Military Report - Week of November 05, 2012

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Military Report - Week of November 05, 2012

AF Eliminates Civilian Skill Codes
Air Force officials have rescinded the manual used to define civilian position skill codes. Coded skills are no longer used in the hiring process or to identify past experience, so the skill coding manual (Air Force Manual 36-505, Skill Coding) is no longer necessary. All civilian vacancy announcements are now posted on the USAJobs.gov website at (http://www.usajobs.gov/) www.USAJobs.gov. Current civilian employees should familiarize themselves with the USAJobs site and application process, even if they do not plan to apply for a vacancy. To update their past experience, employees can submit an updated resume on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website -- select career management, then self-service, and then resume update. For more information about civilian career opportunities, and guidance on resume preparation, visit the Air Force Civilian Careers website at (http://www.afciviliancareers.com/) www.afciviliancareers.com. For more information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


NEX Changes Price Matching Policy
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that it has revised its Price Match Policy for NEXs around the world. The NEX Price Match Policy guarantees that NEXs will match any brick and mortar retailer's advertised price within the local market area on any identical in-stock item. The new policy gives NEX cashiers more authority to match prices. NEX sales associates have the authority to match an advertised price reduction up to $100. An NEX supervisor must authorize a price match over $100. Customers may ask for a price adjustment at any cash register in the store. The NEX Price Match Policy does not apply to some items and to some sales. For more information about the NEX Price Match Policy, see your local NEX manager or visit the (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/command/ ... olicy.html) NEX website.
For more discounts on products and services for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Make Gift-Giving Plans Early
There are some simple steps servicemembers and their families can take to prepare for the holidays. Decide what your priorities during the holidays are, what is important to you and why. Do not spend money out of guilt or a sense of obligation. Knowing what your priorities are will the expectations of your family, friends and coworkers early in the season, which can relieve stressors later-- people will know what to expect. For more tips on managing holiday spending along with a holiday budget worksheet, visit the Navy Stress website at (http://www.navynavstress.com) www.navynavstress.com.
For more discounts on products and services for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


2012 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Each year businesses honor Veterans and Servicemembers by offering Veterans Day discounts on goods, services, and dining. Military.com has put together a list of 2012 veteran and military discounts, Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings, and even some of the offerings include honest-to-goodness free meals. (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/ve ... ounts.html) Learn more about the 2012 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies.


Army Report on Sustainability
The U.S. Army has released the Army Sustainability Report 2012, which describes the Army's sustainability efforts and progress during years 2010 and 2011. This fourth Global Reporting Initiative-, or GRI-based report documents the Army's status, achievements, and trends associated with relevant indicators of sustainability. Like the previous report, the Army Sustainability Report 2012 is oriented to the four core enterprises: materiel, readiness, human capital, and services and infrastructure. Each section addresses topics of note, reports progress against the relevant sustainability metrics, and highlights successes. The U.S. Army Sustainability Report 2012 is available (http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/269536.pdf) online.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Army Warrior Leadership Course
The U.S. Army is beginning its new, restructured Warrior Leadership Course (WLC) in January, 2013. Modifications to the WLC include changes in course length as well as subject improvements and additions. The length of the WLC will increase from 17 to 22 academic days. The academic day will be limited to 8.5 hours, resulting in time for reflection, and additional time to reinforce training in areas such as counseling and leadership. The restructured WLC will also include 12 hours of map reading as well as the Army Physical Fitness Test. Two areas where training hours increased include instruction in writing NCO Evaluation Reports as well as a more comprehensive block of teaching in counseling. For more information, visit the (http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/bein ... ourse.html) Warrior Leadership Course webpage.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


