Military Report - Week of October 01, 2012

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Military Report - Week of October 01, 2012

New Helpline App Available
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced its new DOD Safe Helpline Mobile Application, which servicemembers transitioning to civilian life can use to find critical resources that assist in managing the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault. The app contains the option for users to record their current emotional state and create tailored self-care plans to address sadness, hopelessness and disconnection. Users can connect with live sexual assault response professionals via phone or anonymous online chat from their mobile devices for support. The DoD Safe Helpline Mobile App is free and available for download from the Apple and Android app stores. More information can be found at Department of Defense's Sexual Assault and Response Office website at (http://www.sapr.mil) www.sapr.mil.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AAFES to Salute Retirees
As part of its annual "Still Serving" weekend, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will salute former Soldiers and Airmen by offering unique specials and events at Exchanges worldwide Oct. 5 to 11. "Still Serving" sales and benefits information are arriving in mailboxes of approximately 700,000 Army and Air Force retirees. Also, ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com will offer 10 percent off any order of $100 or more as well as online savings and exclusive discounts to shoppers who sign up for the (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/SavingsClub) Online Savings Club E-newsletter. Authorized shoppers of all ages can learn more about activities planned for the Oct. 5 weekend at their nearest Exchange by calling their local store manager. Contact information for all Army and Air Force Exchanges can be found online at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com through the "Store Locator" link.
For more discounts for military members, veterans, and family members, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


New Army Tobacco-Free Policy
The surgeon general and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command (AMEDD) will soon issue a directive that will require all Army Medical Department treatment facilities to be tobacco-free. Once the policy is in effect, tobacco use of any kind, to include smokeless tobacco, will be prohibited. This will be an AMEDD-wide policy; it applies to all Army medical treatment facilities. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), tobacco use is responsible for about one in five deaths annually in the United States, which is about 443,000 deaths per year -- an estimated 49,000 of these are the result of secondhand smoke exposure.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Post-Deployment Transition Tips
Many of us give generously of our time and energy to family members, friends, and co-workers. It may not be until we become physically or mentally exhausted, or financially depleted, that we wake up and pay attention to our own needs. Here are some tips to restore your emotional balance: (1) lighten your load-- reprioritize and release some your responsibilities; (2) embrace forgiveness--let go of a hurt from your past; and (3) be grateful for what you have. Looking to restore balance in your life? Lighten your load. Embrace forgiveness. Be grateful.
For more deployment resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.


Army to Change Officer Evaluations
New rating forms will be adopted next year as the Army implements significant changes to its Officer Evaluation System. The new officer evaluation forms will come in three different versions or "grade plates," based on the rank of rated officers. The new system will include profiles for raters (not just senior raters), and enable senior raters to better identify the very best officers in a competitive environment. The new DA 67-10 form will require raters to be "more descriptive" and not just check blocks. The new form is scheduled to be adopted in December, 2013 by all components, including the National Guard and Army Reserve. Until then, training will be offered.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


What's Next After the Military?
Explore your options. Start early and get ahead with the Transition Center. 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.


AAFES Expanding Online Offerings
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is increasing its online product selection to mirror its biggest main stores, which means military shoppers will soon have greatly expanded online merchandise options. The expanded (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/80 ... otostream/) Exchange Online Store assortment at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com recently launched and added eight brands and 214 items. Brands available at brick and mortar Exchanges can be found by searching by brand name or within a product category at shopmyexchange.com with a layout that helps shoppers find what they want and need more easily. Additionally, products will now be visible prior to log-in with a username and password required only for checkout.
For more discounts for military members, veterans, and family members, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Vet Benefit Calculator: Quickly 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)


National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it is a reminder that mental health does not have to be a battle waged on your own. Visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs' (VA's) new public service announcements (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... MiTS_4aafw) Side by Side and bookmark the (http://veteranscrisisline.net/) Veterans Crisis Line webpage for valuable information and resources. If you know a veteran in immediate crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. You can also text professional responders at 838255.
For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Cost-of-Living Adjustment Bill Delayed
Military.com reported that the annual bill to approve the cost-of-living increase for veterans compensation and pension programs has been taken off the " (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... -bill.html) secret hold" and that the Senate will vote on it when they reconvene. The bill is generally considered a formality and was virtually "automatic" in past years. The fact that the bill was secretly put on hold may cause some concern among veterans. But, according an official spokesman, "the bill is now cleared for Senate action by both sides."
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... cret-hold/) Read more about the 2013 COLA forecast on the Military Advantage Blog.


