Military Report - Week of September 23, 2013

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Military Report - Week of September 23, 2013

TRICARE Home Delivery Gets High Marks
A recent study by the Defense Department inspector general's office has determined that the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program is a cost-efficient way for beneficiaries to get their prescription medications. The complete report is available on the (http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5238) Defense Department Office of Inspector General website. When TRICARE beneficiaries use the Home Delivery pharmacy to fill maintenance medication prescriptions, they receive a 90-day supply through the mail and have no copayment for generic formulary medications and a $13 copay for brand-name formulary medications. TRICARE beneficiaries can sign up for Home Delivery online, by mail or by phone. For more information, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery) TRICARE Home Delivery webpage.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Navy August Courts-Martial Results
The U.S. Navy recently released results of Special and General Courts-Martial tried within the United States Navy in August, 2013. The cases are listed by the Navy Region in which they were tried at (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76625) http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76625.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


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=mrvr0923.nl) Download Here.


Chenega 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 ... rvr0923.nl) Read More.


DoD Seeks Home for Interceptor Missiles
The Department of Defense has initiated a study to evaluate five candidate sites in the continental United States for the potential future deployment of additional ground-based interceptors. Two missile defense sites with long-range interceptor missiles already are active at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Completing the mandatory siting study and the associated follow-on environmental impact statement would decrease the time necessary to build a site if a decision is made to do so. The five sites being studies are Fort Drum, N.Y.; Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Vt.; Naval Air Station Portsmouth SERE Training Area, Maine; Camp Ravenna Joint Training Center, Ohio; and Fort Custer Training Center, Mich.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Airmen Can Transfer GI Bill Benefits
Eligible Airmen may be able to (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... sheet.html) transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to a family member, but should not wait. Only those on active duty after Aug. 1, 2009 are eligible to transfer benefits. Airmen must also have at least six years of service (active duty and/or selected Reserve) on the date of election and agree to serve four additional years. Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits vary in amount depending on the member's aggregated service after the initial eligibility date (Sept. 9, 2011). In most instances, Airmen just need to log into the Virtual Military Personnel Flight on the Air Force Portal at (http://www.my.af.mil) www.my.af.mil to complete the statement of understanding. Eligible Airmen can apply to transfer their education benefit through the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... milconnect) MilConnect website or through the virtual MPF self-service actions section, accessible via (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers or the Air Force Portal at (http://www.my.af.mil) www.my.af.mil.
For more on the GI Bill and other military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Some Navy Training Accounts Locked
Sailors trying to access their Non-Resident Training Course (NRTC) online account may not be able to access them without assistance. NRTC accounts not used in the last 30 days have been disabled. Since the order took effect Aug. 21, more than 187,500 accounts have been locked due to orders from the Defense Department and U.S. Navy's cyber commands. Users who have a locked account should contact the CPPD Voluntary Education (VOLED) Support Site in Pensacola, Fla. anytime via email at (mailto:NRTC@navy.mil) NRTC@navy.mil and Monday through Friday by commercial phone at 1-877-264-8583, or DSN at 753-6070. NRTC help desk staff members are unlocking accounts upon user request.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Transitioning? Create Your Plan
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Transition Center now features a personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.
The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Transition Action Plan tool guides the servicemember using a timeline that recommends specific steps to take at certain key points; whether they are leaving the service in a few months or a few years.


Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips: Oct 11
The latest film by Paul Greengrass, director of the Jason Bourne movies, focuses on a real-life event in which a merchant vessel captain is taken hostage by pirates and must be rescued by the U.S. Navy. Visit the (http://www.military.com/slideshows/capt ... rvr0923.nl) Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.


NCUA, VA Deal Boosts Jobs Opportunities
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide NCUA with access to the VA for Vets high-tech, high-touch career readiness services to increase veteran employment in the NCUA workforce. Under the Feds for Vets initiative, all federal agencies have the opportunity to leverage the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx) VA for Vets program by signing MOUs to solidify a partnership with VA through the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/veso/Pages/default.aspx) Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO). Although NCUA is the fifth federal agency to partner with VA, it is the first financial services regulatory agency to do so. For more information, visit the (http://vaforvets.va.gov/events/Pages/Na ... m-Up-.aspx) VA for Vets website.
For more on veteran job opportunities and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs 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=mrvr0923.nl) Play Now.


MOAA: Stop Sequestration Now
The Pentagon will be faced with another installment of $52 billion in cuts for FY 2014 if Congress fails to take action soon. In his column, "The Bottom Line," MOAA's Director of Government Relations, Col. Mike Hayden, USAF (Ret), explains that without a sequestration fix, DoD's budgets options go from bad to worse next year and beyond. (http://www.moaa.org/MRSepBottomLine/) Click here to read the rest of the article.
For more news on sequestration and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Military.com Sequestration section.


State Veterans 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 ... rvr0923.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the 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.


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 ... rvr0923.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.


AF O6 Promotion Rates Drop
The Air Force recently decreased the promotion opportunity to the rank of colonel to 48 percent for November's Colonel Line of the Air Force (LAF). With the change set to take place, the Air Force will now use 1 percent instead of the old 5 percentage point increments to more accurately ensure the inventory of colonels matches the requirements for colonels. The goal of this is to keep pin-on dates for in-the-promotion-zone (IPZ) promotees at 22-years of commissioned service. Air Force officials will complete analysis and promotion plans for the rest of the LAF grades and the other competitive categories within the next several weeks.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15. Each year, the U.S. Army takes time to reflect on and celebrate the tremendous contributions of (http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans) Hispanic Americans to its force and to the nation. As a tribute, a (http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/312103.pdf) tri-signed letter, was signed by the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff and the Sergeant Major of the Army, encouraging units, agencies to plan and execute appropriate commemorative activities to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. The Army will also pay tribute to Hispanics by telling their stories in command information products at all levels. Army installations throughout the world will also honor its Hispanic American Soldiers through local events. For more information, visit the Hispanic Heritage in the U.S. Army website at (http://www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/) www.army.mil/hispanicamericans/, the National Hispanic Heritage Month website at (http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org) www.hispanicheritagemonth.org, the Library of Congress' Hispanic Heritage Month website at (http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/) hispanicheritagemonth.gov, and the Smithsonian Education Hispanic Heritage Month website at (http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/hhm/) www.smithsonianeducation.org/heritage_month/hhm/.


