Latest Military Compensation News

  • New Roth TSP Option
    Beginning October 1, 2012, active duty military members in the Army, Navy, and Air Force may elect to contribute to a Roth TSP. The Roth TSP offers a different option in the tax treatment of contributions. Roth contributions are taken out of a member’s paycheck after the income is taxed. The earnings and withdrawals will not be taxed so long as you are at least age 59 ½ (or disabled) and have contributed to Roth for at least 5 years. A traditional TSP contribution is pre-income tax, reducing a member’s gross income which in turns lowers a member’s taxes today, but upon withdrawal, the contributions and earnings will be taxed at the future rate. Each TSP offers a different tax benefit. In general, if one is paying lower taxes now, and expects higher taxes in the future, the Roth may be more advantageous. However, if one is paying higher taxes now and expects lower taxes in the future, a traditional may be the right choice. Members are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors to assist in making the right decision for their personal tax situation. For 2012, total amount one can contribute to Roth and traditional cannot exceed $17,000 plus the $5,500 catch up contribution for member age 50 or older. For more information please see:
    http://www.dfas.mil/
    https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/roth/compareRoth.shtml
  • ROTH TSP Available to Marine Corps
    Effective June 1, 2012, the ROTH TSP option is available to the Marine Corps. The ROTH TSP offers after-tax contributions, while the Traditional TSP offers a pre-tax contributions. The traditional TSP defers taxation on contributions until the money is distributed and reduces one’s gross income in the tax year of contribution. More
  • DoD Tax Attorney Discusses the ROTH TSP
    Video

In the Spotlight

DoD Photos

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Army Wounded Warrior approaches the finish line during the 28th Annual Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds went to the Army?s morale, welfare and recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116410157/<p>A U.S. Army Wounded Warrior approaches the finish line during the 28th Annual Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds went to the Army?s morale, welfare and recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Army Wounded Warrior approaches the finish line during the 28th Annual Army Ten Miler in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds went to the Army?s morale, welfare and recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Soldiers with the Golden Knights glide into the Pentagon parking lot during the 28th Annual Army-Ten Miler in Washington, Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten-Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds go to the Army?s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116417828/<p>U.S. Soldiers with the Golden Knights glide into the Pentagon parking lot during the 28th Annual Army-Ten Miler in Washington, Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten-Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds go to the Army?s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Soldiers with the Golden Knights glide into the Pentagon parking lot during the 28th Annual Army-Ten Miler in Washington, Oct. 21, 2012. The Army Ten-Miler was produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and all proceeds go to the Army?s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Pedro Rivera King, with the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, examines an engine on a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a maintenance inspection Oct. 17, 2012, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116416960/<p>U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Pedro Rivera King, with the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, examines an engine on a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a maintenance inspection Oct. 17, 2012, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Pedro Rivera King, with the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, examines an engine on a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a maintenance inspection Oct. 17, 2012, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton and Staff Sgt. Dane Hatley conduct combat survival training near Osan Air Base, South Korea, during Exercise 2012 Pacific Thunder on Oct. 15, 2012. Colliton is a survival evasion resistance and escape specialist from the 18th Operation Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Hatley is a 33rd Rescue Squadron flight engineer. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116407017/<p>U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton and Staff Sgt. Dane Hatley conduct combat survival training near Osan Air Base, South Korea, during Exercise 2012 Pacific Thunder on Oct. 15, 2012.   Colliton is a survival evasion resistance and escape specialist from the 18th Operation Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Hatley is a 33rd Rescue Squadron flight engineer. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton and Staff Sgt. Dane Hatley conduct combat survival training near Osan Air Base, South Korea, during Exercise 2012 Pacific Thunder on Oct. 15, 2012.   Colliton is a survival evasion resistance and escape specialist from the 18th Operation Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Hatley is a 33rd Rescue Squadron flight engineer. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