November is Warrior Care Month
Warrior Care Month, initiated in 2008, is observed by the military services each November. This is a time to reaffirm a commitment to quality health care, education and careers for our nation's wounded, ill and injured servicemembers. The theme for this year's joint observance is "Success through Transition - Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship." For more information, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/iss ... 2012-11-01) U.S. Army's Stand-To! website.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AAFES Shuttle Delivery Program
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is delivering increased selection with its "Shuttle Program." This Exchange initiative shuttles merchandise in between Exchange facilities to fulfill specific customer requests. Everything from furniture to tactical gear can be transferred through the "Shuttle Program," meaning shoppers everywhere are guaranteed the largest possible selection. If you do not see what you are looking for, just ask a manager at your Exchange's Customer Service area if it can be brought in from another location. After recording the request and checking availability, shoppers will be advised of a projected arrival date. The "Shuttle Program" is a free service at all Exchanges, Troop Stores and Expresses around the world. For more information, contact your local Exchange.
For more discounts on products and services for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


AAFES Toyland Sweepstakes
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is giving shoppers an opportunity to win a trip for four to Universal Studio in Orlando, Fla. And other prizes with its (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/81 ... otostream/) "Toyland Sweepstakes." Eligible Exchange shoppers worldwide can visit their nearest Main Store to register. Contact information is available through the "Your Exchange" link at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com. The Sweepstakes ends Nov. 21 In-store drawings will take place on or about Nov. 27. Participants must be 18 or older to enter and no purchase is necessary.
For more discounts on products and services for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Military Pay Calculator 110512
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.


New AF Electronic Promotion Scoring
The Air Force recently implemented an electronic record scoring system for all central officer promotion boards. The new system will eventually be adopted across all total force components. The electronic Board Operations Support System (eBOSS) allows board members to use ergonomic, touch-screen workstations with user interfaces similar to a smartphone or tablet computer to view and score digital personnel records. The stations are also height adjustable to allow board members to sit or stand while scoring records. Many board members who used eBOSS during central officer boards in June and September said they had positive experiences using the new scoring system. Officials will implement eBOSS incrementally as interfaces are developed for existing promotion and vectoring systems. In 2013, eBOSS is scheduled to be used for active duty, senior non-commissioned officer evaluation boards. For more information about the selection board process and other personnel programs, visit 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.


Veterans Day: Discounts and Freebies
Each year businesses honor veterans and servicemembers, as well as their families, with Veterans Day discounts on goods, services, and dining. Military.com has listed out the (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/ve ... RC=mrvr.nl) 2012 veteran and military discounts, including Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings, and this year's offerings even include some honest-to-goodness free meals.
View all military (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) deals and discounts.
Get top deals and information on how to save big by signing up for (http://www.military.com/LeadForms/NewsL ... RC=mrvr.nl) the Military Deals and Discounts Newsletter.


3 VA Loan Tips 110512
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.


Navy Professional Reading Program
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) recently introduced the newest edition of the Chief of Naval Operations Professional Reading Program (CNO-PRP). The revamped program lists 42 books organized under the three tenets of the CNO's Sailing Directions: warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. There are 18 essential readings and 24 recommended readings. A full list of the titles are available at the (http://navyreading.dodlive.mil/) Navy Reading website. Sailors will be able to contribute their opinions and suggestions by visiting the (http://navyreading.dodlive.mil/) website or the (http://www.facebook.com/NavyReading) Navy Reading Facebook page. Questions, feedback, and recommendations on the program may be e-mailed to (mailto:navyreading@usnwc.edu) navyreading@usnwc.edu.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New USAFR Leave Carryover Policy
The Air Force has a new program for reservists to save and carryover leave time from year to year beginning Nov. 1. Reservists performing duty under the Reserve Personnel Appropriation (RPA) orders may now "save" their leave for future use. Prior to this change, reservists were required to use or sell leave earned on orders of 30 days or more. Reservists cannot save their leave for next year if they are working on active duty under Military Personnel Appropriation orders (MPA) as well as in direct support of war taskings under Overseas Contingency Operations funds (OCO). No action is required by reservists since the military's computer software automatically sells the leave and pays it to the servicemember. Local military personnel flights can provide more information about the AFR Leave Carryover Program.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Benefit Center.


General Dynamics Looking for Veteran Talent
Your Next Mission Starts Here: General Dynamics scours the country in search for the best veteran talent to help us deliver innovative technology solutions for our nation's highest-priority defense and homeland security initiatives. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn how your skills can translate into a civilian career in mission-critical programs.


