First Lady Jill Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama to promote initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for military families and improving early childhood education. They highlighted a pre-kindergarten program that Biden has championed, which provides universal preschool for children aged 3 and 4 and is set for expansion into civilian education systems. Austin emphasized the Pentagon's efforts to support service members, including increased allowances for housing and uniforms, as well as extending temporary housing days during relocations. The visit underscored a commitment to retain service members by improving family support, amid reported challenges in military recruitment. The initiative aligns with the military's ongoing efforts to adapt to current economic conditions affecting service families.