Military Report - Week of June 17, 2013

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Military Report - Week of June 17, 2013

American Legion Releases Route Details
The route for the 2013 American Legion Legacy Run is nearly finalized. Though some final details need to be determined, the (http://www.legion.org/riders/216186/det ... -available) American Legion website listed the stops that are on the schedule. Visit the Legion Riders webpage at (http://www.legion.org/riders) http://www.legion.org/riders for updates/additions to the schedule as the run approaches. You can register for the run at (https://www.legion.org/riders/registration) the American Legion 2013 Legacy Run Registration webpage. Follow the (https://www.facebook.com/pages/National ... 8017493013) Legion Riders on Facebook.


Johnson Controls Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Johnson Controls. As a global diversified technology and industrial leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Make Retirement Planning a Priority
One day you can retire, but are you sure how to get there? Many people find it easier to avoid reality when it comes to planning for retirement. (http://www.military.com/money/retiremen ... =0617mr.nl) Learn how to prepare for retirement and start taking the necessary steps today.


Sailors and Chaplains
In a recent poll on Navy Personnel Command's website, 63 percent of 5,049 respondents did not believe that what they say to a chaplain is confidential. In light of these results and other anecdotal evidence, Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd has begun an official campaign to help educate servicemembers, leadership and families across the Navy and Marine Corps on (http://doni.documentservices.dla.mil/Di ... 1730.9.pdf) SECNAV Instruction 1730.9: Confidential Communications to Chaplains. Chaplains cannot be compelled by the command, medical professionals or others to disclose what a servicemember or family member shares in confidence. To find a Navy chaplain, contact Navy 311 at 1-855-NAVY-311 or text to Navy311@navy.mil or visit the (http://www.chaplain.navy.mil/) Navy Chaplain Corps website.


Retirees May Not Get Their Due Back Pay
An independent audit of the Military Retirement Fund uncovered a "significant deficiency" in the way the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has been calculating retired pay for about 15 percent of 370,000 retirees who are under a " (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ystem.html) High-3" retired pay formula. The result is that 55,500 retirees who first entered service on or after Sept. 8, 1980, have been getting a little less in retired pay than the law directs. These retirees could expect a lump sum average payment of about $1000 if DFAS pays them retroactively. But if the Department of Defense has its way, DFAS will never have to make those payments.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... ee-it.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Help for Homeowners in Trouble
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's - Help For Homeowners Event will be held in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, June 28, 2013. The event is being held at the Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201. This is an important opportunity to assist struggling military homeowners to meet one-on-one with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. For more information, visit (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) MakingHomeAffordable.com.


New DoD Deployment Series
The Department of Defense recently launched its "How to Help Military and Veteran Families, Before, During and After Deployment" initiative. The publication series designed to educate civilians on the specialized needs of military and veteran families in their neighborhoods. It comprises a series of pamphlets on topics such as military and veteran families' needs for higher education, early childhood education, financial assistance and more. The publications will be distributed throughout U.S. Communities and are available on the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) Military OneSource website.
(http://www.military.com/deployment) Visit Military.com's Deployment Center for more resources.


The Battle over TRICARE Fees Continues
Last week the White House issued a rebuttal to the House's proposed 2014 defense budget (National Defense Authorization Act - H.R. 1960). The administration is not happy with the House's version of the bill in part because it omits the DoD's proposed TRICARE Fee increases and cap on military pay raises in 2014. As expected the WH threatened to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk in its present form. A senate panel has proposed a similar budget. However the Senate version allows for capping the military pay increase at 1% for 2014.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... fee-hikes/) Read the Military Advantage for more on the proposed 2014 defense budget.


