Latest Military Compensation News

  • Important FSGLI Coverage Information for Member-to-Member Couples with full time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage
    Section 642 of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Public Law 112-239, repealed the automatic enrollment in Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) for member-to-member couples who have full-time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage and who married on or after January 2, 2013.

    For the full article please click here (PDF).
  • 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 1/2 (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

In the Spotlight

  • Primer: Post Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) Program
    PDMRA is a program intended to recognize Service members who are deployed or mobilized beyond certain Department rotation frequency thresholds by awarding them administrative absence days. The thresholds were established by the Secretary of Defense in January, 2007. When a member mobilizes or deploys beyond these targets, administrative absences are granted to offer additional respite, to be taken at a time convenient to the member and family. PDMRA Primer Download


DoD Photos

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Marine with Rolling Thunder 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2 straps down a tire after a combat logistics patrol to Combat Outpost Shir Ghazi in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 19, 2013. The patrol was conducted to deliver supplies in support of Regimental Combat Team 7 and base realignment and closure operations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8786555200/<p>A U.S. Marine with Rolling Thunder 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2 straps down a tire after a combat logistics patrol to Combat Outpost Shir Ghazi in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 19, 2013. The patrol was conducted to deliver supplies in support of Regimental Combat Team 7 and base realignment and closure operations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Marine with Rolling Thunder 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2 straps down a tire after a combat logistics patrol to Combat Outpost Shir Ghazi in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 19, 2013. The patrol was conducted to deliver supplies in support of Regimental Combat Team 7 and base realignment and closure operations. (DoD photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey brief the media at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8779989125/<p>Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey brief the media at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey brief the media at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Afghan National Army soldiers return from a patrol through Hesarak village, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 17, 2013, during Operation Tennessee Airport Plaza. The soldiers patrolled the area to push out the enemy and assure the safety of the residents. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8779995949/<p>Afghan National Army soldiers return from a patrol through Hesarak village, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 17, 2013, during Operation Tennessee Airport Plaza. The soldiers patrolled the area to push out the enemy and assure the safety of the residents. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>Afghan National Army soldiers return from a patrol through Hesarak village, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 17, 2013, during Operation Tennessee Airport Plaza. The soldiers patrolled the area to push out the enemy and assure the safety of the residents. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

An aerial view of tornado damage in Moore, Okla., May 21, 2013. The Oklahoma National Guard assisted with disaster response efforts after an EF5 tornado with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour tore through the Oklahoma City suburb May 20, 2013, killing at least 24 people, injuring more than 230 and displacing thousands. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8779976751/<p>An aerial view of tornado damage in Moore, Okla., May 21, 2013. The Oklahoma National Guard assisted with disaster response efforts after an EF5 tornado with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour tore through the Oklahoma City suburb May 20, 2013, killing at least 24 people, injuring more than 230 and displacing thousands. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p> <p>An aerial view of tornado damage in Moore, Okla., May 21, 2013. The Oklahoma National Guard assisted with disaster response efforts after an EF5 tornado with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour tore through the Oklahoma City suburb May 20, 2013, killing at least 24 people, injuring more than 230 and displacing thousands. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A rescue worker and a search dog sit outside the remains of the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. The city was hit by a tornado. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8786572314/<p>A rescue worker and a search dog sit outside the remains of the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. The city was hit by a tornado. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p> <p>A rescue worker and a search dog sit outside the remains of the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. The city was hit by a tornado. (DoD photo by Maj. Geoff Legler, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

An Afghan National Army soldier assigned to Mobile Strike Force Kandak fires an RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher May 20, 2013, during a live-fire exercise at Camp Shorabak in Helmand province, Afghanistan. U.S. Marines with a mobile strike force adviseory team supervised the exercise. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8786579746/<p>An Afghan National Army soldier assigned to Mobile Strike Force Kandak fires an RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher May 20, 2013, during a live-fire exercise at Camp Shorabak in Helmand province, Afghanistan. U.S. Marines with a mobile strike force adviseory team supervised the exercise. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>An Afghan National Army soldier assigned to Mobile Strike Force Kandak fires an RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade launcher May 20, 2013, during a live-fire exercise at Camp Shorabak in Helmand province, Afghanistan. U.S. Marines with a mobile strike force adviseory team supervised the exercise. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel R. Kitandwe, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

