Military Report - Week of May 13, 2013

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Military Report - Week of May 13, 2013

Memorial Day Events in Paris
Numerous events will take place in Paris, France the weekend of May 25-26, 2013 to mark commemorate Memorial Day. A list of scheduled events is available on the (http://www.legion.org/fodpal/215291/mem ... ents-paris) American Legion website.
For more on Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


Atlanta Braves Military Appreciation Day
The Atlanta Braves will honor military personnel when they hold their annual military appreciation day May 18. The team is offering 2-for-1 upper box or outfield tickets to all customers with a valid military ID. Tickets must be purchased at the Turner Field ticket windows only and cannot be purchased online. Upper box tickets are $24, while outfield tickets are $36. As part of the event, 180 military members will be on the field during a special pregame ceremony. First pitch for the game between the Braves and Dodgers is set for 7:10 p.m. For more information on the team, visit the (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=atl) Atlanta Braves website.
For more on military appreciation discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month) Military Appreciation Month page.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends
The Military.com Buddy Finder allows you to search over 20 million records to locate old military friends. Search by name, service, pay grade, age, installation, school, state or employer. (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Reconnect now.


Veterans Virtual Career Fair in May
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event on May 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Registration is free. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Read More.


Our Veteran Employment Center Needs Your Feedback
Are you finding the career tools you need? Complete this short survey and tell us what you think of your civilian job search. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vetemployment) Click Here.


Peak Moving Season is Here
More than 65 percent of moves by servicemembers occur during the peak moving season, which runs May 15 through August 31. For more information on either option and to start the move process, customers should, visit Move.mil at www.move.mil. For questions or concerns about moving, customers may call 1-855-HHG-MOVE (1-855-444-6683) for assistance or contact their local personal property shipping office. For Navy information on getting started with the move process, visit the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) website at (http://www.navsup.navy.mil/household) www.navsup.navy.mil/household.
For more relocation and PCS resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS page.


DARPA Fellowship Seeks AF Applicants
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency needs eight motivated officers for the fiscal 2013 Service Chiefs' Fellows Program. Application packages for the three-month program, which begins in September, are due to the AFPC officer developmental education branch by May 31. Applicants must be active-duty Air Force officers who are major-selects, majors, lieutenant colonel-selects or lieutenant colonels who are willing to continue their active-duty career for at least three years after program completion. Other requirements may apply. For more information about developmental opportunities and other personnel issues, visit (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Apply for Defense Acquisition University
Defense Acquisition University (DAU) registration will open online May 16, 2013, and students should apply as soon as possible since classes fill quickly. Members' applications will be processed by priority, supervisor approval date and class start date, with Priority 1 students taking precedence. Acquisition workforce members should regularly monitor the (https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/acqnowcl/registrar/) ACQ Now website for current information regarding DAU registration and course updates. Most resident classes only hold 30 students, and students should apply upon immediate release of the schedule. These courses are open to students across the entire federal government, with all military service components, federal agencies and organizations registering for DAU courses at the same time.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AF to Promote All Eligible O2's
Air Force has eliminated the Captain's Central Selection Board, which means first lieutenants will no longer meet a promotion central selection board to make captain. The Air Force is returning to a 100 percent promotion opportunity, allowing commanders to determine if an officer should be promoted. Thus, first lieutenants will now be informed by their chain of command if they are recommended for promotion to captain. For more information about career development or personnel issues, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more updates on military pay and other benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Annual Sexual Assault Report Released
The Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military was recently released to Congress. The report to Congress gathers data from the services and the results of a confidential survey of active and reserve-component servicemembers. The surveys give numbers for the prevalence of sexual assaults in the military. The prevalence of unwanted sexual contact has increased for active-duty women, the report shows, but has remained unchanged for active-duty men and reserve-component women and men. The Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2012 in Volumes 1 and 2 (two files) is available for downloading on the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website at (http://www.sapr.mil/index.php/annual-reports) www.sapr.mil/index.php/annual-reports.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


