Military Report - Week of April 02, 2012

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Military Report - Week of April 02, 2012

Military and Spouse Career Fair in D.C.
All ranks of active duty, retired, former, and Reserve/National Guard servicemembers and their spouses, as well as government employees, are encouraged to attend a free career fair, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA,) with approximately 100 employers, career-development seminars, and onsite resume critiques in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (seminars begin at 8 a.m.) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Hall D. The center is at 801 Mt. Vernon Place, N.W., at the Mount Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro stop. For more information, visit (http://www.moaa.org/) www.moaa.org.


Military Warriors Support Foundation
The Military Warriors Support Foundation awards mortgage-free homes to wounded heroes injured during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The homes are for families who have severe and/or unique circumstances due to their injuries received while serving our country. In addition to the home, the families will receive 3 years of family and financial mentoring. For more information and to apply, visit the (http://militarywarriors.org/) Military Warriors Support Foundation website.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AF Leaders Report on Force Changes
During a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed planned force structure changes, and efforts to balance service active-duty and reserve components. "Finding the proper balance between force structure, readiness, and modernization has been our guiding principle," Donley said. Prepared statements and an archived webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://armed-services.senate.gov/e_witn ... 71#witness) Senate Armed Services Committee website. The 2012 Air Force Posture Statement is available on the (http://www.posturestatement.af.mil/) U.S. Air Force Posture Statement website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


State Veteran's Benefits Directory
Each state manages its own benefit programs. The following is a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits. Be sure to take advantage of the benefits you have earned by clicking on the link to your State Department of Veterans Affairs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... RC=mrvr.nl) See what benefits your state offers.
GI Bill Benefits are worth up to $52,500. Don't wait to use the benefits you've earned. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Find Schools with VA-approved Programs.


$200k Family Protection for $14.52 a Month
Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Give your family $200k worth of financial security for as little as $14.52 a month by purchasing affordable life insurance through ASMBA. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information.


Learn Proper Flag Disposal
How people should honor the flag when it becomes worn, torn, faded and threadbare is not clear to many who fly it. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette, generally referred to as the Flag Code, clearly states that, "When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner." Many veterans service organizations collect worn flags for proper disposal. For more information on our flag, read the (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/chapter-1) Flag Code and visit the (http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml) American Flag Etiquette webpage.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AF to Change Travel Cards
The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012. The actual transition will occur in August and September and current CSA cardholders should continue to use their cards as normal. The transition strategy allows travelers to continue using their "blue cards" without interruption. The card functionality will be converted to a GTC by CitiBank without the need to get a new card. Citi will not process any early transitions and should not be contacted to do so. Further questions by Airmen regarding the transition should be directed to local Agency Program Coordinators or comptroller squadrons.
For more military travel tips and discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/Travel/Home/) Military.com Travel Center.


New AF Cultural Field Guides
The Air Force Culture and Language Center is offering a series of new Expeditionary Culture Field Guides (ECFGs) on key countries, which provide deploying forces of all U.S. Military branches with language, region and culture information as it pertains to their assigned country or region. AFCLC initially developed guides for Iraq and Afghanistan followed by a series of 14 guides for U.S. Africa Command. The ECFGs are accessible from AFCLC's secure, common access card-enabled (https://www.maxwell.af.mil/afclc/cultur ... uides.html) website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Airmen: Know Your AEF Indicator
Do you know your Air and Space Expeditionary Force Indicator(AEFI)? The two-digit code identifies when your deployment period occurs within an AEF Cycle. The AEF and Personnel Operations directorate typically e-mails Airmen who have an invalid or blank AEFI with instructions on how to correct the error. The use of AEFIs will not change with the implementation of AEF Next, a new methodology, which expects to have initial operational capability by October 2012 and full operational capability by October 2013. For more information on AEFIs, visit (https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil) AEF Online. For 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.


New Website Helps Soldiers
A new Army-promoted website "Hero 2 Hired" (H2H) at (http://www.h2h.jobs) www.h2h.jobs is aimed at Soldiers ready to leave the service by helping them find jobs that best match their knowledge, skills, abilities and interests. The Hero 2 Hired site includes more than 3 million real-time job listings and allows Soldiers to search in a particular zip code or city for jobs, using their military occupational specialty (MOS) as criteria for the search. The site also includes a "career path exploration" option that involves a 14-question test for Soldiers to answer to identify career choices they might not have thought about before. For more information, visit the Hero 2 Hired (H2H) website at (http://www.h2h.jobs/) www.h2h.jobs.
To find civilian jobs to match your military skills, including all branches of service, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Military.com Skills Translator.


