Military Report - Week of January 07, 2013

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Military Report - Week of January 07, 2013

Marine Corps Enforces Breathalyzer Tests
The Marine Corps Alcohol Screening Program (ASP) is an initiative focused on preventing alcohol abuse. As of Jan. 1, Marines and sailors found to have a blood alcohol content of .01 percent or higher during regular working hours will be subject to counsel, and treatment and those with a BAC of .04 percent or higher will undergo a fit-for-duty assessment and further corrective action. Marines and sailors may receive random breathalyzer tests semi-annually. Marines and sailors found to be dealing with alcohol abuse and dependency will be referred to a Substance Abuse Counseling Center. Commands retain the ability to render additional administrative reprimand. For additional information about the ASP, contact a unit SACO or visit the (http://www.mccscp.com/counseling-services) Marine Corps Community Services website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


TRICARE For Reservists
Reservists are entitled to early TRICARE for up to 180 days prior to their activation, for orders of more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation. This benefit is called Early Identification Date TRICARE (EID-TRICARE). For members to receive the maximum benefit, it is essential to receive orders as early as possible. For more information, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/) www.tricare.mil. A briefing is also available on the AFRC Portal, " (https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/g ... 0020E329A9) Timely Activation Orders for EID-TRICARE Benefits."
(http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ained.html) Get more information on TRICARE and see deductibles, fees and more on Military.com.


TRICARE Initiates Change
Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit /debit card or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from a linked bank account. For those enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Reserve Retired (TRR), you must comply by Jan. 1, 2013 to avoid potential loss of coverage for you and your family. For more information, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/ ... ments.aspx) TRICARE website.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ained.html) Get more information on TRICARE and see deductibles, fees and more on Military.com.


Navy COOL Certification
The Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a program that helps Sailors find information on certifications and licenses related to their enlisted or officer jobs, rates, designators, or collateral duties. Navy COOL outlines how Sailors can meet civilian certification and license requirements and provides links to numerous resources on how to pay for training and testing. Sailors can benefit from Navy COOL whether they have been in for a couple of months or a couple of decades. Navy COOL has multiple benefits for Sailors still serving and for Sailors who are about to separate. For more information on Navy COOL visit your career counselor's office or visit the Navy COOL website at (https://www.cool.navy.mil) www.cool.navy.mil.
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.


3 More AFSCs Get SRB
Three Air Force specialty codes have been added to the selective reenlistment bonus list, and two have seen an increase in bonus amounts. Also, one career field has been removed from the SRB list and one will see a bonus decrease effective Jan. 18. Overall, this change will increase the number of Air Force specialty codes that receive an SRB in one or more zones to 55 career fields. For more information about SRBs, including zones and multiples, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "Selective Reenlistment Bonus Program" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Security Clearance Wanted in 2013
Top companies are actively hiring and paying top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance in 2013. Make this your best year yet -- (http://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr0107.nl) visit Military.com to see who's hiring, apply for jobs, get industry tips and more.


Army Contracting Survey
The Army Contracting Command's Safety Office is seeking comments and best practices from the contracting community as it moves to establish standardized contract safety processes. Currently, contract reviews are the responsibility of the requiring activity and contracting officer representatives (CORs) working with the contracting officers. The comments submitted will involve all the stakeholders in the process and start a discussion for establishing a process for contract safety program management across the Army. Integrating new safety processes within the contracting community should take about six months. Anyone wanting to provide comments and best practices from across the command can contact Jerry L. Waibel, Army Contracting Command Safety Director at (mailto:jerry.waibel@us.army.mil) jerry.waibel@us.army.mil.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


What Benefits Will You Have in 2013?
Access all your military benefits with the (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... rvr0107.nl) Military.com Benefit Calculator. It's designed for you to quickly and easily connect to benefits information based on your military service and status. Find Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and more.


Parker Hannifin Committed to Hiring Veterans
Engineering YOUR Success. You were serious about your career in the Military and now we are serious about engineering your success as the nation's most valued talent. Explore working for a company who is the leader in motion and control technologies. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more at Military.com.


