Military Report - Week of December 17, 2012

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of December 17, 2012

Navy Sexual Assault Prevention Teams
Master Mobile Training Teams from the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Task Force have deployed worldwide to provide SAPR-F (Fleet) Preparation Training to command training teams. The teams will provide SAPR-F Preparation Training to designated mid-level leadership command training teams in fleet concentration areas and locations with significant Navy presence. These teams will then deliver the SAPR-F training to their E-6 and below personnel, which must be completed at each command by March 31. For more information on the MMTT and SAPR-F training efforts, including command registration for SAPR-F training, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ining.aspx) SAPR L/F training webpages.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Employer Support Award Nominees Wanted
Reserve component members still have time to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award recognizes employers that go to extraordinary lengths to support their employees' service in the reserve components and enables Guardsmen and reservists to show their appreciation for their employers' support. Nominations are due by Jan. 21, 2013. Family members can submit nominations on behalf of a Guardsman or reservist. Employers of every size and industry are eligible. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) agency, is accepting nominations online at The Freedom Award website at (http://www.freedomaward.mil/) www.FreedomAward.mil.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Vet Benefit Calculator: What Do You Qualify For?
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://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.


Keep Your Vaccinations Current
Adults should to check with their physician to make sure they are up to date on important vaccinations they may have received as a child, but not as an adult. One vaccination many adults do not receive is the Tdap shot, which protects against tetanus and diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish a recommended adult immunization schedule at (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/) www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules. The CDC recommends adults receive the seasonal influenza, or flu shot, every year; Tdap every 10 years; shingles for those adults 60 years and older; pneumococcal for adults 65 years and older (a one-time shot); and hepatitis B (three-shot series) for adults who have diabetes or are at risk for hepatitis B. For more information, visit the CDC's Vaccines and Immunizations webpage at (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/) www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Tips for Managing Holiday Spending
If you do spend more than you had planned, here are a few steps to take to lessen the harm: (1) stop charging, put the credit cards away and stop the bleeding; (2) before you use your credit card; you should know how you will pay off the debt and have the funds on standby; (3) review your spending plan and make changes so that you can afford your additional holiday debt payments; (4) pay more than the minimum monthly payment to reduce your debt faster; (5) avoid making only minimum payments; (6) if overspending has left you unable to meet your debt payments, see your base financial counselor or educator to review your spending plan and help you explore options. For more information on managing your credit and debit, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... management) Military.com Money Center.


Run for Vets
On November 11, 2012, USMC veteran Sergeant Brendan O'Toole set out on a 3,600 mile run across the U.S. in honor of the selfless men and women who have served in Operations Iraqi and Afghanistan. The Run for Veterans' goal is to raise $2 million to support the United States Armed Forces veterans, combat veterans, disabled veterans, and their families. The Run for Veterans started in Oceanside, CA, and will end in Portland, ME. The Run for Veterans will engage local communities, collaborate with existing organizations, and work with local veteran non-profit groups to connect civilian and military personnel. The Run for Veterans invites any and all warriors, veterans, and civilians to run alongside Sgt. O'Toole throughout the route, as a show of support for our servicemen and women. (http://www.therunforveterans.org/) Click here to learn more and offer your support.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


2013 BAH Rates Released
The DoD released today the 2013 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, which take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Overall rates will increase an average of 3.8 percent this year. Members with dependents will see an average increase in (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... or-housing) BAH of approximately $60 per month. A typical E-6 with dependents, for example, will find his/her BAH about $60 per month higher than last year, while an O-3 with dependents will receive about $55 more than last year. Veterans and their families using the Post-9/11 GI Bill will also see an average increase in their housing stipend, which is based on the BAH rate for an E-6 with dependents.
Visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ing-rates/) Military Advantage to learn more about how the 2013 rates will affect your military pay.


$200k SGLI Supplement from $14 a Month
Get $200k coverage starting at only $14 a month. Need more coverage? Pick your own coverage level. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr1217.nl) Start protecting your family today.


