Military Report - Week of August 19, 2013

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Military Report - Week of August 19, 2013

Know the Road Rules
Staying alert and avoiding unnecessary distractions is critical for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Cyclists and pedestrians need to be able to hear everything on the road at all times--never wear headphones. Never talk on the telephone, read or send text messages while walking, cycling and driving. Bicyclists must obey the same laws as motor vehicles. This means that bicyclists should obey all traffic signs, use hand signals when turning and yield to traffic when the cars have the right of way. Pedestrians should also be extremely cautious when walking through parking lots, and bicyclists should avoid parking lots, if possible. Bicycling on sidewalks should be avoided at all times as sidewalks are for pedestrians. It is Department of Defense (DoD) for all bicyclists riding on DoD installations to wear approved and properly secured helmets. For more information, visit the (http://www.apg.army.mil/apghome/sites/installation/iso/) Aberdeen Proving Ground Safety Office website.
For more auto safety and maintenance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos) Military.com Auto Center.


Download Your Free VA Loan Guide
Understand the benefits you've earned by getting a free guide. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Download Here.


A Look at 'Old Glory'
The practice of referring to the American flag as "Old Glory" was coined by Captain William Driver, a shipmaster of Salem, Massachusetts. As he was leaving on August 10, 1831 on one of his many voyages aboard the brig CHARLES DOGGETT some friends presented him with a beautiful flag of twenty-four stars. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze for the first time, he exclaimed "Old Glory!" He retired to Nashville in 1837, taking the treasured flag from his sea days with him. By the time the Civil War erupted, Rebels were determined to destroy his flag. But, Driver secretly sewed the banner inside a quilt to save it. Today, Driver is buried in the Nashville's historic City Cemetery, and Old Glory resides in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. For more information on Old Glory, visit the (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/cele ... dglory.pdf) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website and the (http://www.usflag.org/history/oldglorystory.html) USAFlag.org website.
For more on the history of the U.S. flag, visit (http://www.military.com/flag-day) Military.com's Flag Day page.


Navy to Conduct Disaster Drill
Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will conduct Citadel Rumble 2013 (CR-13) exercise Aug. 20 - 22, 2013. CR-13 is a fully integrated, annual capstone disaster preparedness response and recovery exercise designed to evaluate Navy shore-based commands and installation emergency preparedness in response to an all hazards scenario. Navy Regions Midwest (NRMW), Northwest (NRNW) and Southwest (NRSW) are participating in this exercise. All Navy Commands with personnel in these regions will participate. CR-13 is designed to provide a focused training environment for afloat and shore-based commands to exercise damage assessment, evacuation plans, personnel accountability, disaster preparedness, recovery and consequence management plans and procedures.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


$200k Life Insurance Coverage: As Low as $14 a Month
Don't wait any longer to protect your family's future. Protection is quick and easy. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0819.nl) Get $200k life insurance coverage starting at $14 a month.


VA Partners to Reduce Claims Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has announced a new partnership and pilot program aimed at reducing the claims backlog and making it easier for unrepresented veterans to receive assistance developing their claims for disability pay. ABA and LSC attorneys will provide free assistance to a targeted group of unrepresented veterans who request their help gathering and obtaining evidence required by law to support their disability claims. In the coming months, VA will identify eligible veterans to participate in the pilot program and send letters advising them of all their options for representation to help them advance their claims. The VA letter will inform veterans of a 1-800 hotline and website to connect them to an attorney who is willing to assist with their claim, free-of-charge. Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense-VA (http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/) eBenefits web portal.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Locate Old Military Friends: 20+ Million Military Records
Use the Military.com Buddy Finder to reconnect with military buddies you've lost touch with. You can search over 20 million records by name, service or pay grade. (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Locate your buddies now.


