Effective Tuesday, warfighters serving in Afghanistan and Iraq for 270 days or more are eligible for 15 days of administrative absence. The Defense Department announced the changes on Monday, saying Afghanistan and Iraq have been designated as nonchargeable rest and recuperation locations at the request of US Central Command. “This designation provides an additional benefit specifically for those service members deployed to the most arduous combat areas,” said Sam Retherford, the Pentagon’s director for officer and enlisted personnel management. These R&R days, in conjunction with government-funded transportation, allow servicemembers to retain their annual leave for reintegration with their families and communities when they return home, he said. (SAF/PA release)
Watchdog Says Military Can Make Cyber Ops More Efficient
Sept. 17, 2025
The Government Accountability Office called for paring down the military's sprawling cyber enterprise in a recent report, amid renewed discussion about standing up a separate cyber force.
