Military Report - Week of October 22, 2012

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Military Report - Week of October 22, 2012

Museum to Celebrate Anniversary in 2013
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, America's national memorial to the Holocaust, will honor in 2013 all the brave soldiers who fought in World War II as part of its 20th anniversary commemoration. At the National Tribute in Washington, DC on April 28 - 29, 2013 the Museum will bring together the people who lived this history -- Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, rescuers, and their families -- in large numbers. The Museum will also be hosting free , day-long public events in four cities: Boca Raton (December 9), Los Angeles (February 17), New York (March 3), and Chicago (June 9). As plans develop, updates will be posted on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website at (http://www.ushmm.org/neveragain) www.ushmm.org/neveragain.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Last year Military.com members sent over a quarter of a million letters to Congress, DoD, VA, and the White House. This year's issues are more critical, with programs for servicemembers, veterans, and their families facing the sequestration axe and the defense budget's proposed cuts and reductions that that could impact benefits like TRICARE enrollment fees, commissaries, and military tuition assistance. In addition to those threats, there is pending legislation that could affect survivor benefits, GI Bill, spouse education, Space "A" Travel, and concurrent receipt.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -be-heard/) Visit the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about have a say in what happens to your hard earned benefits.


2013 COLA Military Retirees and Vets
The 2013 cost-of-living adjustment for military retired pay, SBP annuities, Social Security checks, and VA disability and survivor benefits will be 1.7 percent. The COLA will go into effect on December 1, 2012. The January check will be the first to reflect the increase. Retirees who left the military in 2012 and those who took the REDUX retirement package will not see the full 1.7 percent increase next year.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... announced/) Read the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about the 2013 COLA for those two groups.


AF Selects 500 Airmen for Promotion
More than 500 Airmen have been selected for promotion as part of the October enlisted supplemental promotion process. The list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 11-002.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. 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, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Issues New Smoking Policy
Smokers will find it harder to light up at U.S. Air Forces in Europe Services facilities in the New Year due to (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... 40-102.pdf) Air Force Instruction 40-102, published in March. Force Support facilities will be prohibited from selling any type of tobacco product. After this regulation goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2013, tobacco users in USAFE will no longer be able to purchase cigars, cigarettes, or any form of tobacco from services locations such as officer and enlisted clubs, bowling centers or the golf course. Besides controlling tobacco use, the new policy includes revisions focused on preventing and reducing tobacco use, such as cessation support programs, and community and medical intervention. For more information about how the new AFI affects services facilities, please contact the base force support squadron.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Quarterly Assignment Listing
The Air Force is releasing the enlisted quarterly assignment listing (EQUAL) on Oct. 22 for the July to September 2013 overseas assignment cycle. Enlisted Airmen must update their assignment preferences by Nov. 1, and they will be notified of their assignment selections by Nov. 16. Airmen can update their assignment preferences on the virtual Military Personnel Flight application and view the EQUAL list on the (http://mypers.af.mil ) myPers website. For more information about the EQUAL list, visit the myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Free SAT and ACT Test Prep Available
eKnowledge and Military.com are offering free* and deeply discounted SAT and ACT study material to Military families worldwide. The PowerPrep DVD contains 11 hours of video instruction, sample questions and practice tests. The program allows students to select the training they need and study at their own pace. Eligible recipients include Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Service Members from all branches of the military, Military Retirees, Veterans, in addition to all DoD employees and civilians performing military support and relatives and dependents. To review the PowerPrep Programs and place an order online visit (http://www.eKnowledge.com/mil) www.eKnowledge.com/mil. To order by telephone call 951-256-4076.
2013 Test Dates:
SAT: January 26, March 9, May 4, June 1
ACT: February 9, April 13, June 8
*There is a nominal charge of $17.55 per standard program for materials and shipping.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends
Having trouble locating an old military friend or buddy? Check out the (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Buddy Finder to search over 20 million records.


