployment.

How to Wear Army Insignias on the Army Uniform
Army Regulation 670-1, "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia," updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform.



  • New policy enables automatic promotion to sergeant
  • Military Offers More Cash Bonuses
  • Top Army Recruiter: Draft Wouldn't Help
  • No exit plan for Iraq, instead a possible permanent base?
  • The Army Sends Female MPs Into Combat
  • Kerry Calls For 40,000 More Troops
  • Senior Taliban Ready for Reconciliation With Afghan Government
  • Afghans Not Ready for U.S. Troops to Leave






  • New and nervous
  • Can someone please explain what its like in infantry?
  • Special Forces
  • What is an Army Ranger?
  • How do you know if someone is AWOL?
  • Question about ASVAB and physical
  • For honor or for money
  • Need some penpals!! New Army Wife