Military Report - Week of March 19, 2012

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Military Report - Week of March 19, 2012

AF to Begin 2013 Command Screening
Developmental teams from 11 different Air Force specialties will convene between May and September to consider eligible officers for calendar year 2013 squadron command, deputy logistics commander and deputy mission support group commander positions. Interested officers should ensure they update their Airman Development Plan to indicate their interest. Specialty qualifications and grade requirements vary by career field, so interested Airmen should review their assignment team web page at the Air Force Personnel Services website. For more information on command opportunities and other 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.


Army Biomed Material Shipping Course
The U.S. Army Public Health Command's (USAPHC) "Transport of Biomedical Material Course" trains DoD medical personnel to safely and properly package and ship biomedical material. The course has trained laboratorians, logisticians, physicians, environmental specialists and other personnel. Students must pass a rigorous final exam to be certified because a lot may depend on the ability of the students to put their learning into practice. Attendees do not currently have to pay a registration fee to take the course but may incur some nominal fees. For more information on the USAPHC's Transport of Biomedical Material Course, visit the (http://phc.amedd.army.mil/Pages/Training.aspx) U.S. Army Public Health Command website.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Get March Madness, Free Online
Servicemembers wishing to watch their favorite college basketball team as they compete in the upcoming NCAA basketball championship tournament now have free online access to do so. Using their .mil e-mail address, servicemember can register with the NCAA.com website at (http://www.ncaa.com/armedforces) www.ncaa.com/armedforces to receive free online access to watch all the live games using their personal computer, tablet, Smartphone or other select electronic devices with Internet access. Once the servicemember's account is created on the website, they will be able go online with their personal computer or electronic device at (http://www.ncaa.com/marchmadness) www.ncaa.com/marchmadness and login to the NCAA March Madness LiveT applications. For more information, visit the (https://secure.mms.ncaa.com/campaign/MM ... /email_reg) NCAA website.
For more sports and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


VA Addresses GI Bill Backlog
According to the VA some veterans are experiencing delays in receiving their GI Bill benefits for the spring term. The VA points out that the issue is limited to only one of their regional processing offices and that they've surged additional staff and resources to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.
(http://military-education.military.com/ ... l-backlog/) Read the full article.


eMarine, A Safe Social Media Option
What could be seen by someone as an innocent post by a loved one talking about their Marine or sailor's deployment on social networking sites could have potential negative consequences. Marines and their families can take steps to protect their unit's and loved ones by talking to their unit's family readiness officer about applying for accounts on the eMarine website at (http://www.emarine.org) www.emarine.org where they will be able to access things like Marine Corps news, tools, resources and be able to talk openly and securely about the Marines and sailors. In order to gain access to a unit's page the Marine or sailor must apply for an account with their FRO and then approve which family members will also be allowed onto the site. For more information, contact your unit's family readiness officer.
To keep up with the military on social media, visit and "like" (http://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com on Facebook.


Get the 2012 VA Loan Guide
Understand the VA Loan benefit you've earned by downloading the free Miliary.com VA Loan Guide. The PDF guide walks you through the benefits of a VA Loan, eligibility, how to refinance, what forms you'll need, and more. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/i ... ESRC=mr.nl) Download your free PDF now.


Deal of the Week: Fun on Four Wheels
Tailgater? Family-focused? Outdoorsy type? (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;253079081;77863737;w) There's an RV that's right for you, and with models starting at $6,000, it's more affordable than you think.


Top 15 High-paying Jobs for Vets
The 15 most common, well-paid and quickly growing professions veterans choose include: Management Consultant, IT Program Manager, Systems Analyst, FBI Agent, Field Service Engineer, Systems Engineer, IT Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Helicopter Pilot, IT Network Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Technical Writer, Business Development Manager, IT Network Administrator, HVAC Service Technician, and Fireman. (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/489 ... RC=mrvr.nl) See Median Salaries and Projected Growth for each.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search for Career Opportunities in the above fields on Military.com (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl)


Twilight Tattoo 2012
Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Twilight Tattoo performances will take place every Wednesday evening throughout the Summer in Washington, D.C. Each performance is free and open to the public. Bleacher seating is on a first-come, first served basis. For more information and a list of performance dates, visit the (http://www.twilight.mdw.army.mil/) Twilight Tattoo website. For information on group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at (202) 685-2888. Follow the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on its website at (http://www.usarmyband.com/) www.usarmyband.com.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Benefit Calculator: All Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on service and status. Find Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and More. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefit Channel to access Pay Charts, TRICARE information, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Vet Benefits and More.


