Service members preparing to leave the military and enter civilian life can smooth the transition by attending free workshops offered by the Labor Department in collaboration with DOD and Veterans Affairs. The workshops address job search skills, veteran’s benefits, disabled veterans concerns, and other pertinent issues. A DOD news report says the workshops are held at military bases and are open to active duty and reserve personnel. Labor statistics show that about 318,000 military personnel change from military to civilian life each year, and in 2006, some 140,000 service members used the workshops. “We would like to see many more attend,” said Charles S. Ciccolella, assistant labor secretary for the veteran’s employment and training service.
The U.S. conducted a drone strike in Iraq on Dec. 3, as the American troops there continue to be targeted by Iranian-backed militants. The strike took place near Kirkuk as the militants were preparing to attack U.S. troops in northern Iraq, a U.S. official told Air & Space Forces Magazine.…