Military Report - Week of May 21, 2012

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Military Report - Week of May 21, 2012

Give Back with Bands for Freedom
Show support to our military personnel past and present by purchasing a Bands for Freedom wristband. Proceeds go to the Veterans Wellness Program and donates part of proceeds to Stars for Stripes Foundation. (http://bandsforfreedom.org/category/store) Buy a Bands for Freedom wristbands now.
The Veterans Wellness Program (VWP) is a Medical service program designed to provide the means for qualified Veterans who suffer from the unseen wounds of war, such as insomnia, anxiety, and Depression. The VWP will assist with Physical and mental assessments, Psychological counseling, anger management courses, treatments for substance abuse, health education, including exercise and nutrition plans for each individual Veteran. Visit (http://www.bandsforfreedom.org) www.bandsforfreedom.org to learn more and purchase your wristband.


9 Smart Moves to Save Money on Gas
While you can't do much about the global price of oil, you can take steps to reduce pain at the pump. With current gas prices on the rise, you may be tempted to trade in your car for a scooter -- or resort to pedaling your way to work. Before you make any drastic financial or lifestyle sacrifices, consider (http://www.military.com/off-duty/conten ... ESRC=mr.nl) these tips provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.


Moving to Korea With Pets
U.S. servicemembers moving to Korea with pets will need to plan their moves carefully during the peak summer months. Pet policies on airlines and in Army family housing require advance planning. Airlines restrict pets on flights during the summer months, and pet owners should check with their airlines well in advance of their permanent change of station moves. Also, the cost to ship pets to Korea by cargo can be very expensive, and waivers are available for servicemembers to fly together with their pets. For more information on moving with pets to South Korea, visit the (http://www.korea.amedd.army.mil/veterin ... ments.html) U.S. Army MEDDAC--Korea website.
For more pet news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.


A Look at Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday in May. Memorial Day originated in the 1860s to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. For more information on Memorial Day, including instructional resources, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Memorial Day webpage at (http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/) www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/, the U.S. Memorial Day website at (http://www.usmemorialday.org/) www.usmemorialday.org/, the History.com website at (http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history) www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history, and the U.S. Center for Military History website at (http://www.history.army.mil/html/refere ... ys/memday/) www.history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/memday/.
For more on Memorial Day 2012 and related events, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


Troops Not Seeking Help
More than 60 percent of troops who believe they have post-traumatic stress are not seeking treatment through the military, according to spouses surveyed in a recently released report. The nonprofit Blue Star Families found that only 35 percent of servicemembers displaying symptoms of PTS sought military medical treatment," while others "sought civilian treatment or ignored their symptoms." Such fears were compounded by the belief that soldiers seeking treatment are not able to do so privately. Eighty-six percent of family members said that "lack of confidentiality" led soldiers to avoid treatment. Fifty-eight percent ignored the symptoms that their families had observed. The report is available (http://www.scribd.com/doc/92646745/Blue ... ive-Report) online and at (http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2012) www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2012.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


New Air Force Social Media Guide
The Air Force Public Affairs Agency (AFPAA) has released an updated and revised social media guide, 'Navigating the Social Network'. The first half of the guide covers the basics Airmen need to successfully navigate social networks. Unit leaders and public affairs Airmen will benefit from the additional sections in the second half of the guide. The new guide is (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document ... 27-048.pdf) available for downloading. Questions and comments about the guide can be directed to the AFPAA Social Media Division via the contact information on the guide's back cover or by calling (210) 395-1794.
To keep up with the military and social media, connect with the (http://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com Facebook page.


Scholarships for Military Wives
Operation Homefront and the Women's Self Worth Foundation are offering the Saban Military Wife Educational Scholarship to wives of uniformed servicemembers serving on active duty. Applicants must be accepted for registration by a vocational school in one of the following fields: dental assistant, medical assistant, medical billing and coding specialist, medical insurance technician, patient care assistant/ technician, nurse assistant training program and medical transcription. Applications are being accepted through June 1, 2012, and are available at the Operation Homefront website at (http://www.operationhomefront.net/scholarship) www.operationhomefront.net/scholarship . For more information, visit the Operation Homefront 2012 Saban Military Wife Educational Scholarship webpage at (http://www.operationhomefront.net/scholarship) www.operationhomefront.net/scholarship.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Study Finds Military Marriages Stable
After a decade of war and repeated deployments, a new study has found that military divorce rates have not exceeded the rate of broken marriages reported among their civilian peers. The co-authors of the study argue that these annual divorce statistics can't be used to judge the vulnerability of military marriages in peace or prolonged war, unless benchmarked against divorce rates for employed civilians of comparable age, race and education level. The authors of the study found "the results speak to the resilience of military marriages. Despite the demands of military service and the threat of long separations, servicemembers are nevertheless more likely to be married than matched civilians. The report finds "servicemembers are still no more likely to be divorced than comparable civilians." Read more in the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,243942,00.html) Military Update.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Over 1 Million Vets Can Help You Land a Job
Visit the (http://benefits.military.com/vcn/search.do?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Veteran Career Network to connect with Veterans who can help you land your next job or take your career to the next level. Search over 1 million veterans by company, government agencies, career fields, industries or locations. (http://benefits.military.com/vcn/search.do?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Start now.
Visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Careers Channel to search for jobs seeking your military training and experience.