Fed to End Paper Pay Checks
In an effort to save about $2 million in printing costs and comply with new Treasury Department mandates, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will longer offer military members, military retirees and annuitants, and federal civilian employees the option of getting paid by paper check. The Treasury Department has set March 1, 2013, as the date all federal government payments should be delivered by electronic funds transfer methods such as direct deposit. It is estimated that the U.S. government spends about $130 million each year to print and mail paper checks.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ay-checks/) Read more about the DFAS switch to EFT on the Military Advantage Blog.


Spouses of Heroes Education Act
The Spouses of Heroes Education Act S.1852) would amend the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include spousal eligibility for the Fry Scholarship. Under this legislation, spouses of these service members could receive the full cost of public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ation-act/) Read more.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... %26type=CO) Let your voice be heard. Contact your elected officials to let them know how you feel about this bill.


Military Absentee Ballots Down
In less than three weeks, Americans will head to the polls. According the Military Voting Project, a nonpartisan advocate for military participation in the electoral process, in many states, servicemember requests for absentee ballots are down at least 50 percent from where they were in the 2008 presidential election. The deadline for absentee ballot requests in most states is the end of October, so there is still time for the nearly 80 percent of servicemembers who are registered voters to act. Servicemembers and their families seeking more information on the voting process or looking to request an absentee ballot can do so online through the (http://fvap.gov) Federal Voting Assistance Program website.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military) To keep up with the latest legislative bills and issues that affect the military, and connect with your elected officials, visit the Military.com Legislative Center.


Pioneer Pilot Recreates History
Retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ground breaking event with a re-enactment at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Yeager was serving as a test pilot and flying the experimental Bell X-1 named the, "Glamorous Glennis," Oct. 14, 1947, when he successfully broke the sound barrier. Yeager enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army Air Forces Sept. 12, 1941 and demonstrated his flying skill during World War II when he became an "ace in a day" after downing five enemy aircraft in one mission. For more information on General Yeager and the historic flight, visit the General Chuck Yeager website at (http://www.chuckyeager.com/) www.chuckyeager.com/ .
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Get $300k Coverage for Less than $22 a Month
Protect your family's future with quality life insurance from ASMBA. Get $250k coverage starting at less than $22 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=vr.nl) Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed.


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!


Operation Comfort Warriors
In support of American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz's main fundraising program, the (http://www.legion.org/operationcomfortwarriors) Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) webpage has been upgraded. The page now features accessible links for visitors to easily and efficiently donate to the charity, or access information about the program, its history, how recipients benefit and more. Additionally, news stories about OCW will appear on the web page at (http://www.legion.org/ocw) www.legion.org/ocw. Two new brochures produced by the American Legion about Operation Comfort Warriors are available for download on the (http://www.legion.org/operationcomfortw ... blications) American Legion website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


TRICARE Reserve Payment Plans to Change
TRICARE will stop taking premium payments by mail for the TRICARE Reserve Select and Tricare Retired Reserve programs at the end of the year. Starting Jan. 1, TRICARE will accept only electronic funds transfers or credit and debit cards for the monthly payments. TRICARE is urging beneficiaries to verify that their banks make EFT payments or set up a recurring card payment. The Defense Manpower Data Center will notify affected beneficiaries by email. New beneficiaries will be notified in their welcome packages. Failure to pay premiums on time could result in a 12-month lockout.
For more TRICARE resources and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com Benefits Center.


Army Addresses Ft Meade Exposure Risks
The U.S. Army at Fort Meade, Maryland is making available the Records of Decision (ROD) for the former pesticide shop and the former mortar range at Fort Meade. The ROD documents the Army's plans for addressing risk posed by munitions and explosives of concern at the site. Copies of the ROD are available at the Fort Meade Environmental Management System website at (http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/) www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/ -- click the links for Clean-up Program, Program Sites and then the Pesticide Shop or Former Mortar Range links. For additional project information, visit Fort Meade's Environmental Management System website at (http://www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/) www.ftmeade.army.mil/environment/ or call the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at 301-677-1361.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Exchange Offers Free Shipping
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Oct. 15 that this holiday season, mynavyexchange.com is offering several free shipping deals for its customers. From Oct. 31 - Nov. 21, customers will receive free standard shipping on any toy purchase of $150 or more. Customers will receive free standard shipping on any purchase of $150 or more from Nov. 22 - 26. Finally, from Nov. 30 - Dec. 21, in addition to free standard shipping on any $150 or more purchase, customers will receive discounted priority delivery for $9.95 or discounted express delivery for $17.95.
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.