A U.S. Sailor portrays combat readiness in a posed photo aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 13 in Bahrain May 19, 2013. IMCMEX is an international symposium and exercise designed to enhance cooperation, mutual maritime capabilities and long-term regional stability between the U.S. and its international partners. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8779974985/<p>A U.S. Sailor portrays combat readiness in a posed photo aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 13 in Bahrain May 19, 2013. IMCMEX is an international symposium and exercise designed to enhance cooperation, mutual maritime capabilities and long-term regional stability between the U.S. and its international partners. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>A U.S. Sailor portrays combat readiness in a posed photo aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 13 in Bahrain May 19, 2013. IMCMEX is an international symposium and exercise designed to enhance cooperation, mutual maritime capabilities and long-term regional stability between the U.S. and its international partners. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Afghan National Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, second from left, stands with four other graduates of undergraduate pilot training before they receive their pilot's wings at a ceremony at Shindand Air Base in Afghanistan May 14, 2013. Rhmani was the first woman to successfully complete undergraduate pilot training and earn the status of pilot in more than 30 years. She joined the Kabul Air Wing as a Cessna 208 pilot. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8770933734/<p>Afghan National Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, second from left, stands with four other graduates of undergraduate pilot training before they receive their pilot's wings at a ceremony at Shindand Air Base in Afghanistan May 14, 2013. Rhmani was the first woman to successfully complete undergraduate pilot training and earn the status of pilot in more than 30 years. She joined the Kabul Air Wing as a Cessna 208 pilot. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>Afghan National Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, second from left, stands with four other graduates of undergraduate pilot training before they receive their pilot's wings at a ceremony at Shindand Air Base in Afghanistan May 14, 2013. Rhmani was the first woman to successfully complete undergraduate pilot training and earn the status of pilot in more than 30 years. She joined the Kabul Air Wing as a Cessna 208 pilot. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Scott Saldukas, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Army Sgt. Mathew Gilling, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, scans the area for possible enemy movement while providing security atop a barrier in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8770939112/<p>U.S. Army Sgt. Mathew Gilling, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, scans the area for possible enemy movement while providing security atop a barrier in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Army Sgt. Mathew Gilling, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, scans the area for possible enemy movement while providing security atop a barrier in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Army Spc. Ian French, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provides security in a guard tower in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8770943658/<p>U.S. Army Spc. Ian French, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provides security in a guard tower in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Army Spc. Ian French, assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, provides security in a guard tower in Hesarak village in the Hesarak district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. (DoD photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Oklahoma National Guard participate in recovery efforts after a tornado moved through Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8766271867/<p>U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Oklahoma National Guard participate in recovery efforts after a tornado moved through Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Oklahoma National Guard participate in recovery efforts after a tornado moved through Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. (DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James, U.S. Army National Guard/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Service members attached to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, II Marine Logistics Group provide medical care to an Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officer at Combat Outpost Musa Qala in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 18, 2013. The AUP were on patrol in Musa Qala when a roadside improvised explosive device detonated. The officer sustained minor injuries to his head and face. (DoD photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8766250965/<p>U.S. Service members attached to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, II Marine Logistics Group provide medical care to an Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officer at Combat Outpost Musa Qala in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 18, 2013. The AUP were on patrol in Musa Qala when a roadside improvised explosive device detonated. The officer sustained minor injuries to his head and face. (DoD photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Service members attached to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, II Marine Logistics Group provide medical care to an Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officer at Combat Outpost Musa Qala in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 18, 2013. The AUP were on patrol in Musa Qala when a roadside improvised explosive device detonated. The officer sustained minor injuries to his head and face. (DoD photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducts training operations in the Atlantic Ocean May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Smevog, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8770949214/<p>The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducts training operations in the Atlantic Ocean May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Smevog, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducts training operations in the Atlantic Ocean May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Smevog, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Swimmers compete in the men’s 50-meter backstroke at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 16, 2013. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8770952268/<p>Swimmers compete in the men’s 50-meter backstroke at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 16, 2013. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>Swimmers compete in the men’s 50-meter backstroke at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 16, 2013. