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Picture this: You're dealing with stress from a recent deployment, financial concerns about your upcoming PCS move, or relationship 

challenges that come with Coast Guard life

. You reach for your phone to call CG SUPRT for support, but pause—you've heard something about changes coming to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). What exactly is happening, and how will it affect your access to the help you need?

The answer is straightforward. Coast Guard eligible for Military OneSource services will soon have access to a proven, comprehensive support system that's already helping thousands of service members across all branches. The Coast Guard EAP transition represents a significant upgrade in the resources available to you and your family.

The transition happened on Monday, August 25, 2025, when the CG SUPRT contract officially ended. If you were working with a CG SUPRT counselor, you needed to plan to wrap up or transition your services by that date.

Your current cases won't just disappear. CG SUPRT counselors will work with you to either complete your sessions or refer you to continue with Military OneSource for Coast Guard services. If your current counselor is part of the Military OneSource network, you may be able to continue with the same provider under the new system.

There's no gap in coverage. As of August 26, anyone calling the familiar CG SUPRT number (1-855-247-8778) will reach an automated system that connects you to either Military OneSource for military members or Federal Occupational Health (FOH) EAP for civilian employees.

 and their immediate families qualify for Military OneSource services. This includes spouses, children, and anyone with legal responsibility for your children during separations.

Here's great news for reservists: Selected Reserve (SELRES) members and their families now have full access to Military OneSource, regardless of activation status. 

Previously, SELRES members needed to be on orders for more than 90 days to access CG SUPRT services.

Recent retirees and discharged members (if discharged honorably) maintain access for 365 days past their end of service date.

Military OneSource operates 24/7 through multiple channels:

The service includes secure online consultations and a mobile app for easy access to resources and appointment scheduling, even when you're underway (provided your vessel has internet connectivity).

Military OneSource brings specialized military-focused resources that understand 

 You'll get access to peer-to-peer support from consultants with master's degrees in psychology or social sciences who also have firsthand military experience.

Enhanced services include financial counseling with MilTax for free tax preparation, physical wellness coaching, family and parenting resources covering everything from childcare to eldercare, and relationship building programs whether you're single, dating, or married.

The system offers specialized support for military-specific challenges like frequent relocations, deployments, and reintegration—areas where Military OneSource has deep expertise from serving other DoD branches.

Your confidentiality protections remain rock-solid. Military OneSource maintains the same strict confidentiality standards, with exceptions only when someone threatens harm to themselves or others.

Free counseling sessions continue to be available, though the specific limits may vary. Children ages 6-17 can receive counseling services, with those 6-12 attending sessions with a parent present, while teens 13-17 need parental consent at the start of each session.

The same broad range of personal issues remains covered—depression, relationship problems, work stress, career transitions, and life challenges that impact your performance and well-being.

Contact your CG SUPRT counselor immediately to discuss the August 25 end date. Ask whether they're part of the Military OneSource network—if so, you can potentially continue with them under the new system.

If your counselor isn't in the Military OneSource network, work with them to develop a transition plan. This might include recommendations for new counselors or exploring other support options like your spouse's EAP, health insurance mental health coverage, or community resources.

Your counseling records stay with your individual counselor, not the contracting company. If you want copies of your records, contact your counselor directly.

New users can expect a streamlined process. When you call, you'll speak with a professional who gathers information about your concerns and preferred meeting location if you want face-to-face counseling.

Local counselors typically contact you within a few days to set up appointments, unless there's an emergency situation requiring immediate attention. The system prioritizes getting you connected quickly with qualified providers who understand military life.

Your District Work-Life supervisor or Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC) can answer questions about the transition and help with orientation sessions for Military OneSource.

Military OneSource customer service at 1-800-342-9647 provides 24/7 support for account setup, service questions, and connection to appropriate resources.

Commands can request training sessions to help personnel understand the new system and its benefits for military families.

 now to familiarize yourself with available resources. If you're currently using CG SUPRT services, contact your counselor this week to discuss transition options.

Update your emergency contact information to include the Military OneSource number (1-800-342-9647) alongside existing Coast Guard support resources. Share this information with your family members so they know how to access support when needed.