Branson Salute to Vietnam Vets
Branson, Missouri will salute Vietnam veterans with First Annual Vietnam Veterans Event and Vietnam Veterans Reunion March 29-April 1, 2012. In addition to the many free events, a special package is being offered at (http://www.vietnamvetsreunion.com/) www.VietnamVetsReunion.com, which includes 3 nights lodging, 3 dinners, 3 live shows and a visit to Branson's Veterans Museum, all strategically scheduled around the free Veteran activities. This special package is serving as a fundraiser for the Veterans Haven in Springfield, MO, a non-profit home serving our veterans. For more information, call 417-527-0808 or visit the official Vietnam Veterans Reunion website at (http://www.vietnamvetsreunion.com/) www.VietnamVetsReunion.com.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Land a Job at the Virtual Career Fair
Military.com and Monster are throwing a Virtual Career fair March 27th - 29th. It's free to join and you'll be able to communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Fast Track Your Military Experience to a Civilian Career. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Register for the event now.
View a full calendar of (http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military Career Expos.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Veteran Career Center to search for jobs and get tips on your career and job search.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities.


AF Tests for Spice
The Air Force is currently conducting urinalysis testing for Spice chemicals through a civilian laboratory and will field an in-house urinalysis testing capability for Spice in mid-March, which will provide a more robust way to test for the banned synthetic chemical. The use of designer synthetic chemicals, such as Spice, and other intoxicating substances, other than alcohol and tobacco, are strictly prohibited for Airmen according to (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... 44-120.pdf) Air Force Instruction 44-120, Military Drug Demand Reduction Program, and (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI44-121.pdf) AFI 44-121. Testing has expanded to include inspection testing, including unit, dorm and gate sweeps. Air Force installation commanders are now ordering Spice testing of Airmen.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Veterans Get Risky Painkillers
Stars and Stripes reports that a new study has found that recent U.S. War veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with physical pain are often prescribed Morphine and similar powerful painkillers. Subsequent suicides, other self-inflicted injuries, and drug and alcohol overdoses were all more common in veterans with PTSD who received these drugs. The Department of Veterans Affairs paid for the study, which is based on VA health care data. An abstract of the study is available on the (http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/307/9/940.short) Journal of the American Medical Association website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Lifts Civilian Hiring Freeze
The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) has announced the end of its command-wide hiring freeze. Effective immediately, centers throughout the command will be able to hire new employees in order to meet urgent mission requirements, but in some cases may remain under locally imposed hiring controls. The command would continue using voluntary methods to retain civilian employees who are currently in positions that have been identified as surplus, and impacted individuals will receive priority for open positions for which they qualify.
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.


The Military Drawdown Can Hit Anyone
A recent article in the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educatio Support (DANTES) reminds troops that the drawdown and associated reduction in forces can affect any servicemember and that they should take advantage of the education benefits while they can. Education is one of the major elements of being prepared to join the civilian workforce.
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... ation.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


House Examines National Cemetery System
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs recently held an oversight hearing to examine the current state of our National Cemeteries. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has come under fire recently due to a series of audits revealing, to date, over 240 mismarked or unmarked graves and 8 veterans or their loved ones buried in the wrong place at 13 cemeteries nationwide. Statements from and a webcast of the hearing is available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/%E2%8 ... s%E2%80%9D) U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Officer Education Deadline Approaches
Applications for intermediate and senior developmental education for Air Force officers are due April 9. Officers should use their Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) secure web-based 3849 form to apply for developmental education through April 9. Candidates may apply for up to five IDE or SDE programs. Civilians interested in basic developmental education or intermediate and senior developmental education will need to turn in their applications by May 1. Once an employee receives command endorsement, the nomination package must be submitted by the employee through AFPERS. For more information, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services secure website.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy 2012 Advanced Education Vouchers
The chief of naval personnel has announced funding for the FY-12 Advanced Education Voucher (AEV) program, providing advanced education opportunities for top performing chief, senior chief and master chief petty officers. The AEV program will fund bachelors and masters degree completion in designated, Navy-relevant areas of study. Deadline for applying for FY12 programs is May 25, 2012. Applications should be sent to Naval Education and Training Command (N523), 250 Dallas Street, Pensacola, FL, 32508-5220. For more information about the AEV program, visit the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) website at (http://www.nko.navy.mil) www.nko.navy.mil. After logging on, click the 'Learning' tab, then go to the quick link for AEV located on the left hand side of the page.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Army EAP is There to Help
The U.S. Army's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps civilian employees in identifying and resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance and well-being. The program also assists management in addressing productivity issues. Substance abuse, financial and marital problems, depression and eating disorders are just a few of life stressors where EAP can help. The program is funded by the Department of the Army and a part of the Army Substance Abuse Program. For more information, visit the (http://pubssod1.acsap.hqda.pentagon.mil ... ws/eap.jsp) Army Substance Abuse Program's Employee Assistance Program webpage.
For more support resources for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Army Suicides Increase
Stars and Stripes reports that a new study has found that U.S. Army suicides increased by more than 80 percent during the years 2004-2008. As many as 40 percent of these suicides may have been linked to combat experience in Iraq, yet nearly a third of the soldiers who committed suicide saw no combat at all, said the researchers from the U.S. Army Public Health Command. An abstract of the report on the study was published in the March 7 online edition of the journal (http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content ... 2.abstract) Injury Prevention.
For support resources for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


GI Bill 2.0: Online Living Stipend
Starting this fall, Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible veterans will be able to get a monthly living stipend without having to take traditional classroom courses. The stipend for online students will be significantly different from the traditional classroom student version. Online students will get half of the national average stipend (average Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with Dependents). For example a full-time student who is taking 100 percent of his or her classes online will get $673.50 a month, while a full-time student taking at least one classroom course will get the full stipend rate based on the specific location of the school. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Next Step: Compare online schools to find the one that best meets your needs. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Request information from schools now.


