(This article by Charlsy Panzino originally appeared in the November 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

As a member of the uniformed services community, you have a lot to keep track of. Why not make things a little simpler with software?

From news to health care to life at installations and more, we’ve rounded up some of the most useful apps out there, with many available through both the Google and Apple app stores.

All of these are free unless otherwise stated.

News and Legislation

Congress Vote Tracker (Apple): This app makes it easier to keep up with military-related legislation by letting users follow bills and congressional activity. Users can also see voting records for members of Congress.

ReleVote (Apple | Android): Like the app above, ReleVote touts its ability to track activity across all three branches of the federal government.

Defense & Military News (Apple | Android): Find military and defense news in one spot, including videos, tech updates, and reviews. This app compiles news stories from several prominent outlets.

Stars & Stripes (Apple | Android): Like its website, this app provides updates on breaking news, military life, benefits, and pay, plus the latest on global conflicts, deployments, and Pentagon policy — all in the palm of your hand.

[HAVE A NEWS READER APP? Add MOAA’s Newsfeed]

Finance

YNAB (You Need a Budget) (Apple | Android): YNAB uses a method of “giving every dollar a job,” where each dollar is assigned to an expense category based on what’s important and when it’s due. The user checks their plan before spending and can make changes by moving money between categories. (Cost: 34-day free trial, then $14.99 per month.)

Military Money: Pay & Pension (Apple): Calculate service pay, including current Basic Allowance for Housing, Basic Allowance for Subsistence, and special duty pay, along with budgeting and planning for retirement.

US Military Pay Calculator (Apple | Android): This is similar to the app above. As always, consult a professional for the most accurate information.

[RELATED: Financial Calculators From MOAA]

Commissary Click2Go (Apple | Android): Users can order same-day groceries from their commissary at the same in-store prices, with access to sales and special offers to help military families save money.

Health Care

VA: Health and Benefits (Apple | Android): This official VA app helps veterans manage health care, benefits, and payments. Users can refill and track prescriptions, message their health care team, and review appointments. They can also check their disability rating, review claims or appeal statuses, and submit evidence for claims or appeals.

TRICARE East (Apple | Android): TRICARE users in the East Region can use the newly rebranded app to make payments, check eligibility, and find a provider. The app also allows users to view, print, share, and email their explanation of benefits and referral letters. As of this writing, there is no app for the West Region. However, those in the area can use Tri- West Healthcare Alliance’s mobile portal.

[RELATED: More Health Care News From MOAA]

VA Video Connect (Apple | Android): This secure videoconferencing app lets veterans and their caregivers meet with VA health care providers via telehealth, which is especially useful for those with limited access to VA facilities or who can’t regularly attend in-person appointments.

Non-Health Benefits

VetsApp (Apple | Android): Created by veterans, for veterans, VetsApp offers a central point for military discounts and deals, quick access to VA benefits, payment calculators, and curated lists of free events and virtual job fairs.

MyVetBENEFITS (Apple | Android): This app matches users with benefits they’re most likely eligible for. This is useful whether you’re a new recruit exploring benefits for the first time, a servicemember transitioning to civilian life, or a veteran, caregiver, or surviving family member. MyVetBENEFITS offers a personalized benefits list and direct access to employment, health and wellness, and financial services.

Professional Development

LinkedIn (Apple | Android): Although not specific to the uniformed services community, LinkedIn is still one of the best places to network and find jobs. Building a strong network on the platform helps users share opportunities, offer referrals, and provide mentorship. A strong profile also increases visibility for recruiters looking for transitioning servicemembers and veterans. LinkedIn Learning offers online classes to build new skills, free for the military community through ACT Now Education.

[RELATED: MOAA on Linkedin]

MilEd Benefits (Apple | Android): Servicemembers can use the MilEd Benefits app to find free education benefits that support military advancement or completing a college degree, along with resources for those transitioning to civilian jobs.

Military Moving

Sortly (Apple | Android): Users can track, organize, and manage their assets while moving, which can be a huge help when starting a PCS journey. Users can sort items by room or box and upload photos to easily identify their possessions. (Includes pay tiers.)

Vet Tix (Apple | Android): Find something to do around your new home — for free. Veteran Tickets Foundation’s Tickets for Troops Program works with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues, and more to provide free tickets to servicemembers and veterans.

The Big Moving Adventure (Apple | Android): This Sesame Street app lets kids create a Muppet friend who helps them through the moving process, whether they recently moved or have one coming up. The app guides families through packing, expressing feelings, making new friends, and exploring their new home.

Military Family

Sandboxx (Apple | Android): Families can send letters to recruits in basic training through Sandboxx, which also provides installation-specific training updates and news. Users write digital letters that are printed and mailed overnight to any recruiting base, and families can add gift cards to their letters. (Fee-based)

Babies on the Homefront (Android): Military parents can stay connected with family by sharing experiences through this app while a servicemember is on deployment. The app offers tips for handling tough parenting moments, ideas for playtime (even when away from home), and a way to upload information on the child’s development and life milestones.

Hero Care (Apple | Android): This American Red Cross app helps families navigate the challenges of service and deployment. Hero Care provides emergency communication between servicemembers and families through a free, confidential, 24/7 network. The app also explains Red Cross services offered before, during, and after deployment, along with information about VA facilities, benefits, job resources, and mental health programs.

Life at Installations

My Army Post (Apple | Android): This app, which replaced Digital Garrison, provides centralized information for specific posts. Get real-time alerts about gate traffic and closures; hours of operation for restaurants, gyms, hospitals, and commissaries; and information for base events, activities, and announcements.

MCCS Connect (Apple | Android): Marine Corps Community Services created this app to help Marines and sailors and their families find installation-specific information in one place. The app provides information on services, events, and activities.

App Locker: Access more than 80 Navy-approved apps in one spot, including information for specific bases and naval stations.

GuideOn Military (Apple | Android): The Air Force discontinued its USAF Connect app in favor of providing base updates on social media and base-specific websites, but airmen can use the GuideOn Military app to help fill the gaps. Created by a military spouse, users can search for directions, units, events, and more at different installations.

USSF Guardian One (Apple | Android): Guardians can use this app to find base information along with Space Force-specific news, resources, and updates from senior leaders. The app also includes publicly visible content to support family members.

USCG Work-Life (Apple | Android): Coast Guardsmen and their families can access information on work-life programs, housing, and activities, and get real-time updates on current events.

NOAA Directory (Apple): NOAA officers are mission-based without dedicated installations, but they can use the agency’s staff directory app to search for personnel. They can also use service-specific apps depending on where they’re assigned.

TotalForce+

MOAA’s annual TotalForce+ conference — the first and only military conference where people outrank everything — returns Feb. 1-3, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. If you’re planning on attending, be sure to download the TotalForce+ app in the weeks leading up to the conference. The app will be available in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play.  

Charlsy Panzino is a writer based in Boise, Idaho.