Military Report - Week of June 18, 2012

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Military Report - Week of June 18, 2012

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. 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.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefits Section to get information on TRICARE, Pay, BAH, VA Benefits, Veteran Benefits and more.


Navy STARBASE for Kids
The STARBASE-Atlantis programs at Navy bases around the country offer free summer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) academies to elementary school-age children. Classes began in early June and continue through August in most locations. Many of the summer programs offer two levels of STARBASE-Atlantis. Level one is open to elementary-age students who have not already attended the academy. Level two is a more advanced program for those who have previously participated in the level one program. For more information, visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/community/starbase/pensacola/) Naval Education and Training Command website.


New FHA Streamline Refinance Program
Military members who are not eligible for VA home loan benefits will often use FHA loans similar to VA loans for their low-money-down and government-backed features. Current FHA borrowers may be entitled to newly reduced FHA Streamline refinancing which can help cut the costs to refinance while taking advantage of today's low interest rates. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full article on Military.com.


2012 Veteran Employment Report
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.


Deal of the Week: Disneyland Discount
Disneyland Resort Offers 3-Day Hopper Promotion to eligible military personnel and their spouses for $99. Certain restrictions apply and there is a maximum number of tickets that can be purchased. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Discounts


Army Involuntary Early Separations Grow
The Army is expanding its Enlisted Involuntary Early Separation Program for some Soldiers. Under the program, enlisted Soldiers who elect to not re-enlist or extend in order to deploy with their unit, could be subject to involuntary early separation. The program affects Soldiers who have more than three years active duty service, but less than six years total of service. Officers are not affected. Soldiers who are separated involuntarily from the Army will retain Veterans Administration benefits. They may also opt to join one of the Reserve components. Two documents online that explain more about the Enlisted Involuntary Early Separation Program are the (https://www.us.army.mil/suite/doc/36616926) 142/2012 ALARACT; and (https://www.hrc.army.mil/Milper/12-165) MILPER 12-165.


$200k Protection as Low as $15 a Month
ASMBA offers low-cost life insurance with medical exam for Active Duty military under age 50 and makes it affordable to keep your loved ones safe. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?esrc=mr_a.nl) Get Your Free Quote Now.


DFAS Warns of Scam E-mails
Fraudulent e-mails are being sent to military members, military retirees, and civilian employees, which appear to be sent by Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS). Although the email appears to come from DFAS and displays a .mil email address it is actually from a non-government email account. The e-mails indicate that individuals who are receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to obtain additional funds from the IRS. If you do receive a notice from the IRS, respond immediately. If you believe someone may have used your social security number (SSN) fraudulently, notify IRS immediately by responding to the name and number printed on the IRS notice or letter. You will need to fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039.pdf) Form 14039.


Transition Benefit for Sailors
Challenger, Gray and Christmas (CGC) is an employment placement firm contracted by the Navy to provide extensive transition services for Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) Sailors. CGC works in a partnership with other firms and assigns each Sailor a personal coach to help with the transition. CGC assists with actual job search help by providing employment resources to Sailors including comprehensive resume services. CGC even offers practice interviews and information on salary negotiation techniques. Sailors are encouraged to contact CGC by calling 1-800-971-4288 or the Help Center at Commander, Navy Personnel Command by calling 866-827-5672 for more information. For more information, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/) NPC ERB webpage, contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672) or email (mailto:cscmailbox@navy.mil) cscmailbox@navy.mil.
For more transition guides and news, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


Financial Tips for PCSing
Military.com estimates that during a Permanent Change of Station -- or PCS -- servicemembers spend an average of $1,725 in non-reimbursable costs. When you consider that most military personnel make PCS moves about every two to four years, that adds up to a substantial amount of money. Here are some tips to make sure you don't pay more than you have to, and ways to limit the financial worry and stress associated with PCS. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get financial tips now.


AF Changes Reserve Leave Policy
The Air Force Reserve is working to change policy to allow reservists who earn days of leave to carry those days over from year to year. New laws and Department of Defense instructions permit reservists to carry over the leave days. However, policy and procedures have not caught up with the new authority. Currently, the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) is not set up to account for reservists' leave beyond a single year. DFAS is working to change the system. Once DFAS finalizes their system changes, the new carry-over of leave days will be implemented in the field.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New D-Day Memorial Dedicated
Along the causeway to Utah Beach near Sainte Marie Du Mont, France stands a new monument to combat leadership, dedicated June 6, in memory of Maj. Richard Winters, who led paratroopers from the U.S. Army's Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during the D-Day landings. The heroic story of Major Winters' 'Easy Company' became the popular television mini-series "Band of Brothers" at (http://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers) www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers. For more information on D-Day, including educational materials, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... =dday_main) Military.com D-Day page, U.S. Army's D-Day website at (http://www.army.mil/d-day/) www.army.mil/d-day/, the D-Day Overlord website at (http://www.dday-overlord.com/eng/index.htm) www.dday-overlord.com/eng/index.htm, the D-Day National Memorial website at (http://www.dday.org/) www.dday.org/, and watch the video on the (http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bcpid=69 ... 5305225001) U.S. Army website.


