Military Report - Week of May 07, 2012

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Military Report - Week of May 07, 2012

$300k Financial Security: as Low as $1 a Day
For as low as $1.00 a day, you can give your family $300,000 financial security, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Prepare your family for tomorrow, by purchasing affordable life insurance today. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr.nl) What would they do, if something happened to you?
In the Marines, Coast Guard or Navy and want more coverage? Get $400,000 NMAA Protection for only $18.20 a Month. Or find more coverage that works for you. (http://www.military.com/nmaa/nmaaform?ESRC=mr.nl) Get covered now.


National Mental Health Month
May is National Mental Health Month. Commanders and the Army are educating Soldiers, Army civilians and family members about the Army's Behavioral Health (BH) resources and programs available. These services include theater combat and operational stress control, routine behavioral healthcare, periodic assessments, and suicide prevention programs. Chaplains, Military OneSource, and Family Morale Welfare Recreation Command also offer substantial support to Soldiers and families. For more information on resources related to mental health, visit the (http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/) Army Behavioral Health website, (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) Military OneSource and (http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx) Army OneSource.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


TSP Roth Delayed for Many
The TSP Roth will be made available to most federal employees on May 7; however, civilians who are paid through DFAS won't have access until July. Marines will be able to enroll in the TSP Roth option in June, while Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen won't be able to enroll until October. Coast Guard personnel will be able to submit TSP Roth enrollment/contribution requests on May 7. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... h-delayed/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.


Navy Early Retirement Guidance
The U.S. Navy has announced guidance on applying for early retirement under Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) for eligible Sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB). Sailors must submit their applications to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) no later than June 15, 2012, and may check the status of their application through www.bol.navy.mil. Sailors considered but not selected for retention by the Fiscal Year 2012 ERB who will have completed at least 15 years of active service as of Sept. 1, and whose active duty service date (ADSD) is Sept. 2, 1997 or earlier, are eligible for early retirement benefits under TERA. For more information, visit (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... nInfo.aspx) NPC's transition assistance webpage, or call the Navy Personnel Command at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
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.


FAQs on VA Home Loans
VA Home Loans allow 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. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. Although there is no maximum VA loan, lenders generally limit the maximum VA loan to $417,000. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... ESRC=vr.nl) See a list of VA Loan FAQ on Military.com.
Use your VA Loan in 2012 to buy or refinance with no down payment. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find lenders today.


No-Cost AF Cross-Cultural Course
The Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC), part of Air University's Spaatz Center, is now taking applications for the summer session of its "Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication" course, which is an online, self-paced course designed to provide enlisted Airmen the foundational knowledge essential for developing cross-cultural communication competence. The course, including all instructional material, is provided at no cost. Internet access is required. Class begins May 3 and continues through Aug. 8. For more information, visit the AFCLC website at (http://www.culture.af.mil) www.culture.af.mil ,the AFCLC Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AirForceCulture ... uageCenter) www.facebook.com/AirForceCultureandLanguageCenter or Twitter at (http://www.twitter.com/afclc) www.twitter.com/afclc. Specific language and culture training and education materials are also available through the AFCLC's private, common access card-enabled website at (http://www.culture.af.mil/) www.culture.af.mil.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Announces New SRB Rates
The U.S. Navy has announced revised Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) rates. The Navy approved six increases, three additions, one deletion, and one skill that is being moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1. Commands must submit SRB reenlistment requests for eligible Sailors 35-120 days prior to the requested reenlistment date. SRB requests submitted less than 35 days in advance without substantial justification will not be accepted. Sailors can reenlist for SRB no more than 90 days prior to their end of active obligated service. Commands may contact Navy Personnel Command (NPC) PERS-811 for waiver eligibility and procedures. PERS-811 will post and update a current list of SRB eligible ratings/skills based on available quotas at the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... s/srb.aspx) Navy Personnel Command's SRB webpage.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Benefit Calculator: Find 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.
Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Benefit Channel to access Pay Charts, TRICARE information, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Vet Benefits and More.


