WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE
WHO WE ARE
United States Army
Department of The Navy
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard
United States Space Force
United States Marine Corps
OUR VISION
As an influential voice for America’s soldiers, sailors and airmen, we are a dedicated team committed to building the best professional and representative association for the world’s best Armed Service.
OUR MISSION
The AFTEA mission is to advocate a strong national defense that will protect the security of the United States. We support a defense budget that will provide modern and sufficient equipment so that our military personnel can safely and effectively accomplish their mission.
OUR ADVOCACY
AFTEA speaks out for the men and women of America’s Uniformed Services who proudly serve our country.
AFTEA represents their interests in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
AFTEA is exclusively for those who have reached the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks of the Uniformed Services.
Members in AFTEA are Sergeant Majors, Master Gunnery Sergeants, Master Chief Petty Officers, and Chief Master Sergeants from all branches and components of the Uniformed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. We are unique in that each member must have either retired as or currently hold the grade of E-9.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As an AFTEA member, you’ll have access to valuable benefits information advice, money-saving products and services, plus a team of legislative professionals fighting for your rights. You also will have the opportunity to network and make connections to aid your personal and professional life.
Insurance
AFTEA offers its members some of the very best insurance plans available, including TRICARE insurance supplements and outstanding buys in term life insurance. For more information on TRICARE Supplement plans call 1-800-808-4514.
Financial Services
As an AFTEA member, you’ll have access to competitive credit cards and special rates on CDs and money market accounts – plus a special MilitaryPerks card for savings on everyday purchases.
Legislative Action
We represent the interests of the military community (active duty, retired, guard/reserve, family members, and survivors) through testimony before Congress and personal contact with elected officials, congressional staffers, and representatives of the Department of Defense and other executive branch agencies.
Alliance Newsletter
AFTEA’s bimonthly newsletter offers diverse feature articles and reports on legislation, financial issues, second-career opportunities, current military affairs, military history, travel, and health/fitness
Membership
You do not have to be retired to join AFTEA! All active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve and former senior non-commissioned officers of the uniformed services – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – are eligible for membership
CHAPTERS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
2024 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
The overriding goal of AFTEA is to support a national defense that will protect the security of the United States.
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
HELP US CONTINUE OUR MISSION
We represent the interests of the military community (active duty, retired, guard/reserve, family members, and survivors) through testimony before Congress and personal contact with elected officials, congressional staffers, and representatives of the Department of Defense and other executive branch agencies.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
ABOUT US
WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE
WHO WE ARE
United States Army
Department of The Navy
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard
United States Space Force
United States Marine Corps
OUR MISSION
The AFTEA mission is to advocate a strong national defense that will protect the security of the United States. We support a defense budget that will provide modern and sufficient equipment so that our military personnel can safely and effectively accomplish their mission.
We seek to educate the public and members of Congress about the uniformed services and their most important asset, its people.
We promote improved quality-of-life and economic fairness that will support the well-being of the men and women of America’s Uniformed Services and their families. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
The Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association (AFTEA) is a non-profit veteran’s organization representing the professional and personal interests of active duty and retired men and women of America’s Uniformed Services, National Guard and Reserve.
OUR VISION
As an influential voice for America’s soldiers, sailors, and airmen, we are a dedicated team committed to building the best professional and representative association for the world’s best Armed Service.
OUR MANDATE
AFTEA represents your interests in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members.
Participation by the people is the key to good government. AFTEA amplifies your voice and your participation, so your voice is sure to be heard. When you work through AFTEA, you can have a great impact on the issues that concern you.
THE TEAM
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Bernd Dela Cruz
CSM USA (Ret)
Roger J. Ehrke
CSM USA (Ret)
Marion O. Walley
CSM USA(Ret)
Charles Richardson
CMSgt USAF (Ret)
Edward L. Cates
CMSgt USAF (Ret)
John C.T. Meyer
MCPO USNM (Ret)
Thaddues Peters
CMSgt USAF (Ret)
Fil Villarreal
CMSgt USAF (Ret)
OUR ADVOCACY
AFTEA speaks out for the men and women of America’s Uniformed Services who proudly serve our country.
