Military Report - Week of July 08, 2013

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of July 08, 2013

Brown Paper Tickets Salutes
Brown Paper Tickets has made it easy for anyone to donate tickets to the men and women of the U.S. armed services through a program called "Brown Paper Tickets Salutes." All active U.S. military and veterans are eligible for free tickets. To apply for free tickets, (1) browse on the Brown Paper Tickets Salutes website events that are offering free tickets to U.S. military, (2) (http://www.vettix.org/signup.php) Register through Vet Tix (note: initial verification will take 3 business days, then (3) log in to (http://www.vettix.org/events.php) Vet Tix to claim your tickets. You can also buy a ticket for a veteran at (http://community.brownpapertickets.com/LP/BPTsalutes/) http://community.brownpapertickets.com/LP/BPTsalutes/. For more information, visit the (http://community.brownpapertickets.com/LP/BPTsalutes) Brown Paper Tickets Salutes website.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


DoD Civilians Get False LQA Notices
If you are one of the more than 600 Department of Defense civilian employees working overseas who recently received a notice that you were erroneously being paid a Living Quarters Allowance (LQA), visit the (http://www.dfas.mil/lqaissue.html) Erroneous LQA page for important information about: (1) debt notification, (2) frequently asked questions, and (3) your options for resolving the debt. Also, read the (http://www.dfas.mil/dms-static/e2ac0241 ... uide_1.pdf) Debt Waiver Guide that provides detailed instructions on how to request a debt waiver.
For more on pay and other benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


DFAS Processing Vouchers
The Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) Travel Pay Services processes (http://www.dfas.mil/pcstravel/civentitl ... metax.html) Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) vouchers on a first in, first out basis. Government Services Administration recently released the RITA rates. Due to the volume of claims we have received, the DFAS expects to process all claims in approximately 30 days. For more information regarding the filing of a RITA claim or other PCS entitlement, contact a travel customer service representative at 1-888-332-7366 or DSN 699-0300.
For more on pay and other benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Passwords for myPay
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has announced new password requirements for online access to myPay. Passwords are being rolled out based on the last two digits of a Social Security number. An old password will expire on the date associated with the last two digits on a person's Social Security number. About 10 days before a password expires, myPay users will receive an email advising them to update their password to avoid delays logging into myPay. People ensure the email address recorded in their profile is current to ensure they receive these important notices. For more information on creating a new password, including tips on security, For more information on creating a new password, including tips on security, visit the (http://www.dfas.mil/mypayinfo/tipsandtricks.html) DFAS website.
For more on pay and other benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Texting Law in Virginia
A new law in Virginia, home of the world's largest naval base, makes texting while driving a primary offense as of July 1. Police can now pull over distracted drivers for texting behind the wheel. The new Virginia law states that a driver cannot "manually enter multiple letters or texts" while driving or "read any email or text message transmitted to the device." Under the new law, fines for texting while driving in Virginia increase from $20 to $125 for a first offense, and $250 for subsequent offenses. For more information about motor vehicle safety, visit the Naval Safety Center website at (http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen) www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Let Your Voice Be Heard - Take a Short TSP Survey
Military.com invites you to participate in a short survey to help us better understand your general experience with the Federal Government-sponsored Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/67NC938?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Take the survey here.


Mobile App Warning Issued
The Federal Retirement Thrift Savings Board advises against using any third-party mobile apps that reference the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). TSP does not endorse these apps which require login information that could result in a security risk to your account. Keep checking the (https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/plan/planN ... #iPhoneApp) TSP website on this and other ways you can help protect your account.
For more on military-related apps and apps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Apps page.


For Returning Vets, Not Jobs but Careers
Service men and women exiting the military today face numerous challenges. For many servicemembers finding a job immediately is crucial in supporting a family, paying the bills, and re-integrating oneself into society. Consequently, veterans often wind up taking the first job offered, rather than defining a long-term, meaningful career. For more on this issue, and some advice on how to set yourself up for a successful career and not a stop-gap job, see this (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... reers.html) Military.com article.


