Military Report - Week of July 16, 2012

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Military Report - Week of July 16, 2012

$100k Protection: Starting at $7.26 a Month
Is SGLI enough for your military family? Get $100k ASMBA protection for as little as $7.26 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr.nl) Find coverage for your family now.


Deal of the Week: Free Sittercity Membership
The DoD funds free Sittercity Memberships for Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force families including active duty, reserve, guard and families of fallen. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mr.nl) View all Military deals and discounts.


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?ESRC=mr.nl) Buy a Bands for Freedom wristband now.


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


Planning for Retirement
There are many options to help you save for retirement. The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. Another popular option are Individual Retirement Accounts, which offer tax-advantaged savings. Also, mapping out your total assets, retirement living expenses, and how much you need to save to cover expenses and taxes with a financial planner is a good place to start. Be careful not to overextend yourself with saving and investing. Always leave room for your monthly living expenses and emergencies. For more information, talk with a financial counselor at your base Army Community Services.
For more on the thrift savings plan and military retirement, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/retirement) Military.com Retirement Center.


AAFES 'Salute to Clean' Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is sponsoring the "Salute to Clean Sweepstakes." Fifteen winners will each receive a $1,000 gift card. All eligible shoppers, including National Guard, Reserve, retirees, active duty personnel, and their authorized family members can fill out entry forms at their local Exchange for their chance to win. The sweepstakes ends July 19. For more information, visit your local exchange.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/) See all military discounts for servicemembers and families on Military.com.


Steps to Reduce VA Claims Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs processes more than a million disability compensation claims a year, for veterans of every age and era, whether they served in wartime or during periods of relative calm. Despite this, 558,000 claims are in "backlog" status. A new electronic claims processing system VA wide To address this issue.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,247502,00.html) Read Tom Philpott's latest Military Update to learn more about the new VA system.


New Options for Military Homeowners
The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced changes to its short-sale policies that should make it easier for military homeowners with Fannie Mae- or Freddie Mac-backed mortgage loans to honor their financial commitments when they are required to move as part of their duty. Under the new policy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not pursue deficiency judgments, cash contributions or promissory notes from members of the military with a change in duty station for any property purchased on or before June 30. Servicemembers can check Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac websites to see if their loans are held by these government-sponsored enterprises or they can call hotlines for military homeowners at 1-877-MIL-4566 or 1-800-FREDDIE.
For more on home ownership and tips for veteran homeowners, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Home Ownership section.


Army MOS Reclassification Opportunity
As the Army reduces in size, reclassification into the acquisition corps may be an option for qualified Soldiers to stay in the Army. The contracting career field, acquisition noncommissioned officer military occupational specialty 51 Charlie, is expected to grow by almost 50 percent of its current population by the end of fiscal year 2013. The career field needs more officers and NCOs. For more information about the acquisition corps or 51 Charlie reclassification opportunities, visit the (http://live.usaasc.info/career-developm ... ning-steps) website or call (703) 805-1048, DSN: 655-1048.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


2013 Veteran COLA Passes House
The House of Representatives passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012 (H.R. 4114). Although this is seen by many as a formality, passing the COLA is often pushed to the end of the year. According to House Committee on Veterans' Affairs press release, taking care of this now ensures that Vets will be given the benefits they were promised without any last minute "political tug-of-war." If signed into law, H.R. 4114 would increase the annual cost-of-living rate for veterans, which goes into effect on December 1, 2012. It is estimated that this year's COLA will be approximately 1.9 percent. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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.


New Illinois Professional Licensing Law
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed into law the "Military Family Licensing Act." The new law provides for temporary expedited professional and educational licenses for active duty members of the military and their spouses after the families relocate to Illinois for military service. The state agencies that issue occupational licenses will be able to grant temporary licenses to military members and spouses who hold credentials in other states in more than 50 professions. The act also allows the IDFPR to consider all relevant experience and training that a servicemember has gained through military service towards meeting certain permanent state licensing requirements. For more information, visit the (http://www.idfpr.com/MilitaryFamilyLicensingAct.asp) Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
For job search tips and guides, and nation-wide job listings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Win a 'Great Getaway' Vacation
Find your perfect match when you play the "Great Getaways" game at the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts website at (http://www.AFRCresorts.com) www.AFRCresorts.com. Authorized Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) patrons have an opportunity to win one of four all-inclusive "Great Getaways" vacation packages to an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC). To enter the "Great Getaways Vacation Sweepstakes", eligible patrons must visit (http://www.AFRCresorts.com) www.AFRCresorts.com , register for a chance to win and play the online memory-match game. The sweepstakes runs through August 31, 2012. Eligible patrons will be able to enter once per day at the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts website at (http://www.AFRCresorts.com) www.AFRCresorts.com.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/) For more travel discounts for servicemembers, veterans and families, visit the Military.com Discount Center.


