 The DOD announced its plan August 14th to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of service members and DOD civilian employees. Same-sex couples with a valid marriage certificate will receive spousal and family benefits no later than September 3rd. Entitlements such as tri-care enrollment, basic allowance for housing and family separation allowance are retroactive to June 26th, the date of the Supreme Court's decision to declare Section 3 of the Defensive Marriage Act unconstitutional. For couples who are not stationed in a jurisdiction that permits same-sex marriage, the department will implement policies to allow military personnel to take non-chargeable leave so they can get married where it's legal. To see the memo from the Secretary of Defense, go to defense.gov. You can find additional service-specific guidance for sailors and families as soon as it becomes available on Navy.mil. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Amara Timberlake.