The AF Reserve Wingman Toolkit
The (http://afrc.wingmantoolkit.org/) Wingman Toolkit is an Air Force Reserve initiative to empower Airmen and their families to sustain healthy, balanced lifestyles using the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. The toolkit is divided around these pillars and supplies articles, videos, and other resources that can help Airmen understand the challenges facing reservists. It also includes a training section that has videos and training resources. There are also multiple (http://afrc.wingmantoolkit.org/Resources.aspx) resources on suicide prevention and awareness. The toolkit also has (https://www.facebook.com/AFRCWingmanToolkit) Facebook, (https://twitter.com/WingmanToolkit) Twitter and (http://www.youtube.com/wingmantoolkit) YouTube pages; as well as Android and iPhone mobile apps.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Thousands of Guardsmen to be Furloughed
More than 1,100 National Guard soldiers and airmen in Hawaii - and thousands in other states - will be living with 20 percent less pay over the next three months as the Defense Department carries out automatic federal budget cuts. The military's furloughs were only supposed to involve civilians, but large numbers of National Guard members who wear Army and Air Force uniforms full-time will experience them as well.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... ughed.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


AAFES Shopping Spree
Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppers will have a shot at winning a $1,000 shopping spree this summer courtesy of the Exchange and Pepsi/Frito Lay. From now to July 25, shoppers can enter at any Exchange store for the chance to win one of 15 $1,000 gift cards redeemable at any Exchange store or at ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com. Winners will be picked by random drawing on or around Sept. 6. No purchase is required to enter. Entrants must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license. To find an Exchange location near you, visit the Exchange Stores webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores) www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores.
For more discounts for servicemembers, veterans and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Get $50k Protection: from $2.50 a Month
SGLI coverage isn't enough for your military family. Get coverage to ensure your family has enough money if something should happen to you. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid=ret) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a Month.


MOAA to Storm the Hill for Survivors
Under current law, survivors that are eligible to receive both SBP and DIC benefits (the annuity they paid for with their premiums and government compensation for the loss of a service member) quickly learn they cannot collect both benefits. One benefit offsets the other -- dollar for dollar-- leaving many of our survivors stunned, angry, and financially strapped, potentially for a lifetime. (In this case, offset means that one benefit is reduced dollar for dollar for every dollar received in the other benefit.) The total cannot exceed a set amount.
(http://moaablogs.org/spouse/2013/07/sur ... r-support/) MOAA wants you to learn the facts about the SBP/DIC offset.
For more on the survivor benefit plan, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/retiremen ... nefit-plan) Military.com Survivor Benefit Plan section.


URS Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with URS. 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.


AF Offers PHD Opportunity
The Air Force will sponsor three eligible captains to pursue a doctorate degree through the fiscal 2014 CSAF Captains Prestigious PhD Program. Major commands, combatant commands, direct reporting units and field operating agencies may each nominate one active-duty captain. Endorsed nomination packages are due to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by Aug. 15. Applicants must be line of the Air Force active-duty captains with no more than nine years of total active-commissioned time as of Aug. 31, 2014. For complete eligibility criteria and application instructions, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "PSDM 13-57" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Dual-Military Couples Must File for FSGLI
Dual-military couples must now apply for FSGLI (Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance) if they wish to have spousal coverage. The former automatic enrollment in FSGLI for servicemembers married to other s has been repealed. Servicemembers must also remember to update their personal and family information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility and Reporting System (DEERS) within 60 days of any life-changing event such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child or adoption. Failure to do so could result in breaks in eligibility for that family. For more information about FSGLI coverage for Sailors, visit the Navy (http://www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/ ... nce/FSGLI/) Personnel Command FSGLI webpage, or call 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
For more life insurance tips and information on different options, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/insurance) Military.com Insurance section.


TRICARE for National Guard, Reserve
Understanding TRICARE health care options for National Guard and Reserve members can be confusing as it varies based on their duty status. When activated for more than 30 days, Guard and Reserve members are eligible for TRICARE Prime. If a Guard or Reserve member gets injured or aggravates an existing injury or illness as a direct result of his or her duties during a period of activation less than 30 days, that Guard or Reserve member may be covered under line of duty (LOD) care or notice of eligibility (NOE) care for members of the Coast Guard. For more information on LOD/NOE care or to download the TRICARE Treatment of Line of Duty Conditions Fact Sheet, visit the TRICARE Line of Duty/Notice of Eligibility webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/LOD) www.tricare.mil/LOD.
For more on TRICARE programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Blue Star Theater Offers Discounted Tickets to Military
Interested in spending the evening watching a dramatic or comedic play or a rousing musical? Through the Blue Star Theatres initiative, more than 90 theatres and playhouses around the country are offering free or discounted admission to the military, their families, and veterans. (http://www.military.com/discounts/deal- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get this deal.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Never pay full price - find more Exclusive Military Discounts.


