Military Report - Week of September 17, 2012

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Military Report - Week of September 17, 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.


NEX Changes Credit Card Policy
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that NEX customers who make a purchase for $25 or less using a credit card will no longer need to sign a sales receipt. This option is available to customers who make a purchase using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Military Star Card. For those customers using an American Express card to pay for purchases, a signature will still be required. Customers will still receive a printed receipt for all purchases.
For more personal finance tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Preparedness for Airmen
With September designated as National Preparedness Month, Air Force Emergency Management experts are emphasizing the tools available to help Airmen and their families "Be Ready." First, Airmen should know is their installation emergency management office is the place to go for emergency information. Also, there is a comprehensive set of resources available on the Air Force's "Be Ready" website, which even offers a 'Be Ready Kids' section where you can download activity sheets to help educate younger family members. For more information and resources to help prepare for any disaster, Air Force members should contact their installation emergency management office or visit the Air Force Be Ready website at (http://www.beready.af.mil./) www.BeReady.af.mil.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AAFES $500 Essay Contest
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is asking shoppers to write a short 220-500 word essay on which Exchange Value representative they feel best depicts their lifestyle and how they identify with their preferred individual. Video introductions of all representatives can be seen at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/PatriotFamily) www.shopmyexchange.com/PatriotFamily. One winner from each represented category will be chosen to receive a $500 Exchange gift card. The contest is open to all military and DoD ID card holders 18-years-old and older. The contest is open until Oct. 4, 2012.Contest entry details, and complete contest rules are available at the Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community ... ntests.htm) www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patrio ... ntests.htm.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Chance for Navy Reservists to Go Active
The U.S. Navy has announced the establishment of a new program, the Reserve Component to Active Component (RC to AC), which will offer enlisted Reservists opportunities to convert to permanent active duty careers. Once released from their Reserve obligations and assigned to their new billets, RC to AC participants will become active duty Sailors in every respect, including being eligible for AC advancement, permanent change of station orders, and selective reenlistment bonus eligibility. Interested Reservists can apply to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-92) through his or her unit and Naval Reserve Activity commanding officer in response to advertised vacancies with specific proficiency, year-group and other requirements. Vacancies will be advertised via the GovDelivery system. Reservists can sign up for GovDelivery notifications through the Navy Reserve Forces Command homepage at (http://www.navyreserve.navy.mil) www.navyreserve.navy.mil. To learn more about the RC to AC program, Sailors may speak with their chain of command or call the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC, (1-866-827-5672).
For more about joining the military, enlistment options, and practice ASVAB tests, visit (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com's Join the Military section.


Some Airmen Urged to Reenlist
The Air Force is urging Regular Air Force Airmen who are eligible to reenlist or extend their current enlistment in December and early Jan. 2013 to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections or force support squadrons by Nov. 15 to avoid processing delays and military pay issues when the Air the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) is transferred in December. Airmen can reenlist during the upgrade in December, but they may experience additional delays in processing these transactions to DFAS if their date of separation expires during the MilPDS upgrade. Reserve and Guard members will receive specific instructions. More information is available on the Air Reserve Personnel Center public website at (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil) www.arpc.afrc.af.mil. For more information on the MilPDS upgrade, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more about joining the military, enlistment options, and practice ASVAB tests, visit (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com's Join the Military section.


Veterans Wanted: Careers with Parker Hannifin
Engineering YOUR Success: You were serious about your career in the military and now we are serious about engineering your success as the nation's most valued talent. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Explore working for a company who is the leader in motion and control technologies.


Vet Benefit Calculator: What Do You Qualify For?
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.


'Taps' Kept in New York State
Stars and Stripes reports that a planned budget cut that would have eliminated the playing of taps live at military funerals on Long Island and across the state of New York has been scrapped after sparking political opposition. To fulfill its obligation to staff virtually all military funerals, the National Guard was preparing to expand its use of volunteers from veterans service agencies, who mostly perform taps using electronic bugles. The faux instruments play recorded music, using electronic inserts. The National Guard has no plans to expand the playing of taps live. For information on possibly finding a live bugler for a funeral, visit the Bugles Across America website at (http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/) www.buglesacrossamerica.org/.
For more on burial benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Military.com Memorial and Burial section.


