Military Report - Week of February 10, 2014

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Military Report - Week of February 10, 2014

Bankers Committed to Hiring Veterans
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Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention Video
The U.S. Navy's Keep What You've Earned campaign recently released its latest testimonial video as part of a series featuring Sailors' personal stories about how alcohol incidents impacted their careers, and the importance of drinking responsibly. The latest video features Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn Cummings from Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC) Norfolk. She shares how a personal hardship led to destructive drinking habits and excessive alcohol use. Cumming's testimonial is part of the Keep What You've Earned video series, which reminds Sailors of the importance of drinking responsibly and keeping what you have earned. You can watch all the Keep What You've Earned videos at (http://www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP) www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP. For more information, and to help promote responsible drinking at your command, visit the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) webpage at (http://www.nadap.navy.mil) www.nadap.navy.mil.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Chenega Committed to Hiring Veterans
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VA and Mental Health
Since 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs has hired over 1,600 new mental health professionals and over 800 Peer Specialists and Peer Apprentices to expand veterans' access to quality mental health services. This year, VA hosted 151 local mental health summits at each of our medical centers, broadening the community dialogue, to expand partnerships for increasing services for veterans. Through collaboration, VA can promote awareness and utilization of VA mental health resources, help veterans gain access to community services, and build healthy communities for veterans and their families. For more information read the (http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategor ... -Sheet.pdf) Mental Health Fact Sheet.
For more on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Voluntary Separation Pay
The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 16 to evaluate eligible officers for retention. Prior to convening the board, the Air Force will accept applications from RIF-eligible officers for the voluntary separation pay (VSP) and Temporary Early Retirement Authority programs. RIF-eligible officers may apply for voluntary separation pay between Feb. 6 and May 1. Those approved will receive 1.25 times the standard full separation pay and may apply for separation effective Sept. 29. To review VSP eligibility and application instructions, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers and enter PSDM 14-08 in the search window. For more information about the reduction in force and voluntary separation pay, including application instructions, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers and enter "PSDM 13-130" in the search window.
For more on pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay Center.


Opportunities for AF Reserve
Airmen who do not want to hang up their uniforms for good during the current period of force management may find rewarding career opportunities in the Air Force Reserve. Service in the Reserve provides a benefits package familiar to most Airmen. Enlistment bonuses are available for some career fields at specific duty locations. Airmen who are ready to separate do not have to wait until their original enlistment or commission obligation is complete. The Palace Chase program enables Airmen to separate from their active enlistment or commission as long as they continue their service with the Reserve component. For more information, visit the Air Force Reserve website at (http://www.afreserve.com) www.afreserve.com.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Golden Anchor Award Winners
The Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Award recipients for Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) were recently announced. Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Awards are given to select commands by the Department of the Navy for sustaining superior levels of military retention. The annual award recognizes accomplishments in executing programs and policies that enable Sailors to have successful naval careers. A list of the award winners is available on the (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78909) U.S. Navy website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Honors Top Recruiters
The top 14 Navy recruiters of 2013 were recently recognized by Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) during a Recruiter of the Year (ROY) awards ceremony. A list of awardees is available on the U.S. Navy website at (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78894) http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78894. For more information on the Navy Recruiting Command, visit the Command, Navy Recruiting Command website at (http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrc/) http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrc/.
For more about joining the military, ASVAB and reenlistment tips, and more, see (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com's Joining the Military section.


Navy Tax Assistance Centers
U.S. Navy Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Centers are opening for business soon at various bases worldwide and are ready to assist servicemembers and their families with their tax preparation at no cost. The VITA program provides free tax-filing assistance to active duty servicemembers and their dependents, retirees and their dependents with adjusted gross incomes of less than $58,000, DoD civilians overseas or deployed with the U.S. Armed Forces, and, in limited cases Reservists. All qualifying active duty servicemembers and their dependents will be able to file both federal and state tax returns for free. Additionally, all of the centers are staffed with certified volunteers, who can assist with questions. For more information, visit the Navy (http://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/co ... x_info.htm) JAG Corps website. A list of U.S. Navy Tax Assistance Centers by CNIC Region is available (http://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/do ... Region.pdf) online.
For more tax preparation options and discounts for the military, see (http://www.military.com/discounts/free- ... itary.html) this Military.com article. For more tips and guides for tax season, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