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


From Building Buicks to Bombers
Three hundred and forty-three thousand automobiles left the General Motor's super-assembly plant in Linden, N.J., between 1937 and 1941. Throughout these years of peace, Buicks, Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles flowed in an endless procession from this factory into dealers' showrooms from Maine to Virginia -- then production stopped. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read Full Article.


Preparing for Deployment? Get Your Checklist 110512
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. According to a survey by the National Military Family Association, 28% of military families say financial issues are among their greatest challenges during deployment. If you don't have a family, you will still deal with many similar financial issues, though on a smaller scale. We focus on a few of the more important areas. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get Your Checklist.


Saluting Native American Soldiers
November is National Native American Heritage Month. Since the birth of America, American Indians and Alaska Natives have contributed immeasurably to our country and our heritage, distinguishing themselves as scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders in all aspects of our society. Native Americans have also served in the United States Armed Forces with honor and distinction. For more information on Native Americans in the American military, visit the Native Americans in the U.S. Army webpage at (http://www.army.mil/nativeamericans/) www.army.mil/nativeamericans/, the Native Americans and the (http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq61-1.htm) U.S. Military webpage, and the (http://www.history.navy.mil/Special%20H ... -index.htm) Native Americans in the U.S. Navy webpage.


Army Emphasize Weapons Safety
Soldiers depend on their weapons, and when one fails, it could mean the difference between life and death. But by taking precautions like thorough preventive maintenance checks and services and proper storage, Soldiers greatly reduce the likelihood of malfunction and possibly an accident. Soldiers should also always remember the basics of weapons handling. Proper clearing procedures are paramount; some of the most common reasons that negligent discharges occur are failure to follow proper clearing procedures and a lack of muzzle awareness. For more information, visit the (https://safety.army.mil/rangeweaponssaf ... fault.aspx) U.S. Army Combat Readiness Safety Center Range and Weapons Safety Toolbox (AKO login required).
For more on military weapponry and gear, visit the (http://kitup.military.com/) Kit Up! blog.


Help with Lithium Battery Shipment Ban
In response to a May, 2012 U.S. Postal Service ban on international shipments of electronics with lithium batteries, select cameras, tablets, watches and other electronics can now be ordered online and picked up at any of 36 Army and Air Force Exchange Service Exchanges in Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Guam, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey or the United Kingdom through the 'Lithium Ship to Store' program. Exchange shoppers simply visit ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and select one of approximately 80 products with a "Lithium Ship to Store" logo. Customer service associates at the selected overseas location will contact the shopper via email when the order arrives.
For more discounts on products and services for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


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 ... =mr1105.nl) Get $400k protection for as low as $26 a month.


CNO's Position Report
The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, recently issued Position Report: 2012, which addresses what the Navy needs to work on. The report is based on the three tenets of the service: "Warfighting first, operate forward and be ready." The CNO's Position Report: 2012 is available (http://www.navy.mil/cno/121026_PositionReport.pdf) online.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Officers Need Photos for Promotions
The U.S. Navy is reminding officers to update their officer photo in their military records. Officer promotions typically occur on the first of each month. So, as a new group of officers pin on their new rank and update their ID cards, they must also remember to update their official photo. New photographs are required for all officers within three months after acceptance of promotion. For more information, contact the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more on military records and military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries
Many have dealt with a soft tissue injury at one time in their lives. "Shin splints" and "IT-Band Syndrome" are commonly referred to as "myofacial pain." Although these injuries are common among athletes, even recreational athletes or "weekend warriors" can be prone to these injuries. Some physical therapists recommend a home exercise program that incorporates the use of a foam roller. Taking a few minutes at the end of a workout or after a run to focus on sore spots with a foam roller is a great way to prevent myofacial pain. One should foam-roll after their workout. It can be moderately uncomfortable if one is new to using a foam roller or have some significant myofacial pain. Light to mild bruising can be normal for some people. Those who do bruise should start with twice a week foam-rolling and work up to three times a week. Do not spend more than five minutes on a single area. For more information about these techniques or finding a good foam roller, email (mailto:moshe.greenberg@us.army.mil) moshe.greenberg@us.army.mil.
For more on military fitness and fitness guides, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.