Direct Path to CDL in Wisconsin
Veterans and current military employees who have a military license to operate military commercial vehicles, may be able to use it to obtain a Wisconsin commercial driver license without having to take the CDL knowledge and skills exams. The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles worked to standardize the CDL application process to make it easier to consider military experience and skills. Individuals must be Wisconsin residents in order to be eligible for the waiver and the waiver does not cover hazardous materials or school bus endorsements. For more information on how to receive credit for military commercial vehicle experience, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/dr ... litary.htm) www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/a ... litary.htm.
For more on veteran job opportunities and job listings across the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Army Asymmetric Warfare Program
The U.S. Army's 10-day Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program, conducted four times a year at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., teaches eight dimensions of adaptability. By learning how to better interpret their commander's intent and learning how to observe, operate, analyze, predict, counter and defeat asymmetric threats, AWALP graduates help enable their units to overcome the challenges inherent in modern battlefields. The program -- the only one of its kind in the Army -- centralizes many of the lessons the Army has absorbed during the past decade of war. AWALP pushes Soldiers out of their comfort zones, but the education is intended to systematically build confidence in their ability to manage uncertainty. For more information, visit the (http://www.awg.army.mil/awalp/about-us.html) AWALP webpage.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Featured Job: HNTB Hiring Veterans
For nearly a century, HNTB Corporation has helped create infrastructure that best meets the unique demands of its environment. With client relationships spanning decades, we understand infrastructure life cycles and have the perspective to solve technical challenges with clarity and imagination. We see and help address far-reaching issues of financing, legislation, design, construction, community outreach and ongoing operations. As employee owners committed to the highest levels of performance, (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) we enable clients to achieve their goals and visions.


Transition Assistance for Soldiers
Soldiers transitioning to civilian life recently got a boost when the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act went into effect. The act requires every Soldier to attend transition assistance classes. The Army already was working to make transitioning easier. When the "re-engineered" Transition Assistance Program (TAP) also took effect recently, the Army already had 700 transition counselors and support staff in the field at 80 locations. Under TAP, Soldiers can now reach a transition counselor by telephone at 800-325-4715. Also, the (https://www.acap.army.mil) Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP), is a transition and job-assistance program that goes beyond TAP in offering detailed job-assistance training. Visit the ACAP Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/ArmyCareerandAlumniProgram) www.facebook.com/ArmyCareerandAlumniProgram.
For more on veteran job opportunities and job listings across the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Army Wants Feedback on Training Ranges
The Army has announced the availability of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for Modernizing and Operating Training Ranges on Previous or Existing Range Sites on Army Training Areas and invites the public to provide comments. All interested members of the public, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiian groups, federal, state, and local agencies are invited to review and provide comments on the National Environmental Policy Act documentation titled Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for Range Construction of up to 40 acres on Previously Disturbed Sites. Copies of the document may be viewed or downloaded from the U.S (http://aec.army.mil/usaec/nepa/topics00.html) . Army Environmental Command website. The U.S. Army Environmental Command will accept written comments until Jan. 11, 2013.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Top Companies are Hiring Servicemembers with Security Clearance.
Top Companies and DoD Contractors across the nation are hiring veterans with security clearance: employers want your military experience, and security clearance means higher pay and more career opportunities. (http://www.military.com/newslettersignu ... RC=mrvr.nl) Sign up to get top job postings and industry tips.


Army Ammunition Hall of Fame Wants Nominees
The U.S. Army is seeking nominations for the Ammunition Hall of Fame, which was established in October 2011 to honor and memorialize former civilian and military personnel who have made significant, lasting contributions to the U.S. Army ammunition mission. Nominees must be retired, reassigned, separated, or positively discharged from a military or civilian service ammunition position (using the nominee's official retirement/separation date) for at least two years from date nomination package is submitted. If deceased, the nominee is eligible immediately without regard to years of service or retirement/separation status. Nominations are due no later than 30 January 2013. For more information and to download a nomination form, visit the (http://www.jmc.army.mil/Historian/HallOfFame.aspx) Ammunition Hall of Fame webpage.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


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.