New NEX Mobile Centers
Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) customers will find purchasing a mobile phone and mobile services easier thanks to its new NEX Mobile Centers, which will offer customers wireless products, accessories and services from a variety of service providers including AT&T, Boost Mobile, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. The new centers will sell a wide variety of Smartphones as well as mobile phone service plans. A list of exchanges that will receive the NEX Mobile Center is available (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69399) online.
(http://www.military.com/discounts) View all Military Deals and Discounts.


GI Dogs Study in Nevada Seeks Vets
G.I. DOGS, a program of Nevada Humane Society dedicated to providing service dogs and pets for Nevada's military veterans, is conducting a clinical study that hopes to show that veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will show fewer signs of anxiety and an overall reduction in their PTSD symptoms after helping a rescue dog become a certified service dog. Veterans with diagnosed PTSD are being sought to participate in this free clinical study. Participants will work with former shelter dogs to qualify them as service dogs. For more details, please contact Alicia Adams at 775-328-1860. For more information on Nevada Humane Society's G.I. DOGS program, please call at 775-856-2000 ext. 323.
For more military-related pet stories and features, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
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.


Navy Reenlistment Bonus Updates
The U.S. Navy has announced updates to the Selective Reenlistment Bonus award plan. The updates includes reductions for three skills, one skill elimination, ten skills award level increases and 11 skills added to the list. The updates also announce the upcoming change to annual SRB installment payments from October to the anniversary month of reenlistment date, which will take effect for all Sailors reenlisting for SRB on, or after, Oct. 1, 2012. Eligible Sailors desiring SRB reenlistment are encouraged to work with their command career counselors, command master chiefs, and chain of command to discuss timing of reenlistment and procedures well before their EAOS. Sailors can read the complete list of SRB award levels and policy at the Navy Personnel Command's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... s/srb.aspx) SRB Program webpage.
For more about joining the military, enlistment options, and practice ASVAB tests, visit (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com's Join the Military section.


Army Ready with Flu Vaccine
The Army has ordered nearly 2 million doses of vaccine to immunize all Soldiers, their families, civilian employees and retirees for the upcoming flu season. The vaccinations will be available at most installations in October, but each medical facility will set its own schedule for distribution. The Army expects to have 90 percent of the force vaccinated by Dec. 17. Vaccinations will be available at installations as soon as it is received. Flu vaccinations will also be available at no cost to beneficiaries from any TRICARE-authorized provider or at any participating pharmacies. To find a participating pharmacy, call 1-877-363-1303 or visit the TRICARE Pharmacy Program website at (http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/) www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/ . For more information on the 2012-2013 Flu Season, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/upcoming.htm) www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/upcoming.htm.
For more on TRICARE, including guides to all TRICARE options, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Navy Holiday Season Mailing Dates
The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division has announced mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25, delivery of holiday cards, letters, and packages. Customers should check with their local civilian or military post office for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms. Also, certain mail restrictions apply and some items cannot be mailed. Examples are switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local civilian or military post office. A listing of the holiday season mailing dates is available on the (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69406) NAVSUP website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Women Vets Stand Down in North Dakota
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Black Hills Health Care System is hosting its first Women Veterans Stand Down on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sturgis Armory, at the corner of Junction Avenue and Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota. The Women Veterans Stand Down is intended to serve homeless and low-income female veterans from the VA Black Hills catchment area. There is no charge for any of the services. Veterans who have not previously enrolled with the VA are requested to bring a copy of their military discharge papers, DD 214, to the Women Veterans Stand Down. For more information about the Women Veterans Stand Down, call Dianna Monahan at 605-347-2511 ext. 97247.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Intel Officer Developmental Team
Air Force intelligence officers interested in leadership, command and developmental opportunities have until the second week of October to prepare an application and statement of intent, which are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by Oct. 12. The Intelligence Officer Fall Developmental Team will convene Oct. 30 - Nov. 02 to consider applicants for director of operations, wing senior intelligence officer, detachment commander, regional affairs strategist and junior officer cryptologic career program opportunities. Nominating authorities may nominate as many qualified officers as they choose. For a complete list of qualification requirements and application instructions, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website or contact the assignments team at (mailto:intel@randolph.af.mil) intel@randolph.af.mil.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Credit Tips: How Much Debt to Carry?
How much debt is acceptable to have? The answer depends on the type of debt you have and also how old you are. To illustrate, consider the following situations: paying 20% of your income to mortgage is much different than paying 20% to your credit card. And trying to pay off credit card debt when you're 30 is different than if you're 65, retired, and on a fixed income. For tips on how to evaluate your debt and whether you're in a good position, see (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... -have.html) this article on Military.com.


