Military Report - Week of December 24, 2012

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of December 24, 2012

TSP Hardship Rules Relaxed
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board announced it has made temporary changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) hardship withdrawal rules to help victims of Hurricane Sandy pursuant to the guidance recently issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The TSP will treat any Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Request (Form TSP-76) received until Jan. 25, 2013 as qualifying for a hardship withdrawal, if the participant follows the following instructions: The participant should write "Hurricane Sandy" at the top of the form and check the "personal casualty" box on the TSP-76. These temporary changes will not be effective retroactively. The distributions must occur before Feb. 1, 2013. For more information, visit the (https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/plan/planNews.shtml#relief) TSP website.
For more guides on TSP, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... vings-plan) Military.com TSP section.


Beware: Navy Uniform Not Flame-Resistant
The U.S. Navy wants Sailors understand the minimal flame resistant qualities of the Navy Working Uniform Type I. The latest push for awareness stems from an impromptu test the Navy Clothing Textile Research Facility conducted recently that reinforced the fact that the NWU Type I is not flame-resistant. Navy leadership removed the flame-resistant requirements from NWUs in 1996, and commands since then have been required to purchase flame-resistant organizational clothing for Sailors. For more information on this story, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... mable.html) this Military.com article. For more on Navy uniforms, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/navy-uniform) Navy Uniform page at Military.com.


WWI Memorial Act Passes
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act, which will establish a World War I memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Before becoming law, the bill must be passed in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Buckles was known as the "last of the doughboys," the final survivor of American troops who served in World War I when he died on Feb. 27, 2011, at age 110. The bill also establishes a commission to prepare a centennial observance for the war. More information about Mr. Buckles can be found at the Frank Buckles website at (http://www.frankbuckles.org/) www.frankbuckles.org.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


TRICARE Fee Hike Planned for Feb. 1
House-Senate conferees have agreed to raising drug co-payments on military family members and retirees who fill prescriptions at TRICARE retail outlets or through mail order. The fee increases are scheduled to take effect Feb. 1. The fee hike is only one of several provisions of the 2013 defense authorization act that will impact the military community next year.
(http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,253689,00.html) Read this week's Military Update for more details.


Military Skills Translator: Civilian Jobs You Qualify For
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. Enter in your MOS, MOSC, Rating, or Designator and we'll give you a list of civilian skills and equivalent job openings. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.


New Basic Allowance Housing Rates
On Jan. 1, servicemembers can expect to see an average increase of about $60 in their 2013 basic allowance for housing. Overall, rates went up an average of 3.8 percent. About 21 percent of BAH localities saw a net decrease, but servicemembers already receiving a higher allowance at those locations will continue to receive it. The Department of Defense has also announced the new basic allowance for subsistence, or BAS, rates for military members. The new rates will take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Enlisted servicemembers will receive $352.27 a month, up from $348.44 per month this year. Officers will receive $242.60 a month, up from $239.96 in 2012. Servicemembers who reside outside the U.S. receive an overseas housing allowance, which is not affected by changes to BAH. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... or-housing) Visit Military.com to find your 2013 BAH.


Navy 2013 Senior Enlisted Board
The Navy's fiscal year 2013 (FY-13) performance-based Senior Enlisted Continuation board will convene Feb. 25, 2013. Names of board-eligible Sailors are posted on the (https://neasos.cnet.navy.mil) Navy Enlisted Advancement System website and on (https://www.bol.navy.mil) Bupers Online (BOL) for command representatives to view. Individuals can view their board eligibility profile sheet on (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil) Navy Knowledge Online. Under the "Career Management" tab, select "Navy Advancement Center" and then select "Senior Enlisted Continuation Board Eligibility Profile." For more information, call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


245 Selected for USAF Officer Training
245 men and women from across America have been selected to attend basic officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 2013. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 717 applications as part of the Officer Training School Non-Rated Selection Board 13OT01 with a final selection rate of 34.1 percent. The selection process is similar to an Air Force officer promotion board. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should contact their local education office; civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter. A complete list of applicants selected is available on the Air Force Recruiting Service webpage at (http://www.rs.af.mil) www.rs.af.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Deal of the Week: Upgrade and Get $100
Buy a new BlackBerry(R) BoldTM 9900 smartphone and get $100 when you trade in. Save 15% on qualified AT&T monthly wireless plans. (http://www.att.com/gov/bb) Get this deal.


