Military Report - Week of September 24, 2012

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Military Report - Week of September 24, 2012

AF OTS Board Results
The Air Force recently announced its Officer Training School Selection Board results. 398 applicants were selected to serve as Air Force officers with a selection rate of 78.7 percent. A list of selected candidates is available on the (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123318110) U.S. Air Force website. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should contact their local education office; civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Army Corps Website
The Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, recently launched a newly designed website at (http://www.swd.usace.army.mil) www.swd.usace.army.mil that provides more information in a multimedia, easily navigable format. The site offers such features as a rotating image gallery, updated news releases, a library with division publications, presentations, fact sheets and other information, a search engine, and the ability to sign up for RSS feeds. The new website is part of a project to update all 58 Corps of Engineers websites. A survey to post visitors' feedback to make the website better is available on the website itself or by visiting (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X3VLD8K) www.surveymonkey.com/s/X3VLD8K .
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Commissaries Rewards Card
The new DeCA rewards card allows you to go online and put electronic coupons on your Commissary Rewards Card. The cashier will scan your card and the coupons automatically are deducted from the shopping total. (http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.


Stop Loss Pay Deadline Nears
Oct. 21 is the last day for eligible servicemembers whose enlistments were involuntarily extended or had to remain on active duty beyond approved retirement or separation date due to stop loss authority, to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP). RSLSP compensates active duty, Reserve component, former and retired servicemembers who, at any time between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, served on active duty and had their enlistment or period of obligated service involuntarily extended. Claims are processed through the respective services personnel offices - for more information, visit the (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... _stoploss/) Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay webpage.
For more on stop-loss pay and other military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits page.


4 Keys to VA Loan Approval
VA loan approval may be easier than many think. Understanding the VA requirements can help borrowers know what to expect during the VA home loan process. The VA publishes a lender's handbook as a guideline for companies that originate and fund VA loans. In the handbook are four basic loan approval requirements that VA-approved lenders use when considering loan applications. A veteran who understands the basic approval guidelines is better able to consider whether they are likely to qualify for a VA mortgage. (http://www.military.com/money/partner/h ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more for the four keys.


Featured Employer: AT&T is Hiring
A different kind of action, but exciting nonetheless. In the military, you contributed to a disciplined, motivated and successful team. You'll be right at home with AT&T. We continuously recognize the contributions of our armed forces. In every area of AT&T, you'll find retired military and active reservists who made the transition to civilian life. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn More.


Answers to Your Sequestration Questions
The Military Advantage blog recently featured a live Q&A blog session with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller. Check out the replay to see how our guests answered our readers questions about the impact sequestration may have on military pay, TRICARE, tuition assistance, VA benefits, and other defense programs.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... estration/) Click here to check out the replay of the event.


Operation Warfighter
The Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program provides wounded warriors with an opportunity to try new career fields. The first step in the OWF process is to obtain "medical clearance" from a servicemember's chain of command to certify that they are ready and able to participate in OWF. After clearance, the local OWF Coordinator will work with the servicemember to identify and secure an opportunity that will be a good fit with their interests and capabilities. For more information, visit the (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/12 ... erview.pdf) Operation Warfighter information page.
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.


The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle. Through Yellow Ribbon events, servicemembers and loved ones connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments. The Yellow Ribbon Program began more than five years ago through the National Defense Authorization Act and it has benefited tens of thousands of servicemembers from all branches of the military. For more information on the program, visit the Yellow Ribbon Program website at (http://www.yellowribbon.mil) www.yellowribbon.mil, or to register for an event, visit the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program website at (http://www.yellowribbonevents.org) www.yellowribbonevents.org .
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Battleship Offers Ceremonial Site
The Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina is honored to extend a gratis site for traditional military ceremonies such as re-enlistments, retirements, promotions and memorial celebrations. Usually held on the Fantail of the Ship, inside spaces are available for inclement weather days. Included at no extra cost are chairs, table and podium/sound system. Call the Battleship North Carolina for reservations at (910) 251-5797. For more information, visit the Battleship North Carolina website at (http://www.battleshipnc.com) www.battleshipnc.com or follow us on Facebook.com/ncbb55 and Twitter.com/battleshipnc .
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


After the Military: Checklists and Tips
What is next after the Military? Explore your options. Start early and get ahead with the Transition Center. Military.com has launched the new 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.


Deal of the Week: Military Save $ Here
Exclusive Military & Gov't Only Discounts up to 50% off retail. Save on Outdoor, Lifestyle & Tactical Gear. We carry Sunglasses, Watches, Knives, Apparel & More! (https://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source= ... rtsepoct12) Sign-up is free!


Have a Flag Flown on the Battleship NC
The Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina flies the national flag daily and is pleased to fly one for you from the ship's foremast on your special occasion or in memory or honor of your loved one. Flags are flown at no charge except to cover shipping fees, if needed. Flown on the specific date of your preference, the flag, provided by you or purchased through the Ship's Store, will fly high above the NORTH CAROLINA and is then returned to you with a personalized signed certificate from the Executive or Assistant Director. Call the Ship at (910) 251-5797 for more details. For more information, visit the Battleship North Carolina website at (http://www.battleshipnc.com) www.battleshipnc.com or follow on (http://www.Facebook.com/ncbb55) Facebook.com/ncbb55 and (http://Twitter.com/battleshipnc) Twitter.com/battleshipnc.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Purple Heart License Plate in GA
Active-duty Soldiers who have received Purple Hearts are now able to acquire the free Purple Heart license plate in the State of Georgia. Formerly, the plate was given only to retired Purple Heart recipients. The newly-modified Georgia law on free license plates for Purple Heart veterans reads "the term 'veteran' shall include a member of the armed forces or reserves who is still serving on active duty after being awarded the Purple Heart citation." For more information, find and contact your local Tax Commissioners Tag Office on the (http://motor.etax.dor.Ga.gov/tagoffices ... ffice.aspx) Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicles Division website.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


TRICARE Facts
TRICARE is a regionally managed health care program for Active Duty, Activated Guard and Reserves, Retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE has 3 main coverage choices: TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Extra, and TRICARE Standard. Active Duty and Guard and Reserve servicemembers are automatically enrolled TRICARE Prime. However military dependents and retirees must choose the TRICARE option that best suits their needs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information and see deductibles, fees and more on Military.com.