Special Warfare Combatant Fitness Training
The Vietnam era Swift Boats or Brown Water Navy are the forefathers of SWCC. The "Brown Water Navy" is now one of the three components of the Naval Special Warfare Command - SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery vehicle (SDV) Teams, and Special Boat Units. These high-tech, high-speed boats make up the maritime component of the U.S. Special Operations Command - SOCOM. (http://www.military.com/special-operations?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


A Look at Sleep Apnea
Millions of Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, but many people do not realize they have the condition. So, less than 25 percent of cases are diagnosed. Classified as one or more pauses in breathing during the night, sleep apnea is commonly diagnosed through snoring. With sleep apnea, added breathing abnormalities can happen up to one hundred times per night causing lasting effects during the day including lethargy. Sleep apnea increases the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attacks, heart failure and heart arrhythmia. There are many methods of treatment. For more information, visit the National Sleep Foundation website at (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/) www.sleepfoundation.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


The Secret to Losing Weight
Which diet should you choose to lose weight with the New Year? The best thing you could do to achieve your goals is to avoid fad diets. Slow, steady weight loss is more likely to last than dramatic weight changes. Ditch diets that allow unlimited quantities of one food. Also, there is no evidence that combining certain foods or eating foods at specific times of day will help with weight loss. Also, regular physical activity and exercise is essential for good health and healthy weight management. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Healthy Weight webpage at (http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/) www.cdc.gov/healthyweight.
For military-level fitness training tips and programs from the experts, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.


AF Marathon Opens Registration
The Air Force Marathon filled a third of its 15,000 runner slots on the first day of registration, breaking last year's registration opening record. The next schedule price hike for registered slots is April 2, but the race could sell out before that date. The number of runners allowed has not been increased this year, and slots are expected to sell out even faster than 2012, which sold out in May, 2012. For more information about the prices and registration, visit the U.S. Air Force Marathon website at (http://www.usafmarathon.com) www.usafmarathon.com.
For more sports-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


2013 Cost-of-Living Allowance
COLA is an allowance designed to help offset the effects of higher cost areas for military servicemembers. This COLA differs from the cost-of-living adjustment that military retirees and veterans receive each year. This year the CONUS COLA rates have changed for most Military Housing Areas. Unfortunately, several areas, including many housing areas in California and New Jersey are no longer eligible. However, servicemembers living in Key West Fl, Martha's Vineyard MA, and NAS Willow Grove, PA are eligible for COLA again. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... -cola.html) See if your military housing area qualifies for COLA in 2013.


USMC Issues Seasonal Uniform Policy
Beginning Jan. 4, 2013, all non-deployed Marines and sailors assigned to Marine units, regardless of component, active or Reserve, will be required to wear the appropriate seasonal service uniform each Friday. This will provide leaders with an opportunity to frequently evaluate the personal appearance of their Marines without inducing a work stoppage. The service B uniform, otherwise known as "bravos," consists of a long-sleeve khaki shirt with a tie and trousers and is worn November through March. The service C uniform, popularly referred to as "charlies," consists of a short-sleeve khaki shirt with trousers and is worn during daylight savings time. Commanders may make case-by-case exceptions to the wearing of service uniforms on Fridays based on operational requirements. For more information, visit the following webpages: (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/ ... er%202.asp) Service Uniforms, (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/ ... er%203.asp) Uniform Components, (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/ ... r%2010.asp) Maintaining Uniforms, (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/ ... es/uniform regs chapters/chapter 1_files/chapter 1.asp) Grooming Standards, and (http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publi ... CH%201.pdf) Military Appearance and Height and Weight Standards.
For more Marine Corps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Zero Tolerance for Marijuana Use
Although the state of Washington recently updated the law on the use of marijuana, essentially decriminalizing use for civilians, Zero Tolerance drug policy regulations remain unaffected for Sailors. Regular, random urinalysis drug checks are conducted on all military personnel. Illegal or wrongful use, possession, sale, transfer of controlled substances, or any attempt to commit drug offenses results in maximum punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. For more information about the misuse of controlled substances and its consequences, reference (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... 10-146.pdf) Milpersman 1910-146.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


4 Benefits of the VA Loan in Today's Market
1.The VA home mortgage loan doesn't require a down payment. This can save consumers up to 20 percent of the loan value when compared to a conventional loan. 2. Borrowers can often refinance to a lower rate within the VA program without re-qualifying for the program through the VA Streamline Refinance Loan. 3. The VA program won't deny a loan based solely on a low credit score, and most lenders don't tier interest rates for better scores. 4. If the borrower has a service-related disability, they may qualify for the lender to waive the funding fee, further reducing closing costs. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full article on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0107.nl) Next Step: Find lenders ready to help you use your $417,000 VA Home Loan Benefit.


