Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• OpenAI has begun collaborating with the Department of Defense to explore the potential for AI to help prevent veteran suicide. 

• The US military is experiencing a sharp decline in the recruitment of white soldiers, while POC recruits have seen significant increases due to a variety of socioeconomic factors.

• PTSD claims stemming from sexual assault are more likely to be denied than those due to combat by the VA, a new study by Yale University finds. 

• Stay up-to-date on the military’s annual pay rates.

• The story of the most storied hero of World War I.

• And more…

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is collaborating with the Defense Department to explore the use of its artificial intelligence technology in preventing veteran suicide. This initiative is part of several ongoing projects between OpenAI and the Pentagon. In an interview, the company's vice president of global affairs, Anna Makanju, clarified that while OpenAI removed explicit bans on "military and warfare applications" from its usage policies, it maintains restrictions on using its tools for developing weapons, causing harm, or destroying property. 

The change in wording aims to provide more nuance, acknowledging that some military-related activities align with OpenAI's goals. Makanju mentioned previous collaboration with the Department of Defense on cybersecurity tools for open-source software and exploring AI's role in preventing veteran suicide without providing specific details. 

OpenAI has participated in the AI Cyber Challenge, a competition led by the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, focusing on cutting-edge cybersecurity tools. While Makanju stated that there haven't been requests to restrict cooperation with foreign militaries, OpenAI's current focus is on American security agencies, emphasizing the importance of democracies leading in AI technology. 

Founded in 2015, OpenAI's mission is to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity. The Pentagon established the Chief Digital and AI Office in 2022, aiming to integrate and optimize AI capabilities across the department, focusing on staying at the forefront of AI advancements (link).

The U.S. Army has experienced a significant decline in the recruitment of white soldiers over the past five years, contributing to its overall recruitment shortfall. Internal data reveals that the number of white recruits dropped from 44,042 in 2018 to 25,070 in 2023, with a 6% decline from 2022 to 2023 being the most substantial drop. In 2018, 56.4% of new recruits were white, falling to 44% in 2023. 

Meanwhile, Black recruits increased from 20% to 24%, and Hispanic recruits rose from 17% to 24%. The reasons for the decline in white recruitment are complex and may involve factors such as partisan scrutiny, an obesity epidemic, and challenges in the public education system. Army officials are concerned about the trends but face difficulties navigating the issue amid partisan attacks against the military. 

The decline in white recruitment is more pronounced than nationwide demographic shifts, and the Army's efforts to address the issue include adapting recruiting strategies to reflect societal trends. Despite these efforts, the recruitment challenge poses concerns for the Army's mission and training workload, particularly with a smaller force taking on larger responsibilities in the Pacific and Europe
(link).

📜 Policy Updates

A study by Yale University researchers reveals that U.S. veterans with PTSD from military sexual trauma are more likely to have disability claims denied compared to those with combat-related PTSD. The research, based on nearly five years of Department of Veterans Affairs data, indicates that claims related to military sexual assault were denied 27.6% of the time, while combat-related PTSD claims faced a denial rate of 18.2%. 

The study also highlights disparities based on race and gender, with men filing sexual trauma-related PTSD claims being 1.78 times more likely to have denials than women and Black veterans having 1.39 times higher odds of denial compared to white veterans. Despite persistent disparities, the approval rate for military sexual trauma-related PTSD claims has increased, reaching 72.4% during the study period, up from 35.6% in 2011. The researchers suggest future studies should explore additional factors such as sexual orientation and gender identity in the adjudication of VA sexual trauma disability claims through veteran interviews. (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) published by the Department of Labor is used to establish the annual pay rise for military personnel to align it with private sector earnings and salaries across the country. The percentage pay increase for the following year is determined by the October ECI year-over-year change, with the 5.2% automatic adjustment lasting until 2024. Based on years of service and pay grade, basic pay varies. 

For example, in 2024, a senior E-6 with more than ten years of service will earn $4,387.80 monthly, while an E-1 enlisted service member will receive $2,017.20. Officers are paid more; a novice officer starts at $3,826.20 per month, while a senior O-4 who has worked for over ten years gets $8,684.10 monthly. Tax-free allowances and additional compensation depending on specialization, qualifications, or duty station are included in military pay.

You can check the most up-to-date military pay charts here.

(link).

Benefits of The Week

• CareerOneStop: The US Department of Labor supports this comprehensive online resource. It is a tool for job hunting, training, and career exploration. CareerOneStop offers a range of resources and data to assist people in making well-informed career decisions. This contains resources for talent evaluation, career exploration, locating nearby training programs, and job hunting. Its purpose is to help career professionals, students, and job seekers navigate the career development process and find pertinent resources to help them reach their objectives.

