Tommy Tuberville, newly-elected Senator of Alabama, recently announced the end of blanket military holds placed on the General Administration. This move has been welcomed by members of the military and their families who have been deeply affected by the prolonged process that comes with the mandatory holds.
For the uninitiated, a military hold is an authorization of a military service member by their superior that lasts anywhere from 7-14 days at a time. Though the purpose is to prevent any unnecessary or unauthorized personnel movement, the resulting delay often inconveniences a service member’s family and delays essential treatments. In many instances, military holds can lead to demotion, loss of government funds, and even discharge.
Senator Tuberville’s move to end blanket military holds is a major victory for both the military and their families. It represents a greater understanding of the military lifestyle and how important these holds are to family well-being and security. Without the interruption of military service member movement, families will be able to plan ahead and have more stability during deployments.
In addition to ending the mandatory blanket military holds, Senator Tuberville also announced an increase in the number of resources available to the military and their families. This includes additional funds for counseling and financial assistance for those struggling to make ends meet. This boost in financial security is yet another win for military families, both serving and veterans alike.
While military holds have long been an inconvenience, Senator Tuberville’s move to end them might be just the break military families need. By unlocking more resources and decreasing the amount of time that family members have to spend in limbo, Senator Tuberville’s move could reduce the stress and confusion that come with military life. Ultimately, this will help strengthen the morale of service members and ensure a higher quality of life when their service is complete.