The Coast Guard eligible for Military OneSource transition represents more than just a contract change—it's an upgrade to a proven support system designed specifically for military families facing the unique challenges of service life. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore new resources and ensure you're prepared for seamless access to the support you and your family deserve.

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Picture this: You step outside your house expecting nothing more than your mailman, only to find uniformed National Guardsmen pruning bushes and picking up litter down the block. At first glance, it looks like a surprise neighborhood clean-up crew—until you notice the rifles over their shoulders. That’s the unexpected scene unfolding in cities like Washington, D.C., where Guardsmen are swapping drills for trash bags. For veterans, active‑duty members, and military families, it’s a jarring mix of civic service and military presence—all wrapped into one.

When most people picture the National Guard rolling into town, they expect disaster relief, security support, or crowd control. What they don’t usually imagine? Soldiers raking leaves in the park, hauling trash bags down city sidewalks, or power-washing graffiti off a wall. Yet in Washington, D.C., that’s exactly what’s been happening—and residents are divided over whether it feels like a welcome helping hand or an unsettling show of force.

For veterans, service members, and military families, this moment raises important questions: How are troops being used, what does it mean for readiness, and how do 

when uniforms show up in unexpected roles?

From the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin to Union Station’s sidewalks, Guard members are doing landscaping and cleanup.

Some residents see the effort as a much-needed service in understaffed municipalities, while others feel uneasy about armed troops doubling as maintenance workers.

 as “very nice men” offering a weird kind of comfort. 

Others, though, say it feels like living inside 

—militarized, unfamiliar, and maybe a little over the top. It reinforces a delicate balance: reassurance to some, intimidation to others—a classic civil‑military tug.

Service members share this pride, yet they also point out that every hour spent hauling trash is an hour not spent on combat or specialty training. 

Veterans warn of a slippery slope: what starts as community service could become normalized, shifting focus away from readiness and toward domestic tasks.

Trump, California & the Guard—A Flashpoint

In June 2025, President Trump amplified the tension by 

federalizing up to 4,000 California National Guard troops

 and deploying about 700 Marines to Los Angeles amidst immigration protests—without the governor’s consent. He cited the need to “liberate” the city and curb unrest.

California promptly sued. A federal judge temporarily restored the Guard to state control, but a Ninth Circuit court issued a stay, allowing the deployment to continue—for now.

Nationwide polls show Americans divided. 

Support ranged from 34% to 48%, while opposition was between 41% and 47%. Around 58% of Californians disapproved. 

Political alignment played a big role—Republicans tended to back the move while Democrats mostly opposed it.

Newsom and other Democratic leaders called the deployment “inflammatory,” “reckless,” and a blur of military and law enforcement. They warned it 

That clash in California underscores how Guard deployments—even for civic tasks—can ignite serious debates about civil rights, federal power, and how—and where—the military should show up in everyday life.

When Guard troops turn into de facto public works staff, it reshapes both community perception and Guard identity. The California saga shows how quickly local support can turn into legal and constitutional flashpoints.

Soldiers, Shovels, and the Tug-of-War Over Their Role

So, are these troops your new friendly cleanup squad, or part of a larger—and more contentious—redefinition of their mission? When a uniformed soldier picks up a trash bag instead of a rifle, what lines are being redrawn? The real question we’re left chewing on is simpler yet heavier: At what point does ‘helping out’ drift into something more complicated? And once that line is crossed, can we draw it back?

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At the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, football isn’t just a game—it’s a showcase of discipline, pride, and tradition. 

For generations, these academies have turned the gridiron into a proving ground where cadets and midshipmen channel the same intensity they’ll one day carry into service. From push-ups after touchdowns to mascots with long histories, service academy football has its own rhythm, rituals, and military pageantry.

Every academy has a mascot, and none are chosen by accident.

 bring speed and precision, with trained falcons diving and soaring above the field in dramatic halftime demonstrations.

 date back to 1899, when they first squared off against Navy’s goat. Today, official live mules, alongside a costumed counterpart, symbolize Army’s strength and endurance.