An F-15D Eagle piloted by Capt. David Vincent, 65th Aggressor Squadron pilot, with retired United States Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager taxis to the runway before taking off Oct 14, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This flight marks the 65th anniversary of Yeager's breaking of the sound barrier.(DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116405295/<p>An F-15D Eagle piloted by Capt. David Vincent, 65th Aggressor Squadron pilot, with retired United States Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager taxis to the runway before taking off Oct 14, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This flight marks the 65th anniversary of Yeager's breaking of the sound barrier.(DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>An F-15D Eagle piloted by Capt. David Vincent, 65th Aggressor Squadron pilot, with retired United States Air Force Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager taxis to the runway before taking off Oct 14, 2012, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This flight marks the 65th anniversary of Yeager's breaking of the sound barrier.(DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter prepares to pick up cargo from the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) during a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Arabian Sea Oct. 18, 2012. Dwight D. Eisenhower was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116404173/<p>A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter prepares to pick up cargo from the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) during a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Arabian Sea Oct. 18, 2012. Dwight D. Eisenhower was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter prepares to pick up cargo from the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) during a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Arabian Sea Oct. 18, 2012. Dwight D. Eisenhower was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

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A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean Oct. 18, 2012. Nimitz was under way participating in a composite training unit exercise in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr., U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116412090/<p>A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean Oct. 18, 2012. Nimitz was under way participating in a composite training unit exercise in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr., U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean Oct. 18, 2012. Nimitz was under way participating in a composite training unit exercise in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr., U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Marine watches from a KC-130J Hercules aircraft as an AV-8B Harrier aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 is refueled over Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2012. (DoD photo by Capt. Staci Reidinger, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116411506/<p>A U.S. Marine watches from a KC-130J Hercules aircraft as an AV-8B Harrier aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 is refueled over Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2012. (DoD photo by Capt. Staci Reidinger, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Marine watches from a KC-130J Hercules aircraft as an AV-8B Harrier aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 is refueled over Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 11, 2012. (DoD photo by Capt. Staci Reidinger, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division jump from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Large Package Week/Joint Operational Access Exercise (LPW/JOAX) 13-01 Oct. 11, 2012, at Fort Bragg, N.C. LPW/JOAX is a joint Army and Air Force training exercise held several times a year to practice large-scale airdrop missions for personnel and equipment. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Joanna Hensley, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8116410370/<p>U.S. Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division jump from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Large Package Week/Joint Operational Access Exercise (LPW/JOAX) 13-01 Oct. 11, 2012, at Fort Bragg, N.C. LPW/JOAX is a joint Army and Air Force training exercise held several times a year to practice large-scale airdrop missions for personnel and equipment. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Joanna Hensley, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division jump from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Large Package Week/Joint Operational Access Exercise (LPW/JOAX) 13-01 Oct. 11, 2012, at Fort Bragg, N.C. LPW/JOAX is a joint Army and Air Force training exercise held several times a year to practice large-scale airdrop missions for personnel and equipment. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Joanna Hensley, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Army Sgt. Dante Hawthorne, with Alpha Company, 407th Brigade Support Battalion, carries a simulated wounded Soldier during a field exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., Oct. 18, 2012. JRTC's 13-01 rotation was designed to prepare and educate U.S. Service members in a simulated combat environment. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Cozad, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113265244/<p>U.S. Army Sgt. Dante Hawthorne, with Alpha Company, 407th Brigade Support Battalion, carries a simulated wounded Soldier during a field exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., Oct. 18, 2012. JRTC's 13-01 rotation was designed to prepare and educate U.S. Service members in a simulated combat environment. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Cozad, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Army Sgt. Dante Hawthorne, with Alpha Company, 407th Brigade Support Battalion, carries a simulated wounded Soldier during a field exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, La., Oct. 18, 2012. JRTC's 13-01 rotation was designed to prepare and educate U.S. Service members in a simulated combat environment. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Heather Cozad, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Navy Ensign Cris Forero, a student at Naval Survival Training Institute (NSTI), lights a night flare after a daylong water survival course in Pensacola, Fla., Oct. 16, 2012. NSTI, a component of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center and Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, provided aviation survival training to thousands of Service members. (DoD photo by Bruce Cummins, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113252345/<p>U.S. Navy Ensign Cris Forero, a student at Naval Survival Training Institute (NSTI), lights a night flare after a daylong water survival course in Pensacola, Fla., Oct. 16, 2012. NSTI, a component of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center and Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, provided aviation survival training to thousands of Service members. (DoD photo by Bruce Cummins, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Navy Ensign Cris Forero, a student at Naval Survival Training Institute (NSTI), lights a night flare after a daylong water survival course in Pensacola, Fla., Oct. 16, 2012. NSTI, a component of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center and Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, provided aviation survival training to thousands of Service members. (DoD photo by Bruce Cummins, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