Airmen Retraining Package Deadline
The Air Force is encouraging Regular Air Force Airmen who are eligible to retrain in December to submit their completed retraining packages through the myPers website by Nov. 15 to avoid processing delays due to a Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) upgrade coming in December. The upgrade project is scheduled to take approximately 23 days to complete, during which time, MilPDS will not be available. Airmen should continue to work directly with the Total Force Service Center through the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website by using the "email us" link on the My Account web page. Reserve and Guard members will receive specific instructions on the upgrade. For more information, visit the (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil) ARPC public website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Changes in TRICARE Dental Program
Recent changes in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) have left some military families paying out of pocket. Many local dentists are not part of the new contractor's network, and though they may still "accept TRICARE," they will require a patient to pay beyond normal cost shares. This may result in charging patients the balance between their charges and what the TDP would pay for. Dentists in the TRICARE network are not permitted to do that. Thus, beneficiaries should find out first if their dentist is part of the network. To find a list of providers or address other TRICARE Dental concerns, call the MetLife Dental Customer Contact Service Center at 1-855-638-8371 or visit the (https://mybenefits.metlife.com/tricare) MetLife TDP website. Beneficiaries should have their Social Security number and that of their sponsor on-hand before calling or visiting the website.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... re-dental/) Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.


CCME Symposium Update
The theme for the 2013 Council of College and Military Educators Symposium is "Building Bridges to Success Through Education for the Military Community." In keeping with that theme CCME has announced that the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) will be conducting a professional development institute (PDI) for counselors involved in military and veterans education counseling. There will be no extra cost to counselors who register for CCME. Additionally, the option of obtaining continuing education units (CEU) for the PDI is being explored. The 2013 event will be held at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel on February 25-28.
To learn more about CCME, the 2013 Symposium, or the PDI, visit (http://www.ccmeonline.org) www.ccmeonline.org.


VA Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2012. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl)
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1001.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


AF 2013 O3 Promotion Board Delayed
The Air Force officials will delay the Line of the Air Force promotion board for captains commissioned in 2005 from its anticipated December 2013 date to 2014 due to higher than expected retention rates. The Line of the Air Force board, which does not affect judge advocates, chaplains or health profession officers, will be pushed back approximately nine months. The major's board for judge advocates will also be delayed for scheduling reasons, but this delay will not affect projected pin-on dates. Public law prevents the Air Force from carrying a surplus of officers in grades of major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. For more information about promotion board schedules, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website under active duty officer promotions.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Air Force News App
The Air Force has released a mobile application designed to keep Airmen, families, retirees, recruits and the public informed about the latest happenings around the force. The AFLINK mobile application for phones and tablet computers aggregates up-to-the-minute content including headlines from the official Air Force website, Airman magazine, Air Force Blue Tube, the AF Week in Photos, Air Force Inventory and ceremonial music from the Air Force Band; it also allows sharing through Facebook, Twitter and more. AFLINK is free and available now for download. It is presented in several languages on the (http://bit.ly/OpQUtE) Apple App Store and the (http://bit.ly/TI9lej) Google Play Store for Android.


Army to Update Transition Assistance
Parts of a new transition assistance program, or TAP 2.0, were tested this summer and TAP will be ready for separating servicemembers over the next few months. The employment workshop of TAP has been given at seven pilot installations and will be ready for all TAP sites by January. Troops attending TAP will be able to select a path, depending upon if they plan to pursue education after the military, search for a job or start their own business. After the initial mandatory five-day workshop, additional days of training will be available depending upon the path that servicemembers select and their ability to meet "career readiness standards." For information on current transition assistance, visit the TurboTAP website at (http://turbotap.org/register.tpp) http://turbotap.org/register.tpp.
For more transition resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


VA Health Care Eligibility
Eligibility for VA health care is dependent upon a number of variables, which may influence the final determination of the services for which you qualify. These factors include the nature of a veteran's discharge from military service (e.g., honorable, other than honorable, dishonorable), length of service, VA adjudicated disabilities (commonly referred to as service-connected disabilities), income level, and available VA resources among others. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full summary of eligibility on Military.com.


Deal of the Week: Hotel Discounts for Military
(http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Holiday Inn and (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Best Western are offering government and military travelers discounts. Make sure to take advantage of these deals before you book your next trip.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View all Military Discounts


New Army Personnel and Pay Website
The U.S. Army has launched a website designed to substantially reduce the chance for error on pay and personnel issues. The new Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A) website at (http://www.ipps-a.army.mil) www.ipps-a.army.mil will also serve as a repository for comprehensive human resources records for each Soldier. The system will be deployed in multiple releases over five years, beginning next spring. During subsequent releases, the Army will launch additional capabilities building on previous ones. The new IPPS-A website will provide improved online access to the Soldier's personnel record, and the ability to initiate Human Resources personnel action requests 24 hours a day via IPPS-A's web portal among other features.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/pay) Military.com Benefit Center.


AF to Move Records to eOPM
The Air Force Personnel Center projects that the migration of the Air Force version of each employee's electronic Official Personnel Folder to the Office of Personnel Management's government-wide eOPF version will take place in November. The eOPF is a digitized version of a hardcopy personnel folder that contains official human resource records for each federal employee. The new system enhances portability of civilian human relations records and increases employee awareness and accountability through email notifications of personnel actions. AFPC will continue to manage civilian personnel information, but OPM will control the eOPF database. More information about the eOPF migration will be available on the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Big Changes In-Store for Commissaries
Commissary patrons may soon see a huge change in how they shop for groceries. According to an article by Tom Philpott, military families might be ordering groceries online with curbside pickup by this time next year. In addition, a new smart phone app will enable military shoppers to instantly compare commissary and commercial supermarket prices. There is also big news for those stationed near large military installations in area like San Diego, San Antonio and Virginia's Tidewater area, where DeCA will be testing Costco like "warehouse" style commissaries.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,250458,00.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Veterans Wanted: Chevron is Hiring
U.S. veteran talent wanted: You've met important challenges in your military career. Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a career with Chevron? At Chevron, we recognize the value of your commitment to teamwork and service, and we invite you to join us where you can turn your experience and ideas into solutions. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Search jobs and learn more on Military.com's Veterans Talent Portal.


