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

Vice President of the United States Joe Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter arrive at the 113th Army vs. Navy football game Dec. 8, 2012, in Philadelphia, Pa., escorted by Army Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, Superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8261166225/<p>Vice President of the United States Joe Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter arrive at the 113th Army vs. Navy football game Dec. 8, 2012, in Philadelphia, Pa., escorted by Army Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, Superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>Vice President of the United States Joe Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter arrive at the 113th Army vs. Navy football game Dec. 8, 2012, in Philadelphia, Pa., escorted by Army Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, Superintendent of the U. S. Military Academy. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Serbia's Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012. Panetta and Vucic discussed national and regional security items of interest to both nations. (DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett/Released) (Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8261166515/<p>Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Serbia's Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012. Panetta and Vucic discussed national and regional security items of interest to both nations. (DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett/Released) (Released)</p> <p>Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Serbia's Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012. Panetta and Vucic discussed national and regional security items of interest to both nations. (DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett/Released) (Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno holds two small children in a hallway of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 7, 2012, during the 2nd Annual Army Pep Rally in preparation for the upcoming Army vs. Navy football game. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8261166811/<p>Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno holds two small children in a hallway of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 7, 2012, during the 2nd Annual Army Pep Rally in preparation for the upcoming Army vs. Navy football game. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno holds two small children in a hallway of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 7, 2012, during the 2nd Annual Army Pep Rally in preparation for the upcoming Army vs. Navy football game. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A coalition forces service member provides security during an Afghan National Police-led security patrol in Farah province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012. Afghan National Security Forces were taking the lead in security operations in Afghanistan, with coalition forces service members serving as mentors. (DoD photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8261166043/<p>A coalition forces service member provides security during an Afghan National Police-led security patrol in Farah province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012. Afghan National Security Forces were taking the lead in security operations in Afghanistan, with coalition forces service members serving as mentors. (DoD photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>A coalition forces service member provides security during an Afghan National Police-led security patrol in Farah province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012. Afghan National Security Forces were taking the lead in security operations in Afghanistan, with coalition forces service members serving as mentors. (DoD photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Navy veteran and former crew member of the battleship USS Utah (BB 31) Gilbert Meyer attends a sunset service at the newly renovated USS Utah Memorial Dec. 6, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Meyer was a fireman aboard the Utah when the ship was sunk during the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8262233874/<p>U.S. Navy veteran and former crew member of the battleship USS Utah (BB 31) Gilbert Meyer attends a sunset service at the newly renovated USS Utah Memorial Dec. 6, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Meyer was a fireman aboard the Utah when the ship was sunk during the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Navy veteran and former crew member of the battleship USS Utah (BB 31) Gilbert Meyer attends a sunset service at the newly renovated USS Utah Memorial Dec. 6, 2012, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Meyer was a fireman aboard the Utah when the ship was sunk during the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard conduct a three-round volley at the memorial service for Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne at Reservation Point, San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 8, 2012. Horne, the executive petty officer of the USCGC Halibut (WPB 87340), was killed while conducting maritime law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island Dec. 2, 2012. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8262233590/<p>Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard conduct a three-round volley at the memorial service for Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne at Reservation Point, San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 8, 2012. Horne, the executive petty officer of the USCGC Halibut (WPB 87340), was killed while conducting maritime law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island Dec. 2, 2012. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard/Released)</p> <p>Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard conduct a three-round volley at the memorial service for Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne at Reservation Point, San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 8, 2012. Horne, the executive petty officer of the USCGC Halibut (WPB 87340), was killed while conducting maritime law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island Dec. 2, 2012. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Colin Osbourne attempts to tackle U.S. Military Academy cadet Trent Steelman during the 113th Army vs. Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8., 2012. Osbourne is a freshman slot back at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., while Steelman is a senior quarterback at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. The Navy won 17-13, extending their winning streak against the Army for the 11th straight year. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8262233324/<p>U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Colin Osbourne attempts to tackle U.S. Military Academy cadet Trent Steelman during the 113th Army vs. Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8., 2012. Osbourne is a freshman slot back at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., while Steelman is a senior quarterback at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. The Navy won 17-13, extending their winning streak against the Army for the 11th straight year. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Naval Academy midshipman Colin Osbourne attempts to tackle U.S. Military Academy cadet Trent Steelman during the 113th Army vs. Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8., 2012. Osbourne is a freshman slot back at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., while Steelman is a senior quarterback at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. The Navy won 17-13, extending their winning streak against the Army for the 11th straight year. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. athlete John Cena, left, arm-wrestles with a fan at the Navy Exchange Norfolk during his visit to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Dec. 8, 2012. World Wrestling Entertainment personalities participated in activities designed to give back to Service members and their families. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly Greendeer, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8261163347/<p>World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. athlete John Cena, left, arm-wrestles with a fan at the Navy Exchange Norfolk during his visit to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Dec. 8, 2012. World Wrestling Entertainment personalities participated in activities designed to give back to Service members and their families. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly Greendeer, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. athlete John Cena, left, arm-wrestles with a fan at the Navy Exchange Norfolk during his visit to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Dec. 8, 2012. World Wrestling Entertainment personalities participated in activities designed to give back to Service members and their families. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly Greendeer, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8250763940/<p>USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)</p> <p>USS IWO JIMA, Mediterranean Sea (Dec. 5, 2012) - Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for maintenance checks on a Light Armored Vehicle 25 aboard USS Iwo Jima, Dec. 5, 2012. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central, Africa and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tucker S. Wolf/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Coast Guardsmen aboard the medium endurance cutter USCGC Decisive (WMEC 629) offload nearly two tons of cocaine at U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., Dec. 5, 2012. The seizure was estimated to have a combined wholesale value of more than $45 million, and was the result of two separate multiagency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Martillo. Martillo is a joint, interagency and multinational collaborative effort to deny transnational criminal organizations air and maritime access to the littoral regions of the Central American isthmus. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael De Nyse/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8250764302/<p>U.S. Coast Guardsmen aboard the medium endurance cutter USCGC Decisive (WMEC 629) offload nearly two tons of cocaine at U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., Dec. 5, 2012. The seizure was estimated to have a combined wholesale value of more than $45 million, and was the result of two separate multiagency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Martillo. Martillo is a joint, interagency and multinational collaborative effort to deny transnational criminal organizations air and maritime access to the littoral regions of the Central American isthmus. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael De Nyse/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Coast Guardsmen aboard the medium endurance cutter USCGC Decisive (WMEC 629) offload nearly two tons of cocaine at U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., Dec. 5, 2012. The seizure was estimated to have a combined wholesale value of more than $45 million, and was the result of two separate multiagency law enforcement efforts in support of Operation Martillo. Martillo is a joint, interagency and multinational collaborative effort to deny transnational criminal organizations air and maritime access to the littoral regions of the Central American isthmus. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael De Nyse/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta addresses staff members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Md., Dec. 4, 2012. Panetta thanked the more than 300 attendees for their efforts since Walter Reed Army Medical Center merged with the National Naval Medical Center in August 2011 to create WRNMMC. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8249695989/<p>Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta addresses staff members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Md., Dec. 4, 2012. Panetta thanked the more than 300 attendees for their efforts since Walter Reed Army Medical Center merged with the National Naval Medical Center in August 2011 to create WRNMMC. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta addresses staff members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Md., Dec. 4, 2012. Panetta thanked the more than 300 attendees for their efforts since Walter Reed Army Medical Center merged with the National Naval Medical Center in August 2011 to create WRNMMC. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

121203-N-PF210-086 BAHRAIN (Dec. 3, 2012) Builder Constructionman Xavier Knowlesball, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, starts a generator to provide power for the construction site. NMCB 133 is deployed with Commander, Task Force 56.2, promoting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek R. Sanchez/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8249696239/<p>121203-N-PF210-086 BAHRAIN (Dec. 3, 2012) Builder Constructionman Xavier Knowlesball, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, starts a generator to provide power for the construction site. NMCB 133 is deployed with Commander, Task Force 56.2, promoting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek R. Sanchez/Released)</p> <p>121203-N-PF210-086 BAHRAIN (Dec. 3, 2012) Builder Constructionman Xavier Knowlesball, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, starts a generator to provide power for the construction site. NMCB 133 is deployed with Commander, Task Force 56.2, promoting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek R. Sanchez/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Army Pfc. Roberto Solares, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, scans his sector during a key leader engagement, at the Spin Boldak District Police Center in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 3, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Meister/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8250765374/<p>U.S. Army Pfc. Roberto Solares, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, scans his sector during a key leader engagement, at the Spin Boldak District Police Center in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 3, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Meister/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Army Pfc. Roberto Solares, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, scans his sector during a key leader engagement, at the Spin Boldak District Police Center in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 3, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Meister/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