2012 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates
The overall average military Basic Allowance for Housing rates across the country increased over the last year. The 2 percent increase cannot be tied to any single factor. BAH rates are based on the combination of local costs for rent, utilities and renter's insurance for various housing types. Any fluctuation of one or more of those factors in a given location will affect BAH rates for that location. (http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... RC=mrvr.nl) View 2012 BAH Rates.
(http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... RC=mrvr.nl) View 2012 Military Pay Charts to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station.


Basic Training: VA Loan Benefit
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.


The National Memorial Day Concert
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) presented the 'National Memorial Day Concert, a Night of Remembrance' live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 27, 2012, 8-9:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on most PBS stations. In addition to performances by some of the world's biggest stars, acclaimed actors will present personal stories of love and sacrifice submitted by viewers through the concert's "Virtual Wall of Remembrance." The concert will also be broadcast to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. Please consult your local television listing for exact air dates and times. For more information, visit the (http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert) National Memorial Day Concert website.
For more on Memorial Day 2012 and related events, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


Guard, Reservists Dental Premiums
About 3,500 Guard and Reserve Airmen on extended active duty will need to pay dental premiums directly to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. rather than through payroll deduction. A glitch affected reserve component members on orders for more than 30 days. The company automatically generated paper statements and sent them to the affected beneficiaries in early May. The beneficiaries will not lose coverage, but are asked to make premium payments until the payroll deduction option becomes available. Reservists who think they may be affected should check their leave and earnings statements. Reservists who have questions about their premium can call MetLife at 855-638-8371.
For more on military medical benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Navy Uniform Changes
The Navy has identified several uniform improvements for immediate implementation, including: (1) the female service dress coat will be changed to add backing buttons; (2) a binding will be added over the edge of the inner stitching of waistbands in female slacks to improve professional appearance and reduce skin chaffing; and (3) additional stitching will be added to the bottom hem, side seams and front-facing seams of female service shirts. The Navy will conduct a fleet-wide survey to gather broader feedback on additional uniform concerns expressed during the initial evaluation. Feedback from participants and will brief Navy leadership about the findings. Progress on the initiative will be presented to the Navy Uniform Board.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy to Host Warfare Symposium
Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) is hosting a Junior Leader Innovation Symposium at NWDC's headquarters aboard Naval Station Norfolk, June 6. The event is open to all E-5 through O-4 personnel and will be broadcast live through Defense Connect Online (DCO). The symposium aims to educate junior leaders on the importance of innovation, empower them to contribute new ideas, generate cross-domain discussions, and harvest ideas on key issues confronting the Navy. Before the event, participants will be asked to visit NWDC's Facebook page and contribute ideas and potential solutions to current Navy challenges. For information, to register and to access DCO, visit the (https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncoi/jlis/default.aspx) NWDC website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Deal of the Week: Free Annual Pass to National Parks 052112
Servicemembers (including activated members of the National Guard and Reserves) and their dependents can obtain the National Park's annual Pass ("America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass") for free beginning on Armed Forces Day, May 19, 2012.The pass waives parking and entrance fees (some limitations apply) for parks that charge. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/searc ... RC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Discounts.


WH Committed to TRICARE Fee Hikes
The House Armed Services Committee recently forwarded the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 (HR4310) to the full House for a vote. The bill omitted many of the TRICARE Fee increases proposed by the White House. The Office of Management and Budget issued a response in which they stated that senior advisors would recommend that President would veto the bill if it passed Congress.
Read the full article on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... care-fees/) Military Advantage Blog.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... d=61004936) Let your elected official know what you think about this issue.