A Reminder for Transitioning Sailors
All Sailors involuntarily released from active duty, to include Sailors affected by the Enlisted Retention Board, may be eligible for Involuntary Separation Pay (ISP). All Sailors who apply for ISP must obligate in the Ready Reserve for a minimum of three years past their initial military service obligation. Career counselors and command leadership can assist Sailors with applying for affiliation in conjunction with ISP. For more information, call the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC. More information on ERB transition assistance can be found on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... nInfo.aspx) 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.


Army Launches 12 New Apps
The newly launched Army Software Marketplace prototype now delivers 12 mobile training applications for Soldiers to use on personal phones or tablets. The publicly-facing apps, now approved for Army-wide use, are available online via (http://www.marketplace.army.mil) www.marketplace.army.mil . When fully implemented, the Marketplace will deliver web-based and downloadable applications to all devices approved for use within the Army's Common Operating Environment on the Army network.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Understand Your Military Pay
With basic pay and 70 types of special pays and allowances, including BAH, military pay is customized to your situation. Changes in pay grade, duty status, your military occupation, duty station, or deployment status can have an impact on your pay. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) See 2012 Pay Charts, Flight Pay, Basic Housing Allowances, Advance Pay Enlisted Breakouts and more.


Navy League Announces Expo
The Navy League of the United States is hosting the 47th Annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition April 16-18, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. More than 150 interactive exhibits, showcasing the latest in maritime, defense and energy technology, will be featured this year along with informative seminars. The exposition is free with advance registration and is open to active duty, Reserve and retired U.S. Military personnel, and U.S. Government employees. Commanding officers may issue orders for attendance at government expense. To register for this year's Exposition and view current schedules, visit the (http://seaairspace.org) Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


DoD Extends Education MOU Deadline
DoD recently announced that they are extending the deadline for schools to sign the voluntary education MOU. DoD will not implement the MOU until sometime this summer and schools will have ample opportunity to review the MOU before the policy goes into effect. This means that untilDoD sets the new implementation date for the MOU, which is anticipated the summer of 2012, schools will remain eligible for TA, even if they have not signed the MOU yet. DoD says that as soon as the staffing is completed, the amended MOU and the policy implementation date will be announced on the (http://www.dodmou.com/) DoD MOU web page. Learn more at the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ine-again/) Military Advantage blog.


AF Announces Early Retirement
The Air Force is offering a third round of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) to civilians beginning May 1. Also, a temporary waiver exception to the Priority Placement Program has been granted to expand the use of VSIP across installations. The Air Force Personnel Center will be providing additional details to the Civilian Personnel Sections on the waiver criteria. Civilian employees will receive VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from their local CPSs May 1, and applications are due the week of May 14 or an earlier date established by local authorities. Applicants approved for this round of VERA/VSIP will need to separate no later than Aug. 31.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


AF Service Commitment Notifications
The Air Force Personnel Center is expanding automated notifications to Airmen of personnel actions requiring them to sign Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) acknowledgement statements. Automating the ADSC process ensures Airmen clearly understand their obligation to serve a specific period of time. Additional programs may be considered for automated solutions. For more information on personnel services and self-service applications, 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.


Navy COOL Program
Navy COOL is a centralized, Web-based hub that consolidates information from numerous sources at the federal, state and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating, job and occupation. Armed with that information, Navy COOL has provided funding for Navy enlisted personnel to obtain civilian licenses and certifications that are closely aligned with a Sailor's job or rating. To date, Navy COOL has processed nearly 66,000 credentials for Sailors. For more information, visit the (https://www.cool.navy.mil) Navy COOL website.
To find civilian jobs to match your military skills, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Military.com Skills Translator.


Top Cities for Job Growth and Raises
Anywhere there's fossil-fuel expansion, skilled workers are in short supply, so companies may have to raise pay to attract employees. NewGeography's top cities for job growth include five Texas towns: Fort Hood, El Paso, College Station, Midland, Austin, Bismark, New Orleans, Dubuque, Manhattan, Pascagoula and more. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... rkets.html) Get a full list on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Search for Veteran Friendly Jobs on Military.com.


