Military Report - Week of October 08, 2012

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Military Report - Week of October 08, 2012

Deal of the Week: Lowes Discount
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- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View all Military Deals and Discounts


New Information Dominance Warfare Pin
The Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) pin is now available for Sailors within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC) communities. The EIDWS designation can be earned by Sailors within the Information Dominance Corps (IDC) ratings: information systems technician (IT), cryptologic technician (CT), intelligence specialist (IS) and aerographer's mate (AG); as well as non-IDC Sailors who directly support the IDC mission. IDC Sailors are not eligible to complete the EIDWS qualification until after they complete the Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW) qualification. The EIDWS PQS is available on the NKO website through the (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/career ... nstandards) Command Management page.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Stop Loss Pay Deadline Nears
Former servicemembers eligible for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program have until Oct. 21, 2012 to apply. The program benefits retired and former servicemembers who were involuntarily held on active duty beyond their enlistment period or their approved retirement or separation date. The inclusive periods are Oct. 2, 2001 - Jan. 31, 2003 and May 2 - Dec. 31, 2003. Servicemembers who qualify may be eligible for up to $500 per month compensation for each month they were affected. For more information or to file a claim, visit the Department of Defense (http://www.defense.gov/stoploss) Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay website.


Supplemental Food Allowance
Low-income servicemembers with dependents may benefit from the Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) Program. FSSA is an additional food allowance some military families may qualify for based on a member's household size and household income. The program is available for Sailors stationed in the United States and overseas. Members may be eligible for up to $1,100 per month. Active component and Reserve Sailors on active duty meeting dependent and income-eligibility requirements on the (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa/) Defense Manpower Data Center website may participate in the FSSA program. To apply, Sailors must submit a signed application and associated documents through their chain of command to OPNAV N130 for final certification and approval.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Benefits Center.


Navy Realigns Legal Services Offices
The Naval Legal Service Command realigned its offices Oct. 1, but its legal services to the fleet did not change. Legal assistance services were previously provided by Naval Legal Service Offices (NLSOs). As a result of the realignment, a servicemember seeking legal assistance with an issue such as a will, power of attorney, family law advice or any similar personal legal matter can now find assistance at the closest Region Legal Service Office (RLSO). The provision of legal assistance will continue at all prior NLSO locations, but will now be delivered by RLSO commands. There are legal assistance offices in fleet concentration areas, and at or near most Navy bases around the world. All legal assistance services are provided free of charge to those eligible.
For more on military law, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters) Military.com Legal Matters page.


DoD Asks for Flight Cancellation Policy
The Department of Defense is working with airlines to implement a new flight cancellation policy that will affect air travel for temporary duty travelers. Effective October 1, 2012, any authorization that has airline reservations associated with it will be canceled if not approved and ticketed at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure. Servicemembers going TDY on short-notice travel within 72 hours of their flight departure time need to ensure their authorizing official improves that authorization and that it is ticketed. The Commercial Travel Office will provide information on travelers' itineraries regarding cancellations. For more information, visit the (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/) Defense Management Travel Office website.
For more on travel discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


New Roth TSP Contributions Open
Beginning Oct. 1, active-duty members of the Air Force, Army and Navy will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning. The after-tax contributions will be electronically deducted from servicemembers' pay accounts. Active-duty servicemembers also can start their Roth TSP contributions now through their online MyPay accounts or submit a TSP-U-1 form to their finance office. Branches of the National Guard and Reserve will be able to make Roth TSP contributions by mid- to late 2013. For more information, visit the Defense (http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/rot ... itary.html) Finance and Accounting Service website.
For more on TSP, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... vings-plan) Military.com TSP page.


$300,000 Financial Security for $1 a Day
Is your family protected? Tomorrow is never guaranteed -- (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?mrvr1008.nl) get $300,000 financial security for your family starting at $1 a day.


Say Thank You To our Troops
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 ... RC=mrvr.nl) Say "thanks a bunch" today.


