Housing is more expensive in California than many other states, even close to Edwards Air Force Base out in the desert near Palmdale. Base officials finally have won a three-year battle to secure a basic allowance for housing increase. This year, military members who live in the surrounding communities are getting a BAH boost ranging from 22 percent to 35 percent.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.