To ensure it has easily accessible and more readily deployable reserve forces, the Pentagon wants them “operationalized,” per the Quadrennial Defense Review. That term and a QDR-noted increase in mobilization authority from 270 days to 365 days have raised eyebrows among some lawmakers. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), ranking minority member on the Senate Armed Services personnel subcommittee, asked Pentagon officials what assurance Congress would have that such an extension would not be used to “circumvent the 24-month cumulative month limit?” Pentagon Reserve Affairs chief Thomas Hall said that the expansion would not affect the 24-month time and called upon National Guard Bureau chief, Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, to explain why reserve leaders believe the expansion would provide “more flexibility.” Blum said he supports the increase to 365 days to “provide a slightly wider window” to reduce the risk commanders face because they’re “racing against a calendar.” However, Blum cautioned against abusing what he sees as a “magnificent tool.”
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
