Servicemen's Groups Life Insurance (SGLI) death benefits were raised to $250,000 in April of this year. There are other benefits available to families of deceased servicemen (social security, etc.), but this is the main one. Almost all servicemen sign up for SGLI (it involves premiums deducted from monthly paychecks, currently running about $20). Those who don't are normally browbeaten by their senior NCOs and commanders until they see the light. Sometimes the wisdom of age and experience has to pound some sense into the invincibility of youth. It's all part of taking care of your fellow Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine (or warfighter, if that's what trips your trigger).