Americans Warned of Virus
Stars and Stripes reports that the U.S. Embassy has warned Americans in Bahrain about the threat of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. While there have been no reported cases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia -- connected to Bahrain by a causeway -- has had 41 reported cases with 26 resulting in death, according to a (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) World Health Organization (WHO) webpage. Approximately 6,500 U.S. Personnel serve in Bahrain in support of U.S. Navy activities. The (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all Americans on the Arabian Peninsula "monitor their health" and see a health care provider if they develop a fever and symptoms of a lower respiratory illness. For more information, visit the (http://www.cdc.gov/features/novelcoronavirus/) CDC website at and the (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html) WHO website.


Think You Know Military Facts? Test Your Knowledge & Win
Test your military history and knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home/?ESRC=mrvr0617.nl) Play Now.


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.


TRICARE e-Alerts
With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, TRICARE created state-specific e-alerts for beneficiaries who want the latest information about how TRICARE has been affected during and after severe weather in their area. To sign up for state-specific TRICARE severe weather e-alerts, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/subscriptions) www.tricare.mil/subscriptions. Hurricane season in the Atlantic began June 1 and ends Nov. 30; in the Eastern Pacific it started May 15 and ends Nov. 30. For more information about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for them, visit the (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php) NOAA website or watch the (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3V3HZBs1Y4) NOAA video on YouTube.


Help for Homeowners Event June 28 in Columbia, SC
The U.S. Department of Treasury is putting on a Help for Homeowners Event to connect financially struggling military families with mortgage companies and HUD-approved housing experts. Participants will meet one-on-one with mortgage professionals to talk through their specific situations. The event is Friday, June 28th from 1pm to 8pm at the Columbia Convection Center in Columbia, SC. Parking is free. (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get ... fault.aspx) Get more information.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
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. You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0617.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.


Navy Updates Apprenticeship Program
The Naval Education and Training Command has announced that as of June 6, a major update to the Professional Apprenticeship Career Track Program (PACT) section of the Learning and Development Roadmap has been posted to Navy Knowledge Online (NKO). The first update in the PACT LaDR series, the Engineering PACT, was reduced from 35 pages to 15 pages, a significant reduction that makes the roadmap more user-friendly and intuitive. The EPACT LaDR is currently available on NKO, and the Surface PACT and Aviation PACT are being revised and will be added in the near future. To obtain a copy of the PACT LaDRs, visit (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/career ... racks(pact)) NKO and open the appropriate E-PACT, S-PACT or A-PACT .PDF file. Note: This site requires CAC access.


PTSD Awareness Day in DC
White House representatives from President Obama's Administration, top military leaders from the Pentagon as well as policymakers, medical practitioners and mental health advocates will be gathering at Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill on June 22, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day at the third annual Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds event led by the non-profit organization, Honor for ALL. The event's three major themes will center on mental illness: the need for early identification, eliminating stigma and advancing effective treatment options. For more information, visit the (http://www.honorforall.org/events/) Honor for ALL website.


AF Changes Funeral Honors Rules
Due to the impact sequestration has on resources, Air Force Services is adjusting requirements for military funeral honors (MFH) of retirees. Air Force policy will revert to requiring a minimum of two personnel for retiree MFH details. The two-person team will continue to fold and present the interment flag and play Taps. If a seven-person team is able to support, the detail will also act as pallbearers and the firing party. Additional support for retiree funeral honors remain available from authorized providers such as Veteran Service Organizations or Reserve Officer Training Corps units, as resources permit. MFH details for veterans and active duty members will remain unchanged.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/burial ... onors.html) For more information, visit the Military.com website.


$50k Protection: from $2.50 a Month
SGLI Isn't Enough. Get $50k Coverage from $2.50 a Month. SGLI caps out at $400k. Protect your family's future with affordable life insurance coverage. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =0617mr.nl) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a month.


New Navy E-Learning System
The Navy has introduced a new Navy E-Learning system that was developed under a modernization effort called the Enterprise Training Management Delivery System. The new system uses AtlasPro as the replacement technology for the current LMS that is at its end-of-life. The LMS is the technology backbone of Navy e-Learning. The new NEL system is role-based and uses a modern tabs-and-gadgets design that can be customized by the user. This allows to them to navigate within the application and view their customized options at a glance. Students have easily adapted to the new system with no interruption in their training. A five-phased rollout of the new NEL began in February and will continue through July.


