Military Report - Week of July 29, 2013

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Military Report - Week of July 29, 2013

Program to Enhance Autism Care
A congressionally mandated pilot program set to launch July 25 will enhance an existing Defense Department program that provides care and treatment for military children with autism. All care will be continued, and active-duty servicemembers' children's autism care benefits in the applied behavior analysis administered through TRICARE would not change. Also, there will be no change for anyone who is receiving care under the (Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration. The expansion of services through the autism pilot program will also allow retirees and their families to receive autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefits. For more information on TRICARE's autism coverage, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... -duty.html) Military.com website.


AAFES 'Color Me' Cutest Kiddo Contest
Through Aug. 9, Army and Air Force Exchange Service patrons worldwide may post photographs of their children holding a completed coloring page to the Exchange (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook page for the first-ever (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/9323624194/) "'Color Me' Cutest Kiddo" contest. Contestants may choose one of four coloring pages, all of which are available to print online at the Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PatriotFamily/) www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PatriotFamily/. The randomly-chosen Grand Prize winner will be awarded a seven-night resort stay and an $800 gift card. An online entry application can also be found on the (https://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook page.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Navy Educational Center Reduces Hours
Navy Virtual Education Center (VEC) and all Navy College Offices (NCOs) will be closed each Friday during the Defense Department furlough of civilian employees this fiscal year. To lessen the impact, ensure you submit your Tuition Assistance (TA) request up to 30 days prior to your class start date. Then, track it to ensure your command approves and forwards it to the VEC with enough time for staff to review and authorize it. For Navy College Offices, call ahead to confirm hours of operation and possibly scheduling an appointment. For more information about the Navy College Program and the Virtual Education Center, visit the (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/) Navy College Program.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Home Loan FAQ: What are Points?
Some of the most common questions asked by people when shopping for a home loan involve points: What are points? Should I pay them? (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) How will they affect what I pay every month?


Tips for Acing Phone Interviews
Employers added 195,000 jobs in June, bringing the average number of jobs added per month for the first half of 2013 to more than 200,000. These are very encouraging benchmarks, but companies are still under intense pressure to control costs. Accordingly, many employers are using phone interviews to winnow the pool of job applicants and identify the most promising candidates. (http://www.moaa.org/phoneinterviewtips) Read the full MOAA article to learn how to ace the phone interview.
For more veteran jobs news and tips, and to connect with more companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


View Navy Court Martial Results Online
The Navy now has an (http://www.navy.mil/docs/MasterCourtMar ... 062013.pdf) online resource for reviewing the results of every Special and General Court-Martial convened within the United States Navy from January through June 2013. The cases are separated by the Navy Region in which they were tried.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Navy Emissions Control Memorandum
A Fleet Emission Control (EMCON) Operations tactical memorandum (TACMEMO) developed by Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) is now available through the Navy Doctrine Library System (NDLS). The Fleet EMCON Operations TACMEMO proposes fleet tactics to counter an adversary's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This publication addresses surface, air and subsurface units-including coalition forces under U.S. tactical control-and will be refined during fleet training and certification events, war games, and limited objective experiments. The Fleet EMCON Operations TACMEMO, 3-51.1-13, can be accessed on the (http://ndls.nwdc.navy.smil.mil) Navy Doctrine Library System (NDLS).
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Sr. Sailors Sought for CSS Duty
The Navy's Center for Service Support (CSS) has announced that it is actively looking for high-quality senior Sailors for its team. During a three-year tour, a subject matter expert would attend the Navy Instructor Training Course, granting them the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 9502. They also work closely with learning sites, compile questions for rating advancement exams and have the opportunity to earn the Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification. Sailors who are eligible for shore duty and in their transfer window are encouraged to contact their command career counselors and detailers. For available billet opportunities, Sailors can visit the secure (https://www.cmsid.navy.mil/) CMS/ID webpage.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AF Reserve Joint Credit Deadline
The deadline for Air Force Reserve officers to apply for joint credit is Sept. 30, 2013. After this date, the Joint Qualification System will only accept joint service for the prior 12 months from the date of application. (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/widg ... ideo&pos=0) Click on the video to hear Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy talk about joint officer management and the importance of applying for joint credit. Visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "JOM" in the search window to find the Joint Qualification Handbook as well as a number of documents and articles on the JOM program.
For more on military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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=mrvr0729.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 ... rvr0729.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.


