Military Report - Week of June 11, 2012

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Military Report - Week of June 11, 2012

NAS Sigonella Water Contaminated
Stars and Stripes reports that chemical contaminant and suspected carcinogen has been found in unacceptable levels in the drinking water at some parts of (http://cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella/index.htm) Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. People there should not drink from the tap. Bottled water was being handed out at the ITT parking lot at NAS 1, and the NAS II Chapel parking lot twice a day, three days a week. People with specific health concerns were being advised to consult their doctors or U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Medical Home Port at 335-578-8077.
For more news and community information for military bases around the country, visit the (http://www.military.com/base-guide/) Military.com Base Guides.


AAFES 'Trump Vacation Sweepstakes'
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Serta are sponsoring the "Trump Vacation Sweepstakes," which will award one lucky winner two nights in the Trump Towers in Las Vegas, a $200 Visa gift card, round trip flight and transportation, an approximate value of $2,000. To enter The "Trump Vacation Sweepstakes," authorized shoppers can fill out an entry form at their local Exchange from May 25-June 7. Contestants must be 21 years old or over; the drawing will take place on or about July 13.
For travel discounts, as well as other discounts available for the military and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Get VA Loan Eligibility Details
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. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get full details on Military.com.
A VA Loan requires $0 down and no PMI. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Connect with Lenders Today.


Deal of the Week: 10% Off at PetFood.com
Get 10% off Orders of $50 or more from Petfood.com. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all Military.com Deals and Discounts


Army Redefines Eligibility
The U.S. Army has redefined employee eligibility for its complement of Civilian Education System (CES) leader development courses, as well as the rules for receiving course equivalency credit based on previous military education and training. Individuals with current course reservations will not be affected by the new eligibility rules. For more information, read Army ALARACT 121/2012 - Civilian Education System Policy Changes, dated April 27, 2012, at (https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/550282) Army Knowledge Online. To learn more about and register for CES courses and other Army civilian professional training, visit the U.S. Army Civilian Training and Leadership Development website at (http://www.civiliantraining.army.mil) www.civiliantraining.army.mil.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Battle of Midway Remembered
Active duty and retired servicemembers and their families recently commemorated the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Midway aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. The Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. It is considered to have changed the course of WWII in the Pacific. For more information on the Battle of Midway, including instructional materials, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/commemorati ... -index.htm) Naval History and Heritage Command website, and the commemorative webpage by the (http://www.washingtontimes.com/specials ... niversary/) Washington Times website.
For more features on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


2012 Pay Charts: What Will You Make with a Promotion?
The President signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act into law that includes an across-the-board 1.6 percent pay increase for 2012. View the (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... RC=mrvr.nl) 2012 Military Pay Charts to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station.
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.


Managing a Smooth Move
When moving, create a personal inventory of household goods the transportation service provider (TSP) will move to the new home. Take digital photos and scan receipts. Hand-carry smaller, valuable items. At arrival, have one person directing the TSP to where the household goods should be situated while the other person checks-off delivered items on the original inventory list and makes note of any items lost or damaged. The TSP will have a notice of loss or damages form, such as a (http://www.fincen.uscg.mil/HHG_files/DD1840r.pdf) Department of Defense 1840 form, for the mover to report damage and loss of property at delivery. For more information, visit Move.mil at (http://www.move.mil/home.htm) www.move.mil/home.htm or visit your base claims office.
For more PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Operation Warfighter
Operation Warfighter is a Federal internship program for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers. The main objective of OWF is to place Servicemembers in supportive work settings that positively impact their recuperation. The program represents a great opportunity for transitioning servicemembers to augment their employment readiness by building their resumes, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, benefiting from on-the-job training opportunities, gaining valuable Federal government work experience and building self-confidence. For more information including, several of the Federal agencies that participate in this program, visit the (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/pl ... .0.0.0.0.0) Military Homefront webpage, the (http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/careers/gc_1246894993888.shtm) Homeland Security webpage, the (http://www.fema.gov/about/career/owf.shtm) Federal Emergency Management Agency website and the (http://www.facebook.com/OperationWarfighter) Operation Warfighter Facebook page.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Navy Offers New Readiness App
The U.S. Navy has been testing several Apps as part of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which designed to maximize each Sailor's and Marine's personal readiness. Two new apps are Tactical Breather and Mood Tracker, which are stress apps. The (http://t2health.org/apps/tactical-breather) Tactical Breather teaches you the correct breathing methods to control your heart rate and physiological and psychological responses to stress. The (http://t2health.org/apps/t2-mood-tracker) T2 Mood Tracker requires users to self-monitor emotional experiences associated with common deployment-related behavioral health issues ranging from post-traumatic stress to depression and anxiety. For more apps developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2), visit the (http://t2health.org/mobile-apps) T2 website.
Keep up with military news with Military.com's (http://m.military.com/daily-news) mobile website.


