Military Report - Week of July 23, 2012

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Military Report - Week of July 23, 2012

AF to Recall Reserve Loadmasters
Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG) loadmasters may be eligible to apply through October 31, 2013 for a recall to extended active duty. Eligible applicants must be master sergeants or below, be current and qualified on their major weapon system, have less than 16 years of Total Active Federal Military Service by the end of their extended active duty period, and have a current qualifying flying Class III physical. Interested AFR and ANG loadmasters should contact their local military personnel section for guidance on preparing and submitting the application package. For more information about the program and 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.


Prequalifying for a VA Loan
Prequalifying for a VA loan is recommended for all eligible borrowers before they start shopping for a home. To prequalify for a VA home loan, an experienced loan professional will ask you questions about your income and credit history and may even run a quick credit report with your permission. You may also be asked for proof of military service and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at this time to be certain that you are eligible for a VA home loan. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and find out what documents you need to get together now.


Pentagon Opens History Exhibit
The Pentagon recently opened its new Pentagon Building History Exhibit, which shows the evolution of the five-sided structure from its earliest planning stages through its most recent modernization, which was completed in late 2011. The new exhibit features life-size images of Pentagon employees at work in their offices. Located between the C and D Rings of Corridor 2, on the Pentagon's third floor, the exhibit consists of three main parts. Several hallway display cases contain photos and artifacts from the 1940s and the 1990s. A multimedia space lets visitors see how the Pentagon was originally constructed. It is anticipated that the new exhibit will be included in the official Pentagon tours. To book a tour, visit the (http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-selection.html) Pentagon website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Navy Updates Voluntary Sea Duty Program
The U.S. Navy has released additional guidance for the Voluntary Sea Duty Program (VSDP). Sailors in the PTS eligibility window who wish to apply for VSDP must have their VSDP application submitted for consideration no later than the last day of the month, two months prior to their final PTS application. VSDP orders will not be cancelled for Sailors who subsequently receive a PTS quota after VSDP orders have been negotiated. Sailors on shore duty must submit their VSDP request no later than 12 months prior to their projected rotation date. Sailors interested in applying for VSDP should read NAVDMINs 043/12 and 205/12 on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... N2012.aspx) Navy Personnel Command website for complete details, and talk with their chain of command.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Small Business Help for Separating Marines
The Small Business Administration has announced the Operation Boots to Business program. The program gives veterans access to valuable resources to help them accomplish their dreams of starting and operating small businesses. The Marine Corps is the pilot service for this program. The program is now being offered at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.; Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.; and MCB Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif. It is schedule to launch nationwide for all services in 2013. For more information, email (mailto:boots2business@syr.edu) boots2business@syr.edu, visit the Boots to Business website at (http://boots2business.org/) boots2business.org, contact IVMF director of education programs Tina Kapral at (315) 443-0141 or view the introductory video at (http://boots2business.org) boots2business.org.
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.


Personalized Transition Checklists and Tips
We just the launched the new (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military Transition Center, which features revolutionary personalized checklists to guide servicemembers and retirees through transition even before you begin the separation process. The Transition Center works simply, but effectively. Designed to be the first place you go to plan your transition. Simply enter in your estimated separation date and you'll receive monthly email notifications with checklists and tips to help prepare for your exit from the military -- benefits and options after transition, civilian careers that match your military experience, resume keywords, interview tips, financial changes, relocation advice and more. (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military Transition Center Now.


Test Your Military Trivia Knowledge
Think you know military history and trivia? Test your knowledge with 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.


$200k ASMBA Coverage: As Little As $14.52 a Month
Is SGLI enough for your family? ASMBA understands your military family's needs and offers low cost life insurance coverage. Protect Your family today. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr0723.nl) Get $200k Protection, starting at $14.52 a month.


