Military Report - Week of February 04, 2013

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Military Report - Week of February 04, 2013

400 USAF Officers Selected for Command
More than 400 officers from various Air Force career fields have been selected for mission support, training, recruiting, air base squadron and deputy maintenance group command. Assignment teams will coordinate change of command and reporting dates with gaining and losing units to effect the announced command assignments. Non-selected members will remain on the candidate lists and eligible for unprojected command opportunities until superseded by calendar year 2014 results. The selection list is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 24-029.pdf) online. For more information about command 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.


New Health Assessment for Navy
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) announced the introduction of a new version of the electronic Deployment Health Assessment (eDHA). The most significant change to the series of assessments was the integration of the Congressionally-mandated mental health assessment into the Pre-Deployment Health Assessment and Post-Deployment Health Reassessment. Now, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will be able to complete two assessments instead of the four that were required to complete the original eDHA. Currently, eDHA is fully implemented and is available for Department of Defense (DOD) active and reserve components. For more information, visit the (https://data.nmcphc.med.navy.mil/edha/) eDHA login webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New Online Education Program Debuts
The Department of Defense and the Department of Agriculture are partners in a new education program for military community members. The Military Academic Advancement Program (MAAP) offers graduate-level distance education opportunities through a consortium of land-grant universities. MAAP enables students to take courses in any of the member university's distance-learning programs. Specific degrees and certificates include a 36-credit-hour master's degree in family and community services, a 42-credit-hour master's degree in family financial planning, a 36 credit-hour master's degree in youth development, and two youth-related graduate certificates. For more information, visit the (http://www.hsidea.org/maap/) MAAP webpage.
For more guides on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Off-the-Record Mental Health Check-ups
Active-duty servicemembers may be eligible for a program that offers four "off-the-record" visits at their local base mental health clinic. The resiliency enhancement visits (REV) program, encourages active-duty servicemembers who hesitate to seek mental health services to get the help they may need. REVs are intended to provide support and education to members experiencing temporary reactions to stressors (I.e., adjustment reactions, grief, relationship and occupational problems). REVs are off-the-record meaning no mental health record will be established and no documentation in the electronic medical record will be made. To be eligible, servicemembers must self-refer and be on active-duty orders. Call your local mental health clinic for more information or to schedule a resiliency enhancement visit.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


TRICARE RX Co-Pay Increase
On February 1, 2013, many TRICARE beneficiaries saw their out-of-pocket prescription costs go up. The co-pay increases target brand-name formulary and non-formulary medications, while the co-pays for generic medications for both mail order and network pharmacies remain unchanged. In addition, those who get their meds at their local military treatment facility will continue to get their medications with no co-pay. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... is-friday/) Learn more about the new TRICARE Rx Co-pays.


AF Opens Combat Positions to Women
The Department of Defense (DoD) has the rescission the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule for women and that the Department of Defense plans to remove gender-based barriers to service. While 99 percent of Air Force positions are currently open to women, this means the Air Force can pursue integrating women into the seven remaining Air Force career fields still closed, all associated with special operations. DoD is directing this process to be complete by Jan. 1, 2016. For more information, the Joint Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Women in Service Review Memorandum can be viewed (http://www.defense.gov/news/WISRJointMemo.pdf) online. The Chairman's Women in Service Review Memorandum can be viewed (http://www.defense.gov/news/WISRImpleme ... anMemo.pdf) online.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Army Extends Leave Carryover
The policy allowing servicemembers to carryover up to 75 days of leave from one training year to another has been extended until Sept. 30, 2015. The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act passed this month extends the 75-day carryover. Commanders will monitor leave balances via the Unit Commanders Finance Report (UCFR) and encourage them to use their leave in the year it is earned. Leave balances exceeding 60 days will be lost on Oct. 1, 2015 unless coded as "special leave" accrued in theater. Soldiers can actually accrue up to 120 days of leave and carry it over while serving in a combat theater of operations. Soldiers have up to four years to use that special leave.
For more on leave benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/video/specialti ... 467802001/) Military.com Military Leave Benefits section.


