Military Report - Week of October 15, 2012

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Military Report - Week of October 15, 2012

Navy Debuts New Fitness Guidance
The U.S. Navy recently released its new nutritional guide, the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS). NOFFS focuses on how the body uses food and drinks and turns them into energy, calling this process "fueling." It then categorizes your work or job and what exercise you should be doing. The combination of work, exercise and fueling is tailored to an individual's fitness level. While that might sound complicated the NOFFS sorts that data out. The program is now being implemented at various locations, and Navy Fitness continues to develop the program with plans to bring it to every galley on shore and ship. For more information, visit the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System webpage at (http://www.navyfitness.org/fitness/noffs/) www.navyfitness.org/fitness/noffs/.
For military-level fitness tips and workout programs, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT blog.


New Navy Surface Warfare Officer Course
The inaugural class for the Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) Basic Division Officer's Course (BDOC) was recently dedicated at a ceremony on Naval Base San Diego. Administered by the SWOS headquarters command in Newport, R.I., BDOC is an intensive, eight-week course of instruction designed to provide foundational classroom training to prospective surface warfare officers. The course will be offered in Norfolk, Va., and San Diego. Course places emphasis on in-class instruction and the use of technology such as the Conning Officer Virtual Environment (COVE) simulators. The new course will also provide instruction on administration, engineering, leadership, and damage control. For more information on the Surface Warfare Officers School, visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/swos/) SWOS website and the (https://www.facebook.com/SWOSCOLCOM) SWOS Facebook page.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy to Pay TA for VoTech Courses
The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) has announced the restoration of Tuition Assistance (TA) eligibility for clock hour-based vocational and technical programs. To participate, the servicemember must meet all TA eligibility requirements, establishes an approved education plan with their local Navy College Office (NCO) and receive an electronic TA voucher. A list of VA-approved clock hour programs is available at VA's (http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/) Veterans Benefits Administration Inquiry website. In the center of the screen, click on "Click here to search for approved programs" and then click on the appropriate state to find local programs. Additional information is available on the Navy College website at (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil) www.navycollege.navy.mil or by calling the Virtual Education Center at 877-838-1659 (DSN) 492-4584.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Soldiers: Your Opinion Needed on Uniforms
The U.S. Army wants Soldiers to complete a survey to comment on color options and graphic patterns for the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform. There are six candidate uniforms with different colors of the fabrics and the size, color and shapes of the graphic designs. All Soldiers have the option to log on and choose which uniform option they like best. The poll will be available until October 29, 2012. Soldiers can start voting on the IPFU beginning Oct. 9. To vote, visit the (https://ipfusurvey.natick.army.mil) Improved Physical Fitness Uniform survey secure webpage, and log in with your CAC. If you want to take the survey without having to log in with your CAC, visit the (HTTPS://surveys.natick.army.mil/Surveys/ipfu.nsf) Improved Physical Fitness Uniform survey public webpage.


Stop Loss Pay Deadline Approaching
The final deadline for Soldiers, veterans and beneficiaries to file for retroactive Stop Loss special pay has been set at Oct. 21, after which they will no longer be able to apply for the benefit which averages $3,600 per claim. Military personnel whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 may be eligible for the payments. The best method for any Soldier, regardless of component, whether active duty, veteran or beneficiary to get the ball rolling is to an instant claim number through the (https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil/) Retroactive Stop Loss website. Claimants can also call 1-877-736-5554.
For more on stop loss special pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... l-pay.html) Military.com Benefits Center.


AAFES' Cutest Kiddo Contest
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is searching across the globe for the world's most adorable kid. Exchange shoppers can visit the Exchange's (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook page to upload a photo and enter the " (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/80 ... otostream/) 3rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest." The entry receiving the most "votes" will receive a Disney Cruise Trip for four to the Bahamas plus a $500 Exchange Gift Card. Photos must be submitted to the Exchange Facebook page by 11:59 PM CST on Nov. 8. Fans may vote for the picture they think is the "cutest" starting Nov. 9 through Dec. 6. Winners, based on the amount of "votes" received. Complete entry rules and regulations for the "3rd Annual Cutest Kiddo Contest" can be found on the Air Force Exchange Service Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.) www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.
For discounts on all types of products and services for servicemembers, military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Self-Service Family ID Cards
The Defense Manpower Data recently launched its RAPIDS -- Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System -- self-service portal to allow servicemembers and reservists with the Defense Department's common access card (CAC) to apply for family IDs or retirement cards or update dependents' statuses online. Now, CAC holders can visit the RAPIDS website, call up the listing of their dependents, and fill out and digitally sign Form No. 1172-2 for their family members to receive an ID card. That family member then can go alone to the closest DMDC office to pick up the card. About 300 of the service centers now accept appointments. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... ry-id-card) Military.com website. To find a RAPIDS site, visit the (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/site?execution=e4s1) RAPIDS site locator.


Deal of the Week: Save on Gear
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!


$250k Coverage for $18.15 a Month
Does your family have enough life insurance protection, if something happens to you? Get $250k coverage for as low as 18.15 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr1015.nl) Get Affordable Protection Today.