New America's Army Comics App
The U.S. Army announced today that it has launched America's Army Comics, a free iPad and Android tablet app for viewing issues of the America's Army comic series. The app explores the storyline behind America's Army and can be downloaded from (http://bit.ly/NkcahT) iTunes and from (http://bit.ly/ScK4FS) Google Play. America's Army Comics offers a groundbreaking digital comic reading experience highlighted by revolutionary animated panels, authentic sound effects and bold musical scores. Exclusive to the app is a feature for learning more about the U.S. Army by browsing through the interactive Intel section that showcases characters, state-of-the-art gear, technology, weapons, aircraft and more.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.


Health Certificates for Pets
Before you pack your bags for a permanent change of station or vacation overseas with your family and beloved pet, be sure to research the requirements for pet travel in your host country. Visit the (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfar ... avel.shtml) U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Welfare website to find out what documentation, if any, is necessary for traveling with a pet. If you cannot find specific requirements for the country you will be visiting, be sure to contact the country's embassy or consulate. Pets traveling abroad are required to have a health certificate, which your base veterinary clinic can usually provide.
For more about pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment/pet-corner/index) Military.com Pet Corner.


New Navy Energy Policy
The Navy issued a new energy policy that will drive energy consumption reduction at all Navy installations and seek new or existing technical solutions for reducing energy. The Shore Energy Management Instruction signifies a complete revision from the previous version published in 1994. The revised instruction includes specific responsibilities and actions that commands and personnel ashore must take in implementing the Navy Shore Energy program. The new instruction is available (http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/files/201 ... 100.5E.pdf) online. For more information about the Navy's Energy Program, visit the (http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/) Department of the Navy Energy, Environment and Climate Change website and the (http://www.facebook.com/navalenergy) Department of the Navy Task Force Energy Facebook page.


Land a Job at the Vets Virtual Career Fair
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual Career Fair on August 21st. It's free to join and you'll be able to communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Fast Track Your Military Experience to a Civilian Career. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more details and register for the event now.
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View a full calendar of Military Career Expos.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Veteran Career Center to search for jobs and get tips on your career and job search.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities.


Website for Those with PTSD
When Afghan veteran Cpl. Chris Dupee decided to record and upload his grim experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he built a website and others came. Today, Dupee's Military Minds website has been visited almost 11,000 military members and supporters from Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia and 16 other countries. Dupee served With the 3RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) during his 2008-09 Afghanistan tour. For more information, visit the (http://militaryminds.ca/) Military Minds website.
For more on PTSD and links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AF Overseas Tour Extension Incentives
Airmen stationed at overseas long tour locations who extend their tour Aug. 1 or later may be eligible for incentives thanks to recent changes to the Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP). Airmen who accept OTEIP can opt for one of three incentives: $2,000 special lump sum payment, 30 days of non-chargeable vacation time or 14 days of non-chargeable vacation time and funded travel (for the military member only) to the nearest stateside port and back. Some Air Force specialty codes have been added to the eligibility list, while others have been removed. To see the list of added and removed career fields, go to the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website and enter "OTEIP" in the search window.
For more on military pay and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay Center.


AF Promotes 500 Airmen
Nearly 500 Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the July enlisted supplemental promotion process. The list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 12-013.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. Airmen on the supplemental list are those who tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency. For more information about enlisted promotions 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.


AF No Longer Considering a Civilian RIF
The Air Force is suspending consideration of civilian reduction in force (RIF) actions. This delay permits the Civilian Personnel Sections to continue placement actions of civilian employees using voluntary incentives into FY13. This allows the Air Force to take advantage of normal attrition rates due to retirements and employees who leave Federal service for the private sector. The Air Force will periodically review civilian personnel strength and assess the need to implement additional voluntary actions as needed. Past workforce shaping efforts were driven by the Air Force's need to meet the goals of the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Resource Management Decision 703, which targeted DoD-wide efficiencies.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