Tax Centers Open in Bavaria
U.S. Army tax centers in Bavaria (in Germany) are now open for the tax filing season. The program runs from Feb. 1 until the overseas filing deadline of June 15. Soldiers and civilians should bring all of their relevant documents when scheduling appointments and visiting the tax centers. Soldiers, civilian employees and retirees can download W-2 forms and other tax statements from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at www.dfas.mil. Tax Centers will be open for business from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. to prepare free tax returns for Soldiers and eligible civilians. For more information, contact your local Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC) tax center. Contact information for each center in Bavaria is available (http://www.army.mil/article/95147/Bavar ... en_Feb__1/) online.
For up-to-date news, guides and tips regarding tax season, specifically aimed at servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


Pinkerton Is Hiring Veterans
With a dedicated nationwide support structure and industry leading operational and administrative processes for hiring, clearances, and compliance Pinkerton Government Services, Inc. (PGS) operates in the United States, Italy, Canada, and Belgium. PGS has more than 4,000 security officers, with 90% holding a government security clearance, allowing us to provide thousands of quality security solutions to meet our clients' specific needs. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn More.


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 Scholarship at Ole Miss
A new scholarship at the University of Mississippi has been created to benefit dependents of USS Mississippi Sailors or Mississippi natives who will participate in the NROTC program at the university. The plan is to award a $2,000 scholarship beginning in the Fall of 2014. A different student will receive the scholarship each year. The scholarship will be awarded to a dependent of a USS Mississippi crew member or a student from Mississippi. For more information on the University of Mississippi NROTC, visit the (http://nrotc.olemiss.edu/) Ole Miss NROTC webpage.
For more guides on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Understanding VA Minimum Property Requirements
The VA minimum property requirements for mortgages backed through the veterans benefits program can help determine whether the property you're considering qualifies for a VA loan. Many veterans wonder whether the property they are eyeing qualifies for a VA loan. The VA Minimum Property Requirements or MPRs can help. If the home you're thinking of buying meets these guidelines, then it may qualify: (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Tillman Military Scholars Program
Servicemembers, veterans and their spouses have until Feb. 15 to apply for financial aid through the Tillman Military Scholars program, which attempts to remove financial barriers to completing a degree program. The scholarship covers direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, in addition to other needs such as housing and child care. he Tillman Military Scholars Foundation also provides access to transition assistance tools, career guidance, entrepreneurial and service-related workshops. To learn more about the criteria and application process, the benefits and expectations of the program or the Tillman Community, visit the (http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/til ... ars/apply/) Pat Tillman Foundation website.
For more guides on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Team Looking for Marksman
The U.S. Navy Marksmanship Team (USNMT) is looking for new members to participate in Navy and inter-service rifle and pistol matches. All active-duty and reserve Sailors are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Sailors do not have to be experienced shooters to benefit from competitive shooting nor do they even need to own firearms. Joining the team is easy to do. For more information, visit the team Website at (http://www.usnst.org) www.usnst.org. Depending on funding availability, active duty Sailors may have to pay some of their travel and messing expenses out of pocket.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New Fee for Pets Coming to Germany
Members of the U.S. forces community who bring their pets along when they arrive in Germany for assignment will be charged a fee by German authorities. At Ramstein Air Base, an examination fee of 55 Euro per pet owner will be charged for all pets imported into Germany from outside the European Union. Owners may pay the fee by credit card only. The fee at Frankfurt International Airport will be 35 Euro per accompanied pet or 55 Euro for an unaccompanied pet. The fee will increase by 50 percent for pets that arrive on a weekend or holiday. Payment of the fee cannot be claimed for reimbursement on an official travel voucher, but it may be deductible as a moving expense on the owner's federal income tax return. Other European Union ports of entry could enact similar fees in the future.
For more on this and other stories involving pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