How is VA Loan Entitlement Determined?
Many military members wonder whether they have entitlement for a VA loan; and, if so, how much. VA entitlements can vary from veteran to veteran based on location. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Air Force Youth Bowling Program
Air Force youth around the world can win prizes just by bowling in the 2013 World Wide Bowling program. The program, which started June 1, runs until Aug. 31. It is open to 5-18-year-olds authorized to use Force Support Services facilities. Through the duration of the program one winner from three age categories (5-9, 10-14 and 15-18) will be randomly selected to win a custom bowling ball and bag. For games to count, participants must bowl at an Air Force Installation or Air Force lead joint base. Participants may bowl as many games as they want as long as they bowl with at least one other person. For more information and guidelines, visit your local bowling center or the (http://www.usafbowltowin.com/) World Wide Bowling Bowl to Win website.


AF Extends Ghedi Accompanied Tour Length
Airmen selected for an assignment to Ghedi Air Base, Italy, who elect to serve the accompanied tour will now be required to serve 36 months rather than 24. The change does not affect Airmen whose orders were issued before May 31, or those who elect to serve the 24-month unaccompanied tour. Military personnel sections are working with affected Airmen to ensure members slated for PCS to Ghedi AB have the necessary retainability for a three-year tour. For more information about assignment opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.


AF Force Management Phase II
The Air Force has implemented fiscal year 2013 Force Management Enlisted Date of Separation Rollback Program Phase II, which will accelerate the date of separation for senior master sergeants and below who meet required criteria. Airmen affected must separate from the Air Force by Sept. 20, and those eligible to retire must do so effective Aug. 1 or earlier. The rollback program also allows commanders to consider Airmen for selective reenlistment early. Airmen who served 180 days or more on active duty who are separated under the DOS rollback will be authorized transition assistance benefits. For more information about force management programs and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.


AF ROTC Command Opportunities
Eligible line of the Air Force lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects interested in Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment command opportunities have approximately one month to submit the statement of intent via the Airman Development Plan. Summer 2014 command opportunities are expected to open at more than 40 educational institutions. Applicants must have a master's degree and superior performance record. Applications are due to AETC by Aug. 31. Interested officers should not submit an application to Air Education and Training Command until they have been officially released from their career field assignment team. For complete eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website, and enter "AFROTC" or "25328" in the search window.


AF Seeks ROTC Instructors
Eligible lieutenants, captains and majors interested in Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor opportunities must submit their statement of intent, via the Airman Development Plan, to the Air Force Personnel Center by July 3. Academic year 2014 instructor positions will be available at more than 60 educational institutions nationwide. Applicants must be active duty Air Force line officers with four years' time on station as of June 2014, or be in a mandatory move status during the summer of 2014 or eligible for a return from overseas January-May 2014. Applicants must be released by their career field assignment team before they can compete for an instructor position. For complete eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website and enter "PSDM 13-52" in the search window.


Navy Sexual Assault Stand-Down
All Navy commands will conduct a sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) stand-down between June 10 and July 1st. Reserve component units and deployed personnel will also commence their stand-down starting June 10, but will have until July 22 to complete. The command triad of each command will lead Sailors and Navy civilian personnel in a minimum two hours of focused facilitated instruction on SAPR principles and the importance of fostering a climate of dignity and respect in the workplace. All training center and institutional instructors, as well as personnel who are the first to interact with sexual assault victims, will receive specialized refresher training, using the Navy's successful SAPR-Leadership/SAPR-Fleet training programs and other Navy SAPR resources. A facilitator's guide and Navy leadership video messages can be found at the Navy Personnel Command SAPR webpage at (http://www.sapr.navy.mil) www.sapr.navy.mil.