White House Seeks Cost-Cutting Ideas
The White House is sponsoring the SAVE Award (Securing Americans Value and Efficiency) to seek ideas from federal employees about how we can make government more efficient and effective. Visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/save-award) Office of Management and Budget website by July 24 if you would like to submit an idea. You will see award criteria and prior year award winning ideas at the website. You can also encourage your co-workers to vote on your idea or submit their own. The winner gets to come to Washington to present his or her idea to the President for possible inclusion in the next budget.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Bonuses For Marines
The Selective Reenlistment Bonus program offers Marines willing to reenlist additional benefits to staying in active duty. The first-term reenlisting Marines are eligible for the SRB program after July 1, 2012, and career Marines after Oct. 1, 2012. This includes any first-term or career Marines reaching their end of current contract between Oct. 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2013. The program offers different amounts of bonuses depending on the Marines' grade upon their date of reenlistment, military occupational specialty they are reenlisting in and the number of months of additional obligated service. No SRB payment will exceed $90,000.
For more on military pay and bonuses, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay Center.


Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Exclusive military and government-only discounts up to 70% off retail. Save on outdoor, lifestyle and tactical gear, including Sunglasses, Golf Clubs, Apparel & More. (https://www.govx.com/milcom/?utm_source ... tarycom_v1) Sign-up is free.


Military Advance Pay
The purpose of advance pay is to give funds to a member to meet extraordinary expenses incident to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It is intended to assist with the out-of-pocket expenses, not typical of day-to-day military living, that precede or exceed reimbursements incurred in a member's change of duty locations. An advance of pay is not authorized for the specific out-of-pocket expenses covered by advances of other allowances and entitlements, if those advances are used (to include travel allowances and per diem, overseas station housing allowance, basic allowance for housing, and dislocation allowance). The member's commander has a responsibility to ensure that an advance of pay is used only to help with the financial burden of a PCS. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Pay and Benefits Section to view current pay charts, BAH rates and more.


AF Seeks Candidates
The Air Force is seeking candidates for three Biomedical Sciences Corps training and commissioning programs. These include (1) the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, (2) the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences graduate training program in Military Clinical Psychology, which is designed to prepare broad-based Ph.D. Clinical psychologists, and (3) the Inter-service Physician Assistant Training Program. For information on these and other medical training programs, including additional criteria, application procedures, and commissioning programs, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website or the (https://kx.afms.mil/afbsceducation) Medical Services Knowledge Exchange website.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Be Careful What You Post
Be careful what you post online. Opinions posted on social media sites are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and one small remark or photo can ruin a career. Remember, there are limitations when it comes to posting political, religious and ideological views. For more information, download ' (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document ... 27-048.pdf) Navigating the Social Network, the Air Force Guide to Effective Social Media Use'.
To keep up with the military and social media, connect with the (http://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com Facebook page.


Marine Corps Debt Counseling
While many may never experience debt, sometimes it is unavoidable. With some precautions Marines and their families can remain debt free. For those living with it, utilizing several tools provided by Marine Corps Community Services can eliminate debt over time. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) has specialists ready to offer advice and consultations for developing stable financial living. MCCS offers meetings with interested Marines or their family members to help create plans for resolving debt. They also offer programs to set up budgets for those wishing to have a better understanding of their finances. For more information, contact your base Marine Corps Community Services office.
For more credit and debt guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance) Military.com Personal Finance section.


Tillman Military Scholars Meet
More than 100 Tillman Military Scholars, along with staff and board members from the Pat Tillman Foundation, are meeting at the University of Maryland for the 3rd Annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit July 22-24. The group will participate in leadership development and job skills workshops and service projects throughout the area. In addition, Tillman Military Scholars will have the opportunity to meet with key U.S. Congressional members to share their personal experiences and to bring awareness to the leadership roles filled by veterans and military spouses. For more information, visit the (http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/) Pat Tillman Foundation website.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Featured Employer: Allstate Hiring Vets
Visit the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Allstate Veteran Talent Portal to search jobs, view hiring event dates, and learn more about what it's like to work for a company that values veteran talent. At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands(R), and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and apply for jobs.