Sailors Should Check Personnel Records
Sailors should ensure that all personal awards, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and higher, should be showing in the Navy Department Awards Web Service (NDAWS) and in the servicemember's OMPF. Sailor should verify their award is recorded in NDAWS by visiting the (https://awards.navy.mil) U.S. Navy Awards website and launching the "Personal Awards Query." If an award is missing in NDAWS, a clean copy of the signed award citation or certificate should be mailed to PERS-313 along with the servicemember's full social security number printed in the upper right hand corner. Sailors can access their OMPF anytime by visiting (https://www.bol.navy.mil) BUPERS Online (BOL). For more information, visit the NDAWS Web Page on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... medal.aspx) NPC website or call the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or 1-866-827-5672.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Launches New Facebook Page
The U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery's Force Master Chief and director of the Hospital Corps has announced the launch of the "Force Master Chief, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery" Facebook page. Navy Medicine's senior enlisted leader established the new Facebook page in an effort to enhance two-way communication with current, past, and future Navy hospital corpsmen, their families, the Navy community as a whole. Hospital corpsmen (HM) deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, in both wartime and peacetime. The new Navy Medicine Force Master Chief Facebook page is accessible on (https://www.facebook.com/USNavyMedicineFORCM) Facebook.
To keep up with the military in the social media world, visit and like the (http://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com Facebook page.


Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See more benefits of a VA Loan in today's market.
(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.


New Networking App for Vets
(http://pos-rep.com) POS-REP short for "position report," is a new social networking mobile app that allows Veterans to locate other Veterans, communicate and find resources in their area. The app, currently in the final stages of Apple approval, was developed an Army Veteran. The free download has multiple features, including Radar, which shows a map of other nearby Veterans and allows users to broadcast their own locations if they choose. There is also Sitrep, which allows Veterans to post status updates and communicate with one another. Learn more about the POS-REP mobile app on its (http://www.facebook.com/posrep) Facebook page, its (https://twitter.com/pos_rep) Twitter feed and on the POS-REP website at (http://pos-rep.com) pos-rep.com.
For more on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Best Apps section.


Airmen Should Review DEERS
Airmen should review their personal data in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS, and accomplish personnel transactions before the service upgrades the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) in March, 2013 when MilPDS will not be available for about 23 days. Airmen can access (http://milconnect.dmdc.mil) milConnect to check personnel information listed in DEERS as well as view their TRICARE coverage, Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, life insurance coverage, and other benefits. The Air Force will continue to release updated information prior to the MilPDS upgrade. For more information about the MilPDS upgrade, visit the myPers (http://mypers.af.mil) website.
For more on DEERS, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... deers.html) Military.com DEERS section.


$400k Protection Starting at $26 a Month
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New App for Ft Leonard Wood
Owners of Android mobile devices can now have access to the latest Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri news and information. Fort Leonard Wood has released a free mobile app on Google Play for Android devices. The app provides information on the various organizations within the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood. Fort Leonard Wood is now one of the first, if not the first, Army installations to develop a mobile app. The base is in the planning process of developing an app for Apple devices. To access the Fort Leonard Wood Android app, visit the (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... o.flw.info) Google Play store.
For more on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Best Apps section.


Navy Begins Online War Games
To generate ideas from a broad field of participants, the Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) are partnering to conduct a crowd-sourcing online war game on electromagnetic maneuver (EM2) starting Feb. 4. Electromagnetic Maneuver Massive Multiplayer Online War Game Leveraging the Internet - or em2 MMOWGLI - will be played in three one-week phases. To facilitate global participation, the game will be open 24-hours a day during the game phases. Interested players can request to register (https://mmowgli.nps.edu/em2/signup) online. After registration, the game can be played on any web browser. A list of the game's phases is available on (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=71607) navy.mil. Further details about em2 MMOWGLI can be found (http://portal.mmowgli.nps.edu/em2) online.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


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