Military Report - Week of March 24, 2014

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Military Report - Week of March 24, 2014

AF Resumes Voluntary Separations
The Air Force has announced a resumption of all force management programs following a strategic pause. Processing of voluntary applications will resume in most categories and Airmen will be notified of their status. Final approval authorities are expected to be received as early as this week for a select few categories, such as rated and health professions. The Air Force will be actively processing all voluntary applications. The current Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) application window remains open to March 26 and the Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP) application window is open to May 1. For more information on force management, force shaping, reduction in force and other personnel programs, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Environmental Cleanup Data
The Air Force has debuted a new online system that contains details on the environmental cleanup progress at 170 active and closed Air Force installations in the continental United States. The (http://afcec.publicadmin-record.us.af.mil) online database makes the documents easily accessible to the general public, as well as to regulators and other officials. The database includes records of decision (ROD) engineering and cost evaluations, site inspection reports, state closure documents, and other documentation as dictated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


American Legion World Series to be Televised
Together, The American Legion and the Shelby (N.C.) Baseball World Series Committee have inked a five-year contract that will expand the viewership of the American Legion World Series (ALWS) to nearly 80 million viewers. Starting with the 2014 ALWS, the championship game will be televised live by ESPNU. The last time a Legion World Series championship game was live on TV was 35 years ago. All games leading up to the championship event will still be live streamed on ESPN3. Events surrounding the ALWS are still in the planning stages.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic kicks off March 30 in Snowmass, Colo. The five-day Clinic consists of downhill and cross-country skiing, adaptive-sports workshops and educational classes, plus sponsored and self-directed activities, all aimed at providing opportunities for disabled veterans. Learn about the Clinic and how you can get involved at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic website at (http://www.wintersportsclinic.va.gov) www.wintersportsclinic.va.gov.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


House Holds VA 2015 Budget Hearing
The U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs recently held a hearing on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2015. The hearing, held by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, heard from VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and three of his lieutenants: Under Secretary for Health Robert Petzel, Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey and Stephen Warren, head of VA's information technology office. Submissions and a recorded webcast of the hearing are available on the (http://veterans.house.gov/hearing/us-de ... -year-2015) U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.


Human Error Caused Legionella Outbreak
The American Legion reports that a series of emails obtained by CBS News shows that top executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in Pittsburgh knew that a deadly outbreak of Legionella bacteria was caused by human error -- more than a year before action was taken to warn patients. During a Feb. 5, 2013, congressional hearing, VA officials from the Pittsburgh facility testified that the hospital's water system was responsible for the spread of Legionella that took the lives of five patients and made 16 more seriously ill. The American Legion's System Worth Saving Task Force visited the Pittsburgh VA hospital in September, 2013 to evaluate its health-care quality and learn what responses were taken to eliminate the Legionella outbreak. The report can be downloaded from the (http://www.legion.org/publications/2181 ... are-system) American Legion website.


Navy Opens Nurse Advice Line
Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany announced plans to implement a Nurse Advice Line, which gives active-duty and retired servicemembers and their beneficiaries around-the-clock access to medical information and advice. Any servicemember who is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System meets the basic criteria for accessing this service. Navy medicine beneficiaries will have access to advice from registered nurses, while utilizing standard triage protocols. The only difference between services offered to active duty and those offered to some retirees is appointments cannot be made to primary care managers who are outside of the clinic's network. For more information, call MCLB Albany's Naval Branch Health Clinic at (229) 639-7886.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Parker Hannifin Committed to Hiring Veterans
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Navy Boosts Career Sea Pay
An increase in enlisted critical at-sea billets has Navy community managers reminding Sailors of the various incentive programs available to them that the enlisted community managers and detailers use to fill vacancies at sea. There is an upcoming increase in Career Sea Pay (CSP) and Career Sea Pay Premium incentives for eligible Sailors and Marines serving aboard ships whose primary mission is conducted at sea. Also, Sailors who wish to extend at sea or return to sea duty early may be entitled to receive an incentive pay along with a choice of duty station via the Voluntary Sea Duty Program (VSDP). The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Early Return to Sea authorizes detailers to fill opening high priority E7-E9 sea duty billets. Navy detailers will now have increased flexibility in filling anticipated fleet vacancies on time. For more information about the programs available, talk to a command career counselor or visit the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more on military pay, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay Section.