U.S.S. Constitution Joins Navy Week
Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will participate in Phoenix Navy Week in Phoenix, March 26-30. This is the first of eight Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors are scheduled to participate in throughout 2012, celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. The ship's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history. For more information, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution) U.S.S. Constitution website or the (http://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial) U.S.S. Constitution Facebook page. For more information on bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit the (http://www.ourflagwasstillthere.org/) Bicentennial of the War of 1812 website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Internships for Wounded Warriors
Are you a wounded, ill or injured servicemember looking to increase your career readiness and use your time productively while you recover? Consider participating in an Operation Warfighter internship! To get an idea of how an internship could help you during your recovery and rehabilitation, read the story of one of the interns on the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/2012/03/ ... g-warrior/) DoD Warrior Care Blog. For more information about Federal internship opportunities, send an e-mail to (mailto:warriorcare@osd.mil) warriorcare@osd.mil.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


TRICARE Contract Battle Heats Up
TRICARE beneficiaries across 21 western states won't know for another three months whether TriWest Healthcare Alliance will continue to administer their healthcare benefit beyond March of next year. This is due to protests over DoD's decision to void TriWest's TRICARE West Region support contract, and giving it to UnitedHealth Group, Inc., of Minnetonka, Minn. (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,243325,00.html) Read the full article.


The Rules About Political Activity
There are limits as to what members of the military can and cannot do as part of the political process. Soldiers should consult (http://www.ncohistory.com/600-20.htm) AR 600-20 and (http://www.dod.gov/dodgc/defense_ethics ... 44-10.html) DODDIR 1344.10 for guidance. Civilians should refer to the (http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm) U.S. Office of Special Counsel website for more information. To view an easily understandable list of what is OK to do and what is not OK, visit the U.S. Army's (http://armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/2 ... tion-2012/) Know the Facts--Election 2012 website. If you have a question about absentee ballots, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at (http://www.fvap.gov) www.fvap.gov.
To keep up with legislation that affects servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4177) Military.com Legislative Center.


Stop Loss Pay Deadline Extended
Servicemembers and veterans whose military service was involuntarily extended under the "Stop Loss" program between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30, 2009 now have until Oct. 21, to apply for special retroactive pay. Eligible servicemembers or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. To apply for the pay, or for more information on submission requirements and service-specific links, visit the (http://www.defense.gov/stoploss) Retroactive Stop Loss Special Page webpage.
To keep up with military benefits changes and issues, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage blog.


Your Mortgage Options: 4 Tips
If you want to buy a home -- or buy a different 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. Tip number 1 -- The Time Trap. Mortgages aren't usually approved "on-the-spot," especially if they involve a high-ratio mortgage (one with less than a 25-percent down payment). It takes time to put together the paperwork and for the financial institution to follow their internal approval processes -- so factor that time into your planning. (http://www.military.com/money/content/h ... ESRC=mr.nl) See all 4 tips to understanding your mortgage options.


A Benefit for Separating Sailors
Eligible Sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) who have ten years of qualifying service before their separation date will be allowed to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to qualified dependents. ERB Sailors without ten years of qualifying service must affiliate with the Reserves and commit to serving four years as a drilling Reservist to transfer their benefits. For information on transferability, visit the (http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_ ... efits.html) Post 9/11 GI Bill website or call the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC. Sailors can apply for transferability of benefits (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB) online.
For more information on military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Visit the Military.com Discounts Channel to find hundreds of discounts for servicemembers, reservists, guard, veterans, retirees and their families -- travel, clothing, trucks, electronics, fitness and more. (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Browse discounts now.


Fort Myer MWR Open to Federal Employees
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Myer, Va. now has an exception to policy that allows non-Department of Defense federal employees residing and working in close proximity to use bowling center, club pools and tennis courts, as well as access to dining at the clubs or picnic areas, wedding packages and special event equipment rental, including grills and tents. Non-DoD federal employees still must provide proper identification and can use their official ID cards. For more information, visit the (http://www.jbmhhMWR.com) Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall FMWR website or call 703-696-0299.
For more useful guides and information on military bases and local communities, visit the (http://www.military.com/base-guide/) Military.com Base Guide.


Rabies at Fort Rucker
After a Soldier died from rabies last year, troops across the military were asked to report any previously unreported contact with potentially infected animals. At Fort Rucker, the instructions are now more specific. Any soldier who had contact, such as a bite or scratch, with a potentially infected animal while on deployment since Sept. 1 and did not report it is asked to report it now. Also, any Soldier who reported contact and has not received treatment for rabies is asked to report that as well. For soldiers at Fort Rucker, all reports of contact with potentially infected animals should be directed to Ricardo at (334) 255-7376. For more information on rabies, visit the (http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/) Centers for Disease Control website.
For useful guides and information on military bases and local communities, visit the (http://www.military.com/base-guide/) Military.com Base Guide.


AF Aviator Continuation Pay
The Air Force has released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay (ACP) program, which gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a financial bonus in exchange for an active duty service commitment agreement. There are five ACP options for eligible Airmen. Each option offers different payment amounts and installment terms, which are fully-explained in the ACP program announcement available on the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website.
For more information on military pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.