WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Jill Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are traveling to Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama to highlight programs the Pentagon and White House are rolling out to improve the quality of life and education for young children in the military.
On Friday, Biden and Austin will tour a pre-kindergarten program in Maxwell that the first lady has championed, which funds universal preschool and aid for children ages 3 and 4. The administration plans to expand that program beyond military facilities and into education systems across the country.
Austin is expected to discuss efforts the Pentagon has made to alleviate some of the financial and career obstacles faced by military families. Austin has made improving the quality of life for troops a goal during his time as defense secretary.
His goal is to retain service members and show potential recruits the programs the Pentagon offers to support a military career, including increased housing assistance, career support for spouses and pay raises.
Earlier this year, the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force said they expect to meet their recruiting goals for this fiscal year, but the Navy indicated it may not be able to do so.
It has become more difficult for the military to recruit young people to serve. Fewer families have a direct connection to the military, and more young people fail to meet the fitness requirements to qualify.