Marine Corps Centralizes Legal System
The Legal Services Support Team Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the Legal Service Support Section-West of the U.S. Marine Corps recently consolidated to improve the legal system within the Marine Corps and standardize both the legal process and the reporting process. Within Marine Corps Installations-West (MCI-West), the officer in charge of LSSS-West will oversee the Legal Services Support Teams, made up of Miramar, Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, who will report to the commanding general of MCI-West. Legal command advice will be provided exclusively by the staff judge advocate while legal service support is provided by the local Legal Support Services Section (LSST). For More information about LSSS-West, visit: (http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/StaffA ... nWest.aspx) www.pendleton.marines.mil/StaffAgencies ... nWest.aspx.
For more on military law, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... rview.html) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Products at Navy Exchange
The Navy Exchange Service Command has announced that it will add a number of new products to its (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/) NEX web store over the next several months. In honor of its decommissioning, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) apparel and gifts will be added to the NEX web store in mid-October. Launching Oct. 31, customers will find a wider variety of toys for boys and girls for all age ranges on myNavyExchange.com to coincide with the start of Toyland. MyNavyExchange.com currently has more than 15,000 items in its web store.
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.


Get $250k Coverage for Less than $20 a Month
Protect your family's future with quality life insurance from ASMBA. Get $250k coverage starting at less than $20 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr.nl) Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed.


AAFES Halloween Treasure Hunt
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is sponsoring the "Halloween Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes," which will send Exchange patrons on a "spooktacular" scavenger hunt throughout the store. Using a treasure map featured in the Exchange sales flyer or from the store, shoppers can use the map to hunt for clues within the Exchange. After collecting all five clues, treasure hunters can visit the Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community ... ntests.htm) shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily for official rules and to enter their clues. The contest ends at midnight on Oct. 31, and no purchase is necessary to enter. For more information, visit 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.


Get 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.


VA Loan Program Benefits
While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the top 4 benefits of a VA loan.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr1022.nl) Next Step: connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA loan.


AF Waives Retirement Request Rule
Due to the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS ) upgrade and shut down in December, the Air Force Personnel Command has waived the no earlier than 12-month requirement for Airmen who wish to apply for retirement with a retirement effective date of Dec. 1, 2013 through Feb. 1, 2014. These Airmen can apply for retirement immediately but the waiver will expire Nov. 16, 2012. This waiver applies to Active Duty members only and excludes members selected for colonel and chief master sergeant. For more information, contact your local military personnel section. For information about the MilPDS upgrade, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil ) myPers website.
For more on military retirement, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/retiremen ... retirement) Military.com Military Retirement page.


Family Assistance in Louisiana
The Military Family Assistance Fund (MFAF) in Louisiana helps to bridge the financial gaps that members of the reserves and National Guard experience when they are mobilized, defraying the costs of basic necessities such as food, housing and medical services when they are called to active duty. Any Louisiana resident who is a member of the Reserve component or National Guard and has served thirty consecutive days of active duty since Sept.11, 2001, may apply for assistance from the MFAF fund. Immediate family members are also allowed to apply on behalf of their servicemember. Applications are available at all Veterans Affairs Parish Service Offices in Louisiana and at the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs MFA Fund website at (http://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/MFA) www.vetaffairs.la.gov/MFA . For more information, call the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-877-432-8982.
For more support resources for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Marines First Lady's Reading List
The wife of the Commandant of the Marine Corps is promoting a new reading list, dubbed the "First Lady of the Marine Corps Recommended Reading List," geared toward helping military families cope with those same stresses. The First Lady's reading list brings together in one location books that have all been vetted as credible sources for helpful advice for military families. The Marine Corps is the first military branch to develop a resource list of this nature. The list includes books for both adults and children, and many were authored by military spouses. The official list of books will soon be available on the Marine Corps Association website at (http://www.mca-marines.org/) www.mca-marines.org.
For more on military-related books and entertainment, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty channel.