Estimating Radiation Exposure Online
The Department of Defense recently launched the Operation Tomodachi Registry website, which provides location-based radiation dose estimate reports for adults and children comprising the DOD-affiliated population on or near mainland Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011. Visitors can download location-based radiation dose estimate reports from the website. These reports include medical interpretations and provide comparisons of the Operation Tomodachi radiation doses with more commonly experienced radiation doses. The website also includes information on the event and answers to frequently asked questions. The Operation Tomodachi Registry is available (http://registry.csd.disa.mil/otr) online.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Say Thank You To the Troops 091712
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. (http://www.thanksabunch.org/milcom/?oid=1010_6) Say "thanks a bunch" today.


Join Us: SpouseBuzz Live Miramar, CA
Scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10am to 2pm in San Diego, CA, SpouseBUZZ LIVE is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. Every year SpouseBUZZ LIVE brings together thousands of military spouses to extend support to the women and men on the homefront. The event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. In a fast-paced, on-your-feet, NO-Power-Point, win-a-prize workshop, the SpouseBuzz experts bring their best insider tips on the top four concerns of military spouses. (http://spousebuzzlivemiramar.eventbrite.com/) Register Today!


Military Pay Safe from Budget Cuts
The White House released its 396-page report that details $54.7 billion in Defense Department cuts in 2013 if Congress cannot agree on a deficit reduction plan to avoid sequestration by Jan. 2. The report details the 9.4 percent cuts in Defense Department discretionary spending. As promised by President Obama, funding for military personnel accounts, including pay, will not be subject to sequester cuts. Department of Veterans Affairs funding has also received an exemption.
The White House did hedge in the report saying the estimates found in it are not final.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... on-report/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/directory/congdir.tt) Let your elected officials know how you feel about the ?sequestration? related cuts.


AF Initiates New Specialty Code
Almost 470 flight engineers, aerial gunners and loadmasters who fly Air Force Special Operations Command's CV-22, AC-130 and Non-Standard Aviation aircraft are transitioning to one Air Force specialty code, 1A9X1 Special Mission Aviation starting in November. The new AFSC will also include HH-60 flight engineers and aerial gunners and UH-1 flight engineers from across the Air Force. For promotion within the new AFSC, Airmen transitioning to 1A9X1 can expect the Professional Fitness Exam for at least a year until a Career Development Course and Specialty Knowledge Test can be developed. For more information or for retraining opportunities into Special Mission Aviation, contact Master Sgt. Matt Ardis, CEA In-Service Recruiter, at (mailto:cea.recruiting@pentagon.af.mil) cea.recruiting@pentagon.af.mil . For questions specific to serving as a SOFCEA in AFSOC, e-mail (mailto:afsoc.sofcea@hurlburt.af.mil) afsoc.sofcea@hurlburt.af.mil or visit their (http://www.facebook.com/SOFCEA.) Facebook page.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Supplemental Promotion List
Hundreds of Airmen were recently selected for promotion as part of the September enlisted supplemental promotion process. The promotion list is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 06-006.pdf) online. Airmen on the supplemental list 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 updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends 091712
Wish you could find your buddy from BCT? Your old master chief? Use the (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Buddy Finder to search over 20 million records.


