Military Report - Week of March 26, 2012

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Military Report - Week of March 26, 2012

AF Stop-Loss Pay Extended
Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until midnight Oct. 21, 2012 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay due to a recently authorized extension. Servicemembers eligible for the benefit include active, retired and former members as well as guard and reserve component members who served on active duty while their enlistment or period of obligated service was involuntarily extended, or whose eligibility for separation or retirement was suspended as a result of stop loss. Airmen may download a stop loss claim application at the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/stoploss/index.asp) Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay website. Applicants who were serving in the Reserve or Guard may apply by visiting vPC-GR via the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at (800) 525-0102.
To keep up with changes in military benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Applying ACE Credits
ACE was created in 1942 to recognize the educational value of military training and experience. Through ACE, you can take academic credit for most of the training you have received, including Basic Training. The ACE military evaluations program is funded by the DoD and coordinated through DANTES. In most cases, ACE recommended credits will be used 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 to find the school that best fits your needs. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on ACE.
(http://edu.military.com/gibill/?lpid=cr ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Find schools that may offer college credit for military experience.


Navy Norovirus Test Kit
Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 2 in Norfolk, VA. has announced the development of a norovirus testing kit to help identify outbreaks Navy-wide. Noroviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGI) worldwide. The low dose required for the virus to produce infection and the ease with which it is transmitted make it extremely contagious. The new kit is rolling out to the fleet this spring, starting with ships that are deploying out of Norfolk, Va. Labs that service the fleet in other areas will then be trained on how to analyze the kit. For more information on norovirus, visit the (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nepmu2/Pa ... _noro.aspx) NEPMU Infectious Diseases and Conditions webpage.


Army Offers Summer School Option
Registration is open for the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program's 'Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program' which prepares middle and high school students in the studies of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each summer, students participate in week-long internships at Hood College or Hagerstown Community College while working within state-of-the-art science laboratories. For more information and to register, visit the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program website at (http://www.usaeop.com/) www.usaeop.com.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AF Marathon Deadline Approaching
If you are planning on running in the Air Force Marathon this September, time is running out to register. Not only does the price increase on April 2, there is also a good chance the event will also be sold out by then. Prices for the full and half are currently $85 and $70, while the 10K and 5K are $40 and $25. All race prices except the 5K will rise by $5 on April 2. For more information, visit the Air Force Marathon website at
(http://www.usafmarathon.com/) www.usafmarathon.com.
For more sports and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Featured Employer: AT&T Hiring Military
AT&T is hiring veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... ESRC=mr.nl) Visit the AT&T Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs, translate your military skills and network with other veterans.
In the military, you contributed to a disciplined, motivated and successful team. You'll be right at home with AT&T. We continuously recognize the contributions of our armed forces. In every area of AT&T, you'll find retired military and active reservists who made the transition to civilian life. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... ESRC=mr.nl) Visit the AT&T Veteran Talent Portal Now.


Navy 'Career Intermission' Program
The U.S. Navy has extended its Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP) for three more years. CIPP presents an opportunity for members to take a career intermission without penalty and return to active duty to complete a successful Navy career. Interested applicants must first submit an electronic package to OPNAV N134 program managers for consideration. Packages are then reviewed for eligibility and routed to the member's detailer community managers before final approval by the Commander of Navy Personnel Command. For more information, visit the Navy Personnel Command's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... /CIPP.aspx) Career Intermission Pilot Program webpage.
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.


Veteran Virtual Career Fair This Week
Military.com and Monster are throwing a Virtual Career fair March 27th - 29th. The virtual career fair will plug you into an environment where you leverage the Internet to power up your job search. A few simple steps will allow you to meet and greet military-friendly employers, apply for jobs, and even land an interview! (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more details and join the event.
View a (http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) full calendar of Military Career Expos.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) 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.


The Post 9-11 GI Bill Q and A
Even though the GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 was recently signed into law, carrying out the promise of getting our veterans the educational benefits they have earned remains a major focus of the Committee. As such, staff of the Committee participated in an online forum open to the public to answer veterans questions about the GI Bill. A live replay of the forum, hosted by (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) Military.com, along with additional information is available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/gibill) U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.


