Military Report - Week of December 26, 2011

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Military Report - Week of December 26, 2011

Vets4Warriors Hotline The National Guard recently unveiled its Vets4Warriors servicemembers' counseling program. Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hotline that provides Guard members and Reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once the servicemember reaches out to Vets4Warriors, the counselor will try to match them to any of the resources available. To learn more about Vets4Warriors, or to speak with a counselor, service and family members can call the Vets4Warriors toll-free hotline at 1-855-VET-TALK (838-8255) or visit the (http://www.vets4warriors.com/) Vets4Warriors website. For more on military benefits and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

AF Instant Messenger Shut Down The Air Force will shut down the Air Force Instant Messenger (AFIM) and Friends and Family Instant Messenger (FFIM) services on the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal by Dec. 31. An established Department of Defense (DoD) instant messaging capability is the Defense Connect Online (DCO) chat function called "Jabber" as an acceptable replacement for AFIM and FFIM, including use in deployed locations. Information on how to access and use Jabber is located on the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) AF Portal. Chat tools on social media sites like Facebook are also available to Airmen on military networks as well as family and friends at home. Deployed Airmen at larger Air Force installations are also able to use the DOD's Morale Net. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

Deal of the Week: Fitness Equipment Smooth Fitness is offering a 10% off discount to all Military Personnel. You can call (888) 211-1611 and all Military Members can get 10% off, Free Shipping and Free in room placement plus a free treadmill or elliptical mat. Military ID number is needed for all orders to verify service. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal. (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all military discounts.

Hiring of Veterans Increases The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reports that the federal government hired the highest percentage of veterans in more than 20 years during the past fiscal year. According to preliminary figures released by the OPM, veterans represented 28.5 percent of total federal hires in fiscal 2011. Meanwhile, Labor Department statistics from early December show the unemployment rate for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars stands "stands at 11.1 percent. For more information, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... -high.html) this Military.com article.

DoD Priority Job Placement for Vets Civilian employees adversely affected by actions such as transfer of function or base realignment and closure may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program (PPP). Depending on the situation, the program provides mandatory placement, matching eligible well-qualified employees to vacant positions throughout the DOD. For a PPP placement to occur, the registrant matched against a job vacancy must be well qualified for the position and certified by the current supervisor. For more information about the priority placement program and other personnel issues, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/) Air Force Personnel Services website or the Office of Personnel Management website at (http://www.opm.gov/) www.opm.gov. For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.

Get College Credit for Military Service Applying your military experience credits could save you as much as $600 and 5 months on a typical 3-credit college course. In most cases, you will use ACE recommended credits to fulfill your free-elective requirements, but each college determines the number of credits they will accept, and how they will be applied toward your degree. In fact, some schools may even choose not to grant any credit for military experience. That is why it is critical to shop around for the school that meets your specific requirements. The first step to claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military service. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... rience.htm) Get More information on how to gain college credit for military experience. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... rience.htm) (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Compare schools to find the one that meets your specific requirements.

Exchanges Offer Gift Cards The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's 3,100 retail facilities in all 50 states and some 30 countries offer gift cards for servicemembers. While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send them by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Support Your Troops" and then the (https://shop.aafes.com/scs/) "Gift and Calling Cards" icon. Exchange gift cards range in values from $10 to $500 and can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to "any servicemember" through various relief agencies. For discounts for servicemembers, veterans and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.

Does Drawdown Mean Benefit Cuts? Military pay and benefits have enjoyed record growth over the last decade. However, given the current budget problems the benefits boom may soon end. The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions to ease the coming reduction in forces, but the defense bill also includes a provision for increasing the TRICARE Prime enrollment fee each year at a rate equal to the retiree cost-of-living-adjustment percentage. Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/c ... advantage/) Military Advantage Blog to learn more about how the end to the Iraq war and looming budget battles may lead to reductions in military pay and benefits.

VA Loan Rate and Facts for 2012 A VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. In 2012 lenders will continue to limit maximum VA Loans to $417,000. You can buy or refinance with the VA Loan. Now is a great time to use your benefits. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Lenders Today.