Navy Exchanges Holiday Season Sales
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that NEXs worldwide will be taking a new approach to the holiday shopping season this year. NEXs will offer sales and specials throughout the holiday season beginning in early November. Also new this year, deployed Sailors will be able to take advantage of holiday specials by shopping online. NEXCOM will run a special sale event for afloat Sailors at mynavyexchange.com at https://www.mynavyexchange.com/ three days prior to Thanksgiving, with exclusive sales tailored specifically to their needs. Deployed customers will start receiving electronic or paper copies of the sales flyer onboard their ship in mid-November through their supply officer or sales officer. For more information, contact your local NEX.
For more discounts for military members, veterans, and family members, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Vets Warned About More Scams
The (http://www.salisburypost.com/) Salisbury Post is reporting that Veterans need to be aware of scams involving companies that require payments for processing pension and benefits forms. According to the report, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs has become aware of 'pension poachers' targeting veterans through seminars and other veteran outreach events. It is important for all veterans to know that there is no reason for a qualified veteran to pay anyone to process their benefit claims. The VA and several Veterans Service Organizations, like the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS offer these services at no cost to the veteran through accredited district service officers. DSOs are available nationwide to assist veterans with necessary paperwork.
(http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp) The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a website listing the accredited services available to veterans.


COLA Overview
As a servicemember, you can expect to be stationed virtually anywhere in the country. During your career, you are likely to be assigned to a variety of low-, moderate- and high-cost locations. To help offset the effects of higher cost areas, military servicemembers may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS). (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get a full overview and calculate your COLA.


$400k Protection Starting at $26 a Month
Is SGLI too much for your family? Find low cost alternatives designed for your family's needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr1001.nl) Get $400k protection for as low as $26 a month.


Absentee Voting Week
Federal Voting Assistance Program officials have declared the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 4 as Absentee Voting Week (AVW) to ensure servicemembers and their families are aware of upcoming voting absentee deadlines before the Nov. 6 general election. During AVW, installation and unit voting assistance officers will set up booths outside the commissary and base exchange and brief Airmen about the Air Force Voting Assistance Program at commanders' calls. They will also help Airmen register to vote and fill out Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots (FWAB), if necessary. This form is used by local election officials if state ballots do not arrive on time to be counted. Absentee voters should contact their installation or unit voting assistance officers if they need assistance. For more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program, go to (http://www.fvap.gov) www.fvap.gov.
To keep up with political issues and legislation that affects military benefits, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


AF Program for Wounded Warriors
Air Force combat-related wounded warriors wishing to continue their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) education can now do so after separating or retiring. Wounded warriors must have been enrolled in a CCAF degree program at the time of separation or retirement; must have been awarded a 9W-series Reporting Identifier; and have 10 years from their separation or retirement date among other requirements. Students who do not hold a 9W-series RI should contact the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program office at 800-581-9437 to determine status. Former Airmen with the 9W-series RI may contact their local Air Force education office for more information or call CCAF directly at 334-649-5093.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AAFES Accepting OTC Benefit Cards
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is now accepting the Medagate Over the Counter (OTC) benefits card on a worldwide basis. Medagate is a card-based program provided by Medicare and Medicaid Services that enables merchants to accept payment at the register for medicine and medical supplies covered by medical insurance plans. Medagate OTC cards have been issued in ten states with more states expected to participate in 2013. Cardholders can simply bring qualifying items to an Exchange checkout (including Express, Troop Store and Main Store locations) where the Medagate OTC card is swiped to pay for all eligible items. Insurance providers, in conjunction with Medagate, produce a catalog that identifies medicine and medical supplies that qualify for reimbursement coverage/payment.
For more on military medical benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Stop-Loss Pay Claim Deadline Nearing
Soldiers, and veterans held under stop-loss authority between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2008, and their legally designated beneficiaries qualify for $500 for each month held in a stop-loss status. The last day to submit claims for the special pay is October, 21, 2012. The biggest challenge facing Soldiers filing claims has been understanding the difference between unit Stop Loss and individual Stop Loss. Many units were alerted and mobilized under stop loss authority but not everyone in the unit was held beyond the required contractual obligation. Many Soldiers have forgotten that they had signed contract extensions. For more information or to file a claim, visit the Department of Defense Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay website at (http://www.defense.gov/stoploss) www.defense.gov/stoploss or the (https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil) U.S. Army Retroactive Stop Loss website.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/pay) Military.com Benefit Center.