DOD plans to reform its disabilities evaluation system, currently managed separately by each service. Between the high demands on the system because of the war terror and service members’ complaints about the system, the Pentagon decided it was time for a business-process review. A Pentagon spokesman said the Defense Department is committed to a full and fair due process for disability evaluation and compensation.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3