Military Report - Week of August 20, 2012

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Military Report - Week of August 20, 2012

Army Seeks Green-to-Gold Applicants
Active-duty, enlisted Soldiers who are interested in becoming commissioned officers can learn more by exploring Cadet Command's Green-to-Gold option. Cadet Command is accepting applications now as part of "Operation Officership," a campaign that provides eligible, active duty enlisted Soldiers an opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree or obtain master's degree and be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon receiving the appropriate degree. The program is also available to for enlisted Soldiers interested in becoming an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
For more information, contact your career counselors or visit the Army ROTC website at (http://www.goarmy.com/rotc) www.goarmy.com/rotc or telephone Ms. Gloria Pringle at the U.S. Army Cadet Command at 502-624-6937.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy High-Priority Billets
The U.S. Navy is working to place Sailors into high-priority Fleet billets via several new and expanded initiatives. Beginning with the with the August 2012 CMS/ID cycle, the Navy will initiate Changes to Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) where detailers will fill all advertised billets each cycle, and Fleet readiness will be the ultimate factor in filling assignments. Limited Directed Detailing will detail selected Sailors with critical skills back to operational sea duty early. The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Early Return to Sea program will detail selected senior enlisted Sailors of ranks E7 to E9 back to sea. And, the Voluntary Sea Duty Program is being expanded. For more information about these programs, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil) Navy Personnel Command website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Meet Top Employers Tomorrow, 8/21
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual 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.


TRICARE Offers Home Delivery
TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program growth continues to soar in 2012 by offering a safe, affordable and convenient way to get prescriptions delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. One of the most popular features is the automatic prescription refill option, which ensures patients do not run out of their medications. Home delivery is also safe, automatically checking medical and prescription history to help prevent harmful drug interactions. Beneficiaries can find links to sign up for TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or enroll their existing home delivery prescriptions in the automatic prescription refill program at (http://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery) www.tricare.mil/homedelivery or call toll free at 1-877-363-1303 (option 2).
For more on TRICARE, including guides to all TRICARE options, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


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 ... ESRC=mr.nl) View 2012 BAH Rates.
(http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ESRC=mr.nl) View 2012 Military Pay Charts to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station.


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.


Vet Benefit Calculator: Connect to Your Benefits
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://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl)
(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.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl)


New Campus for Wounded Warriors
Construction is underway on a new Soldier in Transition Campus at Fort Eustis, Va., which will greatly improve the recuperative process for wounded warriors assigned to the post's Warrior Transition Unit. The Warrior Transition Complex will consist of three primary facilities -- a 43,200 square-foot barracks capable of housing 80 Soldiers, a 16,600 square-foot company administration building that will provide office space for 76 people, and a 7,000 square-foot Soldier and Family Assistance Center to provide family-support services. The new campus is expected to be completed between December 2012 and February 2013.
For more transition resources and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


Army Standardizes PTSD Diagnosis
The U.S. Army, along with the other military services and the Department of Veterans Affairs, is standardizing the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Army medical community is now being trained on guidelines spelled out in Army Medical Command Policy Memo 12-035 (Apr. 10, 2012), Policy Guidance on the Assessment and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The memo emphasizes the urgency of the issue. PTSD occurs in three to six percent of servicemembers with no deployment experience and in five to 25 percent of servicemembers who have been deployed to combat zones. For PTSD resources, visit the (http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/ptsd/index.html) Army Behavioral Health PTSD Information webpage. For an immediate crisis, visit the (http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) National Suicide Prevention Hotline website and call (http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


Hawaii Museums Welcome Visitors
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy at (http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org) www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org tells the military story in Hawaii, from the early Native Hawaiian warriors to Soldiers who fought in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Honolulu Museum of Art at (http://www.honolulumuseum.org) www.honolulumuseum.org houses a world-class art collection. Honolulu's Bishop Museum at (http://www.bishopmuseum.org) www.bishopmuseum.org is Hawaii's largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawaii and the Pacific. The Iolani Palace at (http://www.iolanipalace.org) www.iolanipalace.org , the official residence of Hawaii's monarchy, is a National Historic Landmark. Meanwhile, the Schofield Barracks Tropic Lightning Museum at (http://www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/tlm/index.html) www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/tlm/index.html is undergoing structural renovations to its 100-year-old building and will reopen in the Spring, 2013.
For more military history features and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


AAFES Offers Avengers Comic Book
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is currently offering the latest installment of the free military-only "Avengers" comic book in Exchange stores worldwide while supplies last. In this latest comic book, it does not take long for Captain America, the other Avengers and the returning servicemembers to spring into action to protect innocent civilians. For more information, visit your local exchange.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Individual Development Plans for Soldiers
Are you an Army Soldier, officer or Army civilian who has an individual development plan (IDP) due in the near future? The newly developed step-by-step navigation tool called the Army Career Tracker (ACT) can help create an individual development plan (IDP) in a few simple steps. IDPs are formed by setting long- and short-term goals in ACT. Individuals are also able to select degree programs and certifications to add to their IDPs. To create a new IDP: (1) 1. Visit the (https://actnow.army.mil) Army Career Tracker website and click on the IDP tab; (2) click on the "Create New IDP" button located under the IDP portlet; (3) select a "Start Date" for your IDP and the end date will automatically populate; (4) your IDP will automatically be populated with some established goals; and (5) submit your IDP for approval, and print a copy for you and your supervisor to sign.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Upgrades Detailing System
The Career Management System-Interactive Detailing (CMS-ID) update recently released by the U.S. Navy includes new features such as: (1) capability to save job search results and Application History results in Microsoft? Excel; (2) expanded Command Contact list for researching jobs at future commands; and (3) application "Gates" to alert both AC and RC Sailors that an approved application is already in the system. For more information and users aids about CMS-ID and Navy Career Tools, visit the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil --under "NPC Quick Links", click "Career Toolbox". Or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


The Politics of Budget Cutting
Lawmakers sent a signal to the White House this month that Congress is more interested in winning reelection in November than in removing the threat severe cuts to government programs in January. The cuts would be the result of sequestration -- called the Budget Control Act. In addition to cutting 10 percent of the Defense budget, the cuts would likely include delaying eligibility for Medicare and Social Security for younger workers, the delivery of VA programs, and more. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... t-cutting/) Read the full article on the Military Advantage Blog.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 06&type=ML) Contact your elected officials, and let your voice be heard on this subject!