Space-A Eligibility May be Expanded
Under the current rules, Guard and Reserve members qualify for (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/0,13396,,00.htm) Space-A travel. However, unlike active duty family members, dependents of the Guard or Reserve currently cannot fly Space-A. So-called, "Grey Area" retirees (retirement eligible members of the Guard and Reserve who are under 60 years old) are excluded from traveling OCONUS on Space-A. However, Congress is considering two new bills which could remove these limitations.
Read the full article on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... igibility/) Military Advantage Blog.


More on Navy Transitioning Benefits
Transition assistance benefits for Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) affected Sailors include: (1) mandatory transition assistance program (TAP) workshop attendance; (2) mandatory 60 days in the continental United States prior to separation for those overseas; (3) flexibility of separation date; (4) extended Navy base support services; (5) a time in service waiver to apply for funding towards commercial certification and/or licensure exams found through Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL); and (6) targeted outreach from the CTO, the Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR) Employment Information Center and the SM2WM program. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
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.


Update Your Emergency Data
Sailors should keep their emergency data up-to-date for family readiness. Sailors must keep their Record of Emergency Data (DD form 93) and Dependency Application Record of Emergency Data (NAVPERS 1070/602 also known as your Page 2) updated with their primary and secondary next-of-kin upon marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or any other significant life changing event. During a Page 2 update, Sailors should identify a person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) of the deceased along with three people that they would desire to be bedside should they be injured and incapacitated. For more information on death benefits, Sailors should contact the Navy Casualty Assistance office at 1-800-368-3202/901-874-2501/DSN 882-2501 or call the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center (CSC) at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC visit the NPC website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For support resources for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Army Operations "App Store"
A web-based system, similar to an "app store," that fuses real-time operations data and accumulated intelligence will be evaluated by Soldiers at the Network Integration Evaluation (NIE 12.2) in May, 2012. Termed "ops-Intel convergence," the initiative will provide real-time intelligence to commanders, so they can immediately plan and adjust operations in a dynamic environment. The new system, known as Prototype- Operations/Intelligence Convergence (P-OIC) is the Army's initial digital platform uniting intelligence and operations capabilities. For more information, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/iss ... 2011-12-22) U.S. Army Stand-To! Website and the (http://peoc3t.army.mil/c3t/) U.S. Army's PEO C3T website.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Marine Corps Issues Hazing Order
A recent policy update by the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos reinforces the prohibition of hazing within the Marine Corps. The purpose of (http://www.marines.mil/news/publication ... 00_28A.pdf) Marine Corps Order 1700.28A is to ensure hazing does not occur in any form at any level of command. Hazing, as defined in the order, is any conduct whereby a military member or members, regardless of service or rank, without proper authority causes another military member or members to suffer or be exposed to any activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning or harmful.
For more Marine Corps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Mortgage Relief for Servicemembers
Stars and Stripes reports that servicemembers victimized by unfair mortgage practices could see reimbursements and refinancing costs cut in half under plans outlined by President Barack Obama. Under the plan, Federal officials will (http://www.stripes.com/news/us/governme ... s-1.162106) review thousands of military mortgages started since 2006 for any irregularities. Troops or families who were illegally foreclosed upon would receive at least $116,000, plus thousands more in punitive payments from the banks. Military homeowners will not have to apply to be eligible for the payouts or new programs. However, troops who believe they may be eligible can call 800-896-7743 for more information.
To keep up with VA loans and other mortgage issues, visit the (http://valoan.military.com) Military.com VA Loans Blog.


Register for the Bob Hope Golf Classic
The 9th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic is set for May 18 and 19 at Florida's Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. The Golf Classic is the Air Force Enlisted Village's major local fundraising event. Registration is open online at the Air Force Enlisted Village website at (http://www.afev.us/) www.afev.us for individual golfers and teams. Corporate and hole sponsorships are also available. Individuals are also invited to golf for $150 per person. Golfers will receive paid green fees for The Oaks and The Pines, golf cart, range balls, commemorative coin, goody bag, on-course refreshments and lunch for both days. For more information, visit the Air Force Enlisted Village website at (http://www.afev.us/) www.afev.us.
For more sports and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


TriWest Losing TRICARE Contract?
TriWest Healthcare Alliance has announced that it was not awarded the contract to continue to manage the 21-state TRICARE West Region for the Department of Defense (DoD). This announcement comes after TriWest secured the contract in July 2009. "We are extremely disappointed that the Department of Defense chose to reverse their decision. For the past 16 years, we have worked tirelessly and with the highest levels of respect to meet the healthcare needs of West Region military families who have very much become our family," said David J. McIntyre, Jr., TriWest's President and CEO. The TRICARE West Region includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, western Texas, Washington and Wyoming.
To keep up with this issue and how it might affect TRICARE care in the future, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage Blog.