Every soldier in the Army will get a daily ‘check in’ under new holiday order

As some soldiers prepare to spend holidays deployed or away from their families, leaders across the service have been directed to “deliberately check in” on their soldiers every day, through December and into January.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced the service-wide directive — which he dubbed “just pick up so we can provide help” — in a letter to the service released this week.

“An officer or [non-commissioned officer] will deliberately check in on every soldier daily to see if they need help,” Driscoll wrote. “Just pick up your phone or car keys — call, text, or visit your buddy — and pick them up, too.”

The message, Driscoll said, was a direct appeal for soldiers to focus on mental health over the holidays.

“Seeking help is not weakness — it takes courage, faith, and trust tha