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)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.