Deal of the Week: Military Auto Rebates
Most major car companies offer military deals and rebates. We've compiled a list to save you time and money on your next purchase -- Scion, GM, Dodge, Hyundai, Toyota & Kia. (http://www.military.com/off-duty/conten ... bates.html) See rebates now.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View all Military Discounts Listed on Military.com


Program Helps Soldiers Transition
The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) helps Soldiers transition from their military career to a civilian career. The mandatory Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshop helps Soldiers choose a career path and how to be successful by assisting Soldiers with tasks such as how to complete resumes, conduct job searches and interviews. Soldiers should pay particular attention to the Veterans Affairs briefing and understand their full entitlement. For more information, visit the (https://www.acap.army.mil/) Army Career and Alumni Program website.
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.


Don't Miss the MilBlog Conference
Join us for the 7th Annual MilBlog Conference, May 11-12, at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel in Arlington, VA. The Annual MilBlog Conference is the premier event of the year for the military blogging community, which is comprised of active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses, military parents and military supporters. (http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Get more information and register today.


Credit Tips If You're Unemployed
Recent studies show that over 60% of employers screen applicants' credit before finalizing employment. There are several legitimate reasons for this: employees in financial difficulty may be more likely to embezzle, may be more stressed and less productive at work, and poor credit management may reveal personality traits that would make you an irresponsible employee. If you're looking for a new job, this can put you in a Catch-22, particularly if you're unemployed. You need good credit to get a job, but you may be struggling with limited income. For a few tips to manage this situation, see (http://www.military.com/money/partner/p ... loyed.html) this Military.com article.


Army Motorcycle Safety Course
A recent change to (http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/R385_10.PDF) Army Regulation 385-10 implements the Progressive Motorcycle Program and incorporates new changes to training requirements. All active duty personnel are required to take the Basic Riders Course (BRC) prior to riding a motorcycle on- or off-installation, on-or off-duty. All riders must then take the Experienced Riders Course within one year of taking the BRC. If a Soldier is deployed more than 180 days, a motorcycle refresher training class must be taken prior to operating a motorcycle upon return. If you have previously received a BRC, ERC or MSRC, you have until Oct. 1 to take the ERC to be in compliance with regulatory changes. For more information, contact your Unit Motorcycle Mentor or Unit Motorcycle Program manager.
For more recreation-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


DoD's New Sexual Assault Policies
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has directed that new policies take effect regarding sexual assault: (1) establishing "Special Victim's Unit" capabilities within each of the services; (2) requiring that sexual assault policies be explained to all servicemembers within 14 days of their entrance on active duty; (3) allowing Reserve and National Guard members who have been sexually assaulted while on active duty to remain in their active-duty status to obtain the treatment and support afforded to active-duty members; (4) requiring a record of the outcome of disciplinary and administrative proceedings; (5) requiring annual organizational climate assessments; and (6) mandating wider public dissemination of DOD resources, including the (https://www.safehelpline.org/) DOD Safe Helpline by calling 877-995-5247.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Basic Training: VA Loans Explained
After the end of World War II, President Roosevelt felt the need to provide returning service men and women with assistance in transitioning between "war life" and "home life." The VA Loan program provided returning servicemen and women the opportunity to buy a home. A VA Loan is a mortgage issued by approved lenders and guaranteed by the federal government. It allows eligible military service members and veterans to either refinance up to 100% of their home or purchase a new home with zero down. But what makes one eligible for a VA Loan? (http://www.military.com/money/partner/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full story on Military.com.


Air Advisor Memorial
On 27 April 2011, nine members of the NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan (NATC-A) were killed in action while serving as advisors and mentors to the people of Afghanistan. Plans have been made to build an Air Advisor Memorial at the grounds of the Air Advisor Academy at McGuire Air Force Base, NJ. For more information and to donate, visit the (http://www.airadvisormemorial.org/home/Home.html) Air Advisor Memorial website.