From top left, U.S. Navy Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Matthew Harrison, Chief Navy Diver Eric Eberle, Navy Diver 3rd Class Brian Stewart, Senior Chief Master Diver Michael Woods, Navy Diver 2nd Class Sean Mcconnell and Chief Warrant Officer John Sullivan, all assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, Company 4 and the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing In Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Command (JPAC), hold an American flag and a POW/MIA flag Oct. 19, 2012, in Calvi, France, at the site of the wreckage of a B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft that was shot down and sunk during World War II. The team was deployed alongside JPAC aboard salvage ship USNS Grapple (T-ARS-53) as part of a 30-day underwater recovery mission for an unaccounted-for U.S. Service member who went missing during the crash. JPAC conducts global search, recovery and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Martin Carey, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113251263/<p>From top left, U.S. Navy Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Matthew Harrison, Chief Navy Diver Eric Eberle, Navy Diver 3rd Class Brian Stewart, Senior Chief Master Diver Michael Woods, Navy Diver 2nd Class Sean Mcconnell and Chief Warrant Officer John Sullivan, all assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, Company 4 and the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing In Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Command (JPAC), hold an American flag and a POW/MIA flag Oct. 19, 2012, in Calvi, France, at the site of the wreckage of a B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft that was shot down and sunk during World War II. The team was deployed alongside JPAC aboard salvage ship USNS Grapple (T-ARS-53) as part of a 30-day underwater recovery mission for an unaccounted-for U.S. Service member who went missing during the crash. JPAC conducts global search, recovery and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Martin Carey, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>From top left, U.S. Navy Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Matthew Harrison, Chief Navy Diver Eric Eberle, Navy Diver 3rd Class Brian Stewart, Senior Chief Master Diver Michael Woods, Navy Diver 2nd Class Sean Mcconnell and Chief Warrant Officer John Sullivan, all assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, Company 4 and the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing In Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Command (JPAC), hold an American flag and a POW/MIA flag Oct. 19, 2012, in Calvi, France, at the site of the wreckage of a B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft that was shot down and sunk during World War II. The team was deployed alongside JPAC aboard salvage ship USNS Grapple (T-ARS-53) as part of a 30-day underwater recovery mission for an unaccounted-for U.S. Service member who went missing during the crash. JPAC conducts global search, recovery and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Martin Carey, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Army paratrooper gives a thumbs up while participating in a personnel drop at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 11, 2012, during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-01. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Rissmiller, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113261044/<p>A U.S. Army paratrooper gives a thumbs up while participating in a personnel drop at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 11, 2012, during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-01. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Rissmiller, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Army paratrooper gives a thumbs up while participating in a personnel drop at Fort Bragg, N.C., Oct. 11, 2012, during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-01. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Rissmiller, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton, assigned to the 18th Operation Support Squadron, rides in an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter near Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 10, 2012, during exercise Pacific Thunder 2012. Pacific Thunder is an annual two-week exercise that involves the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 25th Fighter Squadron from Osan Air Force Base. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113259830/<p>U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton, assigned to the 18th Operation Support Squadron, rides in an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter near Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 10, 2012, during exercise Pacific Thunder 2012. Pacific Thunder is an annual two-week exercise that involves the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 25th Fighter Squadron from Osan Air Force Base. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bobby Colliton, assigned to the 18th Operation Support Squadron, rides in an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter near Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 10, 2012, during exercise Pacific Thunder 2012. Pacific Thunder is an annual two-week exercise that involves the 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 25th Fighter Squadron from Osan Air Force Base. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, plays with a Filipino student during an engineering civil assistance project at the Dallipawen Elementary School in San Narciso, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2012, in support of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew Troyer, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113258556/<p>U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, plays with a Filipino student during an engineering civil assistance project at the Dallipawen Elementary School in San Narciso, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2012, in support of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew Troyer, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Timothy Davis, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172, plays with a Filipino student during an engineering civil assistance project at the Dallipawen Elementary School in San Narciso, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2012, in support of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve the interoperability, readiness and professional relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and partner nations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Matthew Troyer, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fire M4 carbines during a battle sight zero shooting range in Djibouti, Djibouti, Oct. 1, 2012. The training was part of a three-week exercise comprising basic infantry skills and desert survival techniques. The 24th MEU was deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113246335/<p>U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fire M4 carbines during a battle sight zero shooting range in Djibouti, Djibouti, Oct. 1, 2012. The training was part of a three-week exercise comprising basic infantry skills and desert survival techniques. The 24th MEU was deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fire M4 carbines during a battle sight zero shooting range in Djibouti, Djibouti, Oct. 1, 2012. The training was part of a three-week exercise comprising basic infantry skills and desert survival techniques. The 24th MEU was deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force in U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, left, the commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, salutes Deputy Secretary of Defense Aston B. Carter, center, upon Carter's arrival aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Persian Gulf Oct. 19, 2012. Carter was on a seven-day trip to the Middle East to meet with leadership in the region. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia Casper, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8113244985/<p>U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, left, the commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, salutes Deputy Secretary of Defense Aston B. Carter, center, upon Carter's arrival aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Persian Gulf Oct. 19, 2012. Carter was on a seven-day trip to the Middle East to meet with leadership in the region. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia Casper, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, left, the commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, salutes Deputy Secretary of Defense Aston B. Carter, center, upon Carter's arrival aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Persian Gulf Oct. 19, 2012. Carter was on a seven-day trip to the Middle East to meet with leadership in the region. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julia Casper, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft lands at the Geronimo landing zone during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-1 at Fort Polk, La., Oct. 15, 2012. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8103041812/<p> A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft lands at the Geronimo landing zone during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-1 at Fort Polk, La., Oct. 15, 2012. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p> A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft lands at the Geronimo landing zone during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-1 at Fort Polk, La., Oct. 15, 2012. A JOAX is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft hovers over the flight line during the Marine Corps Community Services-sponsored annual air show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego Oct. 13, 2012. (DoD photo by Cpl. Jamean Berry, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8103026501/<p> A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft hovers over the flight line during the Marine Corps Community Services-sponsored annual air show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego Oct. 13, 2012. (DoD photo by Cpl. Jamean Berry, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p> A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft hovers over the flight line during the Marine Corps Community Services-sponsored annual air show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego Oct. 13, 2012. (DoD photo by Cpl. Jamean Berry, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Volunteers help carry turtles for tagging at Turtle Cove, Diego Garcia, U.K., Oct. 17, 2012. A team of marine biologists visited Diego Garcia to tag and track sea turtles, as well as study the environment in which they lay their eggs. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric A. Pastor, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8103024301/<p>Volunteers help carry turtles for tagging at Turtle Cove, Diego Garcia, U.K., Oct. 17, 2012. A team of marine biologists visited Diego Garcia to tag and track sea turtles, as well as study the environment in which they lay their eggs. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric A. Pastor, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>Volunteers help carry turtles for tagging at Turtle Cove, Diego Garcia, U.K., Oct. 17, 2012. A team of marine biologists visited Diego Garcia to tag and track sea turtles, as well as study the environment in which they lay their eggs. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric A. Pastor, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>