New AAFES Shopping Guide
Servicemembers can add some sizzle to the summer with the (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/87 ... otostream/) Army and Air Force Exchange Service's free summer shopping guide featuring the hottest trends in fashion and furnishings with irresistible value. This season's 36-page guide, arriving at Exchange stores May 15, offers a variety of brand name merchandise. The Exchange provides free standard shipping with use of a MILITARY STAR(R) card or on orders of $49 and above. Prices in this all-services guide are valid through June 30, 2013, for all authorized Exchange customers. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345. Authorized customers can also shop the 2013 Summer Shopping Guide online at (http://www.aafes.com/) shopmyexchange.com.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Financial Tips for Servicemembers
Here are some personal financial tips to avoid predatory practices: (1) be wary of military 'friendly' loans who offer help to servicemembers, but charge 40 to 400 percent interest on the loan; (2) in paying your money or using your G.I. Bill, go to a school that will give credits or degrees that will get you where they want to go; (3) investigate all of the facts about your situation when deciding to buy or sell a home in a short period of time due to a move; and (4) take advantage of the financial planning help where you are stationed. To make a complaint, share your own financial experiences, or find out more, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website (CFPB) at (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/) www.consumerfinance.gov.
For more guides and tips on personal finance, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


Helping Homeless Veterans
In 2009, President Obama and VA Secretary Shinseki announced the goal of ending veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. Together with partners and supporters nationwide, VA is attempting to meet that challenge through the Homeless Veterans Outreach Initiative. Read more about the initiative on VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9316/pr ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Veterans with Security Clearance Wanted
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to veterans with Security Clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr0513.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


$100k Additional Coverage From $7 a Month
SGLI isn't enough. Get $100k additional coverage from as low as $7 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid=ad&ERSC=mr0513) Find coverage now.


No Truth to Religious Prosecution Rumors
Internet posts making the rounds claiming that the Defense Department will court-martial servicemembers who espouse Christianity are not true, a Pentagon spokesman said recently. Internet posts are attributing a statement that superior officers who try to convert those under their command should face court-martial. However, some bloggers have taken sections of Air Force Instruction 1-1 "Air Force Standards" -- specifically, the section titled "Government Neutrality Regarding Religion" -- out of context in supporting their take, according to the spokesman, For more information, read AFI 1-1 " (http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/produ ... afi1-1.pdf) Air Force Standards."
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AAFES Offers Online Savings
Army and Air Force Exchanges worldwide are providing a variety of exclusive savings through the mail and (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeS ... Flyer.aspx) online. Exchange shoppers in the continental United States can text Exchange to 95613 for additional savings delivered to their mobile devices. Shoppers who "like" the Exchange on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/aafes.bx.px) www.facebook.com/aafes.bx.px can receive coupon offers. Customers can also log on to ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and check the Savings Center to see what "Super Daily Specials," "Weekly Promotions" and "Advertised Specials" are available. Complete details concerning coupon redemption, shopping and saving at the Exchange are available at the (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/CustomerS ... ptance.htm) Exchange website.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Navy Courses Assigned College Credits
The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) has announced that the American Council on Education (ACE) now recommends college credits for four CPPD courses. Credits were granted for Task-Based Curriculum Development Course; and the Personal Development Instructor Skills Training, which grants Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 9518. Also, both Navy Instructor Training Course, which grants NEC 9502 for Navy Instructor; and Master Training Specialist, were reaccredited. To take advantage of ACE recommended credits for a specific rating, Sailors should visit the nearest Navy College Office or Educational Service Officer to review their Joint Services Transcript (JST).
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Detailing Application Phase Opens
The U.S. Navy's Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) application phase began May 9 and will remain open until 5 a.m., May 21, for Sailors in their permanent change of station (PCS) orders negotiation window. Sailors may access the (https://www.cmsid.navy.mil) CMS/ID website or from the (http://www.npc.navy.mil) CMS/ID link. Detailers will not assign Sailors to advertised jobs until after the close of the application phase. Sailors may log into CMS/ID any time after the detailer selection phase to see if they have been selected for orders. Sailors can learn more about CMS/ID from their CCC or access CMS/ID by selecting the CMS/ID link on the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Drug Education For Youth Program
The U.S. Navy's Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) program, geared toward keeping children drug free and teaching them various life skills, begins this summer. The DEYF program is a year-long, two-phased substance abuse prevention and comprehensive life skills program designed for 9-12 year olds. DEFY begins with a five-day residential or eight-day non-residential leadership program called Phase I that is held during the summer. Local programs will begin advertising for adult volunteers soon. Commands are encouraged, as operational tempo provides, to allow command personnel to participate. Look for advertisements for local DEFY programs and sign up today, or call (901) 874-3300 to locate a program near you. (http://www.facebook.com/HQDEFY) Follow DEFY on Facebook.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Moving Soon Due to PCS?
Be prepared for your PCS with our handy checklists and tips so your move is seamless. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... rvr0513.nl) Read More.