2012 Veteran Talent Index Results
The 2012 Veterans Talent Index is a comprehensive analysis of transitioning military service members, veterans and their employers. The three indices of the report include: 1) Veterans Career Confidence Index; 2) Veterans Job Search Activity Index; and 3) Employer Veterans Hiring Index. The May 2012 Veterans Talent Index report shows the confidence level for both employers and veterans has dropped over the past six months. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the results posted on Military.com.


Over 1 Million Veterans Can Help You Land a Job
Visit the 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.


Navy Early Retirement Revisions
The U.S. Navy has announced revisions to Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) application procedures. Applications for TERA must be submitted with command endorsement by the applicant's Command Career Counselor (CCC) who must enter program code "E" to identify the application as a TERA request. Applications must be submitted to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) no later than June 15, 2012. Applicants may check the status of their application through BUPERS Online at www.bol.navy.mil. Also, TERA retirees are not required to register for the Public and Community Service (PACS) program (PACS). For more information, visit NPC's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... nInfo.aspx) transition assistance webpage, or contact the NPC customer service center at (mailto:CSCmailbox@navy.mil) CSCmailbox@navy.mil or 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
For more guides on military retirement, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/retirement) Military.com Retirement Center.


2012 Vet Job Report
Monster.com, the worldwide leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities, has released its biannual Veterans Talent Index, a snapshot of the current veteran hiring landscape. The new report shows that while many companies recognize the importance of hiring veterans into the civilian workforce, an increasing percentage of employers sense that veterans are not prepared for their career transition. Only 39% of employers agreed that veterans or those with prior military experience are prepared for a career transition out of the military. To access Monster's comprehensive May 2012 Veterans Talent Index (http://about-monster.com/content/veterans-talent-index) report, and to learn more about hiring veterans, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Veterans Employment Center at (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) www.military.com/veteran-jobs.


Flag Day, June 14
The United States of America adopted the national flag on June 14, 1777. When colors are passing, like a color guard, all military members are supposed to salute at the proper distances. After ceremonies, if colors pass it is important to still show proper respect. For more information on the United States flag and Flag Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/flag-day) Military.com Flag Day page, the (http://www.nationalflagday.com/default.asp) National Flag Day Foundation website, (http://www.usflag.org/) USFlag.org, and the (http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroe ... _disp.html) Home of Heroes website.


Army Twilight Tattoo in DC
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's production of Twilight Tattoo combines the precision and discipline of the Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) with the orchestral sounds of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" and has a history reaching back hundreds of years. "Twilight Tattoo" is free and open to the public and scheduled to entertain thousands more every Wednesday night on (http://www.military.com/base-guide/join ... erson-hall) Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia till the end of August, 2012. For more information and schedule details, visit the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's (http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/) Twilight Tattoo website.
For more on entertainment and the military, visit (http://undertheradar.military.com) Military.com's Under the Radar.


See What People in Your City Paid for Their Car
Military.com brings you great 'no haggle' pricing with our Auto Buying Program. Simply plug in the car you want, to find what others paid for the same car in your area. Plus, get a list of local certified dealers for upfront pricing. Buy your next new car with confidence. (http://military.zag.com/main.html?refer ... MIL0000034) Check out the Military.com Auto Buying Program.


Warrior Wellness Program
The Warrior Wellness Program, run by the U.S. Air Force Academy Equestrian Center, recognizes the healing qualities of horses. Servicemembers can participate in the program as a way to cope with their mental and physical injuries, especially those that are combat-related. The program is open to servicemembers from all branches. The program does not just consist of horseback riding. Soldiers help care for the horses and use them as tools for some of their lessons. Each member of the equestrian center staff is certified through the O.K. Corral series that was developed by the founder of equine-assisted therapy. For more information, visit the (http://www.usafasupport.com/the-great-o ... ian-center) U.S. Air Force Academy Equestrian Center webpage and the (http://www.okcorralseries.com/) O.K. Corral series website.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Group Fights for Commissaries
According to the Coalition to Save our Military Shopping Benefits, a group advocating for the preservation and patronage of commissaries and exchanges, military families save an average of $6,500 a year by using military commissaries and exchanges. The coalition is concerned that some in congress support an effort to eliminate the DeCA subsidy and combine the exchange and commissary systems, which they believe will result in increased food prices for commissary patrons. The coalition fears the impact will financially harm military families, especially at a time when other economic hardships are intensifying.
Read the full article in the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -critical/) Military Advantage Blog.


Thank Our Troops
A $10 contribution provides a $50 gift card good at over 18,000 restaurants nationwide to an American Hero. The gift is tax-deductible too. (https://www.osiaffiliate.com/heart/redir.php?oid=1010_6) Thank them today.