• O*Net Interest Profiler: The O*NET Interest Profiler is an online tool by the U.S. Department of Labor for assessing individuals' career interests. Users answer questions about activities they prefer, and the tool provides a personalized list of occupations matching their interests, categorized into six types. It helps with career exploration and decision-making by aligning users' interests with potential occupations.

• 20% Off for Military at Moosejaw: Moosejaw excels at adventure and outdoor recreation equipment. With a large selection of goods that include apparel, accessories, footwear, camping gear, and more, Moosejaw is renowned for its emphasis on premium outdoor items. Their products are excellent for various outdoor activities, including swimming, skiing, climbing, hiking, and camping. In addition, Moosejaw runs an online store in addition to its physical stores.

The Best of The Week

• Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association: The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a non-profit organization for veterans of all US military branches who share a passion for motorcycles. Through riding events, rallies, and other activities, the group helps facilitate a brotherhood among its members. It also provides a venue for humanitarian endeavors, veteran support groups, and fundraising activities with the goal of aiding other veterans. With a mission to improve the well-being of their fellow military members, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association aims to unite veterans via their mutual passion for motorcycles. 

• VET TV: VET TV is a streaming platform that offers programming made especially with veterans of the armed forces in mind. A wide range of original programming is available, such as comedic shows, documentaries, and other entertainment items designed to speak to the humor and experiences of the military community. VET TV aims to give veterans a place to access meaningful, interesting programming that speaks to their own viewpoints and common experiences. The platform tackles the difficulties and togetherness experienced by members of the armed forces, and it frequently includes comedy unique to military culture.

• Military to Millionaire: This website helps military personnel, veterans, and their families develop money and succeed financially by offering financial education and advice. Numerous subjects are covered, such as real estate, investing, personal finance, and wealth-building techniques. It provides useful information, interviews with accomplished people, and insights to help service members make better financial decisions through its website, blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. 

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant Alvin C. York

Alvin C. York was born to a large, impoverished family in rural Tennessee on Dec. 13, 1887. He spent much of his early years in a tiny, two-room log cottage. They were self-sufficient, producing most of their clothing and food, even though they had little money. 

He became the head of the household after his father died in 1911 and assisted his mother in raising his younger siblings. Despite his past drinking and fighting, he was a devoted Christian who frequently attended church and led hymns for his community.

When America joined the throws of World War I in 1917, York registered for the draft. He initially faced a moral dilemma due to his religious beliefs and sought not to join the war because he did not believe in killing. He attempted to seek exemption from the draft as a conscientious objector but eventually agreed to serve. 

Following training at Camp Gordon, Georgia, he was eventually enlisted in the 82nd Division and sent to France as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. 

On October 8, 1918, he experienced a pivotal moment during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. As his regiment advanced through the Argonne Forest, it was being targeted by German machine guns. York was able to get beyond the enemy lines with a small squad of soldiers and take control of a German machine gun nest.

York was present at the site when a troop of German soldiers commanded by an officer arrived during the attack. A number of the men were killed by York with his sidearm, and even though the German officer fired numerous bullets at him that missed, he eventually surrendered to York in English, admitting his growing losses.

York was crucial in capturing 132 German soldiers during the attack, including the officer and other high-ranking personnel. His daring and superb marksmanship were essential in taking over significant German positions. York became a living legend and a symbol of bravery during World War I due to his daring in the face of extreme peril.

Upon his return, he received a hero's welcome and rose to prominence as a representative of American patriotism. He later received the Medal of Honor, the US Military's highest decoration for his valiant deeds. He received recognition for his bravery, ingenuity, and readiness to put his life in danger in order to further his unit's attack and shield his comrades from German fire. 

York was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the movie "Sergeant York," which helped popularize his narrative. Thanks to the film, York's narrative gained popularity, and more people were made aware of his valiant acts during World War I.

He stayed in Tennessee, working to upgrade the state’s infrastructure and educational system. On September 2, 1964, he departed from this life, leaving a record of bravery and national service. The bravery of Sergeant Alvin C. York during World War I is a testament to what it means to be a real patriot, and his tale is still regarded as an inspirational part of American history.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every servicemember may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth – it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously chosen to defend these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being.

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support from behind the scenes, thank you!

Top Resources For Veterans

1. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

   • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

   • Website: VFW

2. K9s for Warriors

   • Overview: This organization is committed to supplying highly-trained service dogs, primarily rescues, to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBIs, or other service-related traumas, effectively saving two lives in the process.

   • Website: K9s for Warriors

3. Hire Heroes USA

   • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

   • Website: Hire Heroes USA

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Until Next Time!

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!