National Memorial Day Observance
The annual National Memorial Day Observance is scheduled for May 28 at Arlington National Cemetery. A full honor wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns, to be followed by an observance program in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater. Both programs are free and open to the general public. Attendees are encouraged to be at the Tomb of the Unknowns or seated in the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m. Free parking is available for vehicles in the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center parking lot from 8 a.m. To 1 p.m. A free shuttle service will provide transportation to Memorial Amphitheater beginning at 8 a.m. Walking to the amphitheater is prohibited. For additional details, call the Public Affairs Office for the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at (202) 685-4645.
For more on Memorial Day 2012 and related events, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


Free Passes to National Parks
Active-duty military personnel and their dependents are now able to enter every national park for free as part of an effort to thank servicemembers and their families. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass ordinarily costs $80.However, the annual pass will now be provided free-of-charge to members of the military. The pass provides access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Military personnel can obtain the passes at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee by showing their military ID. Each family member will also be able to obtain their own pass even if the servicemember is deployed or if they are traveling separately. The free pass will be made available for activated members of the National Guard and Reserves, but not for military veterans or retirees. For more information, visit the (http://store.usgs.gov/pass/military.html) U.S. Geological Survey website, telephone 1-888-ASK-USGS and press 1. (888-275-8747, option 1), or e-mail (mailto:fedrecpass@usgs.gov) fedrecpass@usgs.gov .
(http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View all Military Discounts at the Military.com Discount Center.


New DoD Drug Policy Issued
The abuse of prescription drugs has reached an "epidemic level" in the United States. On May 1, the Department of Defense (DoD) implemented a new policy where prescriptions will have six-month tenure for use. If a Servicemember uses that medication after the six month period and it has not been renewed, they will be in violation of policy if they test positive on a random urinalysis screening. Thus, servicemembers and family members should not hold onto medications after their prescription has expired. For more information, speak with your physician or pharmacist.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Retirement Changes Concern Mil-Families
A newly-released survey shows military families regard the possible change of military retirement benefits as their top concern. The 2012 Military Family Lifestyle Survey also shows that pay and benefits, the impact of deployments on children, operational tempo, spouse employment and education and combat stress and brain injuries are most on the minds of military family members. More than 4,000 family members responded to the survey, representing each of the services and all areas of the country. Nearly half of the survey respondents have a servicemember in the senior enlisted ranks, and 64 percent of respondents are between the ages of 25 and 44. The survey is available on the (http://www.bluestarfam.org/Policy/Surveys/Survey_2012) Blue Star Families website.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


$300k Financial Security: $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.


Watch Clips from "Red Tails"
Academy Award Winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard lead a powerful ensemble cast in this high-flying epic inspired by the real-life adventures of the first African-American combat unit to serve in World War II. Italy, 1944: As the war takes its toll on Allied forces in Europe, a squadron of black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen are finally given the chance to prove themselves in the sky -- even as they battle discrimination on the ground. Featuring jaw-dropping aerial action and thrilling special effects, Red Tails is a breathtaking tribute to the unsung heroes who rose above extraordinary challenges and ultimately soared into history. (http://www.military.com/entertainment/r ... RC=mrvr.nl) Watch clips, play the Dogfight game and more on Military.com.


Featured Employer: General Dynamics
(http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) General Dynamics is in search of the best veteran talent to help deliver innovative technology solutions to our nation's highest priority defense and homeland security initiatives. At General Dynamics you'll find vast opportunities, comprehensive benefits and mission-critical work that strengthen the nation as well as commercial and government enterprises around the world.
(http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the General Dynamics Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs and get dates and information on hiring events.