New Process Eases HHG Shipping
A system being implemented at U.S. Transportation Command is making permanent-change-of-station moves more convenient, while reducing lost and damaged shipments. The Defense Personal Property System supports 90 percent of all military moves and gives customers the opportunity to track their shipments online. The web-based system automates many of the steps involved in military moves: pre-move counseling, scheduling, tracking, invoicing and claims filing for household goods shipments. For more information, visit the Move.mil website at (http://www.move.mil/home.htm) www.move.mil/home.htm.
For more on relocation, and moving guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com Relocation Center.


Protect Your Identity
Here are some tips to protect your personal and financial data during and after the holidays: (1) maintaining physical control of your debit cards, credit cards, checkbook and identifying information (such as Social Security number and date of birth); (2) know where these items are at all times; (3) only carry the cards you plan to use; (4) know with whom you are doing business--this is especially important when doing business online or over the phone; (5) review all statements upon receipt to verify that all the transactions are accurate; and (6) immediately report any "missing" cards or unrecognized transactions." Be proactive. Waiting to report a loss or unauthorized use will not make it easier, and the sooner you can minimize damage, the better. For more tips and information, visit the IDTheftInfo.org website at (http://www.idtheftinfo.org/) www.idtheftinfo.org.
For more credit protection tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


GM Veteran Hiring Team Talks Jobs
Mark and Doug from General Motors' veteran hiring group stop by the Military.com Editor's Desk to talk about what GM is doing to reach out to vets to get them started on the next phase of their working lives. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Download the podcast now.


AF Wellness Campaign Target Chronic Diseases
Throughout December and January, Air Force Materiel Command will be promoting the "Do You Know Your Numbers" wellness campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of knowing your numbers to help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Early identification and management of risk factors can help individuals stay healthy and live a long, productive life. The CRP wellness screening is available through Civilian Health Promotion Services and is free to all Department of Defense (appropriated fund) AFMC civilian employees. For more information regarding CRP screenings, contact your local CHPS team or visit the (https://activeduty.afmcwellness.com/) AFMC Wellness Support Center website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Exchanges Offer Price Guarantee
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is offering its "Holiday Extended Price Guarantee" this holiday season. Now through Dec. 25, all purchases made at the Exchange are guaranteed to be the lowest price in town as shoppers who find an identical item elsewhere for less will receive an Exchange gift card for the difference. To receive the gift card, shoppers simply bring an original Exchange receipt along with a current local competitor's ad. The "Holiday Extended Price Guarantee" includes shopmyexchange.com but does not include other website prices.
For more discounts for servicemembers, military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/category/automotive) Military.com Discount Center.


AF Announces Promotions
The Air Force 2012A Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major Central Selection Boards recently selected 90 lieutenant colonels, 176 majors and 297 captains for promotion. The promotions lists are at the following links: (1) to (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-037.pdf) colonel, (2) to (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-036.pdf) lieutenant colonel, and (3) to (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 05-038.pdf) major. For more information about 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.


