Military appreciation month deals| MOAA updates

Now, benefits and personnel news presented by the Military Officers Association of America

May is Military Appreciation Month and you know what that means. Businesses across the nation are starting to share special deals for their service-connected customers

Already announced their discounts to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, a full list of zoos and museums around the country

Or maybe you want to take the family on a ski trip to Vail. Mission Barbecue is giving away free sandwiches on select service days

Even the newest service, Space Force, has their own day. We'll be updating the full list as new deals are announced

See them all at moaa.org slash MayDeals. A Pentagon memo orders top officials to make maximum use of military spouse employment flexibilities

This move could open more opportunities to a chronically underemployed workforce and help strengthen the financial well-being of military families

The April message cites the staggering 20% unemployment rate for military spouses

The Department of War is being ordered to approve alternative work sites for spouses whose service member may be on assignment outside their commuting area

This could open the door to more remote work opportunities. The Pentagon goal is to reduce spouse unemployment by 5 this year through its own employment practices Four of the military top senior enlisted leaders are gathering May 8th and you invited The Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum is a 90 webinar with David Isom Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Wymer, MCPON John Perryman, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe

The leaders will address challenges and opportunities for today's service member and their families

This event is open to the full military-connected community, including currently serving members, senior leaders and command teams, veterans and retirees, and military families

To register for the free event, visit moaa.org slash senior enlisted. The Army has announced details of a new seven-event combat field test designed to ensure soldiers can dominate the modern battlefield

Rolling out now, the test is required of active duty and reservists and two dozen combat specialties

Test takers will have 30 minutes to complete the test that begins and ends with a one-mile run

In between, a soldier will perform a variety of carries, lifts, sprints, and a high crawl

The pass-fail test is a single standard, regardless of age, height, weight, or gender

Test takers will wear the ACU, combat boots, and t-shirt. Active duty troops have 90 days to retake a failed test or will be subject to reclassification

For more benefits and personnel news, visit MOAA.org