Military Report - Week of April 23, 2012

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Military Report - Week of April 23, 2012

Beware of Financial Services Scams
A scam to solicit money from servicemembers and DoD civilians has been identified. The letter purporting to be from DFAS asks the fiancee of a servicemember to register in "our system," entitling the fianc?to benefits in the event of the servicemember's death. The letter even uses the DFAS logo. DFAS does not send unsolicited email messages with attachments or letters asking you to send money to pay for some benefit. This letter is a typical phishing scam used to obtain personal information and often times, money.
For more personal finance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


TRICARE Dental Enrollment Opens
Beginning May 1, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Inc., will be accepting new enrollment applications for the TRICARE dental program (TDP). As the TDP contractor, MetLife will begin providing dental coverage to beneficiaries May 1. Most current TDP enrollees will not have to do any paperwork or take any action during the transition. Only TDP enrollees using automatic payments from their checking account or credit card to pay their monthly premiums need to contact MetLife to reauthorize their payment. These enrollees received correspondence from MetLife on or near March 21 with further instructions regarding payment reauthorization. For more information or to enroll in the TDP, visit the (http://www.TRICARE.mil/TDP) TRICARE Dental Program webpage.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


VA Policy Shift May Harm Vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to resume a policy of cutting into the tuition payments from the Post-9/11 GI Bill for veterans with outstanding debts. In a letter sent recently to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, higher education associations warned that the new policy "violates the faith and intent of the enrollment certification process," in which a veteran enrolls in college under the assumption that the Post-9/11 GI Bill will cover the costs. Two U.S. Senators have also sent a letter to the VA Secretary asking him to reconsider the policy change. The college associations have requested a system in which college officials can check on veterans' benefit eligibility, overpayment amounts and other factors that can affect the amount of aid they receive.
Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... hurt-vets/) Military Advantage to learn more.


Military Family Educational Assistance Programs
In addition to the very generous education benefits offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there is a special provision of the program that allows eligible career servicemembers to share their remaining GI Bill (education) (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) benefits with immediate family members.
The GI Bill is worth up to $52,500. Connect with schools that may offer (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) VA-approved education programs.


Alan Jackson to Play Ft. Sill
Country superstar Alan Jackson brings his tour to Fort Sill Polo Field as part of the 2012 Army Concert Tour June 30. The concert is open to the public and tickets are available at Lawton/Fort Sill Adventure Travel locations. Tickets can also be purchased online at the Ft. Sill Family and MWR website at (http://www.sillmwr.com) www.sillmwr.com or by calling 800-999-2987. Advanced ticket price is $30 and tickets will cost $35 at the gate. Children 6 and under are free. The show will end with a fireworks display.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Sailors and Financial Preparedness
Federal and Navy programs can help Sailors and their families navigate potential financial pitfalls. Personal financial preparedness is an important element of readiness. Financial matters such as failure to pay bills, bad credit, bankruptcy and foreclosures can negatively impact a Sailor's career. Sailors experiencing financial challenges should notify their chain of command and work with their command financial specialists (CFS) to development a budget and explore additional options such as military relief societies, eligibility for interest rate reductions and other relief.
For more personal finance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


Triple Bonus for VA-Eligible Borrowers
Three bonuses for VA loan borrowers make for one sweet home-buying opportunity: 1) Reduced Home Prices 2) Historically Low Interest Rates 3) Zero Money Down. The rare combination of depressed home prices, historically low interest rates and no-money-down trait of VA loans makes now maybe the best time ever to use (http://www.military.com/money/partner/h ... ESRC=mr.nl) military home loan benefits.


$1 Mil Coverage for Just $41.00 a Month
For just $41 a month, you can get $1,000,000 in NMAA coverage. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected by life insurance without hidden clauses or fine print. (http://www.military.com/nmaa/nmaaform?ESRC=mr2.nl) Get started now.

Are you an Army or Air Force member? ASMBA has you covered: Get $250,000 for as low as $18.15 a Month and (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr2.nl) protect your family now.


