Scan pattern. (People Planes Places).

The Department of Defense will not be creating a Cold War service medal, and commemorative medals being sold by private vendors are not authorized for military uniforms. Last year, someone began sending e-mails announcing the approval of a Cold War medal, but Arlette King, chief of policy for the Army Award Branch, explained that "we've tried to correct the issue by putting out messages on our web site stating that there is not an authorized medal." Wearing unauthorized medals on a military uniform is illegal and punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

Sailors now receive increased allowances for clothing, subsistence and housing. A single rate has replaced three previous rates of basic allowance for subsistence: separate rations, partial BAS and emergency rations. The new rate is $241.60 per month for all active duty and reserve component members entitled to basic pay, with the exception of initial accessions. Paygrades E-1 through E-6 residing in single government quarters and required to subsist in a government provided mess facility will be charged via automatic pay deduction the discount meal rate of $6.75 per day. All other enlisted personnel and officers will be charged the standard $8.10 per day. New rates for the clothing allowance are basic $205.20 and standard $291.60 for enlisted males and basic $230.40 and standard $331.20 for enlisted females. BAH increases are payable to members on active duty according to their pay grade, dependency status and geographical location. Also, an act recently passed by Congress and signed by President Bush incre ases the guaranty on Veterans Affairs home loans from $50,750 to $60,000.