Companies Seeking Veterans with Security Clearance
Top companies actively hire and pay top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance. (http://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr1224.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


Military.com Joins Joining Forces
Military.com and Monster.com are working with the White House's Joining Forces campaign and will contribute to the initiative's goal of hiring or training an additional 250,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative that focuses on connecting America's veterans and military spouses with careers that match their skills and experience. With a local presence in more than 40 countries, Monster connects employers with quality job seekers at all levels, provides personalized career advice to consumers globally and delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. For more information, visit the White House Joining Forces webpage at (http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces) www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces.
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Scholarships, Grants for Military Families
Applications for 2013 Our Future scholarships and grants are now available at the Our Family for Families First Foundation website at (http://www.ourfamilyfoundation.org) www.ourfamilyfoundation.org. Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by Feb. 14, and will be awarded in amounts up to $50,000 each to high school seniors with plans to attend a four-year university or college. The foundation will select 10 children of active-duty servicemembers to receive the scholarships based on merit and need at forts Meade, Bragg, Polk, Rucker, Riley and Sill, and Aberdeen Proving Ground. Educational grant applications must be submitted by May 9. For more information about eligibility or the application process, visit the Our Family for Families First Foundation website at (http://www.ourfamilyfoundation.org/) www.ourfamilyfoundation.org, e-mail (mailto:info@ourfamilyfoundation.org) info@ourfamilyfoundation.org or call 401-228-2836.
For more on military education programs and benefits, including GI Bill and tuition assistance guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


New Report Supports Commissary Benefits
Recent attacks on the commissary and exchange benefit have been challenged by a recently released report by commissary and exchange advocates. The Military Resale and MWR Center for Research, established by the American Logistics Association, released a major economic review of the military resale system documenting these benefits for the military community and the nation. The report found that the CBO recommendations would actually cost DoD $40 billion instead of saving the government money and that the impact to the National economy was even greater -- placed at $80 billion.
Read the full article on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -benefits/) Military Advantage blog.


Car Maker Assists Services with Fuel Cell Tech
Last winter the U.S. Army unveiled a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles provided by General Motors that the military services in Hawaii are testing in an effort to research efficient, clean and renewable energy sources, and reduce the U.S. military's dependence on petroleum. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


TRICARE Prime Overview
According to TRICARE all active duty servicemembers are eligible in TRICARE Prime. However they must fill out an enrollment form and submit it to the regional contractor by either filling out the enrollment form. In addition servicemembers receive most of their care from military medical personnel. For active duty families, there is no enrollment fee for TRICARE Prime, however they must complete an enrollment form to select Prime as their coverage plan. (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get a full overview on Military.com.


Guard Prepares for Inauguration
Approximately 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Many of the 6,000 Soldiers and Airmen will join an additional 7,000 servicemembers from other military services to provide support to local authorities as part of their inaugural duties. Guard members will primarily provide traffic control, crowd management, and communications and medical support. Over the past few months, the D.C. Guard has been working with local and federal officials and agencies as part of planning for the event. Inauguration events and tips are on the (http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/ ... ton-Dc.htm) About.com website and the new (http://inauguration.dc.gov/) District of Columbia Inauguration website.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Weather
During the winter months, poor road conditions, decreased visibility and the stress that cold weather puts on your car can combine to create a treacherous driving environment. Before you head into the cold, heed these tips for safe winter driving: (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Delta Force: Missions and History
"Delta Force," officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is one of the U.S. special missions units primarily focused on the counter-terrorism mission. SFOD-Delta has been through a few name changes over the years, and even though it will likely always be known as SFOD-Delta, it was recently renamed the Combat Applications Group (CAG) and is now officially known as Army Compartmented Elements (ACE). (http://www.military.com/special-operati ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Physical Fitness for Sailors
Sailors can make small changes to their exercise plan in order to maximize success. Here are several tips: (1) write your exercise plan down, (2) work within your ability and not get hurt, and (3) have a buddy that has the same goals to help you stay on task. For more information, visit the Navy Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support website at (http://www.navyfitness.org/) www.navyfitness.org and the Military.com Navy Fitness Center at (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/navy-fitness/) http://www.military.com/military-fitness/navy-fitness.
For military fitness training tips and programs from the experts, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.


Starching Army ACU is Not Authorized
One of the more common practices done to achieve a high standard of military appearance is to have the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pressed with heavy starch. However, starching the ACU is not authorized. An All Army Activities Message issued in April, 2005 clearly states Soldiers will not starch the ACU under any circumstances. The use of starch, sizing and any process that involves dry-cleaning or a steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform, which is designed to be ready-to-wear. Also, although Army Regulation (AR) 670-1 does authorize the mix and match of the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU) with civilian attire, it is only when authorized by the commander.
For more on Army uniforms, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/army-uniform) Army Uniform page at Military.com.