NCIS App for Reporting Crime
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Text Tip Tool reporting system allows people to remain anonymous while reporting any type of crime. The smart phone app "TipSubmit" can be downloaded from the (http://www.ncis.navy.mil) NCIS website and used to contact NCIS and other participating law enforcement agencies. Open the app then choose NCIS from the drop down menu. Type "NCIS" first in your tip before sending it to 274637 (CRIMES) to ensure that the information is properly routed to where it needs to go as quickly as possible. For more information, visit the (http://www.ncis.navy.mil) NCIS website and select the "Reporting Crimes to the NCS" box. You can also use the web-based email tip form on the NCIS web page to report a crime.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Jobs for Veterans in Missouri
Launched in 2010 by Missouri Governor Nixon, the ?Show-Me Heroes' initiative to help Missouri's Veterans and members of the National Guard & Reserve reconnect with meaningful careers, and to showcase Missouri employers who have pledged to do so. Across Missouri, 1,834 companies have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge and about 1,500 veterans have been hired by those companies. For more information, visit the State of Missouri's (http://showmeheroes.mo.gov/default.aspx) Show-Me Heroes webpage at or call 1-800-592-6020.
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.


Space Command Says No to Flight Suits
The Air Force Space Command has announced that Airmen assigned to the command will cease wearing flight suits, the green flight jacket and the A-2 Leather Jacket by the end of the fiscal year. The move is designed to standardize uniform wear across Space Command. Starting Oct. 1, military personnel in any Air Force Specialty Code assigned to an AFSPC unit will no longer be authorized to wear the flight suit and green flight jacket, unless they are engaged in flying operations, nor are they authorized to wear the A-2 Leather Jacket. This policy only affects Airmen assigned to AFSPC.
(http://www.military.com/news/article/ai ... suits.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


AAFES Sponsors Monster Sweepstakes
From April 20-May 3, authorized Exchange shoppers can register for their chance to win the "Monster Ultimate Costa Rican Adventure Sweepstakes. First prize includes round trip airfare to Costa Rica, four nights' accommodations and $750 in spending money, is valued at approximately $9,750. Five runners-up will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Contestants must be 18-years-old and older and no purchase is necessary to enter. Prizes will be awarded on or about June 22.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) View all Military Deals and Discounts on Military.com.


TriWest Dr. Finder App
Military families can now find a TRICARE doctor, military clinic or urgent care center right from their mobile devices. TriWest Healthcare Alliance has added a provider directory to its mobile application and mobile website. The App is available for iPhone/iPad and Andriod. TRICARE beneficiaries can also use the provider directory via (http://m.triwest.com/) TriWest's mobile website. For more information, visit the (http://www.triwest.com/en/about-triwest ... e-devices/) TriWest website.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Military Appreciation Events at Aberdeen
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland will continue a longstanding tradition by saluting America's armed services during the week of May 14. Events will include an open house that displays the diverse military missions reflected at APG, a live fire demonstration, luncheons, athletic events and more. Foursomes can sign up for the May 14 tournament by calling 410-278-4794. NY veteran from past or current military service is welcome to attend the luncheon May 15 by calling 410-278-3000 beginning May 1. For information about the activities planned May 16, call 410-278-4500. Visit the (http://www.harfordchamber.org/Calendaro ... vents.html) Harford County Chamber of Commerce website, or call 410-838-2020 to register for the Chamber's Military Appreciation Luncheon May 17. To register for the events for Armed Forces Day, May 19, or for more information, contact Byron Reasin, 410-278-7933/2621.
(http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month) Learn more about National Military Appreciation Month.


GI Film Festival Lineup
The award-winning GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation's only military film festival, has announced the film lineup for its 2012 event, which will take place May 15-20, 2012 in Washington. The full program, including times and locations, is available on the (http://gifilmfestival.com/2012films) festival's website (http://gifilmfestival.com/2012films/) .
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Getting the Best Deal on a Home Loan
Let's talk about how you can take charge to get the best deal when you want a loan. You may assume that a Realtor has the connections and expertise to get you the best deal and that may be true, (http://www.military.com/money/content/h ... ESRC=mr.nl) but not necessarily.