283 Airmen Selected for OTS
283 Airmen have been selected for officer training school (OTS) as part of the Officer Training School Non-Rated Selection Board 12OT02. 960 applications with a board selection rate of 28.3 percent. Additionally, Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 62 weather officer applications. A listing of selectees is available (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123303829) online. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should contact their local education office; civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Employer Spotlight: PMA USA
PMA USA wants your veteran talent. The road to success after serving the Military is waiting -- become an insurance agent at PMA USA. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... esrc.mr/nl) Search PMA's Talent Portal for a New Career.


$150,000 Coverage as low as $10.89 a Month
ASMBA has low cost life insurance plans to protect your family's future. Get $150,000 coverage for as little as $10.89 a month. Want more coverage? ASMBA has customized plans to meet your needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?esrc=mr.nl) Find Coverage Now.


Featured Job: Aerospace & Defense Careers
The defense industry, including aerospace, is huge and complex. It serves both military and commercial markets. It designs, manufactures, and services everything from commercial planes to jet fighters to single-prop private planes and traffic helicopters and more. Top companies are looking for your military experience and background. (http://jobsearch.military.com/careers/r ... RC=mrvr.nl) See who's hiring now.


VA for Vets Hiring Fair
The Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a 'VA for Vets' Hiring Fair and Open House during the National Veterans Small Business Conference June 26-28 in Detroit, Michigan. Veterans will have the chance to learn the wide range of resources available to help them with their own businesses. Also available will be the VetGovPartner online platform, which enables networking and identifying business opportunities with more than 400 government procurement decision makers in attendance. For more information, visit the 'VA for Vets' Hiring Fair webpage at (http://www.VAforVets.VA.Gov/Detroit) www.VAforVets.VA.Gov/Detroit . For more information on the conference, visit the National Veterans Small Business Conference website at (http://www.nationalveteransconference.com) www.nationalveteransconference.com.
For job fair listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Discounts on Vacations
The U.S. Army's Leisure Travel Services (LTS) offers discounted movie tickets, vacation packages, cruises and hotel booking among other travel related attractions, at reduced rates, to authorized patrons. Active duty, retired, Reservist and National Guard military personnel, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) employees, contractors and Family members, can use the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) service with a DoD or DFMWR ID. For more information, visit your local LTS office or the U.S. Army Family and MWR Command Leisure Travel webpage at (http://www.army.mil/fmwrc/leisure_travel.htm) http://www.army.mil/fmwrc/leisure_travel.htm.
For travel discounts, as well as other discounts available for the military and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Airmen Restoring Historic C-47
Airmen and volunteers from the 19th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Campbell, Kentucky are currently restoring a historically significant plane. The team is restoring the World War II-era C-47 Skytrain with the tail number 42-100828, which was used in major airborne and glider-borne missions throughout Europe. The C-47 was built in 1942 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, Calif. This particular aircraft participated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. In July, 1982, it was taken out of service and placed in storage. It was eventually donated to the (http://www.campbell.army.mil/campbell/P ... useum.aspx) Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum at Fort Campbell. For more information and a picture of the aircraft, visit the (http://www.fortcampbellcourier.com/news ... 963f4.html) Fort Campbell Courier website.


Preparing for a Hurricane
Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 1. Here are several tips to prepare for an approaching hurricane: (1) immediately listen to the radio or watch television for the latest information on the storm; (2) secure your home by closing storm shutters and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside; (3) if you are instructed to turn off your utilities, do so; (4) turn off propane tanks; (5) avoid using your phone unless it is an emergency; and (6) ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes by filling a bathtub full of water. For more tips, visit the (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php) National Hurricane Center website, the (http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes) Ready.gov website, and the (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm) Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
For more home protection tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Home Ownership section.


Alternative Career Path for Navy Officers
The Navy is accepting applications from eligible officers for the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY-13) Specialty Career Path (SCP) Program, which provides officers alternatives to the traditional command-at-sea-career path. The FY-13 SCP Selection Board will be held July 23 - 27, 2012 at Navy Personnel Command (NPC). Applications must be received at NPC no later than June 25. Officers who meet eligibility requirements may apply for up to two specialty career paths. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/o ... rPath.aspx) SCP section of the NPC website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Law Ensures College Credit for Service
Stars and Stripes reports that a new Oklahoma state law will allow Oklahoma colleges, university and technology centers to provide academic credit to a military veteran honorably discharged in the previous three years for any applicable education, training and experience received through military duty that pertains to his or her area of study. Under the new law college boards must adopt policies for military academic credit by Jan. 1, and courses must meet the standards of the American Council on Education or equivalent standards. The law takes effect Nov. 1. The new law (SB 1863) will also will help the spouses of active military find employment easier by requiring agencies, boards and commissions to develop procedures to expedite the licensure of military spouse applicants.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.