121202-N-OC961-023.MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2012) Capt. Samuel Paparo launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for the last time as commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning to her homeport of Norfolk, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luis Fiallos/Released).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8249696785/<p>121202-N-OC961-023.MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2012) Capt. Samuel Paparo launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for the last time as commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning to her homeport of Norfolk, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luis Fiallos/Released).</p> <p>121202-N-OC961-023.MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2012) Capt. Samuel Paparo launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for the last time as commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning to her homeport of Norfolk, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luis Fiallos/Released).</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (EQRS)and U.S. Army Sight Security Team members ,2nd 138th Field Artillery Regiment, transport an exercise victim, November 30, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS and Sight Security Team was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devin Doskey/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8250765574/<p>U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (EQRS)and U.S. Army Sight Security Team members ,2nd 138th Field Artillery Regiment, transport an exercise victim, November 30, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS and Sight Security Team was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devin Doskey/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (EQRS)and U.S. Army Sight Security Team members ,2nd 138th Field Artillery Regiment, transport an exercise victim, November 30, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS and Sight Security Team was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Devin Doskey/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), participate in a training exercise November 28, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Byers/ Not Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8249697057/<p>U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), participate in a training exercise November 28, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Byers/ Not Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS), participate in a training exercise November 28, 2012 in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti. The 82nd ERQS was conducting a training exercise in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nicholas Byers/ Not Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Cpl. Tasia Wise reads a book with a child at the pediatric center in Guam Memorial Hospital Dec. 6 during Exercise Forager Fury 2012. Wise and 10 other service members volunteered their time to help clean windows at the hospital and had the pleasure of meeting children in the pediatric center. Wise is an Aviation Maintenance Administration Clerk with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 which is under Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin M. Pack/released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8249697391/<p>Cpl. Tasia Wise reads a book with a child at the pediatric center in Guam Memorial Hospital Dec. 6 during Exercise Forager Fury 2012. Wise and 10 other service members volunteered their time to help clean windows at the hospital and had the pleasure of meeting children in the pediatric center. Wise is an Aviation Maintenance Administration Clerk with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 which is under Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin M. Pack/released)</p> <p>Cpl. Tasia Wise reads a book with a child at the pediatric center in Guam Memorial Hospital Dec. 6 during Exercise Forager Fury 2012. Wise and 10 other service members volunteered their time to help clean windows at the hospital and had the pleasure of meeting children in the pediatric center. Wise is an Aviation Maintenance Administration Clerk with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 which is under Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin M. Pack/released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 flies past the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) during a replenishment at sea in the Arabian Sea Dec. 4, 2012. Farragut was part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and was under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8247037511/<p>A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 flies past the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) during a replenishment at sea in the Arabian Sea Dec. 4, 2012. Farragut was part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and was under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 flies past the guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) during a replenishment at sea in the Arabian Sea Dec. 4, 2012. Farragut was part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and was under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Leak, Tops in Blue vocalist, acts out a skit as a mime during a performance at Freedom Tower on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 30, 2012. This year’s Tops in Blue performance entitled “Listen” is being performed for service members throughout the United States as well as 20 countries worldwide. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8247037257/<p>U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Leak, Tops in Blue vocalist, acts out a skit as a mime during a performance at Freedom Tower on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 30, 2012. This year’s Tops in Blue performance entitled “Listen” is being performed for service members throughout the United States as well as 20 countries worldwide. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jonathan Leak, Tops in Blue vocalist, acts out a skit as a mime during a performance at Freedom Tower on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 30, 2012. This year’s Tops in Blue performance entitled “Listen” is being performed for service members throughout the United States as well as 20 countries worldwide. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Service members supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission to allow access to flooded homes, pump up to a million gallons of water per day in Breezy Point, Queens, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2012, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The team, under the direction of the U.S. Army's 19th Engineer Battalion, consisted of more than 600 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. They worked in coordination with area emergency responders and officials to allow access and speed recovery efforts in New York. Hurricane Sandy formed in the Western Caribbean Sea and affected Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and The Bahamas before making landfall in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Mary Markos/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8247036931/<p>U.S. Service members supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission to allow access to flooded homes, pump up to a million gallons of water per day in Breezy Point, Queens, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2012, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The team, under the direction of the U.S. Army's 19th Engineer Battalion, consisted of more than 600 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. They worked in coordination with area emergency responders and officials to allow access and speed recovery efforts in New York. Hurricane Sandy formed in the Western Caribbean Sea and affected Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and The Bahamas before making landfall in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Mary Markos/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Service members supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission to allow access to flooded homes, pump up to a million gallons of water per day in Breezy Point, Queens, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2012, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The team, under the direction of the U.S. Army's 19th Engineer Battalion, consisted of more than 600 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. They worked in coordination with area emergency responders and officials to allow access and speed recovery efforts in New York. Hurricane Sandy formed in the Western Caribbean Sea and affected Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and The Bahamas before making landfall in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Mary Markos/Released)</p>