AF Wing Magazine Online Wingman, the Air Force's official quarterly safety magazine, has a new website at (http://www.wingmanmagazine.af.mil/) www.wingmanmagazine.af.mil. The magazine has transitioned to an online-only format. The Air Force Safety Center published its last hardcopy issue of Wingman in fall 2011. With a click of a mouse, readers can view either an electronic publication online or download a PDF version from the website. Anyone can receive an email notification when a new Wingman is published by entering their email address under "Subscribe" at the new Wingman website. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

United Concordia Denying Extra Claims? A reader on the (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2011/12/is-u ... laims.html) SpouseBuzz website recently wrote in claiming that United Concordia is denying extra claims because their contract will soon expire and the military will instead receive benefits under a new company, Metlife. When reached for comment, a United Concordia spokesperson said that no extra claims are being denied, and that after their contract with the military ends April 30 of next year, they plan to keep military claims staff on hand for a full extra year to support any claims that come in late. Any questions about United Concordia claims can be directed to them (http://www.facebook.com/#!/TDP.ADDP) via their Facebook page, or by calling their help line at 800/866-8499. For more details, see this (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2011/12/is-u ... laims.html) SpouseBuzz post.

Get Your 2012 Military Pay Chart The White House Budget includes a proposed 1.6 percent across-the-board pay raise for 2012. This raise is .2% percent more than the 2011 military pay increase and is among the smallest increases since 1962. (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... Pay,00.htm) See the 2012 Proposed 1.6% Raise.

The Best Jobs of 2011 Careercast.com has announced the top 200 Jobs in the country based on environment, income, outlook, physical demands, and stress. Here's a list of the best: Software Engineer, Mathematician, Actuary, Statistician, Computer Systems Analyst. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get the rest of the list along with the average salaries for these top jobs.

(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search for Military Friendly Jobs on Military.com.

TRICARE Option Available January 1 The TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) Prime option is available for purchase, with coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2012. TYA Prime will offer young adult beneficiaries TRICARE Prime coverage for monthly premiums of $201. To purchase TYA Prime, dependents must be under age 26, unmarried and not eligible for their own employer-sponsored health care coverage. Young adult dependents may also be eligible for TYA Standard whose monthly premium is dropping to $176 on Jan. 1, 2012. Complete information and application forms are available at the TRICARE Young Adult webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/tya) www.tricare.mil/tya. For more details on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.

$100k in Protection for $7.26 Per Month How much are you paying for your SGLI? You could provide $100k coverage for your loved ones for as low as $7.26 a month. Or customize your own coverage for less. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr_txt.nl) Get a free quote now.

Notifications for Deploying Airmen Deploying Airmen can now sign-up for instant e-mail notifications from the Air Force Reporting Instruction Tool (AFIT) when they occur. Previously, members had to check the website often to ensure they had the most current instruction. To sign-up for AFRIT e-mail notifications, log on to (https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/) AEF Online and click the AFRIT button. Users can then select which reporting instructions they would like to receive by e-mail. For more information about AFRIT and other AEF-related topics, visit (https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/) AEF Online. For personnel issues, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/) Air Force Personnel Services website. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

2012 Thunderbirds Show Schedule The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds recently announced their 2012 show schedule. Officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada. The air show season lasts roughly from March to November. The 2012 schedule is (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123282816) currently available. For more information, visit the (http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/) U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds website and visit the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team (http://www.facebook.com/afthunderbirds) Facebook and (http://www.twitter.com/afthunderbirds) Twitter pages. To keep up on entertainment-related military stories, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.