—known as “Bill the Goat”—goats have served faithfully since 1904. While dogs, cats, and even a carrier pigeon briefly filled the role of mascot at the Naval Academy, the goat has reigned supreme for more than a century.

Few pregame sights are as moving as the march-on.

Before kickoff, the entire Corps of Cadets or Brigade of Midshipmen files into the stadium in tight formation.

For fans, it’s a reminder that every player and cheerleader is more than just an athlete—they’re also training to serve.

Each academy finds ways to showcase military skill. The Air Force parachute team and the Wings of Blue often delivers the game ball via jaw-dropping stadium jumps.

Flyovers—by fighter jets or helicopters—are a staple at academy matchups. At Army, players wear active division patches on their uniforms, linking each game to soldiers currently serving around the globe.

Each academy’s home turf carries its own legacy.

: Opened in 1924, it overlooks the Hudson River and is one of college football’s most iconic settings.

: In Annapolis, the stadium itself serves as a memorial, with tributes to battles etched into its walls.

: Sitting in a natural bowl at the base of the Rockies, it offers some of the most stunning views in college football.

After every home-team score, freshmen cadets or midshipmen drop for push-ups—one for each point on the scoreboard.

It’s grueling, spirited, and contagious: even ROTC units across the country have adopted the tradition for their own games.

The Army–Navy Game is one of the most famous rivalries in sports.

First played in 1890, it’s about more than football—it’s pride, honor, and bragging rights. The game is held at neutral NFL stadiums to fit the massive crowds, and traditions run deep: from exchanging “prisoners” (cadets and midshipmen studying at the other academy) to the winning team singing their alma mater second.

The Air Force adds another layer of competition. Every year, Army, Navy, and Air Force battle for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with the winner not only claiming bragging rights but also earning a trip to the White House.

Parents’ weekends and alumni reunions often center on football, bringing together generations of service members and their families.

Milestone reunions from 5 to 45 years are held during football season, ensuring old grads reconnect over the roar of the crowd.

Fans in uniform, Veterans, and local communities pack the stands, adding to the energy.

Football at the service academies is about far more than touchdowns. It’s about tradition, unity, and honoring the commitment of those who wear the uniform.

The season builds toward December’s Army–Navy Game, but every kickoff, every push-up, and every march-on carries the weight of history and service.

Because at these academies, football isn’t just sport—it’s service in motion.

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For over a week, the sidewalks and streets of our nation’s capital city have been crowded with more than the usual tourists or government motorcades, but rather with 

troops of the Washington, D.C. National Guard

. Eight hundred of them, to be precise, with between 100 and 200 on patrol at any given time,

. Their presence in the city began with a March 11th press conference during which

 President Donald Trump announced he was invoking Section 740

, thereby placing the city’s police department under federal control, and the guard deployment. 

And that’s on top of the roughly 500 agents from a variety of federal law enforcement agencies already deployed to D.C. While the National Guard personnel will not participate in official law enforcement duties or carry out any arrests, they currently patrol the city and its various landmarks as potential deterrents to crime.

Since the enactment of these measures, the troops and agents have spent days and nights combating a supposed surge in crime (

) claimed by the White House and in forcibly removing homeless persons and their camps. The operation so far has resulted in hundreds of arrests, the raiding and demolishing of several homeless camps, and one minor traffic accident when a guard Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle (MATV)

. And things seem unlikely to calm down as hundreds, if not thousands, more National Guard troops will soon patrol the city. 

But unlike those walking the streets right now, they won’t be locals. In an unprecedented move six (so far)

 Republican governors have pledged to deploy troops

What Led to National Guard Troops in D.C.

While many have drawn comparisons between this deployment of federal troops to an American city to the president

 sending National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles

 in June, there are some key differences. 

While the L.A. situation came as a result of protests against large-scale immigration operations, the D.C. campaign arose from President Trump’s repeatedly expressed

 desire to take control of the city in order to fight crime

 assault and attempted carjacking of a federal employee

 (the already mildly infamous former DOGE staffer currently working for the Social Security Administration Edward Coristine, often referred to by his nickname: “Big Balls”) on August 5th is widely seen as

 deploying federal agents to D.C. on the 8th before federalizing the local police and sending in the troops three days after that.

