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
RELATED
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
From Grinch greetings to Santa sightings, the holidays come to troops
Holiday helpers have been busy, as plenty of organizations and individuals have been working to make the days a bit brighter for troops and their families.
Will most troops move under new household goods program in 2025?
More than half of installations in the continental United States are moving troops' shipments under the new system.
VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026
The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.
Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus
The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.
