https://www.mybaseguide.com Your comprehensive guide to military bases, benefits, and military life en-us Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:47:57 GMT Copyright 2026 MyBaseGuide editor@mybaseguide.com (MyBaseGuide Editorial Team) webmaster@mybaseguide.com (MyBaseGuide Web Team) Military Military Bases Military Benefits Military Life 60 https://www.mybaseguide.com/assets/MBG_Logo.svg https://www.mybaseguide.com https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-spouse-and-family/commissary-bag-fees https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-spouse-and-family/commissary-bag-fees Starting April 6, military commissaries are charging fees for single-use paper and plastic bags. Learn the new costs and how to save on your next grocery trip. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:45:48 GMT Military Spouse & Family Two woman load their car trunk with groceries. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/XM8-carbines https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/XM8-carbines Discover why the U.S. Army is replacing the decades-old M4 with the new 6.8mm XM8 carbine. Explore specs, logistics, and NATO interoperability challenges. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:29:41 GMT Operations XM8 CARBINE product photo. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/iran-ceasefire https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/iran-ceasefire Conflicting views on a ceasefire announced by President Trump for the Iran War complicate a difficult and destructive five weeks of war in the Gulf. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:49:02 GMT Operations Trump at a podium. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-training/middle-east-deployment-checklist https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-training/middle-east-deployment-checklist A real-world guide to military deployment: pay, SCRA, taxes, TSP, and the critical mistakes service members should make plans to avoid before leaving. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:25:01 GMT Military Training Three soldiers point machine guns. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/black-start-exercise https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/black-start-exercise Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield will conduct a Black Start exercise this week, triggering sudden power disruptions across the installation. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:44:38 GMT Information Majors participating in Operation Black Start exercises. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/sere-school https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/sere-school A U.S. airman evaded capture after a crash in Iran. The military’s SERE training is built for exactly this moment. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:48:46 GMT Operations Four soldiers sit atop of a wooden wall. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/guns-on-military-bases https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/guns-on-military-bases The Pentagon updated its firearm policy on base. Here’s what service members can request, how approvals work, and what remains restricted. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:42:21 GMT Information Three soldiers are handling guns during a training session. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/bases-cancel-air-shows https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/bases-cancel-air-shows Amid wartime operational demands and security concerns, base commanders around the country are canceling or scaling back open house/air shows. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:49:45 GMT Information Four Blue Angel jets fly in formation. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-gerald-ford-deployment https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-gerald-ford-deployment After over 300 days at sea, the Navy’s most advanced warship is finally headed home. But it may still break the record for longest at-sea deployment in modern naval history. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:12:18 GMT Operations The USS Gerald R. Ford in the ocean. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/kid-rock-flyby https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/kid-rock-flyby Breaking news on the Apache pilots reinstated after a Kid Rock flyby viral videos. Read how Sec. Pete Hegseth's post on X ended the brief suspension. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:38:24 GMT Information Diptych images of a helicopter in front of Kid Rock’s house. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-news/ice-parris-island https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-news/ice-parris-island The recent deployment of ICE agents to provide additional security to the Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island has some concerned that they may attempt to arrest undocumented relatives of boot camp graduates. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:53:10 GMT Military News Uniformed Marines stand on a stage during graduation at Parris Island. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/special-pay-and-allowances https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/special-pay-and-allowances Are you or a family member supporting Operation Epic Fury? Maximize your financial planning with our 2026 guide to combat pay, allowances, and TSP limits. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:40:25 GMT Career & Pay One soldier salutes another in a military vehicle. https://www.mybaseguide.com/lifestyle/nasa-astronaut-selection-process https://www.mybaseguide.com/lifestyle/nasa-astronaut-selection-process As the Artemis II crew launches toward the Moon, explore how NASA’s astronaut selection evolved from military test pilots to modern mission specialists. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:46:20 GMT Lifestyle Artemis crew of 6 pose for a picture. https://www.mybaseguide.com/health-and-fitness/tricare-young-adult-costs https://www.mybaseguide.com/health-and-fitness/tricare-young-adult-costs TRICARE Young Adult premiums reached $794/month in 2026, according to DoD data, leaving military families with fewer affordable options. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:45:19 GMT Health & Fitness Woman looks at paperwork in front of a laptop. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/pentagon-thaad-production https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/pentagon-thaad-production The Pentagon is rapidly scaling missile defense production. A fourfold THAAD surge could reshape where U.S. forces deploy next. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:29:57 GMT Operations Missile being launched from a truck. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/drill-pay-chart https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/drill-pay-chart Use the 2026 drill pay chart to see pay rates for Guard and Reserve members. It breaks down pay by rank, service time, and drill period so you know what to expect. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:55:17 GMT Career & Pay Illustration arrangement of cash, and American flag patch. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/chaplains-rank-insignia https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/chaplains-rank-insignia The Pentagon has announced sweeping changes to the Chaplain Corps, reshaping how chaplains are identified and how religious affiliation is tracked. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:37:35 GMT Career & Pay Close-up of a uniform with an embroidered cross. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/army-raises-enlistment-age https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/army-raises-enlistment-age The Army is moving to accept recruits up to age 42 and narrow some marijuana-related barriers as recruiting shortfalls continue. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:09:13 GMT Career & Pay Close-up of a uniformed recruit taking an oath. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/coast-guard-pay https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/coast-guard-pay Coast Guard pay remains uncertain as DHS funding advances in the Senate. Here’s what’s changed and what it means right now. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:56:03 GMT Career & Pay Senate Leader Thune speaks after a vote. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/macdill-afb-explosive-device https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/macdill-afb-explosive-device Two siblings charged after a device consistent with an explosive was found at MacDill AFB. No injuries reported. FBI investigation ongoing. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:53:11 GMT Information Cars enter through a Gate at MacDill AFB. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-retirement/credentialing-assistance-program https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-retirement/credentialing-assistance-program The Credentialing Assistance Program is no longer available to commissioned officers. Learn what changed, who still qualifies, and what options you have now. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:30:00 GMT Military Retirement Two servicemen study and take notes. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/artillery-shell-explosion https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/artillery-shell-explosion During a recent demonstration at Camp Pendleton, the USMC fired an artillery shell that unintentionally detonated over an interstate. Here’s what happened. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:27:03 GMT Operations No officers were hurt in the mishap, which dropped shrapnel onto the vehicles parked on a ramp to a major freeway that had been ordered closed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. https://www.mybaseguide.com/veteran-benefits/free-military-tax-prep https://www.mybaseguide.com/veteran-benefits/free-military-tax-prep File your taxes without paying out of pocket. Learn where to access free military tax prep, who qualifies, and how to avoid unnecessary fees. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:23:39 GMT Veteran Benefits Uniformed hand fills out a tax form. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/bah-and-bas https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/bah-and-bas BAH and BAS help cover real life, but usually aren’t taxed. Here’s why your W-2 looks smaller and what military families need to know. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:22:05 GMT Career & Pay A soldier reads through tax forms. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/military-exchanges-self-service https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/military-exchanges-self-service The Exchange plans to add 35 new 24/7 self-service markets in 2026. Here’s what they are, how they work, and why they matter on base. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:34:38 GMT Information A couple of shops at a mini-market. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-retirement/is-the-military-a-good-career https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-retirement/is-the-military-a-good-career Is joining the military a good career in 2026? We break down the realities of military pay, benefits, daily life, and the true cost for military families. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:47:55 GMT Military Retirement Uniformed recruits in formation indoors. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/restaurants-near-arnold-afb https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/restaurants-near-arnold-afb Discover 18 top-rated restaurants near Arnold AFB. Learn about their cuisine, ambiance, and proximity to the base. Find out where to dine next! Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:14:07 GMT Information 18 of the Best Restaurants Near Arnold AFB https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/arnold-air-force-base-in-depth-welcome-center https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/arnold-air-force-base-in-depth-welcome-center Discover Arnold Air Force Base in detail. Learn about housing, local area, amenities, services, and more. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:00:07 GMT Information Arnold Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/things-to-do-near-arnold-afb https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/things-to-do-near-arnold-afb Discover 23 things to do near Arnold AFB. Learn about local attractions, outdoor activities, and family-friendly spots. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:27:40 GMT Information 23 Things to Do Near Arnold AFB https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/google-beam https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/google-beam Google Beam is coming to select USO centers in 2026. Here’s what military families know, what’s confirmed, and what hasn’t been announced yet. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:38:00 GMT Information Man talking to a woman on a 3D screen. https://www.mybaseguide.com/automotive/renting-a-car https://www.mybaseguide.com/automotive/renting-a-car Service members travel differently. Here’s how to match the right rental car to your destination for a better trip: sports cars, luxury sedans, SUVs, and more. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:36:27 GMT Automotive Man and a woman sit in the hatchback of a car as the man points to the horizon. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/micro-market https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/micro-market The Navy has opened its first expeditionary micro market in Iceland. The small self-service store gives U.S. and NATO troops easy access to snacks and essentials. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:22:18 GMT Operations Servicemen shop in a new mini market. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-training/honorary-marine https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-training/honorary-marine Discover the process and qualifications needed to become an honorary Marine. Learn how you can earn this prestigious title. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:00:37 GMT Military Training Chuck Norris shakes a man's hand. https://www.mybaseguide.com/health-and-fitness/military-onesource-relationship-summit https://www.mybaseguide.com/health-and-fitness/military-onesource-relationship-summit Military OneSource will host a free virtual relationship summit April 7–8, 2026, featuring 50+ sessions for service members, spouses, and military families. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:40:54 GMT Health & Fitness Collage of three military families. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/special-purpose-brigade https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/special-purpose-brigade The Army activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade in Washington on March 7. The unit coordinates National Guard support to civil authorities and infrastructure protection. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:06:50 GMT Operations Rows of uniformed servicepeople in formation. https://www.mybaseguide.com/education/vance-afb-elementary-school https://www.mybaseguide.com/education/vance-afb-elementary-school The Defense Department awarded $22 million for a new Eisenhower Elementary School at Vance Air Force Base, part of a $28.2 million project serving military-connected families. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:31:38 GMT Education Rendering of the new school. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/altus-air-force-base https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/altus-air-force-base Discover all you need to know about Altus Air Force Base with this detailed guide. Explore the base, the facilities, the best things to do, and its services here! Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:11:35 GMT Information Altus Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-ford-fire https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-ford-fire USS Gerald R. Ford suffered a fire that caused damage to berthing and laundry spaces, requiring her to make port at NSA Souda Bay for repairs. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:52:42 GMT Operations View of jets in formation on the deck of the USS Ford. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/dignified-transfers https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/dignified-transfers The dignified transfer of the remains of fallen servicemembers is part of a solemn process to honor the fallen and escort them to their final rest. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:48:38 GMT Operations Six uniformed servicemen load a flag-covered casket into a van. https://www.mybaseguide.com/gear/m111-grenade https://www.mybaseguide.com/gear/m111-grenade The Army has approved the M111 offensive hand grenade, the first new lethal hand grenade to achieve Full Material Release since 1968. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:40:27 GMT Gear Hand holding the new grenade. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/marine-corps-swim-qualification https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/marine-corps-swim-qualification The Marine Corps will roll out tougher swim qualification standards on Oct. 1, 2026, with five levels, stricter recruit rules, and revised water survival requirements. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:06:44 GMT Career & Pay Two Marines in full gear in a pool in front of a row of other Marines. https://www.mybaseguide.com/moving/military-housing-renovations https://www.mybaseguide.com/moving/military-housing-renovations Military housing renovations are moving forward at some U.S. bases as Hunt Military Communities expands upgrades at Robins, Kirtland, and Nellis. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:48:07 GMT Moving Executives and servicemembers cut a ribbon in front of a newly built house. https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-nimitz-retirement https://www.mybaseguide.com/operations/uss-nimitz-retirement The Navy is delaying the retirement of the USS Nimitz. Learn why congressional law and the delayed USS John F. Kennedy are keeping this historic carrier deployed. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:35:29 GMT Operations Sailors on the USS Nimitz. https://www.mybaseguide.com/moving/best-military-bases-to-buy-a-home-in-2026-we-ranked-all-126 https://www.mybaseguide.com/moving/best-military-bases-to-buy-a-home-in-2026-we-ranked-all-126 Best Military Bases to Buy a Home in 2026 (We Ranked All 126) Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:01:00 GMT Moving A military member and their family getting the keys to their home. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-history/coast-guard-in-war https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-history/coast-guard-in-war Can the President transfer the Coast Guard to the Navy? An explainer on the law, the history - from Munro to IRAQI FREEDOM - and what Coastie families should actually know. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:16:55 GMT Military History Battleship at sea. https://www.mybaseguide.com/housing/energy-independence https://www.mybaseguide.com/housing/energy-independence Preparedness doesn't end after service. Discover how military families use solar power and energy independence to protect their homes from grid outages. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:35:50 GMT Housing House with solar panels. https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/the-selective-service https://www.mybaseguide.com/information/the-selective-service Get the facts on the Selective Service System. We explain the 2026 NDAA automatic registration, the 193-day mobilization clock, and the actual draft age order. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:24:59 GMT Information A group of new recruits take the oath of enlistment. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/coast-guard-payday https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/coast-guard-payday With payday hours away, Coast Guard families still have no confirmation from DHS or OMB whether the March 13th paycheck will arrive. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:04:44 GMT Career & Pay US Coast Guard member working on a boat. https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-news/the-iran-war https://www.mybaseguide.com/military-news/the-iran-war As the Iran War enters the second week, we take stock of what has occurred, the costs, and what may be ahead. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:47:11 GMT Military News Soldiers in the desert working on a missile launcher. https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/senator-markwayne-mullin https://www.mybaseguide.com/career-and-pay/senator-markwayne-mullin Trump says he will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS as Coast Guard members continue serving during a federal funding lapse. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:36:59 GMT Career & Pay Secretary Noam shakes the hands of Coast Guard members.