Diamond Buying Guide
This is one of life's most important purchases and we want to you to be empowered by your decision. Our education and guidance is unbiased, intimidation-free, and easily guides you through the process of choosing the right diamond and ring setting for her Blue Nile engagement ring. (http://www.military.com/ecomm/articles/ ... ESRC=mr.nl) Learn about the 4 C's of diamonds.


TRICARE Wars
In an effort to persuade the Government Accountability Office to reconsider the decision to give the TRICARE West region contract to UnitedHealth Group, TriWest launched a full-page ad campaign and created a website ( (http://savemymilitaryhealthcare.com) savemymilitaryhealthcare.com) which compares TriWest's record to their competitor. In response, UnitedHealth Group launched a Washington DC area ad campaign to announce their new contract and plans for serving the military community. The GAO is expected to issue their decision on TriWest's appeal by July 5, 2012.


AAFES Win A Harley Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering shoppers a chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the "7 Up Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes." Entry is limited to shoppers 18 and older who have a valid driver's license. Shoppers can enter to win the 2012 Harley-Davidson? Sportster? Forty-Eight?, valued at $11,000, in stores only from until June 28.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) See all Military Discounts.


Warrior Golf Tournament Seeks Applicants
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is seeking applications for its second annual Warrior Open golf tournament to be held in the Dallas-area Sept. 23-25. The 36-hole competition will feature veterans severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wounded veterans interested in participating in the Warrior Open must submit an application at the Bush Center Warrior Open website at (http://www.warrioropen.com/) www.warrioropen.com by July 16. To qualify, veterans must: have been seriously injured in the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan; be active-duty, retired or honorably discharged; have a verifiable golf handicap index of 20 or less; be able to provide a valid and current Uniform Services Identification Card or separation form DD214; and be able to provide diagnosis certificate completed by a doctor.
For more on recreational events, entertainment and the military, visit (http://undertheradar.military.com) Military.com's Under the Radar.


Veteran Hiring Fair on June 26
The Veteran Hiring Fair in Detroit, June 26-28, will be a "hiring event." Soldiers and veterans who attend the Veterans Affairs-sponsored event will be able to get interviewed and perhaps, get hired. Soldiers do not need to actually go to Detroit to participate. There are five locations throughout the Army where Soldiers can interview with participating employers via video teleconferencing: Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Knox, Ky.; Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; and Fort Riley, Kan. There will be 100 career coaches available at the event to work with veterans on their resumes and career choices. For more information visit the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/veterans/aboutv ... e2012.aspx) VA for Vets Veteran Hiring Fair and Open House website.
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.


AF Attache Officer Applications
Line of the Air Force active-duty officers have until July 7 to apply for attache officer duty. Applicants must be active-duty senior captains, majors or lieutenant colonels. Each applicant and all immediate family members must be U.S. Citizens. To download the application, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal, search for "attache program" and select the October 2011 attache application option. Once complete, email the application to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) and international affairs at (mailto:afpc.dpaos@randolph.af.mil) afpc.dpaos@randolph.af.mil and (mailto:saf.iapa@pentagon.af.mil) saf.iapa@pentagon.af.mil . For more information about attache duty, or other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Loan Benefits in Today's Market
The VA program won't deny a loan based solely on a low credit score, and most lenders don't tier interest rates for better scores. The VA program usually looks at only the previous 12 months of credit history, unless bankruptcy, a tax lien or a collections situation factors into your situation. Additionally, the VA home mortgage loan doesn't require a down payment. Borrowers can often refinance to a lower rate within the VA program without re-qualifying for the program through the VA Streamline Refinance Loan. If the borrower has a service-related disability, they may qualify for the lender to waive the funding fee, further reducing closing costs. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on the benefits of the VA Loan.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan


Expectant Mothers and TRICARE
If an expectant mother relocates during her pregnancy, TRICARE guarantees her continuity of care. To stay on track, moms-to-be should discuss their upcoming move with their provider and request copies of their medical records. Once the move is complete, the sponsor must update every family member's information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). To learn more about moving with TRICARE, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit) www.tricare.mil/mybenefit and enter your profile information. There are beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators available to help with healthcare questions or to navigate the TRICARE program; find one at (http://www.tricare.mil/bcac) www.tricare.mil/bcac.
For guides to TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