TSP Contribution Limits to Increase The 2012 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions has increased from $16,500 to $17,000 for 2012. The TSP catch-up plan contribution limit will remain at $5,500. Military members can contribute any whole percentage up to 92 percent of basic pay, as long as the annual total does not exceed $17,000 for 2012. If contributing from basic pay, Airmen may also invest all or part of their bonuses, special pay, or incentive pay. For more information about TSP, visit the Thrift Savings Plan website at (http://www.tsp.gov/) www.tsp.gov. Click on "Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan" located under civilian or uniformed services TSP Forms and Publications. For more on TSP and other military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

Army Personnel Emergency Reporting The Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS) is designed to quickly account for Army personnel and assess needs. If an emergency or disaster occurs, Army personnel will be directed to report their status either to their unit, directly to the ADPAAS website or through an Army contact center. Beginning February 2012, disaster personnel accountability will be inspected at all Army levels. Army Families need to maintain accurate, up-to-date contact information in ADPAAS. To access ADPAAS, log on to the (https://adpaas.army.mil/) ADPAAS webpage and click on the appropriate button. For more information call the ADPAAS Information Line at 1-800-833-6622 . For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

AFIT Enlisted Opportunities The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is offering enlisted applicants an opportunity to pursue advanced academic degrees in management or engineering. Nominations are due to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by Dec. 31, with the selection board slated to convene Jan. 20. In addition to the application package, candidates will need to apply for academic eligibility directly through AFIT by Dec. 31. Technical sergeants through senior master sergeants who will have at least eight years active duty and 24 months' time on station by June 1, 2012, may be eligible. For more information, visit the (http://www.afit.edu/en/admissions/usaf_ ... m#enlisted) AFIT website. For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.

Transition Resources Servicemembers looking for transition assistance resources can access TurboTAP at www.TurboTAP.org for 24/7 access to helpful pre-separation and transition guides, employment, education, relocation and benefits checklists and more. Other useful websites for transitioning servicemembers include the Department of Labor's Career One Stop website at (http://www.careeronestop.org/) www.careeronestop.org and the CNIC website for Sailors at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil) www.cnic.navy.mil. For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.

Navy Purple Heart Policy Update The U.S. Navy recently updated its policies concerning the awarding of the Purple Heart. Sailors and Marines may be now awarded the Purple Heart for certain mild traumatic brain injuries that were caused by enemy action. If they suffered a loss of consciousness, or had to be given the disposition of 'not fit for full duty' by a medical officer for a period greater than 48 hours after a concussive event, they may qualify for the Purple Heart. Purple Hearts awarded for MTBI will continue to meet the historical standards of severity applied to all types of wounds. For more information, read (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... N11079.txt) ALNAV 079/11. For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

AAFES Coke Holiday Sweepstakes The Army and Air Force Exchange Service will award grand prizes of $2,600 in American Express gift cards to five lucky entrants of its "Coke Holiday Sweepstakes." Military shoppers can enter the "Coke Holiday Sweepstakes" at their local Exchange through Dec. 29. No purchase is necessary to enter and the drawing will take place on or about Feb. 10, 2012. For discounts for servicemembers, veterans and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.

Benefits for the Involuntarily Separated Any member of the Armed Forces involuntarily separated under other than adverse conditions from active duty through Dec. 31, 2012 may continue to use commissary and exchange privileges for a two-year period beginning on the date of the member's involuntary separation. The Navy will forward separating Sailors' information to the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS) for issuance of a Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. For more information about ERB and other transition benefits, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/) NPC ERB Web Page, contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672). For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

AF Wounded Warrior Program Through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, Airmen leaving the force are assigned care managers who offer emotional support, medical and financial advice, and ensure the servicemembers receive the full benefits and entitlements they deserve. The care managers assist Airmen through every aspect of their transition and long after. For more information about the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, visit the Air Force Wounded Warrior webpage at (http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/) www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/ or call 800-581-9437. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.

Political Dos and Don'ts There are a few things servicemembers must remember during this upcoming political season. (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corr ... 34410p.pdf) Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty," and (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... 51-902.pdf) Air Force Instruction 51-902, "Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force," outline permitted and restricted political actions for active military members. Military members who violate these rules may face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If you are unsure whether or not a political activity is approved, reference AFI 51-902 or contact your base legal office.

To keep up with political issues that affect the military and to contact your local government representatives on hot-button topics, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.