Medical Care for Separating Members
The Combat Health Care benefits program allows separating servicemembers to receive free health care benefits. Members who separated from November 11, 1998 and on are eligible. The program enables eligible servicemembers receive five years of free medical care from their date of discharge. To be eligible, servicemembers must have received hazardous duty incentive pay during their time in service. Servicemembers or veterans signing up for this program are entered into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system and can receive continuous health care at any VA clinic for any issues that may arise. For more information, visit VA's Public Health webpage at (http://www.VA.gov/EnvironAgents) www.VA.gov/EnvironAgents -- click on the link in the Health Care box.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Beware of False AFFES Auto Ads
Recent advertisements in Auto Trader and major metropolitan newspapers offering automobile sales through a company calling itself "Exchange Inc." has consumers calling the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for answers. Someone is apparently using the Exchange's trademarked logo and name without permission to purportedly sell vehicles in the United States. Military exchanges do not have the authority to sell vehicles in the continental United States. Also, the Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. All advertisements for legitimate Exchange offerings are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly comprised of military members.
For legitimate auto discounts for servicemembers, military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/category/automotive) Military.com Discount Center.


Feedback on New App for VA Claims
This past summer, the American Legion developed the new Claims Coach app, which helps veterans and their families connect with a service officer and navigate the VA claims process. In order to improve the app's functionality, the American Legion now is seeking input from those veterans using the app. By downloading the app and then participating in a short online questionnaire, you can help the American Legion improve the Claims Coach. Survey participants must (http://www.legion.org/mobileapps) download the Claims Coach for iOS or Android to their mobile device. Once the app is loaded onto the device, participants can go to the (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9Y62ZH5) survey and follow the instructions while answering a series of questions based upon user experience. All opinions are valid and useful.
For more on VA claims, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Airmen Can Transfer GI Bill
Air Force members on active duty after Aug. 1, 2009 may be eligible to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits to family members. Airmen must have at least six years of service (active duty and/or selected Reserve) as of the date of election, and they must agree to an additional four-year active duty service commitment. For more information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill and transferring education benefits, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "Post 9/11 GI Bill" or "9083" in the search window. Information is also available at the MilConnect website under the frequently asked questions tab. Potential applicants can also send questions to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) education services team at (mailto:afpc.dpsitedu@us.af.mil) afpc.dpsitedu@us.af.mil.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... sheet.html) Read more about transferring GI Benefits on Military.com.


Military Pay Calculator
Calculate your military pay on Military.com to see how much you'll make at your next duty station, what your next promotion is worth, and find out how much your longevity increase will be. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate your gross monthly income by rank, location or duty.


Voter Guide and Overseas Voter Info
The American Legion is offering its free (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... ochure.pdf) "Get out the Vote 2012" brochure to help increase voter turnout at the polls on Nov. 6. The brochure offers examples such as registering eligible voters, offering free transportation to the polls and hosting a nonpartisan candidates' forum. Learn more about state voting, the presidential and vice presidential candidates' running for office and much more by visiting the (http://votesmart.org/) Project Vote Smart website. And for military and overseas voting information, visit the (http://www.fvap.gov/) Federal Voting Assistance Program website.
To keep up with major legislative issues and bills that influence the military, and contact your local representatives, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


AF Officer Promotions
More than 3,200 Air Force lieutenants, captains and majors were selected for promotion during the July Medical Service Corps lieutenant colonel and major, and line of the Air Force captain central selection boards. The full lists of selectees are available at the following links: (1) (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-018.pdf) lieutenant colonel, (2) (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-019.pdf) major, and (3) (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-020.pdf) captain. For more information about Air Force promotion opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Rates May Increase Again
This October retirees saw TRICARE Prime enrollment fees increased to $269.28 per year for individuals and $538.56 per year for retirees with families. However, retirees should be aware that TRICARE is warning that these enrollment fees may increase again when Congress passes the final FY 2013 budget. For this reason TRICARE is recommending that retirees pay either monthly (through automatic deduction/charge) or quarterly due to the chance that the non-refundable enrollment fees may increase again before the end of the fiscal year.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ase-again/) Read the Military Advantage Blog to learn more.