Twilight Tattoo Continues
Twilight Tattoo continues its summer performances on Whipple Field at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's production of 'Twilight Tattoo' is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." Audiences experience a glimpse into American history through performances by the U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from the U.S. Army Band Downrange, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the U.S. Army Drill Team. Twilight Tattoo performances are free to the public and begin at 7 PM. For more information, including performance dates, visit the (http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/home) Twilight Tattoo website.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Deal of the Week: Build Your New Wardrobe
Men's Wearhouse has all the essentials you need to look your best as you transition to civilian life. (http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs ... xt-_-n-_-n) Get 50% off your job interview suit and more.


Navy 'Seabees Online' App
The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) recently released mobile applications for the "Seabee Online" website that will work on the Apple iPhone and Android operating systems. "Seabee Mobile" will work on most smart phones and tablets, and will provide an enhanced communications experience for Seabees, their families, veterans, and the public. The new mobile apps are available free of charge for downloading directly to your smart phone or tablet. Just search for "Seabee Mobile" in your corresponding device's app store. " (http://seabeemagazine.navylive.dodlive.mil/) Seabee Online" is the official online magazine of the Seabees.
For more on military-related apps and apps news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Apps page.


The DoD Blood Drive Begins
The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) recently launched its summer blood donation drive. Starting July 1 and ending Sept. 30, the campaign will be deployed at 23 donor centers on Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps installations worldwide. Blood collected by the ABSP is collected by the military, for the military. This means that all blood, platelet and plasma donations collected by the military blood program directly support ill or injured servicemembers, veterans and their families worldwide. For more information, visit the Armed Services Blood Program website at (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/) www.militaryblood.dod.mil/ . Find where to give blood at (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors ... _give.aspx) www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/where_to_give.aspx and (https://www.militarydonor.com/index.cfm) schedule an appointment.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Commissaries Begin Furloughs
Some commissaries across the country have begun closing one day a week due to furloughs. Commissary customers can quickly find out about any changes to their local store's operating schedule by going to the (http://www.commissaries.com/realign_maps/alpha_list.cfm) Commissaries.com website.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Find Civilian Jobs that Match Your Military Experience
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. The Military Skills Translator is quick, easy and gives great results - just enter in your Branch of Service, Military Job Title and Pay Grade. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your Military Skills Now.


Get the Latest Airman Magazine
The July/August issue of Airman magazine is now available to download and view through a web browser. Featured in this month's issue is the Air Force's 60-year anniversary. Read more stories from "Around the Air Force" and download the July/August issue of Airman magazine for your tablet here: (1) (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airman- ... 41850?mt=8) Apple version, (2) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... anmagazine) Android version, and (3) (http://www.amazon.com/AIRMAN-Magazine-K ... n+magazine) Kindle version. For the first time since the roll-out of Airman magazine's tablet version, a limited interactive version is viewable in web (http://contentviewer.adobe.com/s/AIRMAN ... COVER.html) browser format. For more stories, visit the (http://airman.dodlive.mil/) Airman magazine website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Navy RAD Website
The Chief of Naval Operations' Reduce Administrative Distractions (RAD) Team recently launched its new website, and the effort is underway to get direct input from Sailors on how the Fleet can streamline or eliminate administrative processes to allow more time to focus on mission readiness. The interactive RAD website provides all ranks, active, Reserve and Navy civilians with a platform to voice their concerns about administrative tasks, procedures, instructions and training, and propose solutions to fix these issues. It will function much like a social media interface, allowing users to comment and vote on posts. The collected data can be analyzed by many different variables, from what is bothering commanding officers to what junior Sailors are concerned with. For more information, or to give feedback, visit the (http://navyrad.ideascale.com/) RAD website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Resource for Vets in Kansas
Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas recently unveiled a new state website that pulls together information on educational opportunities, jobs and health care for military members. The new (http://kcva.ks.gov/kanvet) KanVet site is a one-stop shop for the state's 7,700 National Guard members and 227,000 military veterans. The new website will be useful to veterans who need to develop job skills, as well as those that have valuable job skills from their service time but are unsure how to translate them to the private sector.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Improved Economy Means More Truck Driving Jobs
A rebounding American economy is good news for job seekers in almost every industry, but it's great news for those who are considering a career in truck driving. Schneider National has exceptional career paths for professional drivers and truck school graduates. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.