Special Edition Marvel Comic for Military Families
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is offering a new, military-exclusive, free comic book from Marvel Custom Solutions. The 32-page comic features Thor defending New York City from the fearsome Frost Giant, Ymir. The new comic is free for all servicemembers and their families at your local Exchange.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Disability.gov's Guide Me Tool
Do you want to learn how to use the "Guide Me" tool to quickly and easily find information on (https://www.disability.gov/) Disability.gov? Read the new blog post at Disability.gov, "What's New at Disability.gov? The 'Guide Me' Tool" that explains everything you need to know.
For more on disability compensation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ation.html) Military.com Disability Compensation section.


Survey to Help Veterans
Veterans often find it difficult to find a stable first job right out of the military. To help solve that problem, IVMF has launched a survey to collect information about veterans' first-hire experiences. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -jobs.html) Military.com website. The survey is available at the (http://www.retainingvets.org/) Veterans Job Retention Survey webpage. The survey is completely anonymous and available 24 hours a day.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


VA Peer Support Specialists
There are 11 peer support specialists at San Diego and roughly 800 at Department of Veterans Affairs sites nationwide. They represent VA's new strategy to get veterans struggling with mental issues to come in for help. For more information, read the 'Getting By With a Little Help From Your Friends' article on the (http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/2 ... riends.asp) Veterans Health Administration website.
For more on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Navy Oceanographic Research Grant
The Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global) has announced a grant to the University of Melbourne that will provide new insights into ocean conditions -- crucial information for Navy planners involved in tactical and strategic decision-making. The project is intended to improve understanding of conditions in the Indian Ocean, including validating satellite data on salinity, or salt, levels. Confirming satellite findings with actual field-level research is an area scientists have deemed essential to improving the Navy's oceanographic models. ONR Global scientists work around the world, and its personnel are often referred to as "scientific ambassadors." To view a recently released video describing the ONR Global mission, see (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNaX2U04SyU) this video, which details how the command works, and shows some of the many technologies developed with ONR Global support.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Medical Commissioning Program
The U.S. Navy's Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) is an in-service procurement path that gives qualified enlisted men and women a chance to earn an entry level degree in nursing and be appointed as an ensign. The checklist for MECP includes having a commanding officer's endorsement and/or recommendation, along with ACT or SAT scores completed within three years; copies of college transcripts; copies of the least five years of observed evaluations or FITREPs; three interviewer appraisal sheets; and a personal statement. For more information, visit the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program webpage at (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpt ... ogram.aspx) http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpt ... ogram.aspx.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Health Care for OEF/OIF/OND Vets
Find out about OEF/OIF/OND Veterans' use of Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities and common diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by viewing the latest reports through the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013: (1) (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemio ... /index.asp) VA Health Care Utilization by Recent Veterans, (2) (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/epidemio ... /index.asp) VA Facility Use by Recent Veterans with PTSD. Visit VA's Public Health webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/) www.publichealth.va.gov to learn more about other public health topics.
For more on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


VA Decreases GI Bill Processing Time
The Department of Veterans Affairs has decreased the time it takes to process requests for GI Bill benefits for returning students by nearly 50 percent compared to fiscal year 2012. VA attributes the faster process in large part to improved claims automation that uses rules-based, industry-standard technologies to deliver Veterans' benefits. The automation technology, part of VA's Post-9/11GI Bill processing system, is called "Long Term Solution" (LTS). This technology has more than 1,700 calculations and rules that support benefits delivery for eligible veterans, servicemembers, and dependents. For more information about VA education benefits, visit VA's Education and Training webpage at
(http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill) www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
For more on the GI Bill and how to use it, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


AF Looks at Nuke Exams
Air Force officials have started to address aspects related to the on-going investigation of cheating on proficiency exams by nuclear launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The Air Force Global Strike Command has put together force improvement program teams as a way to get solutions from front-line Airmen in this area. No enlisted personnel are part of the on-going cheating investigation, but their concerns will be addressed.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Article 32 Hearings on Sexual Assault
Rear Admiral Sean Buck, Director of the U.S. Navy's 21st Century Sailor Office, recently shared some recent key improvements to the military justice system -- changes he feels make it safer and easier for victims of sexual assault to report incidents, and hopefully, more likely that they will remain in the investigative process, all the way to final resolution. Admiral Buck's comments are available on the (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/02/03/ ... d-to-know/) Navy LIVE website.
For other recent news related to sexual assault and the military, see (http://www.military.com/topics/sexual-assault) this Military.com news section.


