More soldiers. More deployments. More money.
A new Joint Chiefs chairman, Army chief of staff and sergeant major of the Army. Tougher — and longer — training, a new PT test (finally) and a new uniform. Critical changes to the GI Bill and Tricare.
Soldiers can expect 2019 to bring many key changes that will impact their lives at home and in uniform.
Here’s a look at what’s in store:
RELATED
New in 2019: The Army’s got a big end strength gap to fill this year
The Army needs to grow by 11,500 soldiers this year to meet its end strength goals.
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New in 2019: The Army’s due for a new chief of staff and sergeant major. Who will they be?
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has been named President Trump's pick to be the next Joint Chiefs chairman, while Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey is slated to retire in 2019.
RELATED
New in 2019: The Army’s new fitness test could go live as soon as October
The clock is counting down toward your first Army Combat Fitness Test for record.
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New in 2019: Is an even bigger military pay raise on the way?
Debate over troops' next pay raise could be key in budget talks throughout 2019.
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New in 2019: The Army’s basic infantry training is about to get longer, and it could be a sign of broader changes to come
With infantry training set to go from 14 to 22 weeks permanently in 2019, the service is eyeing an extension for all basic training programs.
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New in 2019: From tanks to Strykers, major brigade combat team conversions are coming this year
The upcoming BCT changes come as the Army re-configures its forces.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: The new Army Greens uniform is scheduled for a grand summer debut
More than two years in the making, the Army announced on Veterans Day that it would indeed be adopting a new service uniform in 2019.
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New in 2019: The Army is pulling out all the stops to attract Generation Z
The Army is moving out of its comfort zone as it tries to connect with today's generation of young people.
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New in 2019: The Army’s new way of war fighting will continue to evolve
Ongoing operations and experimentation will inform how the warfighting concept evolves.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: The Army and Marines will test-fire next-gen weapon prototypes this summer
New methods of firing a completely different bullet will be on display at the test fire.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: Soldiers, Marines will start getting these advanced night vision goggles this year
The gear would merge night vision, weapon targeting and battlefield data.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: The Army, Marines will put four robotic gear mules to the test in rugged, austere conditions
Service leadership will choose from four submissions after soldiers and Marines finish field testing.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: Army Europe adds new units, boosts air defense, artillery
These units are tailored for what the Pentagon sees as a counter to the Russia threat in Europe.
By Todd South
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New in 2019: The new year brings strict limitations on changing your Tricare plan
You'll have to wait until the open enrollment season — next November — to switch plans.
By Karen Jowers
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New in 2019: Will this year’s moving season be better than 2018?
Military officials trying to drive changes that will improve the movement of troops' household goods.
By Karen Jowers
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In Other News
Military families face four key health care deadlines by March 31
Deadlines are looming for these health care-related tasks.
Judge orders return of dismissed probationary workers at VA, DOD
Thousands of federal employees could be reinstated to their government jobs following the ruling.
CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan vets group to step down later this spring
Allison Jaslow has served in the top role at IAVA for the last two years.
Democrats to focus on women, minorities in military personnel debates
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said she'll push for better access to abortion services for troops despite slim chances of progress this year.
