Military Report - Week of May 20, 2013

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Military Report - Week of May 20, 2013

Army Secure Health Care Messaging
Army Medicine beneficiaries can now conveniently communicate online with their primary care providers via secure messaging. Army Medicine Secure Messaging Service (AMSMS), powered by RelayHealth, brings your healthcare team to you, wherever you are, any time of day. It allows you to communicate with your doctor through secure email about non-urgent healthcare matters, so your doctor or another care team member can respond during business hours. It is easy to get started, and there is no cost to patients. The benefits include no more waiting on hold to talk to a healthcare professional, and no more phone tag when trying to schedule an appointment or ask a question. To learn more, talk to your primary care clinic about getting connected to Army Medicine Secure Messaging Service.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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


Virtually March in the Memorial Day Parade in DC
Join Gary Sinise, RG3, Trace Adkins, and others in celebrating America's veterans and active duty troops, while honoring the fallen at the 2012 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC. If you can't make it to the nation's capital, please show your support by marching in the online portion of the parade, the Virtual Boots on the Ground. Please (http://www.csimgs.com/avc/virtualmarch2013.html) follow this link to read a special message from Gary Sinise and learn what you can do to show your appreciate for our veterans and troops this Memorial Day.


Get Your List of 2013 Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of 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.


SGLI Isn't Enough! Get $150k Coverage From $11 a Month
SGLI caps out at $400k coverage. Get $150,000 additional protection from only $11 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =0520mr.nl) Protect Your Family's Future.


Honoring Memorial Day
Memorial Day will take place this year on Monday, May 27. For updated events, military discounts and other reflections related to Memorial Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com Memorial Day page.


American Legion Scholarships Available
The Samsung scholarship is available for high school juniors who complete the Boys State or Girls State program and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 for undergraduate studies. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung American Legion Scholarship should contact their American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program director to determine the deadline and procedure for submitting an application. Download the Samsung American Legion scholarship application at (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... arship.pdf) www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/sam ... arship.pdf.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Veterans' Franchise Giveaway
The (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway contest began accepting entries on May 13, 2013 and will run through July 1, 2013. Unishippers has partnered with USA Cares, a non-profit charitable organization that supports post-9/11 service members, to help find the deserving veteran. To participate, veterans will create a two-minute video explaining why they are interested in ownership of a Unishippers franchise, why they are deserving of a free franchise and how their military experience will help them to be successful. A panel of judges from the Unishippers corporate team will select up to five finalists to be flown to Salt Lake City for a special Discovery Day event where they will meet Unishippers executives, department leaders and the panel of judges. The final winner will be announced on September 10th, 2013. Visit the (http://www.unishippersforvets.com/) Unishippers for Veterans Franchise Giveaway website to learn more.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


TRICARE E-Payment Enrollment Deadline
Beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Retired Reserve who pay monthly premiums by check must switch to an electronic form of payment by May 31 to avoid losing coverage. TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or debit card, or by recurring electronic funds transfer from a linked bank account. To avoid confusion, beneficiaries should verify that their bank sends EFT payments electronically. Beneficiaries can contact their regional contractor to set up automatic payments and obtain more information. Contact information for each region is available on the TRICARE website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/contacts) www.TRICARE.mil/contacts.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Sequestration and Military Readiness
During a Senate hearing recently on President Barack Obama's $9.5 billion military construction budget request for fiscal 2014, Defense Department Comptroller Robert F. Hale said the severe and abrupt budget cuts imposed by sequestration are devastating the U.S. Armed forces. Hale and John Conger, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, described for the panel the impact of sequestration on military construction, facilities sustainment and restoration, and on the services in the current year. A webcast of the hearing is available on the (http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/ht ... 84aa362e21) U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations website.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Changes to DEERS Update Process
Air Force base identification card issuing offices will no longer be able to manually correct or update certain types of personnel information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). In past, RAPIDS customer service representatives could manually update or correct members' DEERS information. Now, only the office of primary responsibility for that information can correct it. If you have incorrect or outdated information in your DEERS record and it is locked down, your first step is to contact the origin of the information (OPR) and work with them to correct it. Once it is corrected in the personnel data system, it will flow to DEERS and be updated. The lockdown does not affect dependent family member record information that needs to be updated. Airmen who do not know the appropriate OPR for specific information should go to the myPers website. For more information on DEERS updates and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "21534" or "DEERS Record Correction" in the search window.
For more on DEERS, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... deers.html) Military.com DEERS overview.