AF WAPS Guides Recalled for Errors
The Air Force has announced that some copies of the printed versions of the 2011 Professional Development Guide will need to be returned to unit Weighted Airman Promotion System monitors as the documents may have a number of errors. The electronic copy of the document does not have errors; however, some printed versions may have the following problems: (1) missing pages 222-255; (2) missing pages 255-286; and (3) missing pages from 350 to 382. The errors listed above are only found in select copies of the printed versions, and people who have one of these versions should return it to their unit WAPS monitor to request a replacement. The correct PDG can be downloaded from the Air Force e-Publishing website at (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/) www.e-publishing.af.mil/
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Army Board to ID NCOs for Separation
The U.S. Army will begin implementing the Qualitative Service Program (QSP) starting with the centralized selection boards convening after April 1, 2012. QSP establishes the use of formal enlisted centralized board processes to identify noncommissioned officers (NCOs) for involuntary separation from active duty in order to improve grade/Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) readiness. The first series of QSP boards will identify approximately 4,000 NCOs (E6-E9) for separation by the end of fiscal year 2013. The majority of these NCOs will be retirement eligible and will retain all benefits earned. For more information, read the recent memo from the (http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/238894.pdf) U.S. Army Chief of Staff.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Bill May Boost Disability Payments
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA4) and Congressman Geoff Davis have introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives a bill that would increase disabilities payments to wounded Reserve members, putting them on a level with active-duty Purple Heart recipients. The "Citizen Soldier Equality Act" would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consider Reserve members equal to active-duty soldiers while they are deployed. Information on the bill (H.R. 4177) is available on the (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4177) Govtrack.us website.
To keep up with legislation that affects servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4177) Military.com Legislative Center.


Update: TriWest Loses TRICARE Contract
Although the TriWest was awarded the TRICARE West Region contract in 2009, TRICARE Management Activity decided to reopen the bidding to the original competitors. As a result the TMA procurement team opted to void the TRICARE West Region contract with Triwest and award it to UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services. According to the DoD the instant obligation on the contract is $10,000,000 and the total potential contract value is estimated at $20,462,202,594.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -contract/) Read the Military Advantage blog for more details


Enlisted Airmen Promoted in March
More than a hundred Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the March enlisted supplemental promotion process. Those on the supplemental promotion list are Airmen who tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency. A list of selectees is available on the Air Force Personnel Center website at (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 15-009.pdf) www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/A ... 15-009.pdf. For more information about enlisted promotions or other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.) https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Army to Select Professors
The U.S. Army Cadet Command Professor of Military Science centralized selection board will convene at Human Resources Command Aug. 14-15, 2012. Officers should update their Officer Record Brief, DA photo, and ensure their undergraduate and graduate transcripts are in their Official Military Personnel File no later than Aug. 1, 2012. Officers must provide their branch assignment officers a preference sheet by June 1, 2012. For more information and to download the fiscal year 2013 Professor of Military Science Board preference sheet, visit the U.S. Army Cadet Command website at (http://www.cadetcommand.army.mil/info-f ... staff.aspx) www.cadetcommand.army.mil/info-for-cadre-staff.aspx . Any questions may be directed to (mailto:PMSBoard@usacc.army.mil) PMSBoard@usacc.army.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New GI Bill for Unemployed Vets
A new GI Bill program, now known as Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), will offer up to 12 months of Montgomery GI Bill benefits for older unemployed veterans. The program is part of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act which also includes tax breaks for companies that hire veterans. That means that pre-9/11 veterans who often feel left out, may soon qualify for as much as $17,600 ($1473 a month) for education and training. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... oyed-vets/) Learn more about this new VRAP retraining and education benefit.


New GI Bill Legislation Introduced
Virginia Senator Jim Webb recently introduced in the U.S. Senate the (http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 56&type=ML) Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act of 2012 (S. 2179). Senator Webb says the new legislation is needed to ensure that the education benefit isn't weakened by veterans using it at some for-profit schools that do not always meet the same educational standards as traditional institutions. For more information, read the articles on the (http://www.military.com/news/article/we ... 741&rank=7) Military.com website and the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ools-fair/) Military Advantage Blog, and let your elected officials know how you feel about this bill at the (http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 56&type=ML) Military.com Legislative Center.


Navy Pushes Date for E-9 Selection Board
With everything needed for backyard entertaining, activities, projects and decorating, the 48-page 2012 Outdoor Living Exchange catalog is now available at all main stores and online at (http://www.aafes.com/) shopmyexchange.com. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through July 3, 2012, for any authorized exchange customer. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. For more information, visit (http://www.aafes.com/) shopmyexchange.com.
For more discounts for military personnel and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Facts on Mortgage Loan Options
If you want to buy a home, you'll most likely need a mortgage, and it can certainly be challenging to navigate your way through the vast array of options currently available. Start your research at Military.com. We've got 6 tips to help you understand and protect yourself against getting into a bad mortgage. (http://www.military.com/money/content/h ... ESRC=mr.nl) Read more on Military.com.


