Annual bonus pay programs aim to keep airmen around to blunt the effects of a pilot shortage that has lasted decades. Some of this year's spirit videos heading into the annual Army-Navy game. A Senate proposal would award retroactive pay and benefits to senior leaders who waited months for confirmation due to a political standoff. The spouse employment initiative is an effort to "stave off a national security crisis." The annual defense authorization bill contains a 5.2% pay raise for troops and a host of other policy renewals needed for military operations. It was the first year Jill Biden has hosted her annual Toys for Tots event at the White House rather than at a local military base. Philadelphia has hosted 90 times. But New York, Baltimore, Chicago and others have cheered on the cadets and Midshipmen. A lack of timely access to military health care plagues each of the services, according to a new Pentagon inspector general report. Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans. The Air Force plans to formally announce the extension Friday. Load More