Sailors' Personnel Records Online
U.S. Navy selection board season runs January through October. Taking the time to prepare in advance can relieve a lot of stress when a Sailor's record goes before a board. Sailors can review their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) online by selecting the "OMPF - My Record" link under the BUPERS Online (BOL) Application Menu Log available (https://www.bol.navy.mil) online. It is still possible to update your OMPF prior to the board commencing if you discover something is missing. The Navy Personnel Command can scan images into OMPFs. Also, Sailors who have any missing, new, or additional information, like recently obtained qualifications, degrees and awards to be considered that are not in their OMPF may submit them to the board via a letter to the board. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... fault.aspx) Naval Personnel Command's Boards tab and webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Resources for Veteran Employment
The Department of Veterans' Affairs Rosye Cloud, Special Assistant in charge of Veterans Hiring, discusses the various resources surrounding veteran employment. Take a look at three videos on YouTube that discuss these resources: (1) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6RcvJi78KU) VA's Resources for Employers Looking to Hire Veterans; (2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd4lWtA_Jnw) Chapter 36: Career Counseling Services for Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers; and (3) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8vYE9TtiGs) Hiring Veterans: VetSuccess, Tax Incentives and DOL Job Centers.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


VA Updates List of AO Ships
The Department of Veterans Affairs has updated the list of ships that operated in Vietnam, adding more and expanding information for others. The list can help Vietnam-era Veterans find out if they qualify for presumption of Agent Orange exposure when seeking disability compensation for related diseases. For more information, visit VA's U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Ships in Vietnam webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agent ... /index.asp. Visit VA's Military Exposures webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.
For more on veteran health programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New AF Global Strike Blog
Two photojournalists and a broadcaster from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency here are gearing up for a 28-day trek to provide an inside and in depth look at the Air Force Global Strike mission and the Airmen who make it happen. The team will chronicle their journey on AFGSC's official blog and produce news features, broadcast video products and capture mission imagery for the Air Force. The documentation team will produce daily blog posts and share links to photo galleries and videos that will be made available on (http://globalstrike.dodlive.mil) AFGSC Blog.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Life Insurance Policy for Valentine's Day?
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Navy Observes Black History Month
The U.S. Navy joins our nation in celebrating the vibrant history and culture of African-American and Black Sailors during African-American/Black History Month throughout the month of February. African-American Sailors have served in every major armed conflict since the Revolutionary War. For more information, including teaching materials, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20h ... n-hist.htm) Naval History and Heritage Command website and the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ances.aspx) Navy Diversity Observances webpage. A full-color brochure on the history of African-Americans in the United States Navy is also available for download through the Naval History and Heritage Command link. A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African American/Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at (mailto:deomipa@us.af.mil) deomipa@us.af.mil.
For more on Black History Month, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... e=BH_Index) Military.com Black History Month section.


Filing Assistance During Tax Season
The 2014 tax filing season for taxpayers began Jan. 31. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s and any cancelled checks or receipts you might need, take a deep breath, and dive into tax filing fun by reading VA's VAntage Point Blog at (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/12123/f ... ax-season/) http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/12123/f ... ax-season/.
For more tax preparation options and discounts for the military, see (http://www.military.com/discounts/free- ... itary.html) this Military.com article.


Spouse Experience on Feb 26th - Washington, DC
The Military.com Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. This event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. (http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-militar ... 7687317975) Register today.


Don't Waste Money on Rent: Own Your Home for $0 Down
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Want to learn more about homeownership and your VA Loan benefit? (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0210.nl) Explore the VA Loan Center to get more information.