All of this has happened in spite of the fact that the crime rate in the District, according to the Department of Justice earlier this year, is

 Metropolitan Police Force data shows a drop in overall crime

 in the city of 7% and a drop of 27% in violent crimes in particular since last year. 

In fact, the only category of crime that saw any rise at all between 2024 and 2025 was arson which jumped up 33% (which seems like a massive surge in fires, until you learn that means an increase from three to four). Though the DOJ is now reportedly

 in the belief that they are manipulated to make crime rates in the city appear lower.

Which States Are Sending National Guard Troops to D.C.?

As of August 20th, six Republican governors have announced the deployment of National Guard troops from their states to Washington:

Outcry against the deployment of these forces from outside D.C. has become another sticking point in the ongoing opposition to President Trump’s actions to combat crime and homelessness in the city. 

 sending troops have higher rates of violent crime than Washington, including Jackson, Mississippi which has

 the highest homicide rate in the country

While the D.C. Home Rule Act limits any presidential takeover of local law enforcement to 30 days before Congressional approval is required for it to continue, there are

 no such stipulations regarding the deployment of the National Guard

Legally speaking, the troops could remain deployed throughout the city indefinitely so long as their activities don’t violate the

, which prevents the military from enforcing federal law in the US. 

But given the negative public opinion, that the White House

 related to his D.C. crackdown, and the simple fact that the nascent hurricane season will certainly force some of the troops to return home to assist in rescue and disaster relief operations, it’s unlikely the presence of National Guard troops will remain in Washington until the end of Trump’s term.

UPDATE: Developments Since August 21st, 2025

In the weeks since the initial deployment of the D.C. National Guard to Washington and the later deployments of contingents have continued without any major incidents or events other than the ones described above. But there have been a number of changes to the status and activities of the troops currently operating in the nation’s capital city. 

 part of the White House’s ongoing initiative are still carried out only by local and federal law enforcement agencies, the roughly 2,300 soldiers and airmen from the National Guards of D.C., Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Ohio continue to

 the Department of Transportation is taking took control of

) and assist personnel from those agencies.

 with their service pistols and/or carbines in order to support so-called “safety and security” functions, others have taken on other tasks. Specifically, what

 the Trump administration is calling “beautification” projects

. These include tasks such as collecting trash, conducting surveys in order to begin a variety of restoration projects, and even

 spreading mulch around the city’s famed cherry trees

President Trump has suggested he will keep these troops in place for up to six months, though an operation that lengthy would be rather costly. According to Retired Major General Randy Manner, a former vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, the

 cost of deploying around 2,000 guardsmen is around $20 million/month

 August 25th executive order from President Trump

 ordered the creation of “a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard… that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation’s capital.”

Since the deployments began, Washington D.C. has seen

 as well as other serious offenses like assault and car theft. But, as many commentators have pointed out, those decreases are reflective of the ongoing downward trend of crime rates in the district mentioned earlier in this article. Additionally, the presence of the National Guardsmen in the city has continued to provoke criticism from many,

 who fear their own states and cities could see federal troops on their streets in the near future. 

The citizens of D.C. aren’t all happy to have the soldiers and airmen around either, particularly those who reside in

 a neighborhood whose residents are predominantly immigrants

 both legal and undocumented. And a recent Reuters poll shows that

 of the deployment of troops to police the city.

Despite all that, the deployment of the National Guard in D.C. will likely continue for some time. And it’s hard to predict what else may change or develop as the operation goes on. Case in point: the city has also recently

 hoping to draw tourists to the city as they fear the soldiers and airmen on the streets may cause people to change their minds about visiting. But rest assured, we will keep updating this article as the situation develops.

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The tug-of-war over America’s space command has finally ended. From the Oval Office, 

that U.S. Space Command headquarters will leave 

 in Colorado Springs and relocate to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. 

The decision reverses the Biden administration’s 2023 ruling to keep the command in Colorado for readiness reasons, ending years of political back-and-forth that pitted two military communities against each other.

, the unified combatant command responsible for military operations in space. 