VA Loan Program Benefits
While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the top 4 benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0820.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.


Operation Boots to Business
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has joined with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to launch a training program for transitioning servicemembers and veterans called "Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup," to help them become entrepreneurs and create jobs. Through the Boots to Business initiative, servicemembers will learn the nuts and bolts of how to start and grow a business. They will also be introduced to the SBA's nationwide Resource Partner network for support throughout the lifecycle of their new business. For more information on the Operation Boots to Business training program, and on how to take part as a transitioning servicemember, visit the SBA's Operation Boots to business website at (http://www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness) www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness.
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.


AF Supplemental Promotion List
Hundreds of Airmen were recently selected for promotion as part of the August enlisted supplemental promotion process. Selection is based on overall promotion scores derived from Weighted Airman Promotion System factors, including time in grade, time in service, enlisted performance reports, decorations, promotion fitness examination score and specialty knowledge test score. For promotion to senior or chief master sergeant, it also includes board scores. The promotion list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 09-009.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. For more information about enlisted promotions or other personnel issues, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Moving is always a stressful occasion, but the best way to make the process go more smoothly is to get to the travel office and book early. As soon as you receive your permanent change of station (PCS) orders, you should start your move process. Requesting your pickup and delivery dates as soon as possible will ensure a better chance of getting the dates you want. Especially important is making arrangements for your personally-owned vehicle. The Move.mil website at (http://www.move.mil) www.move.mil offers tips and videos about relocating, including the downloadable 28-page "It's Your Move" booklet. Also, the Military Youth on the Move website at (http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/pls/psgprod/f?p=MYOM:HOME2:0) http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/pls/psgprod/f?p=MYOM:HOME2:0 features advice for young family members on packing, saying goodbye, traveling and keeping in touch.
For more PCS moving guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Political Guidelines for Soldiers
In communicating partisan sentiments, Soldiers have far fewer freedoms in their political life than do civilians. Soldiers may be card-carrying members. They may participate as spectators during political rallies, provided they are out of uniform and off duty. They cannot, however, identify themselves by their official titles while politicking. And, while attending rallies and gatherings as participants passes scrutiny, Soldiers are banned from speaking publicly at them. Campaigning for a particular candidate or party is also off-limits. This includes soliciting funds from others, marching in a partisan parade, distributing literature and working as part of a campaign. A YouTube video distributed by the U.S. Army and entitled " (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwkgjvZElKI) Election2012 -- Know the Facts," sums it up: "You represent your own views, but your uniform represents so much more."
To keep up with political issues and legislation that affects military benefits, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


Veterans Wanted: General Dynamics
General Dynamics is searching for the best veteran talent to help us deliver innovative technology solutions for our nation's highest-priority defense and homeland security initiatives. Learn how your skills can translate into a civilian career in mission-critical programs. Visit the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) General Dynamics Veteran Talent Portal to find featured jobs, hiring events and to learn more about a career with General Dynamics.


New AF Standards of Conduct Instruction
Airmen now have a single source for referencing fundamental standards in Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards. The instruction is the first and only to be signed and certified by the chief of staff. The new instruction consolidates many of the standards that had been spread among many separate instructions. It conveniently summarizes the expected standards of conduct for uniformed Airmen. (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... AFI1-1.pdf) Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards, and the related (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... /AFPD1.pdf) AFPD 1, Air Force Culture can be found on the Air Force e-Publishing website at (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/) www.e-publishing.af.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Seeks CID Applicants
The Army's Criminal Investigation Command (CID) is looking for qualified applicants to become highly-trained criminal investigators. To qualify, applicants must be a U.S. Citizen and must be at least 21 years old. Applicants must be no more than an E-5 (non-promotable). Those E-5s who are promotable, or those who have achieved E-6 but have one year or less time-in-grade, may apply with waiver. All applicants must have at least two years, but not more than 10 years' time-in-service among other requirements. The complete listing of qualifications can be found on the CID website (http://www.cid.army.mil) www.cid.army.mil . To apply to become a CID Special Agent, prospective applicants should contact their local CID office or visit the Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) website at (http://www.cid.army.mil) www.cid.army.mil for additional information.
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.


Meet Top Employers Tomorrow 8/21
Military.com and Monster are hosting a Veterans Virtual 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.


Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
Exclusive Military & Gov't Only Discounts up to 50% off retail. Save on Outdoor, Lifestyle & Tactical Gear. We carry Sunglasses, Golf Clubs, Apparel & More! (https://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source= ... taryreport) Sign-up is free!


Mortgage Relief for Servicemembers
A new program was unveiled in June 2012 that could help tens of thousands of veterans and servicemembers who are struggling with underwater homes. The program expands the national mortgage settlement that the government previously reached with some of the largest banks, and it steps up enforcement of the (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... ESRC=mr.nl) Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).