More soldiers. More deployments. More money. A new commander in chief, a new defense secretary and a new Army secretary. Women in the infantry. Changes to pay and benefits.
And maybe — just maybe — beards while in uniform?
Soldiers can expect 2017 to bring many key, critical changes that will impact their lives at home and in uniform.
Here's a preview of what's in store at home and abroad:
An end to the drawdown?
The next SECDEF.
New SECARMY.
Trump's first budget.
Bigger pay raise, but what about benefits?
Decision time on retirement.
Women in combat units.
New test to reclass.
Beards? Nail polish? Maybe.
New jungle boots.
What's next in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
New Europe deployments.
Expanding Pacific Pathways.
Bigger exercises in Africa.
Better talent management.
New body fat rules.
Special duty pay raises.
Training and education changes.
VA reforms.
New commissary prices.
The end of sequestration?