Med School Prep Program for Airmen
Active-duty enlisted Airmen who qualify can now apply for a new pilot program designed to prepare them for medical school. The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program offers enlisted members a chance to attend medical prep school full time for two years, all expenses paid. The program will include coursework in a traditional classroom setting with structured pre-health advising and formal medical college admission test preparation. Applicants who meet all eligibility criteria must email an intent to apply statement to the Total Force Service Center by Sept. 6. Full eligibility criteria and application guidelines for the program are available on (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers. Enter "EMDP2" in the search window.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Navy Upgrades LS Course
The U.S. Navy's Center for Service Support (CSS) recently announced upgrades to the way students in the logistics specialist (LS) rate learn and how course material is presented by implementing group-paced virtual, web-based training. The new group-paced program will help students retain the information they have learned. The new course has been piloted, and all the required course materials are in-place. The official conversion date is October 1, 2013.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Introducing the New Navy Personnel Chief
The Navy's new Chief of Naval Personnel held all hands calls with his staff in Washington, D.C., to introduce himself, discuss his priorities and listen to Sailors' and Navy civilians' thoughts and concerns. Vice Adm. Bill Moran assumed the duties as the 57th Chief of Naval Personnel Aug. 2. Moran did not shy away from addressing a concern foremost on the minds of many Sailors and civilians - the budget. He said managing the force will be driven by fiscal realities, which will dictate force structure decisions and ultimately the total number of Sailors Navy-wide. See the full interview with Vice Adm. Moran on All Hands Magazine, Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, at the All Hands website at (https://www.ah.mil) www.ah.mil. Watch Vice Adm. Moran's introduction video message to the fleet at (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=21103) DoD's Navy Live.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


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 ... rvr0819.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.


Deal of the Week: Dell - Military-Only Offer
(http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... ACHEBUSTER) Save an extra 10% off select Dell PCs and tablets.


Veterans' Preference When Hiring
The Veterans' Preference Act is a United States federal law passed in 1944 that requires the federal government to favor returning war veterans when hiring new employees. Veterans' Preference means that when agencies use a numerical rating and ranking system to determine the best qualified applicants for a position, an additional 5 or 10 points are added to the numerical score of qualified preference eligible veterans. Veterans' preference does not guarantee veterans a job. To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... -jobs.html) Military.com website and see (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... oints.html) this article. More information can also be found at the (http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/vetspref/) U.S. Department of Labor website and the (http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/) FedsHireVets.gov website.


AF Free e-Learning
AF e-Learning is a robust, on-line, self-development tool that is free and available to active duty and government civilian Air Force employees 24/7. It contains a large, searchable collection of free on-line courses, books, simulations, and other e-learning resources for your self-development -- whenever and wherever you have the need and time. These resources are free and available on-demand from any Common Access Card-enabled computer through the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal. From the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Portal home page, go to Top Portal Links and select Education/Training/Force Development.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


United Through Reading
United Through Reading was founded by Betty J. Mohlenbrock in 1989 as a means for forward deployed servicemembers to reach back to their children through bed time stories. Since its founding, the organization has helped more than 1.5 million children and families stay connected through deployment. United Through Reading offers deployed parents the opportunity to be video-recorded reading storybooks to their children which eases the stress of separation, maintains positive emotional connections and cultivates a love of reading. This program is available to all deploying military units and at select USO locations worldwide. For more information, visit the United Through Reading Military Program webpage at (http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/military-program/) www.unitedthroughreading.org/military-program.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


The Four Lies Potential Employers Tell
Monster.com asked some recruiting experts to name the biggest lies employers tell job applicants, so you can spot the untruths and be ready to deal with them. The first is "We'll keep you in mind for future opportunities." A potential employer may be keeping your resume on file. Just know that they are doing so in a gigantic filing cabinet where out of sight often means out of mind. For the rest of this list and tips on how to deal with these situations, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... cants.html) this Military.com article.


Navy Offers Career Flexibility
Continuum of Service (CoS) programs provide Sailors more flexibility to move between the active and Reserve components. Applications for CoS programs can be submitted by detailers, command career counselors or anyone with prior access to Fleet-RIDE through the new Career Waypoints (C-WAY) information technology system. A NAVPERS 5239/8 (SAAR Addendum) is required to access C-WAY. The Career Transition Office (CTO) at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) provides counseling and support to active-duty officer and enlisted Sailors considering a transition to the Reserves. Interested Sailors can contact a CTO representative by phone at (901) 874-4192, or email at (mailto:cto.officer@navy.mil) cto.officer@navy.mil or (mailto:cto.enlisted@navy.mil) cto.enlisted@navy.mil. For more detailed information on CoS programs and the Career Navigator Program, visit the C-WAY webpage on the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/career/careerco ... ystem.aspx) NPC website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Preparing For Deployment: Checklist
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Help move your career to the next level and find your next job at this virtual event. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Register now to complete your profile, which can be used to connect with employers when the fair begins.