AFTEA represents their interests in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members.
AFTEA lobbyists continue to inform members of Congress of the sacrifices those who wear and have worn the uniform (and their families) make on a daily basis for the protection of the American way-of-life. From fighting for full pay raises for those still wearing the uniform, to full on-time cost of living allowances (COLA) for retirees, AFTEA continues to lead the way to preserve and improve the quality-of-life for its members.
WHO CAN JOIN?
AFTEA is exclusively for those who have reached the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks of the Uniformed Services.
Members in AFTEA are Sergeant Majors, Master Gunnery Sergeants, Master Chief Petty Officers, and Chief Master Sergeants from all branches and components of the Uniformed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. We are unique in that each member must have either retired as or currently hold the grade of E-9.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?
Go through our most frequently asked questions
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AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
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AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
ADVOCACY
Advocacy
AFTEA recognizes the many sacrifices made by military men and women and their families
AFTEA speaks out for the men and women of America’s Uniformed Services who proudly serve our country.
We represent their interests in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members.
AFTEA lobbyists educate members of Congress of the sacrifices those who wear and have worn the uniform (and their families) make on a daily basis for the protection of the American way-of-life. From fighting for full pay raises for those still wearing the uniform, to full on-time cost of living allowances (COLA) for retirees, AFTEA continues to lead the way to preserve and improve the quality-of-life for its members.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
CONTACT CONGRESS
Contact Federal Elected Officials
Contact President Joe Biden
Members of the U.S. Congress
Contact State Elected Officials
Contact Local Elected Officials
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
JOIN US
Membership Application
Join the Cause: Become a Member of AFTEA and Unite with Fellow Advocates in Supporting
GET INVOLVED
Championing the Interests of the Unsung Heroes: AFTEA’s Unwavering Commitment to Amplifying the Voices of Noncommissioned Officers and Ensuring their Contributions are Recognized at the Highest Levels
Championing the Interests of the Unsung Heroes: AFTEA’s Unwavering Commitment to Amplifying the Voices of Noncommissioned Officers and Ensuring their Contributions are Recognized at the Highest Levels.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
KEY LEGISLATION
Key Legistation
Major Richard Star Act
Contact your representative and senators and urge them to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would authorize combat-injured veterans to receive their full DoD retirement pay earned for years of service and their full VA disability compensation for lifelong injury.
Currently, these combat-injured (and often seriously disabled) veterans are subject to a cost-saving offset where their retirement pay is reduced for every dollar of VA disability received. To reduce earned retirement pay because of a combat disability is an injustice; the compensation for these injured veterans is not the place to achieve savings.
Key Legistation
Caring for Survivors Act (H.R. 1083 / S. 414)
Bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate (H.R. 1083/S. 414) would align Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments with other federal survivor benefits. Ask your legislators to show their support and make a long-overdue correction to this injustice.
Key Legistation
Love Lives On Act (S. 1266)
Contact your representative and senators and urge them to support the Love Lives On Act. This legislation is a comprehensive approach to allowing eligible military surviving spouses to retain survivor benefits upon remarriage prior to age 55.
Contact your representative and urge them to support legislation eliminating the Basic Allowance for Housing from the eligibility calculation for the Basic Needs Allowance.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
What we have done
Together we are changing the world
We have helped soldiers in over 100 countries, reaching nearly 1 million people around the world through 1,000 programs.
Health Care
- Blocked 27% cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments.
- Won provision limiting percentage increases in TRICARE Prime fees to COLA.
- Won provisions aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental health.
Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Issues
- Won 1.6% military pay raise to match private sector pay growth.
- Won skills/transition training for service members approaching separation date.
- Improved reemployment rights protection for National Guard members.
- Won requirement for DoD report on potential expansion of Homeowner Assistance Program.
- Won transition services upgrades for separating service members.