State Veteran's Benefits
Many states offer veterans benefits. These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veteran's homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more. Each state manages its own benefit programs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit Military.com to see a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits.
Your VA Loan Benefit is worth $417,000 and can be used to buy a home with $0 down or to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0729.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Military.com Benefits Channel to get straight forward info on Military Pay, TRICARE, GI Bill, VA Loans, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Veteran Health Care and more.


Operation Black Hills Cabin
Operation Black Hills Cabin was founded in 2011 and located in the beautiful Black Hills community of Custer, South Dakota. The purpose of this organization is to offer a week's vacation to qualifying wounded Combat Veterans and their families from the Iraq/Afghanistan campaign at little or no expense to them, with the exception of transportation. It is an opportunity to continue the healing process by reconnecting with their immediate family in a quiet, peaceful, enjoyable and safe environment, away from the daily pressures associated with recovery, rehabilitation or other mental stresses. Operation Black Hills Cabin is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and is 100% volunteer, with a Board of Directors that has 72 years combined military service. For more information, visit the Operation Black Hills Cabin website at (http://www.operationblackhillscabin.org) www.operationblackhillscabin.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


AF Sets Early Retirement Board Date
The Air Force will convene a selective early retirement board (SERB) Dec. 9 to consider eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels for retirement under the FY14 Force Management Program. The lieutenant colonel board will consider officers who have been twice non-selected for promotion to colonel by Dec. 9. Career fields affected include Line of the Air Force, Nurse Corps, Biomedical Sciences Corps, Line of the Air Force - Judge Advocate General and Medical Services Corps. Lieutenant colonels who met the 2010 or the 2011 SERB boards will not be considered for this SERB. The colonel selective early retirement board will also convene Dec. 9 to consider colonels who have four years or more of active duty time in grade as of the date the board convenes. SERB-eligible officers who do not want to meet the Dec. 9 board may apply for voluntary retirement now through Nov. 15, 2013 and may request up to a Sept. 1, 2014 effective retirement date. For more information about SERB, including full preparation requirements, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Enter "PSDM 13-67" for lieutenant colonels or "PSDM 13-70" for colonels.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


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 ... rvr0729.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.


The Coast Guard Turns 223
The Coast Guard is celebrating its 223rd year this August 4th. The Coast Guard's official history began on 4 August 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. (http://www.military.com/coast-guard-bir ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more.


We Value Your Opinion: Take a Short Survey
We'd like to learn more about your VA home loan experience and opinions on behalf of Quicken Loans. It'll only take a short moment to (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LPWNHC3) tell us what you think!


Tyco Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that 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 'Be Ready' App
The "Be Ready" mobile application is now available for download on most Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad. Previously offered for Motorola Android products only, this app was developed by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division as an on-the-go emergency preparation resource. The "Be Ready" app is free and gives detailed information covering a wide range of threats including floods, hurricanes and wildfires. It provides emergency numbers and relevant websites as well as customizable family evacuation plans and emergency supply checklists. The Be Ready app is available for download now at Apple's app store or the Google play site. For more information, visit the Air Force Be Ready website at (http://www.beready.af.mil/) www.beready.af.mil.
For military app news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.


AF Service Commitment Waivers
Air Force will implement several officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal 2014. Enlisted members in non-critical career fields will be able to apply for limited active duty service commitment waivers, a waiver of up to two years on their current enlistment contract, a waiver of all but six months of promotion-related ADSC, or the expanded Palace Chase program. Eligible officers from overmanned fields will be able to apply for time in grade waivers, limited ADSC waivers, the Expanded Palace Chase Program, and the 10-vs-8 Commission Waiver Program. Interested, eligible Airmen must apply online via the virtual Military Personnel Flight, with application windows open now through July 1, 2014. For more information, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Enter "PSDM 13-64" in the search window for enlisted programs and "PSDM 13-65" for officer programs.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Congress Wants Your Feedback on VA
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs is inviting veterans to complete its new (https://www.facebook.com/questions/6232 ... qa_ref=ssp) Facebook poll, which asks one simple question: Do you think the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing enough to hold poorly performing employees accountable? (https://www.facebook.com/questions/6232 ... qa_ref=ssp) Take the poll.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


DoD Warns of Looming Promotion Freezes
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel informed the Senate Armed Services Committee that if Congress fails to end budget sequestration, DoD could be forced to freeze military promotions, suspend recruiting, put a hold on all PCS orders and make bigger reductions in forces than current law allows.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ther-rifs/) Read more on the Military Advantage blog.