$400k Protection as Low as $26 a Month
Protect your family's future. Get $400,000 life insurance from only $26 a month. Prepare for the unthinkable. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0923.nl) Get protection today.


Navy Seeking CMC and CSC Applications
The Navy is seeking highly-motivated master chief and senior chief petty officers for the Command Master Chief (CMC) and Command Senior Chief (CSC) Program. Applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 9. Master chiefs and senior chiefs selected for the CMC/CSC program will be assigned by the CMC detailer based on billet availability, experience and qualifications. If an authorized CSC billet is not available, members may be detailed by their rating detailer until one becomes available. Point of contact is CMDCM(SW) Brent Tidwell, PERS-40FF, at (901) 874-4560/DSN 882 or via e-mail at (mailto:brent.tidwell@navy.mil) brent.tidwell@navy.mil (active) or AFCM William Kruppa, PERS-4012C, at (901) 874-3257/DSN 882 or e-mail at (mailto:william.kruppa@navy.mil) william.kruppa@navy.mil (FTS/Reserve).
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Space-A Saves Cash
A "Space-A" seat aboard a military aircraft might be just your ticket to save you money when traveling. Military-owned or -contracted aircraft fly to more places than many people realize, even to areas without U.S. military installations. When all mission-related passengers and cargo are accommodated, empty seats are offered up to eligible passengers on a space-available (Space-A) basis. Passengers can sign up for Space-A travel at the terminal they plan to fly from in person, online or by email or phone and stay on the roster for up to 60 days or, if applicable, until their military leave expires. Seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a downloadable Space-A handbook, visit the Air Mobility Command website at (http://www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/) www.amc.af.mil/amctravel/.
For more travel discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Get Your Personalized Transition Plan
The Transition Center now features a (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... rvr0923.nl) personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel.


AF Academy Gets High Grades
The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the best educational institutions in the nation in several undergraduate academic categories according to the recently released U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges report. The Academy also has the fourth best undergraduate engineering program in the nation. The student-faculty ratio at the Academy is 8:1. Classes average 20 cadets, and all faculty members are full-time employees. For more information, visit the U.S. News and World Report website at (http://www.usnews.com/rankings) www.usnews.com/rankings.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AAFES Fall Catalog
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is offering the latest fall fashions, appliances, home accessories and tech toys in its new (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/97 ... otostream/) Autumn 2013 catalog. The new 36-page catalog is available now at Exchange stores and at ShopMyExchange.com at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com. As in Exchange stores, online orders are always tax-free. In addition, any order of $49 or more qualifies for free standard shipping, as do orders placed using a Military Star TM Card. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Oct. 15, 2013, for any authorized exchange customer. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


AF Automates Acquisition Certification
As of August 2013 the Air Force acquisition certification system will review personnel records daily to determine if an individual meets Level I or II acquisition certification standards. If a personnel record shows that an individual meets all required standards, he or she will automatically be granted certification without having to request it. For now, Level III certifications still require an individual to go through the current process. Upon certification, an individual will receive an e-mail notification. He or she can then log into (http://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/acqn ... spx?Caller) ACQ Now for APDP Certification and print a certificate. Problems with acquisition records, such as missing training classes, acquisition experience or education, or additional information, should be worked through the individual's supervisor and an APDP representative. A list of available APDP representatives can be found via the Air Force Portal and within the 'Acquisition' functional area. From there, click on 'Career/APDP' and then on 'Career Points of Contact.'
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AF Academy Instructor Vacancies
Eligible active duty officers interested in U.S. Air Force Academy instructor opportunities have until Sept. 30 to apply. To be eligible applicants must be first lieutenants through lieutenant colonels with three or more years of time on station between June 1 and Dec. 1, 2014. Limited positions at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., are also available. Applications, due to the AFPC Staff and Special Duty Assignment Branch, must include a completed Air Force Form 3849, PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet. For more information on Academy instructor opportunities, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website, and search for USAFA opportunities, or enter "14055" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AAFES Comic Book Offer
Iron Man, the world-famous Armored Avenger, joins the U.S. Military to defend America from the dastardly dragon Fin Fang Foom in (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/97 ... otostream/) Marvel Comics' fifteenth free, military-exclusive comic book, available only at Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations worldwide. In the all-new 36-page comic, a creature makes its way to Seattle to wreak havoc on the citizenry. It is up to Iron Man and others to save the day. Who will win the Battle for Seattle? Stop into your local Exchange and find out!
For more military-related entertainment news and reviews, visit (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com's Off-duty section.


New NAVSTA Rota Website
A new website is available to Sailors and families who are slated to soon be forward deployed to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain. The website, " (http://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/hq/ ... aMove.aspx) Let's Move to NAVSTA Rota, Spain," was designed to give Sailors and family members the opportunity to become more familiar with NAVSTA Rota and the surrounding areas. It offers information, photos and videos to familiarize Sailors with their new duty station and better prepare them for a successful transition. To help prepare for the move, the website offers a "Move Planning" tab containing numerous checklists from pet clearance and screening information to shipping household goods, from shipping the right automobile to "things to know before you go."
For more base and community guides, visit (http://www.military.com/base-guide/) Military.com's Base Guide.