Following the Supreme Court’s rejection of the Defense of Marriage Act in June, the armed forces are moving forward with expansion of benefits for same-sex couples. As of Sept. 3, they became eligible identification cards issued by the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Those who wish to make an appointment for DEERS enrollment should visit https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil. The services also are making arrangements so that same-sex couples can stay together during joint assignments and accompanied tours. Couples must hold DEERS ID cards, and provide the necessary marriage-related updates on their DEERS profiles. Other changes include the cancellation of the Domestic Partner Declaration that was required. Because of the extension of benefits, the declaration now is deemed as unnecessary. The services also now can grant up to seven days of uncharged leave to service members at stateside installations who wish to travel to locales that permit same-sex marriage, as long as they are stationed more than 100 miles from such a jurisdiction. Also, on June 26, same-sex couples will begin qualifying for housing, overseas housing, family separation, travel, and transportation allowances. June 26 also is the date when health-care coverage under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE for Life. TRICARE Prime coverage would begin when the next enrollment cycle begins, on Oct. 1. Again, those who wish to participate will need to hold ID cards as of Sept. 3. Meanwhile, as benefits packages open up for same-sex couples, some could encounter resistance when they try to get them. According to the Associated Press, the Texas National Guard has declined to extend benefits to same-sex couples, because the state does not recognize such marriages yet. The report also stated that Mississippi would not issue applications from state-owned offices – again, citing the fact that the state does not recognize same-sex marriages.