Navy Officer Law School Scholarships
Active duty and full-time U.S. Navy support officers interested in a challenging career change can apply for scholarships via the FY-13 Law Education Program. Eligible participants who desire to apply for the FY13 program must submit a letter request and application package, including official college transcripts, via their commanding officer to: Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), Voluntary Education Detachment, Attn: Code N2A2 LEP, 6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL, 32509-5204 prior to Sept. 30, 2012. Questions about the application process should be directed to Billie Colonna, Center for Personal and Professional Development, by phone at 850-452-1001, option 3, ext. 2219 (DSN 922-1807). All other program questions should be directed to Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth Rosso, Navy Personnel Command, at 901-874-4084 (DSN 882-4084).
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Safe Harbor Seeks Volunteers
The Navy Safe Harbor Anchor Program matches a Sailor returning to his or her local community with a mentor that will provide local support and assistance. The program is designed to help transition wounded warriors back into the civilian sector. Navy Safe Harbor is the Navy's lead organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their family members by providing a lifetime of assistance. Navy Safe Harbor is continuously looking for senior mentors to volunteer to be a part of the Anchor Program to support wounded warriors transition from the active service to the civilian communities. To learn more about being a mentor, contact the coordinator at 703-692-2186, visit the (http://www.safeharbor.navy.mil) Navy Safe Harbor website or email inquiries to (mailto:safeharbor@navy.mil) safeharbor@navy.mil.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Deal of the Week: National Parks Pass
Servicemembers (including activated members of the National Guard and Reserves) and their dependents can obtain the National Park's annual Pass ("America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass") for free beginning on Armed Forces Day, May 19, 2012.The pass waives parking and entrance fees (some limitations apply) for parks that charge. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/searc ... RC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Discounts


VA Home Loan: Are You Eligible?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. Keep in mind that the Certificate of Eligibility, while necessary, only allows an eligible individual to apply for a home loan; it does not guarantee a loan approval. Eligibility for the Certificate is based on an individual's (or a spouse's) military service. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get specifics on Military.com.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Lenders ready to help you use your VA Home Loan.


Featured Job: Security Clearance Wanted
Hundreds of top employers across the nation seek your military experience and security clearance. (http://jobsearch.military.com/careers/r ... RC=mrvr.nl) Search over 500 security cleared job openings listed on Military.com.
Visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... rance-jobs) Security Clearance Job Channel to get Need-to-know info on your clearance -- how to maximize your earnings, simple steps to gaining clearances, benefits and more.


U.S. Army Soldier Show
The 2012 U.S. Army Soldier Show is for Soldiers, about Soldiers and produced by Soldiers. The 90-minute, Broadway-style show features songs and dance from a variety of musical genres including country, gospel, pop, rap, hip hop, swing and more. The show finds the most talented people in the Army and we borrow them from their units. It then assembles them and then creates a show around their talents. For more information, including the current tour schedule, visit the (http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/enter ... ldiershow/) 2012 U.S. Army Soldier Show webpage.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Counting Disability Pay in Divorce Legal
A disabled veteran has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider anew whether states violate federal law when they allow divorce courts to count a veteran's disability compensation in calculating spousal support. The petition also invites the justices to consider an issue that states are more sharply divided over: whether federal law bars state courts from considering VA disability benefits communal property to be divided in divorce like other marital assets.
Read the full article on (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,245321,00.html) Military.com.


AF Intelligence Officer Opportunities
Nomination packages for officers interested in intelligence squadron command opportunities are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by June 1. Candidates must be lieutenant colonels with a July 1, 2008 or later date of rank, or lieutenant colonel-selects from the calendar year 2011 promotion board. Core intelligence, space and missile, weather, cyber, scientist, engineer and acquisition officers are eligible, but non-intelligence officers must be released by their assignment team before they apply. Also, non-intelligence officers must have served in at least one intelligence-related assignment since May 31, 2006. For eligibility requirements and nomination procedures, 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.


AF Sr. Enlisted Promotions
The recently released list of air Force technical sergeants selected for promotion to master sergeant during the 2012 E7 promotion cycle and the master sergeant promotion list are available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/) Air Force Personnel Center's public website and on the (https://www.my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal. The Air Force selected 5,464 of 19,809 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant for a 27.58 percent selection rate. Those selected for the rank of master sergeant will be promoted beginning in August according to their promotion sequence number. For more information about promotions or any other personnel related issue, 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.


Discount "Battleship" Movie Tickets
Movie theaters across the country are offering discount tickets to military personnel for the new movie (http://www.battleshipmovie.com/) Battleship. The feature film from Universal pictures was shown earlier this month at the Sixth Annual GI Film Festival. For a list of participating theaters offering the military discount, visit the (http://www.battleshipmovie.com/discounts/index.html) Battleship website.
For on on military movies and entertainment, visit (http://undertheradar.military.com) Military.com's Under the Radar.


Managing Your Credit for Retirement
Most of us have dreams of a comfortable retirement, but debt and poor credit can put that dream in jeopardy. High levels of debt in retirement will drain money away from basic living expenses and poor credit can make it expensive to finance health care costs and other financing needs. To prepare yourself for retirement, follow some of these tips in (http://www.military.com/money/content/r ... ement.html) this Military.com article.