Retirement and Survivor Issues
- Expanded death gratuity protections for Reserve members on inactive duty.
- Required GAO review of space-available travel options for current ineligible retirees/survivors.
- Won requirement for DoD report on expedited process for disability.
- Won requirement for DoD report on consolidating service disability evaluation.
Veterans and Other Issues
- Won requirement for DoD report on education programs for members and spouses.
- Won requirement for GAO report on programs to promote military spouse.
- Won extension of employer tax incentives for hiring unemployed veterans.
- Re-opened educational/training benefits for older unemployed veterans.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Advocacy
Legislative Agenda
The overriding goal of AFTEA is to support a national defense that will protect the security of the United States.
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, childcare, and other quality-of-life programs.
Advocacy
Force Management
AFTEA supports a defense budget that will provide modern and sufficient equipment so that our military personnel can safely and effectively accomplish their mission. Further, we support increasing active duty, Guard and Reserve force sizes (end strength) to match the mission.
Active Duty, Reserve Force, and Family Issues
AFTEA supports military pay and compensation policies to attain and maintain the personnel skills that will allow the United States to meet its strategic goals. This includes compensation, benefits, quality of life, and other instruments to recruit, retain, and support high-quality people. It also includes providing service members and their dependents with high-quality, affordable health care. We support initiatives to:
- Sustain active duty, Guard and Reserve force sizes to meet mission.
- Overcome the lack of TRICARE coverage for the reserve component to maintain readiness.
- Sustain military pay comparability with the private sector. Ensure pay at or above the Employment Cost Index, and ensure all allowances and programs necessary to recruit and retain a quality force.
- Ensure pay continues for all eight uniformed services during a government shutdown.
- Improve congressional support for uniformed services families: Enhance programs to support spouse employment, ensure implementation of an effective basic needs allowance, and provide accessible, affordable childcare options.
- Create new incentives for employers to hire and retain drilling Guard/Reserve.
- Provide incentives for employers, governments, and contractors to hire military spouses.
- Improve professional licensure transferability for service members and military spouses.
Healthcare Issues
- Avert 27% Medicare/TRICARE payment cut and fix statutory formula to improve access to care.
- Protect against disproportional increases in TRICARE fees.
- Oppose enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life or curtailment of TFL coverage.
- Allow three years of active-duty-level TRICARE coverage for disability retirees and families.
- Improve seamless transition and protect Defense and VA health benefits support systems and budgets.
- Expand TRICARE coverage for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for active and retired members of the uniformed services.
Veterans and Other Issues
- Improve quality, efficiency, transparency, and timeliness of the VA claims- processing system.
- Establish Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for surviving spouses of Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
- Improve VA health services and access for women veterans.
- Authorize pre-tax payment of health, dental and long-term care premiums.
- Prevent disproportional Social Security and/or Medicare penalties for any population segment.
Retirement and Survivor Issues
- Provide for concurrent receipt of military retirement pay from DoD and disability pay from the VA.
- Oppose military benefit changes that are inconsistent with service career.
- Preserve full-inflation cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
- End deduction of VA disability compensation from military retired pay.
- Implement a more equitable military disability retirement system.
- Restore VA DIC compensation for qualifying survivors who remarry after age 55.
- Reform the SBP calculation for a reservist who dies performing IDT as for active- duty deaths.
- Authorize survivors to retain a deceased retiree’s full final-month retired pay.
- Authorize SBP annuities to be paid to Special Needs Trusts for permanently disabled children.
- Reform the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA).
- Authorize Space-A travel for ‘gray area’ Guard and Reserve retirees and qualifying survivors.
Membership
The overriding goal of AFTEA is to support a national defense that will protect the security of the United States.
AFTEA represents the interests of members of the Uniformed Services in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We educate the public and members of Congress about the Uniformed Services and their most important asset, its people.
We monitor proposed legislation, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members. We give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, childcare, and other quality-of-life programs.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As an AFTEA member, you’ll have access to valuable benefits information advice, money-saving products and services, plus a team of legislative professionals fighting for your rights. You also will have the opportunity to network and make connections to aid your personal and professional life.