New Rules for Transferring GI Bill
When the Post-9/11 GI Bill program was initiated in 2009, the post 9-11 GI Bill education transfer program was phased in to enable Airmen nearing retirement to accept a 1, 2, or 3-year graduated service commitment. Now, eligible members must apply to transfer their benefits no later than July 31 to qualify under these graduated service obligations. After July 31, Airmen who apply must fulfill a 4-year service commitment in the selected reserve or active-duty status from the date of their request regardless of how many years of satisfactory service they have. (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/widg ... ideo&pos=0) View the video to hear Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy talk about the Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer phase-in period ending July 31. For more information, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website and enter Post 9/11 GI Bill in the search window. To apply to transfer benefits, visit (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) MilConnect.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Help for Homeowners in Birmingham
Are you struggling to make your mortgage payments? The U.S. Department of the Treasury is hosting the Birmingham Help for Homeowners event on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT, at Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203. A Short Sale Workshop will be held earlier that day, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CDT, at the same location. Complimentary parking will be available in the East Parking Garage. For more information on the Help for Homeowners Event and free help, call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). For more information on the Short Sale Workshop, call Eric Hagen at 202.622.1168 or email (mailto:Eric.Hagen@Treasury.gov) Eric.Hagen@Treasury.gov.
For more on home buying and loan tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


TRICARE Dental Payment Methods Change
Effective October 1, 2013, all TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) beneficiaries will be required to pay their monthly premiums by an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or through military retired pay allotment. The ability to pay premiums by check or through an online bill pay system will end in September. However, most TRDP enrollees will need to take no action. Delta Dental sent letters to all TRDP participants on July 19 with information on where to submit EFT authorization forms and how to submit an EFT authorization online at the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program website at (http://www.trdp.org) www.trdp.org. For more information, visit the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program website at (http://www.tricare.mil/trdp) www.tricare.mil/trdp.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Marathon to Benefit Vet Health Research
Always Brothers invites members of the running community to take part in 100 Miles for One Mind, an ultramarathon to honor military heroes from Washington state and raise money for One Mind for Research, a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to curing brain diseases. Runners, who can register as individuals or as part of a relay team, will depart Leschi Marina at 6 a.m. Aug. 10 and run through south King County and parts of Pierce County before finishing at CenturyLink Field at 9 a.m. Aug. 11. This is the third year Always Brothers, a non-profit fraternal organization made up of Marines, other veterans, and their supporters, has hosted a 100-mile, 24-hour ultramarathon to benefit Marines and their families. The ultramarathon isn't a new sports phenomenon, but this ultra has a special mission: it's not a race. All runners -- Marines and civilians alike -- will start and finish together. This year's event will honor fallen U.S. service men and women from Washington state and will raise awareness and money for One Mind for Research, a Seattlebased non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of people, including veterans, who are affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS) and other diseases of the brain. For more details, visit the (http://alwaysbrothers.org) Always Brothers website.
For more fitness-related military news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center. For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Free Gift Cards for DC Metro Vets
(http://www.all-faith.org/home.php) All-Faith Consortium (AFC) in partnership with AFCO Solutions, FEMA and the Department of Labor is offering "FREE" ExxonMobile Gas Gift Cards, Giant Food Cards, and Metro Fare Cards to Washington area veterans with new employment. The gift cards range in amounts of $25, $50, $100, and Smart Trip cards up to $300. This initiative is to help give a start-up boost to veterans who are newly employed with transportation and other supportive services. DD214 for veterans status (no dishonorable discharge) and proof of recent employment is all that's needed. The expiration date to issue these resources is quickly approaching. Please call AFC directly on (202) 671-1600 for more information. AFC can also help connect veterans with Employment and Skills Training, Business Development Training, Temporary and Permanent Housing, and many other supportive resources.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


New 'MyAirForceLife' App
The Air Force HAS launched a free mobile app geared toward informing Airmen and families about force support squadron morale, welfare and recreation events happening on their base. "MyAirForceLife" links eligible patrons to force support squadron-related MWR information at Air Force led installations. Twenty locations are currently available on the app and more than 25 additional bases are adding content in order to go live in the mobile app. "'MyAirForceLife' also integrates the nonappropriated fund job listing which allow users to search for available jobs by facility. To download the application, users should open their smartphone app store and search "MyAirForceLife." Once downloaded, users can select their favorite base or multiple locations. Airmen interested in seeing their base added to the "MyAirForceLife" app should contact their installation's force support squadron. For more information, visit the "MyAirForceLife" website at (http://www.myairforcelife.com/) www.myairforcelife.com.
For military app news and reviews, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.