AF Supplemental Promotions
More than 200 Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 07-013.pdf) June enlisted supplemental promotion process. Airmen on the supplemental list are those who tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment. For more information about enlisted promotions or other personnel issues, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Special Duty Assignment Pay Table
Beginning June 15, Airmen in some special duty assignments will receive adjustments in special duty assignment pay (SDAP). For more information about the special duty assignment pay program, or to see the full table of changes that took place June 15, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website, or contact your local military personnel section or flight.
For more on all military pays and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF PLAYpass Program
As summer approaches, PLAYpass cards, valued at more than $500, allow single Airmen returning from deployments, families of deployed Airmen and families of Airmen at dependent-restricted assignments to participate in Air Force Services activities such as trips, sports and childcare at either a reduced cost or free-of-charge. The PLAYpass card can also be used for some of the installations' youth summer camps and programs. The PLAYpass program runs through Dec. 31, 2012. For more information about the PLAYpass program, program eligibility or how to obtain a PLAYpass card, visit MyAirForceLife.com at (http://www.MyAirForceLife.com) www.MyAirForceLife.com or an installation force support squadron.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) See all Military Discounts.


AF Enlisted Promotion Facts
It is up to you to get promoted. The Air Force enlisted promotion system is based on several weighted factors, most of which are within the member's control. These factors include time in service, time in grade, decorations, enlisted performance report ratings, the promotion fitness exam score, and the skills knowledge test score. Enlisted Airmen can positively - or negatively - impact every promotion opportunity. Those who aggressively pursue opportunities, find a mentor, and work hard are the ones who are usually promoted. For more information about Air Force promotion systems or personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Dining Facilities 'Go for Green'
The new "Go for Green" program is an easy-to-understand, color-coded system that shows what's good to eat and what items should be consumed less. Green items are low-calorie, low-to-no-fat items that can be eaten as often as one likes. Yellow items are a little higher in calories, have a little more fat and should be consumed occasionally. "Go for Green" posters are hung throughout Army and Air Force dining facilities worldwide here to explain to servicemembers what the new color-coded system means. For more information, read the (http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe ... ctions.pdf) Go for Green fact sheet, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitnes ... green-food) Military.com website and download the (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... reen&hl=en) Android app and the (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-for-g ... 83503?mt=8) iTunes app.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) See all Military Discounts.


New Household Moves Resources
NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS) Household Goods (HHG) is now using the public web, YouTube and Facebook to better assist servicemembers and their families with needs associated with moving, shipping and storing household goods. The (https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourt ... /household) Navy Household Goods webpage provides customers with information on getting started with their move, entitlements and contact information. Servicemembers and their families can subscribe to the (http://www.youtube.com/user/NavyHHG) HHG YouTube Channel for tips, updates and additional information. Customers can also visit Navy Household Goods on its (http://www.facebook.com/NAVYHHG) Facebook Fan Page.
(http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Visit the Military.com PCS section to get PCS Guides and tips.


Play Military Trivia and Win an iPod
Think you know military history and trivia? Test your knowledge with our the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Play Now.


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


Featured Job: Government Careers
Hundreds of job openings in Government are listed on Military.com. Save time and apply to jobs that are seeking your military experience and background. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC=mrvr.nl) Search Now.
Need Job Seeking Advice? (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Here are 10 Steps to Getting Hired by Uncle Sam


VA Hiring Mental Health Professionals
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is adding approximately 1,600 mental health clinicians as well as nearly 300 support staff to its existing workforce to help meet the increased demand for mental health services. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) anticipates the majority of hires will be selected within approximately six months. Interested mental health care providers can find additional information about VA careers and apply for jobs online at the Department of Veterans Affairs website at (http://www.vacareers.va.gov/) www.vacareers.va.gov. To locate the nearest VA facility or Vet Center for enrollment and to get scheduled for care, Veterans can visit VA's website at (http://www.va.gov) www.va.gov. Immediate help is available at the Veterans Crisis Line website at (http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or by calling the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (push 1) or texting 838255.
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.


Airmen Given More PCS Prep Time
Following a review of the permanent change of station orders process, the Air Force Personnel Center has implemented a new policy that will allow Airmen more time to schedule move-related appointments. The policy change should help reduce policy change requests for early PCS orders. But, if it does not meet a member's needs, he or she can still request an exception to policy. For more information about permanent change of station moves and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at (https://mypers.af.mil) https://mypers.af.mil.
For more PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Military Spouse Employment Partnership
The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is addressing the career challenges husbands and wives of active-duty military members face. Spouses of any active-duty member can now use the program through the MSEP Career Portal on the Military OneSource Website at (https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/) https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/. According to MSEP reports, approximately one out of four military spouses is unemployed. Since MSEP's launch on June 29, 2011, more than 394,977 jobs have been posted by MSEP partners on the Web portal, and 20,529 military spouses have been hired by the program's partners.
For more spouse employment resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse Center.