Tips for an Easier Move
65 percent of permanent change of station moves occur between May 1 and Sept. 30. To help ensure your PCS move goes without a hitch, follow this process for success: (1) visit Move.mil at (http://www.move.mil) www.move.mil to get started; (2) watch the video; (3) register for a Defense Personal Property System (DPS) account; (4) log into DPS; (5) perform self-counseling (and provide a copy of official orders to the personal property office); (6) enter shipment info in DPS; (7) remain in constant communication with your TSP provider until the move is complete; and (8) and after the move is finished, log into DPS and complete the customer satisfaction survey. If you incurred losses or damage during the move, log into DPS, within 75 days of delivery and file your claim online. For more information, contact your base personal property office.
For more PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


New AAFES Kitchen Catalog
The new, 32-page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/69 ... otostream/) Kitchen Essentials Spring/Summer 2012 Exchange catalog offers a selection of kitchen basics and beyond from top brands in appliances and state-of-the-art cookware to deals on cutlery, china and more with brand-names like Cuisinart, Calphalon, and KitchenAid. The 2012 Kitchen Essentials Spring/Summer Catalog is available at all main stores and online at (http://www.aafes.com/) shopmyexchange.com. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Aug. 28, 2012. 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.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) View all Military Deals and Discounts on Military.com.


GI Film Festival Lineup
The award-winning GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation's military film festival, offers 42 film screenings, with movies representing every branch of the military and spanning five wars. The event will be held in Washington DC May 14 to 20. Exciting events have been scheduled for EVERY day at the festival. On Thursday May 17, GIFF will provide an advanced screening of Universal Pictures' BATTLESHIP, directed by Peter Berg. Actors from Lifetime's Army Wives will be on hand to receive "GI Family Award" on Military Spouse Appreciation Night, May 19. Get a 20% Military Discount by Entering MIL12 at Checkout. (https://gifilmfestival.webconnex.com/ti ... RC=mrvr.nl) See movie times, events and buy tickets.


Gen. Casey to Speak at Columbia
Ret. Gen. George W. Casey, the 36th U.S. Army chief of staff and the commanding general for Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2007, will be an honorary guest and give brief remarks at Columbia University School of General Studies graduation on May 13 at 9 a.m. in New York City. Casey's attendance is a way to honor the 41 U.S. military veterans graduating -- the largest number of undergraduate veterans to graduate from Columbia University since the period following World War II. Learn more about (http://www.gs.columbia.edu/news-press?a ... graduation) Columbia University and Gen. Casey.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


New App for Airmen
'My Military Communities' (MyMC2) is the first mobile application in the Air Force that will put a list of every event at your base in the palm of your hand. There are two quick-call buttons on the app's home page that can be programmed to whatever the installation commander feels are the most important numbers for the Airmen to have. The app is a free download and is now available through both the Android Market and Apple's App Store. To download the app you may open your smartphones app store and search "My Military Communities" or "MyMC2".
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Announces New Contractor
As of May 1, 2012, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Inc. (MetLife) is the new TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) contractor. Beneficiaries purchasing TDP will see expanded dental benefits beginning May 1 with lower monthly premium rates than last year. More details about premiums costs can be found on the MetLife TDP website at (http://mybenefits.metlife.com/tricare) mybenefits.metlife.com/tricare. TDP information is available by calling 1-855-638-8371 in the U.S., 1-855-638-8372 outside the United States or online through the MetLife TDP website at (http://mybenefits.metlife.com/tricare) mybenefits.metlife.com/tricare. The website has more information about costs, coverage details and finding a provider. For more information about TRICARE's dental programs, visit the TRICARE Dental webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/dental) www.tricare.mil/dental.
For more on TRICARE programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