AAFES Offers Holiday Layaway
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Holiday Layaway program is now fee-free. Shoppers simply select their gifts for layaway and stop by customer service to complete the layaway process. "Fee-free" means that while the Exchange collects an initial $3 processing fee for new layaways, that amount is returned to customers, via an Exchange Merchandise Gift Card, upon final payment and pick up their items. A deposit of only 15 percent is required when starting the layaway process. In addition, toy layaway will be extended through Dec. 23. Also, for a limited time only, Nov. 1 through Dec. 16, customers can place computers, laptops, iPads and netbooks on layaway. For more information, contact Customer Service at your local exchange.
For discounts on all types of products and services for servicemembers, military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Memorial Stone Dedicated in Hawaii
Fifty-two of the 81 living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients recently gathered at the (http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/nmcp.asp) National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii for a ceremony to dedicate a memorial stone for the men and woman that have received the Congressional Medal of Honor. The stone will later be placed on the cemetery's memorial walk. For more information on the medal, visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website at (http://www.cmohs.org/) www.cmohs.org/, the National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History website at (http://www.mohm.org/) www.mohm.org/, the United States Army Medal of Honor webpage at (http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/) www.army.mil/medalofhonor/, the Submarine Force Museum website at (http://www.ussnautilus.org/medalofhonor/index.shtml) www.ussnautilus.org/medalofhonor/index.shtml, and the PBS American Valor website at (http://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/) www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/.
For more on military burial and memorial benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Senior NCO Course Opportunities
A new nomination and selection process to attend sister-service enlisted professional military education (EPME) courses has been established for senior, non-commissioned Air Force officers. To be eligible for sister-service senior NCO courses, Airmen must not only be nominated by their unit, but must also meet the specific criteria of the applicable service. The package must then be submitted through a board process at the unit's major command, where the first cut is made. From there, packages are sent to an Air Force-level board that determines the selectees who are given final approval by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force. If all goes well, this year's Air Force-level board will be benchmarked as the new selection process.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


3 VA Loan Tips
Tip: Get Pre-Approved. Before you start the hunt for a house, the best thing you can do is to get pre-approved for your VA loan amount. Hint: Check Your Credit. Did you know that over 70 percent of all credit reports in the United States contain errors? Hint: Consider the Advantages of Having a VA Guaranteed Loan. A VA mortgage loan can be guaranteed with no money down, in some cases up to $417,000. There is also no private mortgage insurance requirement. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full story on Military.com.
(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.


Veteran Talent Wanted: PMA USA Hiring
At Performance Matters Associates (PMAUSA), we believe in helping people grow from a position of strength -- and that means both our customers and our agents. By delivering the services and products that help American families, our agents earn more than a living. They earn the trust and respect of those customers -- and they experience the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) personal rewards of making a difference in those customers' lives.


Military Advance Pay
The purpose of advance pay is to give funds to a member to meet extraordinary expenses incident to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It is intended to assist with the out-of-pocket expenses, not typical of day-to-day military living, that precede or exceed reimbursements incurred in a member's change of duty locations. An advance of pay is not authorized for the specific out-of-pocket expenses covered by advances of other allowances and entitlements, if those advances are used (to include travel allowances and per diem, overseas station housing allowance, basic allowance for housing, and dislocation allowance). The member's commander has a responsibility to ensure that an advance of pay is used only to help with the financial burden of a PCS. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Pay and Benefits Section to view current pay charts, BAH rates and more.


Navy Updates COOL Website
The U.S. Navy recently made a major overhaul of its (HTTPS://www.cool.navy.mil/) Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) website. Navy COOL is a centralized, Web-based hub that consolidates information from numerous sources at the federal, state and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating, job and occupation. The upgrade makes the website easier to navigate. The updated website will help address transitioning Sailors as well as veterans to identify job opportunities and employment information, among other new features. For more information, visit the Navy (HTTPS://www.cool.navy.mil/) COOL website.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


The Best (and Worst) Jobs of 2012
2012 is nearly over, and CareerCast has published a fresh evaluation of what it sees as the top 10 jobs in the country -- as well as the worst 10. Evaluating each job using five components (Physical Demands, Work Environment, Income, Stress and Hiring Outlook) they came up with these picks for the top 10 and worst 10 jobs of this moment. For the full list, including salary figures and profiles of each job, visit the (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/118 ... jobs-2012/) Jobs for Veterans blog.


Air Reserve School Selections
Air Reserve Personnel Center officials announced selection results from the semi-annual Reserve School Selection Board (RSSB). The selection board convened at ARPC Sept. 17 - 21, 2012 to match selected members to their respective schools based upon each applicant's record and the needs of the Air Force Reserve. RSSB panel members selected 245 officers from a pool of 770 that applied. A list of those selected is available on the (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/medi ... 03-021.pdf) Air Reserve Personnel Center website. For more information, call the myPers Total Force Service Center - Denver at 800-525-0102.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Budget Planning During Transition
In an effort to help service members and their families who are preparing to deploy, PCS, or separate from the military, USAA Financial Centers near Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, and Camp Lejeune will be hosting a Military Transition Open House. Participants will be able to get a free signed copy of The Military Advantage, (a $26.95 value) in addition to getting face-to-face personalized financial guidance from USAA Certified Financial Planners. The Military Transition Open House events will be held at the following locations:
* Fort Campbell USAA Financial Center located at 2965 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Suite 600 Clarksville, TN, on October 23.
* Fort Bragg USAA Financial Centers located on Skibo Road in Fayetteville, NC, on October 24 and 25.
* Camp Lejeune USAA Financial Center located at 1447 Western Boulevard, Suite 100 Jacksonville, NC, October 26.


Complacency Impacts Wounded Warriors
Military.com recently featured an article by Vice Admiral Norb Ryan, the President of the Military Officers Association of America. In his article, titled Wounded Need a War on Leadership Complacency, Adm. Ryan shares his insights on what our nation's wounded warriors and their families need -- assertive leaders that will make a real commitment to help wounded warriors and their families heal and reintegrate.
(http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,250821,00.html) Read his full article on Military.com.