The head of US Forces Korea, Army Gen. Burwell Bell, testified last week at a House Armed Services Committee hearing that it is time to switch the one-year tour to South Korea to a “normal, three-year accompanied tour.” Bell explained, “It’s time to end our one-year war zone rotational tours which needlessly add to our high worldwide operational tempo while handicapping our engagement opportunities with our longtime Korean ally.” Burwell said he is looking for Congressional fiscal support while he pursues the change within Pentagon channels. (Currently, the Air Force permits some personnel to serve 24 month accompanied tours.)
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.