AF Online and Mobile Tip Line
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has opened its first anonymous tip line that allows submissions from the Internet, via SMS (texting) or using a smartphone application. The application also allows for agents to request more information from the concerned tipster without jeopardizing the tipster's anonymity. All three avenues allow the tipster to check on the results of their tips. Use (https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111) the direct link to the anonymous Internet tip line. The app is available in both the Android and Apple store as TipSubmit Mobile. Tips can also be sent by texting 'AFOSI' and their tip to 274637 (CRIMES). To download a trifold with detailed instructions on the program, visit the (http://www.osi.af.mil/shared/media/docu ... 01-036.pdf) Air Force Office of Special Investigations website at (http://www.osi.af.mil/shared/media/docu ... 01-036.pdf) http://www.osi.af.mil/shared/media/docu ... 01-036.pdf.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Requires Electronic Payments
To avoid losing coverage, beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) who pay monthly premiums by check need to switch to an electronic form of payment before Jan. 1, 2013. Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or debit card, or by recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a linked bank account. Beneficiaries can contact their regional contractor to set up automatic payments and obtain more information. Contact information for each region is available at the TRICARE Contacts webpage at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/contacts) www.TRICARE.mil/contacts. For more information about TRS or TRR, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil) www.tricare.mil.
For complete guides on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Veteran Talent Wanted: Hertz
Hertz is Committed to Hiring Hundreds of Veterans. At Hertz we share the military's values of discipline, hard work, and dedication. Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. Whether you are looking for an entry level position or a management role, Hertz can provide the opportunities to grow, learn, and be challenged as well as provide you with the tools to succeed. Come back and join a team that appreciates all that you have done for your country and is ready to (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) help you use your skills to better your life.


Navy 2013 CPO Advancement Exam
The U.S. Navy has announced guidance for the administration of the Cycle 218 Chief Petty Officer Advancement Examination and the Fiscal Year 2014 Active Chief Petty Officers (CPO) Selection Board. The Navy will administer exams to active component and FTS Sailors Jan. 17, 2013. The selection board will review the OMPF and performance summary record (PSR) parts I, II and III of all candidates as well as any items submitted by candidates. Each eligible candidate is responsible for ensuring their OMPF is correct and up-to-date. Sailors should review their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) for accuracy at BUPERS Online at (http://www.bol.navy.mil) www.bol.navy.mil. Additional information regarding this cycle will be posted at the Navy Personnel Command website under "Boards" at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Improves Programs for Women Vets
VA?s commitment to improve women health services and to close a ?gender gap? in preventive health services and screenings is making women veterans feel welcome at Department of Veteran Affairs hospitals and clinics after years of making them feel as if they weren?t really veterans. In an effort to change that reputation the VA has put over 1500 primary care providers through a 40-hour program to have a better understanding of issues like birth control, maternity care, and mental health issues and PTSD in women.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,250699,00.html) Read Tom's latest Military Report to learn more about the strides taken by the VA to help women veterans.


View 2013 Proposed Military Pay Charts
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2013 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Take a look at the 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


AF Lodging Rates Increase
Air Force lodging rates will go up beginning Oct. 1. The current $39 nightly room rate for a visiting quarters room will be $53.25, and temporary lodging facilities will go from $43 to $55 per night. Increased rates will fund costs for operations, room renovations and construction. For more information and to find an inn near your destination, visit the (http://af.dodlodging.net/) Air Force Inns website.
For travel discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Bug-Free ACU-P Uniforms for All Soldiers
Factory-treated, insect-repelling Army Combat Uniforms that until now were issued only to Soldiers deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, and some other overseas locations, will now be available to all Soldiers. The new uniform, called the "ACU-P," uses the chemical permethrin to ward off insects such as ticks, mosquitoes, fleas and chiggers. 85 percent of the 25,000 Soldiers were surveyed about the uniform's effectiveness at repelling insects said it works. The treatment helps stave off insect-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus. All new uniforms will be treated with permethrin. For Soldiers with a medical reason to not have permethrin-treated uniforms, such as pregnancy, there is a special-order option to get ACUs without the treatment. ACU-Ps are good for about 50 launderings. For more information on permethrin studies, visit the Centers for Disease Control website, http://www.cdc.gov/ and keyword "permethrin" in the search engine at the top of the homepage.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.


Navy Conditional ACIP Verification
The U.S. Navy has announced the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12) Flight Hour Verification Process for Conditional Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) and Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP) for flying programs. The verification is intended to certify that FY12 minimum flight hour requirements were met by all flying recipients eligible for conditional ACIP and HDIP. In order to receive and keep an entitlement, individuals are required to verify their flight hours after the end of the fiscal year. Regardless of their current status, anyone who received Conditional ACIP/HDIP during the fiscal year must submit verification. Eligible members must submit their flight hour verification and command endorsement letter to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) by Dec. 31, 2012. For more information, contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Benefits Center.


Navy 237th Birthday Concert
The United States Navy Band will perform a concert in honor of the Navy's 237th birthday at the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall in Washington, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. Entitled "America's Navy: Defining the Fighting Spirit," the concert will include performances by the Navy Concert Band, Sea Chanters chorus, and the Country Current country/bluegrass ensemble. The program is slated to run nearly two hours. Free tickets are available at the (http://usnavyband.ticketleap.com/navybirthday) United States Navy Band Ticketleap website.
For more on the Navy's birthday, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Military.com Navy birthday page.