Missile Wing Takes a Hit
Appearing recently before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to testify about the service's fiscal 2014 budget request, the subcommittee addressed Congressional concerns over media reports about the findings of a recent missile wing inspection. At the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., twenty-two areas were inspected during the Consolidated Unit Inspection (CUI). Unit leaders identified proficiency shortfalls compounded by an attitude of complacency among a small number of officers. A webcast of the hearing is available on the (http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/ht ... 73bda7c30e) U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Reminder on GI Bill Transferability
Sailors who wish to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members should act sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. The transferability option must be elected while the servicemember is serving in the armed forces. Active-duty members who separate, retire, transfer to the Fleet Reserve, or who were discharged prior to August 1, 2009 are not eligible to elect transferability. Sailors who have requested transferability should log into (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/fac ... 4qwg59qg_4) Defense Manpower Data Center's website to confirm transferability is complete. For more information visit the Navy Personnel Center (NPC) website's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... IBill.aspx) Post-9/11 GI Bill section.
For more on the GI Bill, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) Military.com GI Bill section.


AF Registers Children for MiCare
The Air Force Medical Service is now registering children in its web-based secure messaging health application, MiCare, which allows beneficiaries to communicate securely and privately with their health care teams anywhere and anytime. Pediatric patients are registered via a request to the clinic by the parent or guardian after they have first registered themselves in MiCare. The medical home accepts the pediatric patient after the parent or guardian has enrolled the child to their MiCare account. The secure tool is now available to more than 70 percent of Air Force bases, with the expectation it will be fully implemented AF-wide by the end of the year. For more information on how to register in MiCare, visit (http://www.afms.af.mil/MiCare) www.afms.af.mil/MiCare, telephone 1-866-Relayme (735-2963) or visit your local clinic.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AFFES Offers Safety Gear
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service knows that safety is no accident; that is why the Exchange is committed to providing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/87 ... otostream/) a wide selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which could make the difference between life and death for military motorcyclists. The Exchange PPE includes high-quality motorcycle gear and an assortment of reflective products. Safety gear along with skills learned in motorcycle safety training classes combine to increase survival and prevent injuries. Motorcycle riders can browse the Exchange's PPE selection in store or online at ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Happy Military Appreciation Month
Servicemembers and families are being honored during Military Appreciation Month with a variety of discounts and events. (http://www.military.com/military-apprec ... rvr0520.nl) Find what's happening near you this month.


A Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties
The VA loan guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA loan but limits the maximum guaranty amount to $417,000 for 2013. However, if you live in a high-cost county the maximum changes. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get a full chart to determine the VA's maximum guaranty in your county.
Next Step: (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0520.nl) Search for lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Planning a Wedding? Wedding Day Gift Guide
This is your celebration, and there are many details all wrapped up into a few memorable hours. (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... rvr0520.nl) Read this wedding gift guide for more.


Chenega Wants Your Veteran Experience
U.S. veteran talent wanted: Are you ready to apply your skills to new challenges in a (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0520.nl) career with Chenega?


Task Force Report on Gulf War Illnesses
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force is publishing a comprehensive draft report in the Federal Register for public feedback and comment. The draft report identifies seven specific areas where VA will strive to improve services for Gulf War veterans. VA is seeking public comments on the draft Task Force report before final publication. The public notice and instructions for how to submit electronic and comments via postal mail will be posted at (http://www.regulations.gov/) www.regulations.gov, and the draft written report will be open for comment for 30 days. In addition, VA has also created a public discussion board on the seven focus areas at: (http://vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com/) vagulfwartaskforce.uservoice.com. To view the report without making recommendations, visit VA's website at: (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draf ... Report.pdf) www.va.gov/opa/publications/Draft_2012_ ... Report.pdf.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Fewer DoD Furlough Days
After weeks of review, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has concluded budget cuts will require most of the department's civilian employees to be furloughed beginning in July, but that because of other efforts to deal with the shortfall, only half of the 22 days originally envisioned as temporary layoffs will now be necessary. Hagel said he had "very reluctantly" concluded that major budgetary shortfalls triggered by a $37 billion cut in defense spending for fiscal 2013 forced a decision he said he deeply regrets, and one that he acknowledged will disrupt lives and impact DOD operations. However, he credited congressional passage of a defense appropriation bill in March in part for helping to reduce from the number of days civilians would be temporarily laid off by half. Employees set to be furloughed will begin receiving written notification May 28 to June 5.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... risis.html) Read the full report on Military.com.