Free Resources for AF Supervisors
The Supervisor Resource Center (SRC) located on the Air Force Portal continues to expand its offering of tools targeting the needs of supervisors and Air Force employees. Many of the resources available include short courses, books, videos, simulations, practice exercises and job aids which can be used as structured learning programs to reduce competency gaps or as "just-in-time" resources to meet situational needs. These resources are free, available on-demand from any Common Access Card-enabled computer and can be accessed from the front page of the SRC. To get to the SRC, go to the (https://www.my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal, click on the 'Life and Career' tab at the top of the site, click 'Force Development,' then on the left, click the Supervisor Resource Center tab.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Reminder: Alcohol Awareness During the Holidays
A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can ruin a Soldier's career. Soldiers found guilty of DUI can face a civilian criminal conviction, punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice resulting in reduction in rank, a bar from re-enlistment, and a dishonorable discharge. Active-duty Soldiers who refuse to take or complete a lawfully requested blood, breath or urine test to measure alcohol or drug content, either on or off post, or those stopped on-post with a blood alcohol content can be issued a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR), which may remain a permanent part of the Soldier's personnel file. A GOMOR is not automatically withdrawn because a Soldier is acquitted at a criminal trial or if the DUI is reduced to a lesser charge. For more information, contact your base legal office.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Navy Reserve Force Reductions
The U.S. Navy is reducing the size of the Navy Reserve Expeditionary Force with a 45 percent reduction in Navy Reserve construction forces affecting more than 6,000 Sailors. Sailors who lose their billet due to command restructuring will be able to apply for a new billet through the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/e ... ault2.aspx) Career Management System-Interactive Detailing (CMS-ID) system. (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/C ... ES%29.aspx) FleetRIDE for SELRES is a web-enabled career counseling tool that screens and guides the right Sailors to the right jobs by matching a Sailor's qualifications and interests to meet Navy requirements for rating conversions. For more information, visit the (https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/Pages/default.aspx) Navy Reserve Homeport website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


2013 Warrior Games
The 2013 Warrior Games will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy May 11-17, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill and injured servicemembers and veterans are expected to participate in 2013, comprising five U.S. Teams representing the Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard, Marine Corps and special operations forces, as well as one team from the United Kingdom. Teams will compete in archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming and track and field. For more information, visit the USA Paralympics website at (http://www.usparalympics.org/) www.usparalympics.org or the Warrior Games Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/WarriorGames) www.facebook.com/WarriorGames.
For more on military-related sports events, visit the (http://military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Homefront Heroes Webisodes Online
(http://homefrontheroes.com/) Homefront Heroes -- an Internet TV show -- profiles the lives of wounded warriors and their families as they adjust to life after combat. View the Webisodes on the (http://homefrontheroes.com/) Homefront Heroes website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Army Begins Warrior Leader Course
When implemented Army-wide in January, the Warrior Leader Course will be a little bit longer. After a thorough examination of the 17-day WLC that included surveys and interviews, Training and Doctrine Command feels it has a course that will produce better NCOs. The new 22-day WLC also reflects new Army directives that require Structured Self-Development 1 as a prerequisite to WLC enrollment and mandates passing an Army Physical Fitness Test and meeting height and weight requirements as conditions of staying enrolled. One of the most visible changes to WLC will be reintroducing land navigation. For more information, visit the (http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/bein ... ourse.html) Warrior Leader Course webpage.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


DoD Prepares for Fiscal Cliff
The Office of Management and Budget has instructed the Department of Defense (DoD) to pursue internal planning to meet required budget cuts if sequestration goes into effect Jan. 3, 2013. For the DoD, sequestration would cut the defense budget by $500 billion over the next 10 years in addition to the nearly $500 billion in cuts already directed by the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA). The core of the effort for DoD during December is planning against the possible cuts. However, if the cuts do go into effect Jan. 3, DoD should still have the first couple of months in 2013 to determine the best way to handle the effects.
Visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog to stay updated on how sequestration may affect your military benefits.


New DoD Guidelines on Tuition Assistance
The Defense Department has issued new policy guidelines intended to provide better protection for members of the military and veterans who seek tuition assistance for post-secondary degrees. The department's revised voluntary education partnership policy, part of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), specifies the expectations and agreements that colleges, universities and technical schools must adhere to in order to receive DOD underwriting. To receive it, participating institutions must sign the MOU, and provide the student with clear information about financial procedures, course information and graduation rates. Currently about 2,000 institutions participate in the tuition assistance program. The revised memorandum of understanding is available at (http://www.dodmou.com/) http://www.dodmou.com/.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.