Jim Absher

Jim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Latest Articles

Elder college student in graduation outfit

Why You Should Care About Accreditation

Terms like regional, national, or programmatic accreditation can be confusing. And, in the end why should you care?

Marine recruit Andrade was required to lose 60 pounds in order to enlist in the Marine Corps (Photo By: Kailey J. Maraglia).

Wounded Warrior Education Programs

Wounded veterans face many issues when going back to school. Several support and assistance programs are available for them.

Proud to Serve Again

Note: The Troops to Teachers program ended on Oct. 1, 2020. This information is for historical purposes only.

Counseling System Helps Troops in Transition

The KUDER Journey self assessment program is a free career counseling tool for military members

DANTES Credit-by-Examination

The "Credit-By-Exam" program gives servicemembers the opportunity to earn college credit for CLEP, DSST, and other exams.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

Learn more about the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

Tuition Assistance 'Top-Up' Program

Top-Up allows your GI Bill to pay tuition and fees not covered by Tuition Assistance.

Lose Your Tricare Select Coverage? Here's How to Get It Back

If you don't reinstate your coverage, you may not be able to get necessary medical treatment

Questions About Pay

Have a general question about active duty or retired pay rates? Check with these resources.

Maintenance Drug Prescriptions With Tricare

All persons using maintenance drugs must now get their prescriptions filled either at a military pharmacy or though the mail

VA Cemeteries Nationwide Holding Memorial Day Ceremonies

The ceremonies serve as a solemn reminder of the holiday.

Veteran Affairs building near the White House in Washington.

Veterans in Business - Vetbiz.gov

The VA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization promotes business ownership and expansion for veterans.

An airman grabs pamphlets during a veterans career fair at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Explained

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for private sector businesses. It was designed as a hiring incentive.

Asbestos Illness Related to Military Service

Many veterans were exposed to asbestos as a result of their military service.

Survivor Benefits Overview

We make it easy to understand what the multiple benefits available to surviving family members of deceased veterans.

Military News

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Most Popular Military News

5 Soldiers Wounded in Mass Shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia

Five soldiers were wounded Wednesday morning in a shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia, one of the highest-profile Army...

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins testifies

VA to Give Veterans One-Year Authorizations to Seek Care from Private Providers in 30 Specialties

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Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson Rock On: ‘Our Military Upbringing Helped Us in Many Ways’

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart have never served in any branch of the military. But the...

Latest Military Videos

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For decades, the threat of nuclear conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union hung over humanity — and...

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The United Nations says an expansion of the war in Gaza would be "deeply alarming" and would risk catastrophic...

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Footage released by the World Food Program of recent aid deliveries to Gaza shows crowds running toward UN vehicles...

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Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

A sign outside the main gate of Fort Stewart, Georgia

Military Base Shootings Have Ranged from Isolated Incidents to Workplace Violence and Terrorism

The shooting of five U.S. Army soldiers at a base in Georgia on Wednesday is the latest in a growing list of violent...

5 Soldiers Wounded in Mass Shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia

Five soldiers were wounded Wednesday morning in a shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia, one of the highest-profile Army...

Navy News

Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivers remarks

Navy Leader Confirmed by Senate After Half-Year Vacancy

After nearly half a year without a Senate-confirmed uniformed leader, the Navy has a new top admiral.

The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams prepares to depart at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., for its May 2, 2006, maiden voyage with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group.

Virginia Senators Seek Answers from Navy in Death of Norfolk-Based Sailor

Seaman Angelina Resendiz went missing around May 30; her body was found 10 days later.

Air Force News

Air Force Investigating After Security Forces Kill Civilian Who Crashed into Arizona Base Gate

An airman from the base's Security Forces Squadron "shot and fatally injured" the civilian after several of the troops used...

Combat Arms Training and Maintenance students learn how to properly handle M18 pistols at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Air Force Conducting Service-Wide Inspections of Sig Sauer M18 Pistol After Airman's Death

The entire Air Force is doing a service-wide inspection of the M18 handgun after a Security Forces airman suddenly died last...

Space Force News

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Alabama) speaks to the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber.

Alabama Congressman ‘100% Sure’ US Space Command Coming to Huntsville

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Alabama) said he has been assured by President Donald Trump that U.S. Space Command is coming to...

U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Brian Denaro, newly appointed U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, gives a speech

First Leader of Space Force Pacific Command Ends Tenure

The first leader of the U.S. Space Force’s Pacific command officially ended his tenure in Hawaii in a change of command...

Marine Corps News

Gavel and American flag with scales of justice.

Man Sentenced in Marine’s Death Started Drug Dealing at Age 15

Lance Cpl. Alexander Grafton, a Hawaii-based Marine with the 3rd Marine Division, was discovered "deceased and badly...