VA Says No Service Dogs
The Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer pay for service dogs for veterans suffering only with post-traumatic-stress-disorder and other mental health disabilities. A 67-page, final draft of rules concerning veterans in need of service dogs was published today in the Federal Register and will become final in 30 days. In justifying its decision, the VA cited "nationally established" and "widely accepted" training protocols for sight, hearing and mobility-assistance dogs and the lack of similar training protocols for mental health service dogs. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... erers.html) this Military.com article. For more military-related pet stories and features, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


Military Suicide Bereavement Study
The University of Kentucky Military Suicide Bereavement Study is seeking family members of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide. Those who participate in the survey will answer questions to determine eligibility before the research team schedules a convenient time and location for the study, which takes about three hours to complete. The study does not have to be completed in a single sitting and all participants will receive $50 for their efforts. This study was funded by a grant was awarded from the Department of Defense's Military Suicide Research Consortium (MSRC) to the University of Kentucky's College of Social Work. For more information about the Military Suicide Bereavement Research study, e-mail (javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,101,108,105,110,100,97,46,109,111,111,114,101,64,117,107,121,46,101,100,117)+'?')) melinda.moore@uky.edu or call (859) 257-0073.
For more links to support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


House Passes New 'Stolen Valor' Act
Those who lie about military service or make false claims about receiving military medals with the intent of benefiting from those claims would be committing a crime under legislation passed by the House last week. The House's 410-3 vote on what is known as the Stolen Valor Act came less than three months after the Supreme Court struck down the original act on the grounds that it violated First Amendment free speech rights. The new bill attempts to get around the court ruling by making clear that it applies only in cases where people lie about a military record with the aim of obtaining payment or other benefits. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... r-act.html) this Military.com article.


U.S. Army Europe Website Goes Mobile
The U.S. Army Europe's official website is now mobile-device friendly, no matter which handset users favor. Mobile users can access the site by the same web address as always at (http://www.eur.army.mil) www.eur.army.mil. Visitors will be automatically sorted depending on browser size, and mobile browsers will be automatically switched to (http://www.eur.army.mil/mobile) www.eur.army.mil/mobile. Visitors to the site can learn about the U.S. Army in Europe's mission on the continent and call or e-mail points of contact at each unit with just a touch of a button. The website also features USAREUR leadership, units and locations of Army posts around Europe -- all in a mobile-friendly format.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Deal of the Week: 10 Off at Lowes Year-Round 091712
Active duty, Active reserve, retired military and immediate family members can get a 10% discount year-round at Lowe's. (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.


Financial Checklist for Deployment
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. According to a survey by the National Military Family Association, 28% of military families say financial issues are among their greatest challenges during deployment. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get the Financial Checklist on Military.com.


Army to Conduct Vaccine Exercise
Installations around Honolulu, Hawaii will hold a mass flu vaccination exercise, Sept. 18-20, with the goal of vaccinating as many Oahu-based active duty servicemembers and emergency-essential civilians as possible. Drivers may experience traffic delays or reduced parking around mass vaccination sites. Patients visiting clinics on post may experience longer waiting times due to reduced medical personnel. Vaccines will be available to all Tricare beneficiaries at military medical treatment facilities in Hawaii starting Sept. 21. Vaccines will be available at post exchanges throughout October and local schools in October and November. For more information, visit the (http://www.tamc.amedd.army.mil/flu/docs ... 2-2013.pdf) Oahu Flu Vaccination brochure, the (http://www.tamc.amedd.army.mil/flu/fighttheflu.htm) Tripler Fight the Flu webpage, the (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/do ... is-flu.pdf) Flu Shot-Inactivated Influenza Information Sheet, and the (http://www.tamc.amedd.army.mil/flu/docs/fs-flumist.pdf) Flu Mist-Live Intranasal Influenza Vaccination Info Sheet.
For more on military health benefits and options, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/) Military.com Benefits section.