A+E Networks 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.


Are Military Personnel and Healthcare Costs Skyrocketing?
Should servicemembers and veterans believe the word coming from Washington that skyrocketing personnel costs means lower pay and higher costs for healthcare? The Military Officers Association of America breaks down the issue and offers its opinion in (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... nel-costs/) this video.
For more updates on military and veteran benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Navy Sexual Assault Counsel
The U.S. Navy has announced the establishment of the Navy's newest Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) initiative, the Victims' Legal Counsel (VLC) Program, which will provide legal advice and advocacy for eligible victims of sexual assault. The Victims' Legal Counsel will help victims understand the investigation and military justice process, advocate their legal rights and interests and, when appropriate, appear in court on their behalf. Initially, the VLC Program will consist of 29 specially-trained, independent judge advocates assigned regionally to maximize availability of counsel across the Fleet. For more information and resources to combat sexual assault, visit the Navy's Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Program (SAPR) webpage at (http://www.sapr.navy.mil) www.sapr.navy.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


CI Added to Apprenticeship Program
The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) has announced that Criminal Investigator, the latest installment to its growing list of apprenticeship trades, is now open for enrollment by Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel. The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) works closely with the Department of Labor (DoL) to provide nationally recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level Certificates of Completion for servicemembers.
During their apprenticeship, servicemembers document their military duties while working in their rating or military occupational specialty. The next apprenticeship on the horizon for release is the Military Working Dog (MWD) Apprenticeship Trade, which should become available sometime this fall or next spring. For more information or to enroll now, visit the (https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss) USMap Self-Service System.
For more job news, listings and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Turn Old Phones Into Cash
Military shoppers who have an old cell phone or two lying around gathering dust can now trade them in for credit toward a Smart Phone upgrade at their local, in-store Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Exchange Mobile Center. A trade-in can result in instant credit toward the purchase of a new Smart Phone, accessory or even insurance for a new phone. The new program, "Trade-Up and Save," is available only at Exchange Mobile Center in-store locations in the continental United States. Experts at the Exchange Mobile Centers can assist shoppers in understanding features and plans. For more information, visit your local Exchange Mobile Center.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


Big or Small Company: Which Is Best for You?
For transitioning military members, right on the heels of the question "What do you want to do after the Service?" is the question "Should I work for a big company or a small one?" Both can be good, depending on what you are looking for. Find out which one would be best for you by reading the full article at (http://www.moaa.org/MRBigvsSmall/) Military Officers Association of America.


Air Force Launches THOR Database
A historic airpower database containing information from U.S. military and coalition aerial bombing campaigns over the last century recently went online. The (http://afri.au.af.mil/thor/index.asp) Theater History of Operations Reports database (THOR) is a full-scale research tool. The database combines digitized paper mission reports starting with World War I to create a central source of bombing history around the globe. The database can be searched by date, conflict or even aircraft-specific criteria, and organized into spreadsheets, charts or onto maps, forming a live-action sequence of events.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Security Clearance Wanted: Get Hired Today
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 ... rvr0819.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


Special Leave for Gay Marriage Travel
Defense Secretary Hagel announced that gay and lesbian members of the military who wish to marry now qualify for up to 10 days of uncharged leave to travel to a state where such marriages are legal. In addition, the DoD will begin granting full benefits to same-sex couples, including (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE, (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... or-housing) housing allowances, (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... tence.html) subsistence allowances, and (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... wance.html) family separation allowances by Sept. 3.


TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery
TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery offers a safe, affordable and convenient method of getting prescriptions delivered to patients' doors, by way of the U.S. Postal Service. Home Delivery includes generics at no-cost; a 90-day supply for most medications; refills by mail, phone or online; and an automatic refill option. Active duty have no co-pays, while other patients have no co-pay for generics, $13 for brand-name formulary and $43 for non-formulary. To enroll at no-cost, there are three options: online at the TRICARE Home Delivery webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery) www.tricare.mil/homedelivery, by telephone at (877) 363-1303, or by mailing a registration form to Express Scripts Inc., P.O. Box 52150, Phoenix, AZ 85072-9954.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.