AF Museum Receives Award
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force History and Museums Program as the recipient of the 2013 Air Force Heritage Award for an exhibit titled Destruction from High Above: The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress in Southeast Asia. This was the first exhibit in the museum's history to feature a floor graphic or composite photograph that makes it appear as though three bombs are falling from the B-52's bomb bay. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the National Museum of the Air Force website at (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/) www.nationalmuseum.af.mil or telephone the museum at (937) 255-3286.


2013 Space-A Conference
The 2013 Military Space Available Travel conference will be held May 17-19 in Jacksonville, FL. The event was originally developed by the members of (http://www.pepperd.com/) Dirk Pepperd"s Space-A Message Board. The event will include Space-A Boot Camp, traveling in European and Asia/Pacific, Tools and Tips and more! Don't worry if you aren't able to attend in person; the event will also be streamed live and on demand. More information about the conference and schedule of events can be found at the (http://www.pepperd.com/2013Conference/index.html) Space-A Message Board website.


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 ... rvr0513.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.


Deal of the Week: MILITARY ONLY!
Up to 50% off lifestyle, outdoor & tactical gear. Shop premium brands on GovX.com at prices not available to the public. (https://www.govx.com/adregister/20?gxwe ... eportmay13) Shop over 10,000 products!


Get Your News and Benefits on the Go for FREE
Get your news and benefits on the go with the Military.com app. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/militar ... 44908?ls=1) Read More.


Global Threats in the Age of Austerity
A debate titled "Global Threats in the Age of Austerity" will be held live and online at 12:00 p.m. eastern (9:00 a.m. pacific) on May 15. The debate will focus on the impact sequestration and budget cuts will have on the state of our national defense. The event will feature the points of view from both the left and right. On the right - Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute and Jim Talent of The Heritage Foundation and on the left - Mark Jacobson of the Truman National Security Project and Lawrence Korb of the Center for American Progress. The event is will be hosted by the (http://www.nationalreview.com/) National Review and (http://www.heritage.org/) The Heritage Foundation. Those who wish to attend in person may RSVP at (http://www.heritage.org/events/2013/05/defense-debate) The Heritage Foundation website. The event may also be viewed live online at the same website.


Veterans Wanted: Chevron is Hiring
U.S. veteran talent wanted: Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a career with Chevron? (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0513.nl) Read More.


TRICARE Temporarily Eases Rules
TRICARE West Region Prime enrollees referred for specialty care from April 1 up to May 18, 2013 do not need authorization before seeking care. The authorization requirement has been temporarily waived due to delays by UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans in processing referrals. The waiver does not apply to beneficiaries using TRICARE Standard, TRICARE For Life or Prime enrollees with the US Family Health Plan, which is available in some areas of Washington state. West Region beneficiaries can obtain more information and sign up for updates at TRICARE's West Region Transition webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/westtransition) www.tricare.mil/westtransition.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


DoD Highlights Motorcycle Safety
The Department of Defense (DoD) marks the start of prime motorcycle riding weather by designating each May as Motorcycle Safety Month. The special (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... taryrider/) Department of Defense webpage highlights DoD and service-related efforts to enhance the safety and overall riding experience for troops and veterans through training, mentorship and education.
For more auto and vehicle tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos) Military.com Auto Center.


Navy Launches Health Campaign
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center's (NMCPHC) Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) campaign has announced the launch of its Psychological and Emotional Well-Being program. The sub-campaign is part of a fleet wide effort to encourage Sailors, Marines, their families and health educators to access resources that help strengthen and maintain psychological resilience and readiness in order to help manage the unique stressors of military life. Key focuses of the sub-campaign is encouraging Sailors and Marines to get enough sleep and to prevent suicide. To access and download Psychological and Emotional Well-Being materials visit the (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/he ... being.aspx) NMCPHC website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Translating Your Military Experience
As you transition to work with civilians, you may encounter people who have difficulty understanding your military experience and translating it into what you can do in a work environment. When a hiring manager, coworker or networking contact inquires about your service or the nature of your injury or disability, please keep in mind their perspective is likely limited. Tips on how to communicate your abilities are available on the (http://www.legion.org/careers/215223/di ... terviewers) American Legion website.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/) Check out Military.com's Military Skills Translator to see how your military occupation matches up.