Tips for Owning a Home and Building Wealth
Almost any servicemember can afford to own a home with proper preparation. Develop a savings plan to build up money for a down payment at purchase, for moving expenses, and for post-purchase emergency expenditures such as needed home repairs. Remember, the larger your down payment, the lower your home loan payment. (http://www.military.com/money/home-owne ... ESRC=mr.nl) You can develop a plan with regular monthly deposits in a bank or credit union account.


Navy Offers Resolution Services
Servicemembers and their families may not be aware that Navy Housing Service Centers (HSCs) offer issue resolution services free-of-charge to all Sailors and their families whether they live on-base, in privatized military housing or out in the community. Servicemembers and their families can contact Navy Housing and find information through Navy Housing's active social media sites at (http://www.facebook.com/NavyHousing) Facebook, (http://www.twitter.com/NavyHousing) Twitter, or (http://www.youtube.com/NavyHousing) YouTube. Resources for Issue Resolution services that may be needed are available at the (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/housing) Navy Housing Program website. Customers can find a listing of HSCs contact information at the (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/housingquickreference) Housing Quick-Reference webpage.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Many Get Sequestration Cut False Warning
Stars and Stripes has reported that some caregivers of wounded veterans mistakenly received letters recently warning that automatic spending cuts set for January could stop their monthly stipends, creating more concern about the problems that sequestration might bring. According VA spokesman Josh Taylor, officials have contacted all of the caregivers who received the notifications, clarifying that their stipends are not in danger and apologizing for the confusion.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... ivers.html) Read the full article on Military.com


Army Plans Worldwide Stand Down
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The U.S. Army will conduct a suicide prevention stand down worldwide September 27 to focus on promoting good health, teammate involvement, risk reduction and resilience training. The Army will be looking at health promotion and not just those resources specifically for suicide prevention. For more information and resources, visit the (http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.asp) U.S. Army Suicide Prevention webpage, the (http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/health ... ation.aspx) U.S. Army Public Health Command website, and the (http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. If you are experiencing a crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)-- press '1' for the Military Crisis Line. Or, send a text to 838255.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$400k Protection Starting at $26 a Month
Is SGLI too much for your family? ASMBA offers low cost alternatives designed for your family's needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr0924.nl) Get $400k protection for as low as $26 a Month.


Financial App for Military Families
The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), in partnership with Better Business Bureau (BBB), has launched a free mobile app designed to help America's military families make better personal decisions to ensure their financial independence. The Military & Money App is the first financial educational app that provides servicemembers and their spouses easy-to-use and practical money management tips, including tools to reduce debt and maximize savings. The Military & Money App is available free on iTunes. A companion website can be found at MilitaryAndMoney.com at (http://www.militaryandmoney.com/) www.militaryandmoney.com. Stay up-to-date on McGraw-Hill's financial literacy campaign and receive messages on all matters personal finance related by following @FinLitNow on Twitter.
For more money guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


AF Cyber Conference Coming
Policy makers, practitioners, technologists, and academics are invited to discuss national security and military operations with the goal of stability in the cyberspace domain at the Air Force Research Institute Cyber Conference, October 10-11, 2012. Participants will be asked to participate in a modified Delphi method, and through guided discussion, to provide answers to strategic-level questions that drive the interagency process. The result will be the sharing of expectations about right behavior or selected best practices. For more information and to register, visit the (http://afri.au.af.mil/cyber) Air Force Symposium Series 2012 Cyber Power website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Army Contracting Guide
Contracting officers, specialists and procurement analysts throughout the Army's Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) have a new resource at their disposal when making decisions during the contracting process. The MICC Desk Book is now available on the command's secure SharePoint site for personnel to use. On Oct. 1, all procurement actions both pending and initiated after that date are subject to the policies and procedures outlined in the desk book. The new desk book is designed to be a one-stop shop for the acquisition process that consolidates guidance previously issued by acquisition instructions.

For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Dealing With Deployment
Long deployments can sometimes wreak havoc on relationships, but there are ways to help cope with the stresses so many people incur: (1) break up the deployment into smaller time periods--take it one week, one month or a few months at a time; (2 ) get rest, eat healthy; (3) Stay active and get involved; (4) use military support resources; (5) seek spiritual support; (6) face your feelings; do not drown your sorrows: Take things one day at a time; (7) it is okay to cry; and (8) set goals.
For more guides, checklists and tips for deployment, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.


AAFES Online Savings Club
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's Exchange Online Savings Club is a one-stop clearinghouse for savings and promotions. Shoppers who sign up for the Exchange Online Savings Club are among the first to know about online savings events. They also receive exclusive coupons and are automatically entered for chances to win prizes. Authorized Exchange shoppers can find out more, and join the Exchange Online Savings Club, at the ShopMyExchange.com website at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/SavingsClub) www.shopmyexchange.com/SavingsClub.
For more discounts for military members, veterans, and family members, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.