Navy Issues New Career Guidance
The U.S. Navy has issued new guidance for the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP), which now includes a provision that permits Full Time Support (FTS) personnel to apply for CIPP. The revised instruction authorizes FTS personnel the option to participate in CIPP, which was previously closed to all Navy Reserve Sailors. The revised instruction also authorizes up to 60 days of accrued unused leave to be carried over through a CIPP participant's intermission. It also clarifies authorization for disability processing, allowing participants that are critically injured or ill to be treated under the same provisions as a member serving on active duty. Sailors who are interested in learning more or applying to the Career Intermission Pilot Program can visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... /CIPP.aspx) Navy Career Intermission Pilot Program webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TV Spots Warn of Vet Suicide Risk
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have produced three public service announcements to help families and friends recognize the signs of potential suicide in veterans and servicemembers. The television announcements have aired on the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Network. The two departments want to avert suicide by making sure families, friends and communities that surround veterans and servicemembers are aware of the signs and symptoms of suicide, to get those at risk into treatment right away. For veterans and servicemembers, help is available around the clock at SuicideOutreach.org at (http://www.suicideoutreach.org/) www.suicideoutreach.org and through the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, which offer confidential chats and texting capabilities. The website also offers a wealth of resources for servicemembers, friends and families.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


NEX Updates Price Match Policy
The Navy Exchange has announced a change to its Price Match Policy. The NEX will now match prices to Walmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Sears.com, ToysRUs.com and BabiesRUs.com. The qualifying competitive online price may be presented on a mobile device such as a tablet computer or smartphone. If the price difference is $10 or less, the price will be matched on the spot. No proof is required. If the lower price on one of the online sites listed above is more than $10, the price may be verified by a NEX associate or supervisor. As always, the NEX will continue to match the regular, everyday shelf price or advertised price in a local competitor's current advertisement. Also, if you find the identical item for less at the NEX within 14 days of the original purchase we will match the lower price. For details and more information about the price matching policy and all NEX policies, visit the (http://www.mynavyexchange.com/command/c ... match.html) Navy Exchange Service website or stop in and speak with a NEX associate.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


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Guitars for Wounded Warriors
The Les Paul Foundation's Guitars for Vets helps veterans who graduate from its programs obtain guitars. The Non-profit organization enhances the lives of ailing and injured military veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it the organization's intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma. For more Information, visit the Guitars for Vets website at (http://www.guitars4vets.org) www.guitars4vets.org and the Les Paul Foundation website at (http://www.lespaulfoundation.org/) www.lespaulfoundation.org.
For more on entertainment and the military, visit (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com's Off-duty section.


Naval Academy Cyber Ops Degree
The Naval Academy has announced that a new major is available for the Class of 2016 and beyond. Cyber operations is an interdisciplinary major that covers the entire scope of cyberspace and related operations, both technical and non-technical. The new major provides a basic foundation in computer architecture, programming, data structures, networks, the Internet, database systems, information assurance, cryptography, and forensics. Midshipmen in this major will participate in hands-on cyber operations beginning their third-class year, and the program culminates in fully-immersed cyber operations studies and simulations in the first-class year. For more information on the United States Naval Academy, visit its website at (http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php) www.usna.edu/homepage.php.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Recruiters Among Those to be Retrained
Amid a spate of allegations of criminal behavior by military recruiters and servicemembers involved in the Defense Department's efforts to prevent sexual assaults and help that crime's victims, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the services to retrain, re-credential and rescreen all sexual assault prevention and response personnel and military recruiters. Hagel was informed recently about allegations of criminal behavior against an Army sergeant first class who was a sexual assault prevention and response coordinator at Fort Hood, Texas. The Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating the Fort Hood soldier for pandering, abusive sexual contact, assault and maltreatment of subordinates. For a statement from the Department of Defense, read the press releases on the (http://www.defense.gov/releases/release ... seid=16006) U.S. Department of Defense website.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.