The Fight for Commissaries and Exchanges
Shopping at your local commissary can save between 20 to 50 percent on your grocery bills. During the budget debate last year, some members of Congress considered proposals that would have radically restructured commissaries and exchanges and raised prices and negatively impacting military families. In response to this threat, military families, advocacy groups, and American industry formed the (http://www.saveourbenefit.org/) Save Our Benefit coalition to help preserve commissary shopping privileges on military bases along with the network of outlets at veterans' hospitals.
For more information, please visit (http://www.saveourbenefit.org/) www.SaveOurBenefit.org.


Get $1M Coverage for Just $41 a Month
Navy Mutual's Flex Term plan has no war clauses, no terrorism clauses, no aviation restrictions, and no travel restrictions. Give your family $1 Million protection for only $41 a Month without hassles. Don't need that much coverage? Create your own plan today. (http://www.military.com/nmaa/nmaaform?ESRC=mr.nl) Get started now.


TRICARE Dental Under New Management
MetLife will take over managing the TRICARE Dental Program and begin providing dental coverage for more than 2 million active duty family members, Selected and Individual Ready Reservists and their families on May 1, 2012. This change does not affect TRICARE's Retiree Dental plan. All TDP enrollees will receive welcome packages and new enrollment cards.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... re-dental/) Learn more about what the change may mean to you.


Ensure Your Next PCS is a Smooth Move
Peak PCS moving season runs May through August each year. Here are some tips to make your move go smoother: (1) create a personal moving calendar with checklists, phone numbers and links to critical moving processes and information; (2) contact your Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) early to ask questions; (4) be flexible during the busy summer months; (5) pack, pickup and delivery dates are usually on weekdays when you or your designated representative must be available; (6) have a good estimated weight of your personal property; and (7) dispose of unnecessary items. For more information, download the "It's Your Move," "Shipping Your Privately Owned Vehicle" and "Storing Your POV" pamphlets on the move.mil website at (http://www.move.mil/home.htm) www.move.mil/home.htm.
For more PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS Center.


5 Steps to Spring-clean Your Debt
Every year many of us spring clean our homes, keeping things we really need -- it's a good time to apply that wisdom to personal finances as well. To do some financial spring cleaning on your debt and give it a good overhaul, the first thing on the list is taking stock: Write down your current accounts, interest rates, balances, and monthly payments. If you can, find your balances from the previous month and note if you're increasing or decreasing your debt and by how much. For the other four steps to clean up your debt, see (http://www.military.com/money/content/p ... -debt.html) this article.


Obama Supports Mount Soledad Cross
Stars and Stripes reports that the Obama administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a 43-foot-tall cross that serves as a war memorial to remain atop Mount Soledad near San Diego, arguing the cross that has been there since 1954 is not an endorsement of religion. President Obama urged the justices to reverse a decision of the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals that last year held the cross was primarily a Christian symbol and unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Course likely to decide later this spring whether to hear the case, now known as U.S. Vs. Trunk. For more information, visit the Liberty Institute website at (http://www.libertylegal.org/) www.libertylegal.org, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial Association website at (http://www.soledadmemorial.com/) www.soledadmemorial.com, and the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sole ... ontroversy) Wikipedia website.


Transition Assistance in Hawaii
For almost 25 years, Joint Employment Management System (JEMS) has been opening the job market to Hawaii-based military, military spouses and retirees eligible for services and assistance. For more information about the Joint Employment Management System, call the Military and Family Support Center at (808)474-1999. More information on Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) transition assistance can be found on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... nInfo.aspx) Navy Personnel Command (NPC) webpage.
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.


AF Reserve Officer Promotions
Air Reserve Personnel Center officials here announced results for the CY12 Air Force Reserve Line and Nonline Major Promotion Selection board today. This board selected more than 700 Citizen Airmen for promotion. Categories considered during this promotion board were: Air Force Reserve Line, Chaplain, Dental Corps, Line of the Air Force-Judge Advocate, Medical Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps. A complete list of Citizen Airmen selected for promotion is available on 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.


View Updated 2012 Military Pay Charts
The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act was signed on December 31, 2011, which locked in a 1.6 percent across-the-board pay raise for 2012. Although this raise is .2 percent more than the 2011 military pay increase and is still one of the smallest increases since 1962. (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ay,00.html) View your Military Pay Charts.


AF Summer Jobs
With summer just around the corner, now is the time to apply for temporary positions with the Air Force. Annually, federal agencies post summer opening announcements for positions that range from office clerk to food service worker and more. Participation in the program varies from base to base, but all listings will be posted either at (http://www.usajobs.gov/) www.USAJOBS.gov or the non-appropriated fund site at (https://www.nafjobs.org/default.aspx) NAFJobs.org. For more information about specific summer hire positions, contact the civilian personnel section at the base advertising the position.
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.