NCIS Looking to Hire 50 Investigators
The U.S. Navy has approved nearly $10 million to hire more than 50 additional Naval Criminal Investigative Service Family and Sexual Violence Program personnel to shorten investigation times for sexual assaults. Also, the Navy and Marine Corps will now regularly publish on the service primary websites of Navy.mil and Marines.mil the results of each service's courts- martial. The additional Adult Sexual Assault Program (ASAP) special agents and crime scene personnel will further help decrease the sexual assaults investigation timeline. ASAP teams with specialized training in legal jurisdiction, investigative procedures, evidence collection, sexual assault victim sensitivities, and the handling of reports and official statements are currently being deployed to fleet concentration areas worldwide. Additional information and resources to combat sexual assault is available at the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) webpage at (http://www.sapr.navy.mil) www.sapr.navy.mil.
For more veteran jobs news and tips, and to connect with more companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Officers Offered Early Retirement
All Air Force officers eligible for a selective early retirement board (SERB) are retirement-eligible. Officers interested in voluntary retirement can take advantage of other Force Management Program options, if necessary, including limited active duty service commitment and time in grade waivers. The retirement application and review process normally takes 4-6 weeks, so officers interested in voluntary retirement should complete their applications in sufficient time for coordination and approval. Retirement-eligible officers can participate in and receive transition assistance services (TAP) offered at their local Airman and Family Readiness Center without time restrictions. For more information about the upcoming SERB, as well as information about other retirement programs, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Enter "PSDM 13-67" for lieutenant colonels or "PSDM 13-70" for colonels.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Navy Exchanges Change Alcohol Sales
Navy Exchanges are making changes in their alcohol sales procedures. Liquor should only be sold at main exchanges or at dedicated package stores, and alcohol displays and merchandise in stores will occupy no more than 10 percent of the retail floor space. NEX facilities will also make single-use alcohol detection devices available to customers. All of these changes will take place within the next 90 days. (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2013/ ... _55_40.pdf) Visit the NEX website for more information.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Verizon Wireless Hiring Veterans
Verizon Wireless is continuing its push to hire veterans into its offices nationwide through its special military hiring (http://www22.verizon.com/jobs/workinghe ... itary.html) website and a concentration on sponsoring and attending military hiring fairs around the country. The company has partnered with organizations like The American Legion to actively recruit and engage veteran job candidates in a grassroots manner. Veterans are a perfect fit for positions within the company's information technology, electronic engineering, communications, project management, and automotive and mechanics departments. For more information, visit the Verizon Wireless Careers for Transitioning Military website at (http://www22.verizon.com/jobs/workinghe ... itary.html) www22.verizon.com/jobs/workinghere_transitioningmilitary.html.
For more veteran jobs news and tips, and to connect with more companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Social Media Safety Tips for Airmen
Safe use of social-media outlets is simple -- use common sense. If you are not within regulations, do not post it. Airmen should not post information about deployments or photos of secure areas within their workplace. Be careful of whom you allow into your social media networks, and do not trust that the account will always remain secure. Do not jeopardize the mission or put anyone's life, or lives in danger. Think before you post. For more information, the new Air Force Social Media Guide is available for (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document ... 27-048.pdf) download or from the Air Force website at http://www.af.mil under the social media icons. Airmen can also contact their local public affairs office with questions.
To keep up with the military on social media, visit the (https://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com Facebook page.


VA Reevaluates Sleep Apnea Ratings
The Department of Veterans Affairs is studying changes to disability ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly the 50-percent rating being awarded when VA physicians prescribe use of a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine, for sleep-deprived veterans. The good news for more than 114,000 veterans already drawing compensation for sleep apnea is their ratings would not be reduced with broad change to the rating schedule.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... apnea.html) Read the full article on Military.com


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 ... =0729mr.nl) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a month.


National Cemeteries: A Sacred Trust
In a partnership of shared mission, the (http://www.cem.va.gov/) National Cemetery Administration, the Department of the Army, National Park Service and the American Battle Monuments Commission, ensure those who fought for this country are guaranteed a proper burial, their loved ones are comforted and their sacrifice is recognized. This sacred trust began more than a century and a half with the passing of the Omnibus Act of 1862, authorizing the establishment of national cemeteries. Read more about our national cemeteries and VA burial benefits for veterans on the (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9860/na ... 151-years/) VA VAntage Point Blog and visit the (http://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits) National Cemetery Administration Burial Benefits webpage.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.