AAFES Named Top Employer
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has announced that it has been designated a 2013 Military Friendly Employer(R) by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs. The Exchange, along with other designated Military Friendly Employers(R), will be showcased in the January edition of G.I. Jobs magazine. The Exchange's company profile, including open positions that are a fit for military personnel, can be found on (http://www.militaryfriendly.com/) MilitaryFriendly.com. Using the priority data engine on (http://www.militaryfriendly.com/) MilitaryFriendly.com, job seekers are able to design their own custom lists of employers according to their preferences. Custom, user-directed lists can then be saved and shared socially, allowing each job seeker to find their unique #1 Military Friendly Employer(R).
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


New Soldier's Stories Exhibit
Learn about the Soldiers who made history at the free Soldiers Experience exhibit in Carlisle, Pa. The new exhibit at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center uses diaries, letters, photos, uniform and equipment items, and Army records to demonstrate the stories of fellow Army Soldiers and Veterans. Carlisle, Pa. Is a about a two-hour drive northwest of the Pentagon. Current holiday hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. And Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. An on-site gift shop and cafe round out the visitors' experience. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center webpage at (http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.cfm) www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.cfm.
For more on military history, visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


How Much Will You Make in 2013?
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 ... ESRC=mr.nl) Take a look at the 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


Army Strong Website Updated
The U.S. Army Marketing and Research Group has launched mobile-optimized site enhancements, topic pages and iOS app capabilities as part of its award-winning (http://armystrongstories.com/) Army Strong Stories website. Army Strong Stories includes hundreds of stories from Soldiers representing more than 145 career fields and more than 20 ranks to date. Family members and other Army supporters are also able to share their authentic Army stories. The Army Strong Stories iPad app is available on the (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/army-st ... d417760767) iTunes website. You can submit our own story to (http://www.armystrongstories.com/tell-your-story) Army Strong Stories.
Get military news and benefits on the go with the new Military.com app, available on the (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/militar ... ?ls=1&mt=8) iTunes store for the iPod and tablets.


T-Mobile Expands B2B Sales Force with Veterans
For T-Mobile, focusing on business-to-business (B2B) opportunities within the wireless industry is one of three top priorities. This multi-year plan enables T-Mobile to challenge the competition and capture more than its current five-percent share of the $60 billion B2B segment. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Website for Transitioning Troops
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have set up a (http://www.turbotap.org/register.tpp) one-stop website with the Labor Department replete with resources to ease the way from military to civilian life and careers. The TurboTap website at (http://www.turbotap.org/register.tpp) www.turbotap.org/register.tpp contains online career transition courses, an employment hub with tips on how to craft a resume and handle job interviews, a national resource directory for ill or wounded troops and a guide on how to file disability claims early.
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan in 2013?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. Keep in mind that the Certificate of Eligibility, while necessary, only allows an eligible individual to apply for a home loan; it does not guarantee a loan approval. Eligibility for the Certificate is based on an individual's (or a spouse's) military service. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get specifics on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Find Lenders ready to help you use your VA Home Loan.


GI Film Festival Coming
The award-winning GI Film Festival (GIFF), the nation's only military-themed film festival, has announced that one of the filmmakers submitting an entry at the 7th annual festival in Washington in May 2013 will be awarded an associate producer role in an upcoming project about a U.S. veteran returning home from the war in Afghanistan. GIFF is open to filmmakers with all levels of experience, from first-timers to veteran directors and producers. Each submission must include at least one major armed forces character (real or fictitious). The regular film submission deadline for the 2013 festival is Jan. 22, the extended deadline is Feb. 15, and the late deadline is March 1. Details for submitting films are available on the GI Film Festival website at (http://www.gifilmfestival.com/) www.gifilmfestival.com.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


GI Bill Stipend to Increase
Veterans and eligible family members using the Post-9/11 GI Bill will see an average increase in their housing stipend. The stipend is based on the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents. However, unlike the active duty BAH payment, which will go into effect at the first of the year, the GI Bill housing stipend will not go into effect until the start of the 2013-2014 academic year on August 1, 2013. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -stipends/) Read more about the 2013-2014 GI Bill Stipend Rates.


AF Tests 24/7 Fitness Centers
Six Air Force installations will implement 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week fitness center access from now through January, 2013 to test unsupervised fitness and sports center after-hours use. Test installations include Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Scott AFB, Ill., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Tinker AFB, Okla., Little Rock AFB, Ark., and Joint Base Andrews, Washington D.C. The test will determine viability to further expand this program across the Air Force. Visit the USAF Services website at (http://www.usafservices.com/) www.usafservices.com or MyAirForceLife.com at (http://www.myairforcelife.com/) www.myairforcelife.com for more information about this and other quality of life programs. For information about Air Force personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For military fitness training tips and programs from the experts, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.


Get $150k of Protection for as low as $10.89 a Month
SGLI isn't enough for most Military Families. Supplement your coverage and pay as little as $10.89 a month for an additional $150k of coverage. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba/?ESRC=mr1224.nl) get quality coverage at affordable prices.