DoD Has No Plans to Close Commissaries
According to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there are no plans to close military commissaries. The chairman first addressed this issue during his Facebook town hall meeting last month (a transcript of the recent town hall meeting with General Dempsey is available on (http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/1 ... town-hall/) DoD Live). Although the DoD officials are not planning to close commissaries, they did ask the Defense Commissary Agency for a range of options, including how the system would operate with reduced or no taxpayer subsidies. Military exchanges work on this system and that the same potential exists with commissaries.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... udget.html) You can read the full story on Military.com.


Win a July 4 Cruise on USS Constitution
The USS Constitution recently opened the lottery for its 2014 Independence Day turnaround cruise. The lottery will select 150 winners from the general public to ride aboard Constitution for its annual Fourth of July cruise in Boston Harbor, which will be the ship's final Independence Day voyage until 2018. Each winner will be allowed to bring one guest. All lottery entries must be received by noon on April 15, with the drawing scheduled for April 30. Lottery entries are limited to one per household. To download the official 2014 lottery entry form, visit the USS (http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution) Constitution website.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Navy Seeking Sailors' Art
The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) art curators are eager to add talented Sailors' illustrations, paintings and, yes, comics to the Navy's art collection. They will consider any type of art done by a Sailor including an illustration on a piece of notebook paper. If someone you know is regularly doodling, sketching or painting, let them know they could be a part of history. Tell them to submit their artwork to the Navy's art collection by sending an email with their contact information and a photo of their work to (mailto:gale.muro@navy.mil) gale.muro@navy.mil. Who knows? Maybe you will see their work in a gallery near you. For more information about the Navy Art Collection, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg6.htm) Navy Art Collection webpage.


Acing the Resume Opening Statement
A recent Wall Street Journal front page essay highlighted the intense competition for jobs at all levels. Companies received an average of 383 applications for every opening they advertised in 2013 according to data from the Corporate Executive Board. This is not surprising, since there are at least 20 million people in some phase of transition between jobs or actively looking for a better job. Learn how to gain an edge from (http://www.moaa.org/MRResumeStatement/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).


New Online GI Bill Comparison Tool
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an online GI Bill Comparison Tool to make it easier for veterans, servicemembers and dependents to calculate their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and learn more about VA's approved colleges, universities and other education and training programs across the country. The GI Bill Comparison Tool provides key information about college affordability and brings together information from more than 17 different online sources and three federal agencies, including the number of students receiving VA education benefits at each school. The GI Bill Comparison Tool can be found at: (http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison) http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison.


New Program Offers Credit Monitoring
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling has launched a "Sharpen Your Financial Focus" program, which includes a 12-month membership to Experian's freecreditscore.com product at no cost for eligible program participants. Among other features, the product includes credit monitoring and alerts to notify members about new activity on their credit report, a mobile app enabling alerts and updates on the go, and access to fraud resolution agents if suspicious activity is found on the person's report. To learn more about the Sharpen Your Financial Focus program, call 855-3-SHARPEN (855-374-2773), or go online to (http://www.sharpentoday.org/) www.SharpenToday.org.


Nominate a Dog for the 2014 Hero Dog Awards
In order to promote the fact that dogs can make a difference, the Humane Association is taking nominations for their 2014 Hero Dog Awards. If there's a dog in your life that you believe has made an impact, nominating them may give them the adulation they deserve. There are multiple categories including Emerging Hero, Guide Dog, Law Enforcement Dog, and Therapy Dog. Winners in each category will receive a trip to Hollywood and up to $6,500 for a charity dedicated to dogs. For more information, see (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-co ... ntest.html) this Miliary.com article.


TRICARE Update on Automatic Payments
An electronic fund transfer (EFT) is an easy, low-maintenance option for managing TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) payments. While TRS beneficiaries are required to setup an EFT to pay their premiums, it is not foolproof and missed payments can result in a loss of health care coverage. One major reason for missed payments is an expired credit card. Check the expiration date on the credit card used for TRS EFTs, and update the regional contractor with any new or pending account information. Failure to pay any overdue premium amounts will result in suspension of coverage. Learn more about TRS premiums and EFT options at (http://www.tricare.mil/Welcome/Enroll/TRS/Premiums) www.tricare.mil/Welcome/Enroll/TRS/Premiums.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE Overview.


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