New Billets for Navy Women
The Department of Defense, assignment policy changes affecting the assignment of Navy women to formerly closed positions will be implemented May 14. The changes will open an additional 14,325 positions to women across the Department of Defense. Of those positions, the Navy will open 60 medical officer, chaplain, chief hospital corpsman and hospital corpsman first class positions for the assignment of women in Marine Corps ground combat element battalions. The 60 new Navy positions open to the assignment of women include 18 medical officer positions, 19 chaplain officer positions, and 23 chief and petty officer first class hospital corpsman positions. Currently, 95 percent of Navy billets are open to women. The related Report to Congress on the policy changes is available (http://www.defense.gov/news/WISR_Report_to_Congress.pdf) online.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New Airman Heritage Museum
The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation plans to modernize the USAF Airman Heritage Museum with a new facility to be located on what is becoming Lackland AFB's Heritage Campus. The site location has been approved and the project programming has begun with September, 2017 as the opening date for the new museum-learning center. The new 50,000 square-foot, two-story museum will replace the current 6,778 square-foot building and will offer modern, interactive technology-driven exhibits. For more information, visit the U.S. Air Force Airman Heritage Museum website at (http://www.myairmanmuseum.org/) www.myairmanmuseum.org.
For more military museum listings, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Military.com Museum page.


Veterans Win Mojave Cross Battle
The state Veterans of Foreign Wars in California is preparing to take over a one-acre cross site in the Mojave National Preserve after the group reached a settlement in its long-running lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union. The settlement calls for the site at Sunrise Rock to be turned over to a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Barstow, California in exchange for five acres of donated land. That particular VFW chapter has since disbanded, so the state organization will assume control of the site. The settlement involves a lawsuit filed in 2001 by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a retired park service employee who argued that the Christian religious symbol was unconstitutionally located on government land. For more information on the Mojave Cross, visit the (http://www.military.com/news/article/wa ... esert.html) Military.com website.


Deployed Airmen May Get More Time Off
Airmen who serve in excess of the Secretary of Defense's established rotation goals are now eligible for additional time off, as written in the newly updated Post Deployment or Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA) policy. All eligible Airmen can receive PDMRA for service in Combat Zone Tax Exclusion areas. Reserve component Airmen involuntarily mobilized outside of the U.S. Pursuant to sections 12301(a), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 of the United States Code can also be eligible to receive PDMRA. Receiving PDMRA is a two-step process: eligibility and accrual. Airmen must have exceeded the desired deployment or mobilization-to-dwell threshold in order to accrue PDMRA. For more information, read (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... 6-3003.pdf) AFI 36-3003_AFGM4--Military Leave Program or contact the nearest Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section.
For more deployment guides and news, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.


AF Marathon Seeks Volunteers
Air Force Marathon officials are seeking more than 2,000 volunteers to help host the 16th annual event Sept. 15. Volunteer registration is now open. Groups such as businesses, civic groups or student groups are also encouraged to register as volunteers. In addition to the volunteer positions at the Expo, there will also be spots to fill on race day at the Air Force Museum and at the 5K event at Wright State University. Bands are also needed to provide entertainment for the runners along the course on race day. All of the positions are listed on the U.S. Air Force Marathon website at (http://www.usafmarathon.com/) www.usafmarathon.com, and volunteers can register online. All volunteers receive a free Air Force Marathon T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit the U.S. Air Force Marathon website at (http://www.usafmarathon.com/) www.usafmarathon.com.
For more fitness and entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