Buying a New Car? Check Here First
The Military.com Car Buying program lets you view what others really paid for new vehicles in your area. It's simple, search your zip code, make and model to find the best price for you. Then find a Certified Dealer today and (http://military.zag.com/main.html?refer ... ESRC=mr.nl) buy with confidence.


MR AF Names Nursing Program Selectees
More than four dozen enlisted Airmen have been selected for the 2012 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP). To see the list of selectees, visit the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 29-051.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. The next NECP selection board will convene in May 2013, with updated eligibility information available this fall. NECP information is available at the (https://kx.afms.mil/afnurseeducation) Air Force medical knowledge exchange site. Information from previous years is available on myPers for Airmen who want to begin preparation now. For more information, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website (https://mypers.af.mil.) . Select the "search all components" option and enter NECP in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


2012 Navy Special Assignment Duty Pay
The Navy recently announced the annual recertification of Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) for fiscal year 2012. SDAP recertification is conducted annually to ensure commands are maintaining an accurate account of member's eligibility for SDAP. The current recertification process ends Aug. 31. Recertification is typically completed by a command's admin department or personnel officer with the commanding officer recertifying each member. Sailors can read (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/010 ... 160.6B.PDF) OPNAVINST 1160.6B and talk with their command career counselor to learn more about SDAP.
For complete guides on all types of military pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Find Lenders ready to help you use your VA Home Loan


More Help for Transitioning Sailors
For transitioning Sailors affected by the Navy's Enlisted Retention Board, the Navy Transition Assistance Management Program, offered at Commander, Navy Installations Command's Fleet and Family Readiness Centers (FFSCs) worldwide. Also, extra outplacement services through Challenger, Grey and Christmas (CGC). Sailors are encouraged to contact CGC by calling 1-800-971-4288 or by e-mail at (mailto:cgcusnavy@challengergray.com) cgcusnavy@challengergray.com if they desire services and have not heard from CGC. Sailors can also contact the Help Center at Commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) by calling 866-827-5672 for more information. For more information, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB) Navy Personnel Command's Enlisted Retention Board webpage or contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For job search tips and guides, and nation-wide job listings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Schools Adopt Core Standards
The Department of Defense Education Activity recently adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for math and languages arts. The CCSS is a state-led effort. Forty-six states -- including two territories and the District of Columbia -- have accepted the standards. The standards eliminate redundancies or gaps students may run into when they move to another state or go to overseas DoDEA schools. Implementation of the new standards will occur once teachers across the board are trained, could be as early as the 2013-2014 school year. For more information about CCSS, visit the Common Core States Standards Initiative website at (http://www.corestandards.org) www.corestandards.org.


Veteran Talent Wanted: Parker Hannifin
Parker is the global leader in motion and control technologies. As one of the largest defense suppliers in the world, you have probably already experienced one or many of our products. There are many global opportunities to explore with Parker, where your military experience is valued. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... ESRC=mr.nl) Visit the Parker Hannifin Veteran Talent Portal.


Air Force PLAYPass Discounts
Eligible Airmen and their families have the opportunity to use the PLAYpass Get Out and PLAY program to save hundreds of dollars with discounts in recreational and life skills classes. 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 child care at either a reduced cost or free of charge. The PLAYpass program runs through Dec. 31. For more information about the PLAYpass program, program eligibility or how to obtain a PLAYpass card, visit (http://www.myairforcelife.com/) www.MyAirForceLife.com or an installation force support squadron.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/) See all military discounts for servicemembers and families on Military.com.


'Taps' 150th Birthday
The 150-year legacy of "Taps" was celebrated recently at Charles City County's Berkeley Plantation in Virginia, the site where Civil War Union Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield and bugler Cpl. Oliver W. Norton revised an earlier version of "Tattoo" into something into the enduring bugle call. "Taps," initially meant as a tranquil signal to extinguish all camp lights, eventually evolved into the sound of solemn tribute that today honors the sacrifice and service of the nation's fallen. For more information on "Taps" and its history, visit the (http://tapsbugler.com/an-excerpt-from-t ... ugle-call/) Taps Bugler website and the (http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html) Taps 150 website.