Depression, Anxiety and PTSD
Depression and anxiety are flip sides of the same coin because they often occur simultaneously. Loss of control causes anxiety for the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferer. On the flip side, depression results from not being able to regain that control. People with PTSD feel detached or disconnected from friends and family. They find little pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. They may even have difficulty experiencing positive emotions such as joy and happiness. Isolation develops as they avoid engaging, particularly in activities that might trigger memories of the traumatic event or event that triggered the PTSD. Get help on the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil) Military OneSource website. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call the Military Crisis Line 24/7 at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).
For more family support resources for PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


MOAA 2012 Career Fair in DC
The Military Officers Association of America is offering a free career fair for active duty, retired, former service, Reserve/National Guard officer and enlisted service members and their spouses. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on Tuesday, October 30, at the Sheraton National Hotel, located at 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA. In addition to offering the chance to meet with more than 50 regional and national employers like Microsoft, CGI Federal, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Chick-fil-A, the event will also feature several free, 60-minute pre- career fair transition seminars on subjects like "How to Work a Career Fair," "Interviewing Best Practices," and "Federal Job Search." The Pre-Career Fair Seminars begin at 8 a.m. Attendees are not required to preregister for the Career Fair.
For further information, call (800) 234-MOAA (6622) toll-free (Mon through Fri 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST), e-mail (mailto:careerfair@moaa.org) careerfair@moaa.org, or visit About MOAA Career Events on the MOAA website at (http://www.moaa.org/careerfair) www.moaa.org/careerfair.


Free Career Workshop Presented by The Home Depot
Home Depot invites you to a FREE career transition event on Oct 27th. Learn Resume Optimization, Job Search Strategies, and Interview Techniques. Hundreds of locations on Oct 27th. (http://bs.serving-sys.com/BurstingPipe/ ... uID=0&ord=[timestamp]) Find a Free Career Event Near You!


Holidays at the Exchange
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is ready to help shoppers this holiday season. The Exchange recently released its annual (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/80 ... otostream/) Toybook Exchange shopping guide, which features this year's most popular gifts. Toybook items can be ordered online at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) shopmyexchange.com or shoppers may visit their local Exchange to enjoy selection, value and savings. Online purchases made with the Military Star Card get free shipping on orders of $49 or more. In-store shoppers can use the fee-free holiday layaway now through December. 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.


AF Anonymous Tip Line
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations recently announced a new program that allows individuals to send anonymous information about suspicious or illegal activity through a Smartphone application, the Web, or by text message. Tipsters may also submit relevant photos and documents, and follow up on the results of their tips. Individuals may send information about suspicious activity by texting 'AFOSI' and their tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or through the (http://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111) online tip line or the (http://www.osi.af.mil) AFOSI webpage. Smartphone users may download the tip application from their mobile provider's marketplace by selecting AFOSI under USA Federal Agency.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


WWII Game on Sale
The (http://www.nationalww2museum.org/) National World War II Museum in New Orleans has created a new edition of a classic board game to educate younger generations about World War II. "Monopoly: America's World War II: We're All In This Together" replaces railroads with supply routes, hotels with camps, and board spaces with World War II events. To purchase "Monopoly: America's World War II: We're All In This Together" for the price of $39.99, visit the (http://store.nationalww2museum.org/brow ... ,1396.html) National World War II Museum website.
For more military history resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Featured Job: AllState Hiring Veterans
At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands(R), and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. The sacrifices you've made for our country demonstrate your level of commitment, resourcefulness and integrity -- (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) invaluable characteristics that we seek in new talent.


Navy Changes PMK Exams
The Navy has redefined Professional Military Knowledge exams for enlisted advancement. The restructured advancement exams decrease the total number of questions from 200 to 175 and increase the emphasis on rating-specific technical questions. The recent exams for active duty E4-E6, the upcoming January chief petty officer exam, and the Selected Reserve (SELRES) exams in February will be the first opportunities for candidates to take the new 175-question exams, which contain only 25 PMK questions.
For the current schedule of Advancement Exam Readiness Reviews, see the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... V12254.txt) AERR NAVADMIN 254/12.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.