It does not involve relocating the U.S. Space Force, which is a separate military service. 

Space Command directs operations such as missile warning, satellite defense, and space domain awareness, and it employs roughly 1,700 personnel at its headquarters. 

The mission will remain the same, but the command’s flag will ultimately be planted in Alabama.

Huntsville’s selection is more than political reward. The city offers a robust ecosystem of space and defense infrastructure. 

Redstone Arsenal already houses major Army commands, 

, and a dense network of defense contractors. 

Supporters of the move argue that these synergies make Huntsville the ideal long-term home for a command expected to grow in size and influence. 

The decision, however, cannot be separated from politics: Alabama’s congressional delegation fought hard for this outcome, and the Oval Office announcement is widely viewed as a victory for a state that has been a stronghold for Trump.

Trump’s Remarks at the Press Conference

During the announcement, President Trump also addressed political dynamics surrounding the decision. When asked by a reporter whether he was concerned that Space Command personnel might not want to relocate, Trump replied: “No, we’ll get someone else.” 

, claiming the state has “corrupt elections” tied to its use of mail-in voting. These remarks, broadcast live, quickly underscored how the basing decision intersects with broader political debates beyond military readiness or strategic advantage. 

While his comments are not expected to alter the Department of Defense’s implementation timeline, they may further fuel political tensions between Colorado and the administration over the headquarters move.

 will continue to host critical operational units of the Space Force, but the headquarters element that has anchored U.S. Space Command there since its establishment will begin shifting away. 

That means the local community could see hundreds of jobs—both military and civilian—relocated. 

The broader aerospace ecosystem in Colorado Springs, which has flourished under the presence of Space Command, may lose momentum. 

State leaders have already signaled that they

, calling the decision potentially unlawful. Their efforts could delay aspects of the transition but are unlikely to stop it.

The relocation will not happen overnight. Moves of this scale generally take years and require significant funding. 

Independent assessments before the announcement projected a transition cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars. 

While today’s decision sets the plan in motion, the first major waves of permanent change of station orders are unlikely before 2026. The Pentagon must secure facilities, build out classified infrastructure, and manage a phased transfer of personnel and missions. 

Families should expect a gradual timeline rather than a mass exodus, with critical billets moved first and hardship waivers available where needed.

The central question is whether uprooting the command will affect military readiness at a time when space is becoming the most contested domain of warfare. 

Critics argue that the disruption of relocating staff and mission sets could hinder U.S. responsiveness to growing threats from China and Russia. 

Proponents counter that Huntsville’s ecosystem will ultimately make Space Command stronger, integrating acquisition, research, and operational functions in one hub. 

Previous Air Force analyses also suggested that Huntsville could save the 

 more than $400 million over 15 years, though those savings will be weighed against short-term relocation costs.

Today’s announcement settles one of the Pentagon’s most controversial basing decisions of the past decade. For troops at Peterson, the news raises questions about career timelines, family stability, and community ties. 

For Huntsville, it represents a triumph and an economic boom that will cement its reputation as the nation’s “Rocket City.” 

For the military at large, it is both an opportunity and a test: can the United States move a critical combatant command without jeopardizing its ability to compete and win in the space domain?

This move changes not only where the U.S. Space Command operates but how America positions itself in the race for space superiority. For service members, families, and communities, the next few years will be defined by uncertainty, adjustment, and opportunity. As the nation makes this transition, it is important to stay informed, ensuring that readiness is not compromised.

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The Department of Defense rolled out an exciting new benefit earlier this year that could save military families hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year. The healthcare flexible spending accoun

 (HCFSA) is now available to active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members, marking a 

significant expansion of financial benefits

This new offering includes both a health care flexible spending account and a dependent care flexible spending account. The timing couldn't be better, as military families continue to face rising healthcare costs even with TRICARE coverage.

 Retirees and Veterans are not eligible for this benefit. When you retire or separate from service, any remaining funds in your account will be paid out on your termination date.

If you or your spouse have experience with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), you might think FSAs work the same way. While both accounts help you save on healthcare expenses, they operate quite differently. Let's break down what makes each unique and help you decide if a FSA is right for your family.

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