Transitioning to the Civilian World
Transition GPS -- for goals, plans and success -- is a redesigned, weeklong curriculum that replaces the Transition Assistance Program with a more in-depth approach. Servicemembers not only need to take the full weeklong course, but they should also to get started early in Transition GPS before they begin the separation process. Transition GPS helps servicemembers ease back into civilian life and gives them the tools for seeking jobs, pursuing education and managing day-to-day issues such as finances. The mandatory core curriculum includes training in pre-separation counseling, a Veterans Affairs benefits briefing and a Labor Department employment workshop. While the core curriculum is available now at military installations, the full Transition GPS program is expected to be in place at the end of the year at facilities around the world. The entire program is also available online. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... rview.html) Military.com website.


CSC Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with CSC. As a business solutions leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... rvr0324.nl) Read More.


Changes for Deployed Airman Pay
Starting June 1, Airmen deployed to several locations will see significant changes to pay programs. The biggest change includes the discontinuation of imminent danger pay (IDP) in multiple countries. Lists of locations where the IDP is being discontinued and also where IDP is continuing are available on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... n-pay.aspx) U.S. Air Force website. The IDP changes will not impact deployed members' combat zone tax exclusion status except for Airmen serving in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Reductions in IDP will be offset somewhat by increases in Hardship Duty Location Pay, or HDP-L. Airmen with questions about their pay should visit their local financial services office.
For more on military pay, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay Section.


Navy Releases Overview
The U.S. Navy has released an overview of alleged sexual assaults is compiled based on eleven initial reports across the Navy from March 3 - 9. This time frame reflects only the receipt of the initial reports; one of these reported incidents also occurred during this period. To contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at the Department of Defense Safe Help Line, call (877) 995-5247. To learn more about Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program (SAPR), visit the U.S. Navy's SAPR website at (http://www.sapr.navy.mil/) www.sapr.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy CNO on 2015 Budget Proposal
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert recently filmed another episode of "Conversation with a Shipmate" discussing aspects of Navy's Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Proposal. Recent changes in the raises for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) assure that members are not penalized if an area's housing costs decrease. Also, "there is no plan, today, to change retirement," Greenert said. The Navy also seeks to reduce manning gaps at sea and improve the sea-to-shore flow of personnel to increase job satisfaction for Sailors. For more episodes of Conversation with a Shipmate, visit the (http://www.navy.mil/viewLdrVideo.asp?id=130&v=19238) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) website. For more information on the budget, visit the (http://www.finance.hq.navy.mil/fmb/15pres/BOOKS.htm) DoN Budget Materials webpage or the Navy Live Blog ' (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=25297) Navy FY15 Budget: Preserving Presence and Warfighting Capability'.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


American Legion Baseball Registration
Team registration for the 2014 American Legion Baseball season is currently available at the American Legion Baseball website at (http://www.baseball.legion.org/) www.baseball.legion.org. Any team that fails to register by May 15 shall pay an additional $200 to their respective American Legion department. And any team that fails to register by June 1 will not be permitted to play during the season. Coaches can use the same username and password from last year, and they can locate and renew teams and players from previous seasons. For questions or concerns, please email (mailto:baseball@legion.org) baseball@legion.org.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Register for the Legion's Legacy Run
Registration for the USAA-sponsored 2014 American Legion Legacy Run is available on the (https://www.legion.org/riders/registration) American Legion website. A printable registration form is available (http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/ ... 2014_2.pdf) online. Online registration ends August 9. The 2014 Run leaves Indianapolis Aug. 17 and will end up in Charlotte, N.C. -- site of the 2014 American Legion National Convention -- on Aug. 21. A route for the run is being finalized. Registration fees are $50 for riders, and $25 for passengers and supporters. The latter category is a new addition this year. The annual Legacy Run supports the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which was established so the children of servicemembers killed on or after Sept. 11, 2001, have the opportunity to pursue a college education.