Armed Services Blood Drive
Military members and civilians have a unique opportunity to support military hospitals, ships, combat support hospitals and medics on the frontline regardless of where they are stationed by giving blood and platelet donations to the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP). The ASBP is a military blood program in the United States that provides quality blood products and services to customers worldwide in peace and war. Individuals are given the option to donate whole blood or platelets. For more information, visit the visit the Armed Services Blood Program website at (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil) www.militaryblood.dod.mil.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


InstaFlix Movies at AAEFS and DeCA
Bringing home the latest movies and entertainment has gotten easier with the premiere of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/70 ... otostream/) Instaflix video kiosks at more than 250 locations in the United States. Each kiosk offers a selection of 600-800 titles. Rental prices range from $1.20 for DVDs to $1.49 for Blu-ray per night. Regardless of format, no membership is required to rent a video. Once a rental is made, DVDs and Blu-rays are due back to the Exchange the next business day by 6 p.m., no matter what time they were picked up. The Exchange and the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) have recently partnered to provide Instaflix machines in Commissaries at pilot locations. Officials are exploring options to place kiosks overseas. For more information about Instaflix locations and future upgrades, visit the ShopMyExchange.com website at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/exchangestores) www.shopmyexchange.com/exchangestores.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) View all Military Deals and Discounts on Military.com.


New Army Electronic Warfare Insignia
The Army's newest collar insignia and colors are now available to Electronic Warfare warrant officers and EW noncommissioned officers. The insignia are now available for sale in Army and Air Force Exchange Service Clothing Sales stores. The items may also be purchased through the website of the manufacturer, Ira Green, Inc. If they are temporarily not available in a Clothing Sales store, warrant officer shoulder straps may be purchased from the manufacturer, Vanguard, by calling 800-221-1264. The NCO insignia is expected to be available through the Army supply system between September 2012 and March 2013. (http://images.military.com/media/logos/ ... colors.jpg) Take a look at the new insignia and colors.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


AF Announces Promotions
Nearly four dozen Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the April 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. The promotion list is available at (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 12-010.pdf) http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 12-010.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.
How much more salary does a promotion give you? Check out Military.com's (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... calculator) updated 2012 pay calculator.


Apply Online USN War College Seminars
The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) is now accepting online applications through June 30 for the College of Distance Education's 2012-2013 Fleet Seminar Program (FSP). The NWC FSP will be offered in 20 regional locations in the United States for academic year 2012-2013. NWC accepts program applications from commissioned officers (active and Reserve), selected Command Master Chiefs, and civilian employees of the federal government. All applicants must have previously earned at least a baccalaureate degree. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2012. For more information and to submit an application, visit the (http://www.usnwc.edu/fleetseminar) NWC College of Distance Education website.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Commission Opportunity for Enlisted
The U.S. Navy is seeking applications for the Navy Service Corps In-service Procurement Program (MSC IPP). The MSC IPP enables Sailors and Marines to obtain a commission as a MSC officer. IPP is open to active-duty enlisted Sailors, Marines and full-time support Navy Reservists in pay grades E-5 through E-9. Waivers for E-4 will be considered on a case by case basis for physician assistant applicants only. Applications for the program must be postmarked no later than Aug. 17. For more information, visit the (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpt ... stant.aspx) Navy Medicine Professional Development Center website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Financial Tips for Newlyweds
Being a newlywed is an exciting time -- nothing is set in stone and a whole life of opportunity awaits you. For precisely this reason, the patterns that we set during this time can set us up for a lifetime of financial success or struggles. Following (http://www.military.com/money/partner/p ... yweds.html) these six financial tips will ensure that you set yourself up for success as a newly-married couple.


Featured Discount: Mother's Day Gifts
Take care of your Mother's day shopping today. Save with the Military.com shopping channel and make your Mother's day with (http://www.military.com/discounts/categ ... RC=mrvr.nl) flowers, chocolates and more.


Featured Employer: Allstate Is Hiring Military
Allstate is hiring veterans and transitioning servicemembers. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Allstate Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs, translate your military skills and network with other veterans. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Allstate Veteran Talent Portal Now.


TRICARE Goes Paperless
TRICARE officials are offering a way to cut down on mail clutter via paperless benefits statements, referral and authorization letters and fee statements. Your paperless communications are housed safely in your secure, password-protected account. You can log into your account at any time from your desktop, your phone, or your tablet -- anywhere with an Internet connection. For more information, visit the (http://triwest.com/en/beneficiary/go-paperless/) TriWest Go Paperless webpage.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.