Insurance
AFTEA offers its members some of the very best insurance plans available, including TRICARE insurance supplements and outstanding buys in term life insurance. For more information on TRICARE Supplement plans call 1-800-808-4514.
Financial Services
As an AFTEA member, you’ll have access to competitive credit cards and special rates on CDs and money market accounts – plus a special MilitaryPerks card for savings on everyday purchases.
Legislative Action
We represent the interests of the military community (active duty, retired, guard/reserve, family members, and survivors) through testimony before Congress and personal contact with elected officials, congressional staffers, and representatives of the Department of Defense and other executive branch agencies.
Alliance Newsletter
AFTEA’s bimonthly newsletter offers diverse feature articles and reports on legislation, financial issues, second-career opportunities, current military affairs, military history, travel, and health/fitness.
Membership
You do not have to be retired to join AFTEA! All active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve and former senior non-commissioned officers of the uniformed services – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – are eligible for membership.
Alliance Newsletter
Be the first to know! Join our newsletter.
AFTEA’s bimonthly newsletter offers diverse feature articles and reports on legislation, financial issues, second-career opportunities, current military affairs, military history, travel, and health/fitness.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
NEWS
Department of Defense Early Bird Brief
- How a Lloyd Austin aide became Pete Hegseth’s ‘only guy standing’
While Hegseth fired or reassigned several top advisers, a Marine colonel on his staff has ascended.
- Hegseth pulled info from secure channel for Signal chats: Report
Details about U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen were pulled from secure U.S. Central Command communications, according to reports.
- White House defends Hegseth amid new Signal accusation, staff overhaul
President Donald Trump on Monday defended his embattled defense secretary, saying he's pleased with his leadership thus far.
- Hegseth had second Signal chat with details of Yemen strike: Report
Pete Hegseth reportedly created another Signal chat that included his wife and brother in which he shared details of a military strike on Houthis in Yemen.
- Former Pentagon spokesman tied to DEI purge asked to resign: Official
John Ullyot oversaw the Pentagon's edict to strip away online military images considered promoting DEI. Ullyot told Politico that he decided to resign.
- Pentagon senior adviser Dan Caldwell ousted in probe into leaks
Officials said Caldwell’s sudden downfall is tied to an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosure of department information.
- Pentagon inspector general report rehashes Space Command HQ debate
Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee claims the White House will soon name Huntsville, Alabama, as Space Command's permanent home.
- DOD issues guidance to advance civilian workforce overhaul
DOD civilian employee roles that do not facilitate "lethality" should be assessed for restructuring or elimination, the memo states.
Department Of Defense Space
- Boeing looks to existing production lines for Golden Dome pitch
Boeing’s conversations with the Pentagon about Golden Dome have focused on production lines the company can ramp up and where it can invest in new tech.
- Space Force gets head start on Trump’s commercial buying push
To fully implement the White House orders, Space Force officials say they need more funding, personnel and budget flexibility.
- New Space Force ‘warfighting framework’ sharpens weaponization plans
The framework’s primary function is to define key terms, concepts and processes so that guardians have a common lexicon.
- Pentagon inspector general report rehashes Space Command HQ debate
Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee claims the White House will soon name Huntsville, Alabama, as Space Command's permanent home.
- Space Force ‘Meadowlands’ jammer ready for formal testing
The system uses radio signals to jam enemy communications and Meadowlands brings an expanded frequency range, which improves its ability to interfere.
- Space Force ramps up UK partnership with civilian exchange program
The program will enable civilian professionals to learn new skills through hands-on experience at each ally organization, the U.S. Space Force said.
- Space Development Agency director reinstated after three-month review
Meanwhile, a separate review of SDA's organizational culture is being finalized, an Air Force spokesperson told Defense News.
- Space Force commercial office eyes pilot for quick-reaction launches
The Commercial Space Office plans to start a pilot by this fall with a tabletop exercise.