We're told the Sequester should not affect our military and their families, and that they should be minimal for almost all members. However, every day it seems additional news about program cuts hits our desks. From losing an additional day at commissaries to children's activity programs on base being cut back, it seems that all aspects of military lives are being effected.
As of March 5, 2013, the United States Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program has stopped new enrollments citing budget cuts as their primary reason. This halting of educational assistance has led to fears that other branches will soon follow. While GI Bill benefits are currently safe, along with other VA programs for veterans, the tuition assistance benefits our service members who are currently serving by providing them with up to $4,500 in educational assistance per fiscal year.
Many key programs that support our soldiers and their families are being cut as a result of the crisis. These programs provide needed resources for military families including financial planning, child care, children’s activities, the commissary, base schools, as well as many other programs and services. These cuts will undoubtedly affect the way many of these soldiers and their families live.
The cutting of other government programs will also affect our lower ranking military members and their families. Cuts to programs such as educational grants and WIC will cause additional strain on young families that rely on these programs. WIC targets pregnant and nursing women as well as their children under 5 by providing assistance in obtaining nutritious food items and formula for lower income families—including the lower 5 enlisted ranks.
The across the board cuts seem to be affecting families of all shapes and sizes, military and civilian alike. Sound off in the comments below how the Sequestration will be affecting your family.
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