MyPers - AF Online Personnel Resource
The Air Force Launching a new name for its Air Force Personnel Services website: myPers. Formerly known as AFPERS, the myPers name mirrors the myPay model that Department of Defense servicemembers and civilians are familiar with. Airmen can view myPers from home and access personnel information from any computer.
For more on military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New 21st Century Navy Website
The Department of the Navy (DoN) has launched a dedicated website to serve as an additional resource for the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative. The new 21st Century Sailor and Marine website at (http://www.21stcentury.navy.mil) www.21stcentury.navy.mil features frequently asked questions, articles, blogs, and videos to update Sailors, Marines and their families on important policies and programs, which impact today's force. The programs of the initiative are divided into five areas: readiness, safety, physical fitness, inclusion, and continuum of service. The new website is a one-stop shop for information about these programs. For more information, visit the (http://www.21stcentury.navy.mil) 21st Century Sailor and Marine website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Voluntary Sea-Duty Program
The U.S. Navy's Voluntary Sea Duty Program (VSDP) for highly trained and motivated Sailors to fill critical billets at sea. Under the program, Sailors may apply to extend their enlistment in their current sea duty billet beyond their prescribed sea tour, terminate their shore duty early in order to extend their enlistment to obtain new orders to a sea duty billet, or accept back-to-back sea duty orders. The sea duty assignment may be on board ships, squadrons, or other qualified sea duty assignments. Volunteers will be assigned to commands within the same geographic location as the current command if available. Volunteers will not be required to accept a billet they do not desire. Requests will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2012. All 1306/7 requests should be forwarded to Navy Personnel Command via the Chain of Command. For more information, speak with your command career counselor.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


View Current 2012 Military Pay Charts
The President signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act into law that includes an across-the-board 1.6 percent pay increase for 2012. (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the 2012 Military Pay Charts to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station.
(http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... RC=mrvr.nl)
Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Benefits Section to get information on TRICARE, Pay, BAH, VA Benefits, Veteran Benefits and more.


AF Specialty Code Changes
Various officer and enlisted Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) changes take effect in May, 2012. Updated Air Force officer and enlisted classification directories have been posted on the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website.These updates include AFSC change summary and conversion guides reflecting the April 30 cycle and the latest details on approved Air Force specialties. For more information about career field changes visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website and search for classification directory.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


AF Time-in-Grade Waiver
Lieutenant colonels with at least two years' time in grade may be able to retire at their current grade through the Time in Grade Waiver Program (TIG). Waiver applications are due to Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by June 1. The waiver program is open to line of the Air Force, LAF Judge Advocate General, chaplain, biomedical sciences corps and medical services corps lieutenant colonels. Also, eligible officers who are constrained by an active duty service commitment may be eligible to apply for a waiver through the Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Program (ADSC). For application details and information about other voluntary force management programs, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website, select the "All Components" search option and enter PSDM 11-105 in the search box.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New Driving Law in France
Drivers who enter France -- whether visiting, on business, or just passing through -- will be required to carry a breathalyzer unit in their vehicles, beginning July 1. Single-use breathalyzer tests are available in supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations across France and cost about .50 Euro to 1.50 Euro. Outside France they are available only at some pharmacies or online. Disposable or electronic breath testing equipment may be used. Test kits carrying an "NF" consumer protection label are recommended in France. Before Nov. 1, drivers found without the test kit in their vehicles will be given a warning; after that date they will be fined 11 Euro on the spot.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Blue Nile: A Gift for Every Mom
For everything she does, show her how much you appreciate her with a gift of jewelry from Blue Nile. We've made it easy for you to find the perfect jewelry piece and choose gifts that the kids will love to give as well. (http://www.military.com/ecomm/articles/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the Top 20 Mother's Day Jewelry, Charm Bracelets and Gemstone Earrings.


Navy Expands Energy Saving Effort
Commander, Navy Installations Command will expand the scope of the Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) for Public Private Venture (PPV) housing in the U.S. in phases beginning in October, 2012. RECP transfers the responsibility for payment of utilities from the PPV project to the residents, consistent with OSD policy. The schedule for the RECP Navy-wide rollout will be in phases depending upon whether meters are in place and the project is ready to implement. During 2013 all PPV projects will start live billing. For more specific information about when the RECP will roll out for a specific installation, contact your local Navy housing office; a master list of all Navy installation housing offices is available at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/housing) www.cnic.navy.mil/housing.