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Johnson, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, center left, greets Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center right, during an armed forces flag cordon hosted by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2013. (DoD photo by Eboni Everson-Myart, U.S. Army/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8766247693/<p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, center left, greets Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center right, during an armed forces flag cordon hosted by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2013. (DoD photo by Eboni Everson-Myart, U.S. Army/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, center left, greets Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center right, during an armed forces flag cordon hosted by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2013. (DoD photo by Eboni Everson-Myart, U.S. Army/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps sitting volleyball team gather before a game against the U.S. Army team during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 15, 2013. The Marines beat the Army team to win the gold medal. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Sharon Kyle, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8759337018/<p>Members of the U.S. Marine Corps sitting volleyball team gather before a game against the U.S. Army team during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 15, 2013. The Marines beat the Army team to win the gold medal. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Sharon Kyle, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p> <p>Members of the U.S. Marine Corps sitting volleyball team gather before a game against the U.S. Army team during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 15, 2013. The Marines beat the Army team to win the gold medal. The Warrior Games is an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured Service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, track and field, swimming and wheelchair basketball. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Sharon Kyle, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Sailors assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, compete in a firetruck pull during a fitness and health fair outside a fitness center at the base in Oahu, Hawaii, May 15, 2013. U.S. Service members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors participated in the event, which included the 200-foot firetruck pull by six-person teams. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8759337178/<p>U.S. Sailors assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, compete in a firetruck pull during a fitness and health fair outside a fitness center at the base in Oahu, Hawaii, May 15, 2013. U.S. Service members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors participated in the event, which included the 200-foot firetruck pull by six-person teams. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Sailors assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, compete in a firetruck pull during a fitness and health fair outside a fitness center at the base in Oahu, Hawaii, May 15, 2013. U.S. Service members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors participated in the event, which included the 200-foot firetruck pull by six-person teams. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennefer English, with the Naval Construction Training Center, drops a smoke grenade to simulate a chemical, biological or radiological attack in Port Hueneme, Calif., May 16, 2013. Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 conducted a final graded field training exercise, employing a variety of realistic scenarios encountered during Seabee deployments. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey, U.S. Navy/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8758210765/<p> U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennefer English, with the Naval Construction Training Center, drops a smoke grenade to simulate a chemical, biological or radiological attack in Port Hueneme, Calif., May 16, 2013. Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 conducted a final graded field training exercise, employing a variety of realistic scenarios encountered during Seabee deployments. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey, U.S. Navy/Released)</p> <p> U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jennefer English, with the Naval Construction Training Center, drops a smoke grenade to simulate a chemical, biological or radiological attack in Port Hueneme, Calif., May 16, 2013. Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 conducted a final graded field training exercise, employing a variety of realistic scenarios encountered during Seabee deployments. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey, U.S. Navy/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, right, walks with Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz, center, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, left, after a meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8758210909/<p> U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, right, walks with Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz, center, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, left, after a meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Released)</p> <p> U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, right, walks with Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz, center, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, left, after a meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 17, 2013. (DoD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/Released)</p>

Department of Defense Imagery

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Nichols, an avionics technician with the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a preflight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron before its final takeoff from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 17, 2013. The squadron, which had been assigned to Spangdahlem since 1973, was scheduled to be inactivated in June. (DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo, U.S. Air Force/Released)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39955793@N07/8758210267/<p>U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Nichols, an avionics technician with the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a preflight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron before its final takeoff from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 17, 2013. The squadron, which had been assigned to Spangdahlem since 1973, was scheduled to be inactivated in June. (DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p> <p>U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Nichols, an avionics technician with the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts a preflight inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 81st Fighter Squadron before its final takeoff from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, May 17, 2013. The squadron, which had been assigned to Spangdahlem since 1973, was scheduled to be inactivated in June. (DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo, U.S. Air Force/Released)</p>