Army Family Scholarships
Army Emergency Relief (AER) scholarships for the academic year 2013-2014 will be available starting, Jan. 2, for spouses and children of Soldiers, retired Soldiers and reserve-component Soldiers on Title 10 orders. The application deadline is May 1. The Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarships are for unmarried children under the age of 23. The Spouse Education Assistance Program Scholarships are based solely on financial need. Applicants of both scholarships must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university. Forms and instructions for both scholarships can be found on the Army Emergency Relief website at (http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/EducationalAssistance.aspx) www.aerhq.org/dnn563/EducationalAssistance.aspx . To request more information, applicants can call 866-878-6378 or email (mailto:scholarships@aerhq.org) scholarships@aerhq.org. To make a donation to Army Emergency Relief, visit the AER website at (http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/) www.aerhq.org/dnn563.
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.


Marines Professional Reading List
The U.S. Marine Corps recently updated the Commandant's Professional Reading List (CPRL) to include the book, "Thirty Year Old Body and 5,000 Year Old Mind." The CPRL is broken down into three sections: Commandant's Choice, Levels, and Categories. Marines are encouraged to submit nominations for a CPRL book of the month per instructions on the CPRL website. For more information, including the books included in the current CPRL, visit the (http://guides.grc.usmcu.edu/USMCREADINGLIST) U.S. Marine Corps Commandant's Professional Reading List (CPRL) website.
For more military-related book and entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Warrior Games Announced
The 2013 Warrior Games are slated for May 11-17, Colorado Springs, Colo. More than 200 wounded, ill and injured servicemembers and veterans are expected to participate in 2013 games. Athletes will compete in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, track & field, archery & competitive shooting. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded. Information about the Army team selection and the 2013 Warrior Games will be provided in the coming months at the Warrior Transition Command Road to Warrior Games page at (http://www.wtc.army.mil/about_us/warriorgames2013.html) www.wtc.army.mil/about_us/warriorgames2013.html, and the U.S. Paralympics website at (http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics.aspx) www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics.aspx . For information, photographs and videos about the Army's 2012 Warrior Games athletes, visit the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) website at (http://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=warrior+games+2012) www.dvidshub.net/search?q=warrior+games+2012 .
For more sports-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Ed Tax Credit Survived Fiscal Cliff
The American Opportunity Tax Credit for college expenses was saved when Congress agreed on the deal to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff." The education tax credit can help families to get up to $2,500 in tax credits for higher education related expenses over four years. The credit was introduced as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The credit was later extended to apply for tax years 2011 and 2012 by the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2010.
Learn more about how you can take advantage of the (http://www.military.com/education/getti ... edits.html) American Opportunity Tax Credit.
For more tax season tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


AF Online Leadership Tools
The Supervisor Resource Center (SRC) located on the Air Force Portal continues to expand its offering of tools targeting the needs of emerging leaders, as well as new and experienced supervisors. 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 can be accessed by all Air Force employees. 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 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/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


2013 Military Pay Calculator
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. Calculate your gross monthly pay by rank, location or duty assignment. Calculations include Base Pay, BAH, Duty Pay, COLA, Special Pay and other bonuses, special pays and allowances. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... =mr0107.nl) Use the Military.com Pay Calculator.


2013 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is based on geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. The intent of BAH is to provide uniformed servicemembers accurate and equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets, and is payable when government quarters are not provided. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) View 2013 BAH Rate Tables.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... =mr0107.nl) Use the 2013 Military Pay Calculator to see how much you'll be making this year -- includes Base Pay, BAH, COLA, and other bonuses, special pays and allowances.


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Navy Perform to Serve
Sailors need to plan ahead and be engaged with their chain of command when getting ready for Perform to Serve (PTS). Sailors who apply for a PTS quota monthly, starting 12 months from their SEAOS, will receive one review per month and at least six reviews total. Quota approvals will be granted monthly after a final review of all PTS applications. Sailors should speak with their command career counselor for more information about quota extensions and expiration dates. Some factors a detailer must weigh when matching Sailors to jobs include a Sailor's desires, qualifications, career progression and cost to the Navy. For more information, visit the Fleet RIDE-PTS webpage on the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/PerformtoServe/) NPC website or e-mail (mailto:PTS_Help_Desk@navy.mil) PTS_Help_Desk@navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.