5 Recession Proof Industries
Job searching has become a bit of a challenge in today's uncertain economic climate. If a lucky job seeker finds a job in this recession, he may have to ask himself if he'll still be employed in six months to a year. Here are the 5 recession proof industries: Health Care, Education, Security, Environmental Sciences and Government. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search For Jobs with employers hiring veterans.


Top 10 Sequestration FAQs
Check out House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller?s and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon?s answers to Military.com?s member?s 10 most frequently asked questions on sequestration. The FAQs were taken from a live Q&A event which was featured on the Military Advantage Blog on September 20, 2012.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... tion-faqs/) Visit the Military Advantage blog to view the Top 10 Sequestration FAQs.


Help for Depression
October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Depression is a very common condition affecting more than 20 million adults in the United States each year. Depression is treatable and beatable! If you or someone you know is in a crisis, seek help immediately: (1) call 911; (2) visit the emergency room or speak to a healthcare provider; or (3) call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to speak with a trained counselor-- this is a 24-hour toll-free hotline provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Screening tools, tips and more information about depression can be found at the following websites: (1) Militarymentalhealth at (http://www.militarymentalhealth.org) www.militarymentalhealth.org, (2) Help Yourself.Help Others at (http://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org) www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org, (3) Screening for Mental Health at (http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org) www.mentalhealthscreening.org, (4) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at
(http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/) www.cdc.gov/Features/Depression/ and (5) the Helpguide at (http://www.helpguide.org) www.helpguide.org.
For more support resources for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Combined Federal Campaign Begins
This year's Combined Federal Campaign launches Thursday, Oct. 11. The theme this year is 'Giving from the Heart'. The goal is to raise $400,000 for local, national and international charities between Oct. 11 and Dec. 14. The more than 2,700 charities included in the CFC support a variety of causes. On each pledge card, individuals can name up to five specific agencies they wish to support, or they can leave their donations undesignated. Undesignated funds are split among charities local donors have selected and given in the ratio they have designated.
For more support resources for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the nation. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in women. One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection of the breast cancer can provide early treatment for the servicemember and or their beneficiaries. For those women diagnosed with localized (stage 1) breast cancer there is over a 98% probability that they will survive 5 or more years. For more information, visit the (http://cdmrp.army.mil/bcrp/default.shtml) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Breast Cancer webpage, the (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/) Centers for Disease Control Breast Cancer webpage and (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/BreastCancerAwareness/) Breast Cancer Awareness webpage, the (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast) Cancer.gov website, and the (http://www.breastcancer.org) BreastCancer.org website.
For more support resources for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Seabees Offer Handbook
The Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering (CSFE) has posted online its newly-revised Seabee Combat Handbook, volumes one and two (NAVEDTRA 14234A/14235A). To download or print the Seabee Combat Handbook, volumes one and two (NAVEDTRA 14234A/14235A), visit the (https://www.courses.netc.navy.mil) Naval Education and Training Command Nonresident Training Courses (NRTC) website. After entering the NRTC site, click on the Student Services tab and then the Course Registration tab to the left of the page. In the Search for course block, enter Seabee Combat Handbook to be taken to listings for volumes one and two. Click on the course title and the .PDF files are available on the right side of the page. Each volume is listed separately.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


USAA Military Transition Open House
USAA Financial Centers in the San Diego area will be hosting Military Transition Open House events for service members who are preparing to deploy, PCS, or separate from the military. Participants will be able to meet the author of The Military Advantage and get a free signed copy of his book, in addition to getting face-to-face personalized financial guidance from a USAA Certified Financial Planner. The events will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the following San Diego area locations:

October 11 ? The San Diego USAA Financial Center located at the Fenton Market, 2431 Fenton Parkway, San Diego.

October 12 ? The Oceanside USAA Financial Center located at the Pacific Coast Plaza, 2178 Vista Way, Suite E-5, Oceanside.
Future Military Transition Open House events will be held at the following locations:

October 23 ?The Fort Campbell USAA Financial Center located at 2965 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Suite 600 Clarksville, TN. Fenton Market, 2431 Fenton Parkway, San Diego.

October 24 and 25 ? The Fort Bragg USAA Financial Centers located on Skibo Road in Fayetteville, NC.

October 26 ? The Camp Lejeune USAA Financial Center located at 1447 Western Boulevard, Suite 100 Jacksonville, NC.