Newsbytes July 4, 2025 

In this issue: 
Support The Saves Act 
Easy USID Renewal for Navy Retirees and Families 
VA’s SQUARES Tool Expands to Save Veterans’ Lives
A New Era in Military Recruitment 
FRA NHQ Closed on Independence Day

Support The Saves Act 
The FRA supports the "Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act" (H.R. 2605/S.1441). Too many veterans are left without the critical support needed to heal from the visible and invisible wounds of war, such as physical disabilities and PTSD. The lack of access to trained service dogs represents a significant gap in care, leaving many without the transformative assistance these animals provide. The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act addresses this issue head-on by establishing a five-year pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund nonprofit organizations that train and place service dogs with eligible veterans. 

This legislation can directly impact veterans’ lives by ensuring access to service dogs tailored to their specific needs, along with veterinary insurance for the animals’ lifelong care. Simply, the bill empowers veterans with the tools to reclaim their independence and well-being. Your actions, through raising awareness and contacting legislators, will drive meaningful change, ensuring no veteran is left behind in their recovery journey.   

Click the link below to log in and send your message: 
https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/Campaigns/128690/Respond 

Easy USID Renewal for Navy Retirees and Families 
Navy retirees, personnel, and their families can now save time with a new way to renew their Uniformed Services Identification Card (USID). No more long trips to the ID Card Office! Here’s what you need to know about this simple online process. 

As of September 2024, you can renew your USID card from home using the ID Card Office Online website. This card helps retirees and family members access military benefits, privileges, and facilities. 

Since December 2024, most renewals (70%) are done online because it’s so easy and convenient! 

Why It’s Great:

Saves Time: No need to wait in line or travel to an ID lab, which could be hours away. 
Helps Families: If a military sponsor is deployed or stationed far from their family, they can still renew their dependents’ USIDs online. 
Simple Process: “This gives valuable time back to our retirees, members, and families,” said Rear Adm. Stu Satterwhite, head of MyNavy Career Center (MNCC). 

How to Renew Online:

Go to https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/. 
Log in with a Common Access Card (CAC) or DS logon. 
Make sure your photo and address are up-to-date in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS). 
Submit your renewal request, and your new USID will arrive by mail. 

Things to Know:

• Online Only for Renewals: If you need a new USID or lost your card, you’ll still need to visit an ID lab in person. 
• CAC Renewals: Military members and civil servants must renew Common Access Cards (CACs) in person. 
• DEERS Update: Your photo and address in DEERS must be current to renew online. 

Need Help? 

• Contact MNCC at (833) 330-MNCC (6622) or email AskMNCC@navy.mil. 
• Check out self-service options at MyNavy Portal (my.navy.mil). 

This online renewal system makes life easier for Navy retirees, personnel, and families. MNCC is working hard to provide modern, user-friendly services based on feedback from Sailors and veterans. 

Take advantage of this time-saving option today and renew your USID from the comfort of home!

VA’s SQUARES Tool Expands to Save Veterans’ Lives
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has expanded its Status Query and Response Exchange System (SQUARES), a digital tool originally launched in 2015 to help address Veteran homelessness. As of 2025, the system now supports suicide prevention, legal services, and healthcare access, making it a more comprehensive tool for reaching Veterans in crisis. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) supports this effort, which reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing suicide risk and improving the lives of Veterans and their families.

SQUARES gives VA staff and community partners such as the police, courts, homeless shelters, and local agencies the ability to quickly confirm whether someone is a Veteran and eligible for VA programs. Users enter basic information like name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and sex, and the tool returns eligibility status within seconds. That can mean immediate access to housing help, crisis support, legal aid, or medical services.

“Our job is to take a Veteran out of crisis immediately and help them with whatever we can do,” said Ray Ivaska, the VA’s product manager for SQUARES. The tool is built to remove delays and get help where it’s needed, fast.

The benefits are already showing up. In New York City, for example, where less than a quarter of Veterans self-identify, SQUARES helps agencies find those who might otherwise go unnoticed. “VA’s SQUARES technology is positively enhancing our service delivery,” said James Hendon, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services. By connecting people with resources like the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1), the system is helping save lives.

Community partners are a key part of making SQUARES work. State and local organizations can register to use the tool, allowing them to identify and assist Veterans more efficiently. This can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a Veteran getting connected to care and support when it matters most.

The 2025 expansion marks a major improvement in how communities can serve those who served. FRA encourages organizations nationwide to adopt SQUARES as part of their outreach. It’s a practical tool that gets real results.

To learn more, watch the SQUARES Overview and SQUARES Search Tools videos or contact the VA to register. 

A New Era in Military Recruitment 
Two years ago, the U.S. military faced a dire recruitment crisis, with the Army missing its target by 15,000 soldiers—the largest shortfall since the draft ended in 1973. Pandemic-related school closures, a faltering public confidence post-Afghanistan, and a competitive private sector offering lucrative incentives created a perfect storm. The all-volunteer force teetered on the edge of a historic manning crisis, forcing reduced training and revised force projections. Today, however, the tide has turned. The services are on track to meet or exceed their recruiting goals for this fiscal year, a testament to strategic initiatives and renewed momentum. The Fleet Reserve Association strongly supports these efforts, advocating for initiatives to recruit the best and brightest, working closely with Congress to provide legislative insights that equip the military with the tools needed to succeed. 

The turnaround is striking. The Army achieved its goal of 61,000 new soldiers four months early, the Navy met its active-duty target, and the Air Force is projected to follow by July’s end. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell emphasizes the need for sustained momentum, pointing to the Recruitment Task Force, launched June 13, 2025. Co-chaired by Parnell and Jules W. Hurst III, this 12-month initiative unites recruiters, analysts, and specialists to transform this year’s gains into a lasting advantage, ensuring the military remains competitive in attracting talent. 

The Recruitment Task Force is moving swiftly, tasked with identifying recruiting obstacles within 30 days, proposing policy and legislative fixes within 60 days, and delivering a unified communication plan within 90 days. A key focus is the waiver backlog, which affects 35% of Army recruits needing exemptions for minor issues like childhood asthma. Parnell, reflecting on his own post-9/11 enlistment, notes that today’s six-month waiver delays push qualified candidates to other careers. The task force, alongside a parallel medical standards review, aims to streamline processes without compromising standards, ensuring more eligible recruits can serve promptly. 

Addressing the declining interest in military service—only 11% of youth express a propensity to serve—the task force is leveraging community engagement. Local events like parades, STEM expos, and sports clinics, amplified by social media from recruiting commands, are proving effective. Technology also plays a pivotal role: the Army’s Recruit 360 platform uses AI to prioritize high-potential leads, with similar systems in the Navy and Air Force. Parnell stresses that while technology enhances efficiency, recruiters remain the heart of the effort, using their judgment to identify candidates with the character and drive to serve. 

The task force’s work is bolstered by broader efforts to make military service appealing. Congress has approved three consecutive pay raises above 4%, and SkillBridge agreements help service members earn civilian certifications, positioning military service as a viable career path for high-aptitude youth. The Fleet Reserve Association’s advocacy ensures these initiatives align with legislative support to maintain a robust all-volunteer force. As Parnell puts it, the task force acts as a “combat multiplier,” equipping the military to secure motivated, capable personnel. With the task force set to conclude next year, the challenge remains to sustain this momentum, ensuring the services are prepared for future uncertainties in a competitive recruiting landscape. 

FRA NHQ Closed on Independence Day
FRA’s National Headquarters (NHQ) offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The NHQ staff wishes all FRA Shipmates a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.