AF March Promotion List
The Air Force has selected 54 enlisted members for promotion via the supplemental promotion process. Airmen on the March supplemental promotion list tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency, promotion and testing. To view the list, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal and select the promotion news link, or visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers and enter "Active Duty: Enlisted Promotions Home Page" in the search window, select the page and scroll down to the supplemental promotion section.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Seeks Command Applications
Eligible line officers interested in 2015 command opportunities must complete and submit senior rater endorsed statements of intent to the Air Force Personnel Center in time to meet the April 18 deadline. Grade criteria vary among the different specialties, so interested officers should visit their respective career field webpages on the AFPC (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. A personnel services delivery memorandum with DT schedules, suspenses and guidance on communicating intentions on the Airmen Development Plan SOI is available on the myPers website. Enter "Consolidated Line Squadron/Deputy Group Commander" or "PSDM 14-17" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Changes PCS Policy
A change to Navy personnel policy to MILPERSMAN 1306-104 now allows detailers to write orders directing the transfer of Sailors up to six months prior to or after their Projected Rotation Date (PRD). Additionally, shore duty Sailors in paygrades E-4 to E-9 may be pulled for Early Return to Sea Duty, after having completed at least 24-months ashore. Navy detailers will also have increased flexibility in filling anticipated fleet vacancies on time with a fully trained and qualified relief. PRDs will not be adjusted and the current Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) application and detailing policies remain unchanged. Sailors will still enter their CMS/ID order negotiation window nine months prior to their PRD. However, when they are selected for their next assignment, their orders may direct transfer earlier. For more information, read the message at the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... early.html) Read more about changes to Navy transfer policy.
For more on PCS, including tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS Center.


Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society
The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) provides a safety net for Marines in times of emergency and unexpected events by offering zero-interest loans and grants depending on the situation. In order to receive grants or loans, servicemembers go through a rigorous screening process to ensure that they are eligible for the monetary assistance that the NMCRS provides. There are several options available to those who want to donate. Marines with an end of active service date greater than three months from when the drive starts can log onto Marine Online at www.mol.usmc.mil and set an allotment to support the NMCRS. To support the NMCRS with a donation, contact your unit representative or visit the NMCRS 2014 Fund Drive website at (http://www.nmcrsfunddrive.org) www.nmcrsfunddrive.org. For more information, visit the NMCRS website at (http://www.nmcrs.org) www.nmcrs.org.
For a directory of military and veteran associations nationwide, visit (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... tions.html) this Military.com page.


Is it Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Sometimes the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder are obvious. Sometimes they are not so easy to see. Hear Veterans talk about (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/q ... -ptsd.html) "How I knew I had PTSD" in the AboutFace videos that show how treatment turned their lives around. Following trauma almost everyone experiences some (http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/problems/ ... trauma.asp) common reactions. If after the first few weeks your emotional reactions are getting in the way of your day-to-day life, talk to a counselor or your doctor.
For more PTSD information and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.


AAFES Unilever Sweepstakes
Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppers have a chance to win big with the Unilever Sweepstakes. Now through April 7, the Exchange is offering shoppers worldwide the opportunity to win one of six $2,500 Exchange gift cards to use towards the purchase of a big screen TV. To enter, shoppers can simply visit their local Exchange, locate the Unilever Sweepstakes display and fill out an entry form. Entrants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license. Six winners of the Unilever Sweepstakes will be notified on or about May 5. No purchase is necessary and there is a limit of one entry per family.
For military discounts for servicemembers, families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


$100k Family Protection: Only $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 in coverage from only $7 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0324.nl) Could your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


Hiring Conference Coming in May
Whether you are a veteran or wounded warrior looking for a job or an employer looking for qualified candidates, the Department of the Navy's 4th Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference is the place to be May 28-29 in Raleigh, N.C. The first day, May 28, is employer-focused, with sessions designed to share best practices and innovative ways to recruit, hire, train and retain our nation's wounded warriors and veterans. Day two, May 29, features a career fair for employers to connect with veterans and wounded warriors. For more information and to register, visit the Department of the Navy's 4th Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference website at (http://www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx) www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Report on Gulf War Illnesses
The (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/2012 ... _Final.pdf) 2012-13 Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Task Force Report (PDF) details the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) improvements in health care and services for 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans. Visit VA's Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses webpage at (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar to learn more about Gulf War Veterans' illnesses and VA benefits.
For more on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Tax Season Tips for Military Families
As April 15 nears, we invited Navy veteran and financial advisor Cmdr. Todd Severance from the Echelon Group to join us, and offer his tax tips for servicemembers, military families and veterans. (http://podcasts.military.com/2014/03/mi ... -tips.html) Visit this week's Military Benefits Podcast for more.


A Look at Dietary Supplements
A recent article in Nutrition Journal suggests that people looking to take a dietary supplement already have somewhat of a healthy eating pattern with regular exercise in their routine. Supplements may be necessary if adequate nutrition is not available through food due to reasons such as medical conditions that affect the digestive system, food allergies, intolerances, or being on a medically supervised special diet with food restrictions. Otherwise, having a well-balanced dietary pattern with a variety of foods is adequate and more effective than taking supplements. Last year, the Department of Defense (DoD) removed Jack3d and Oxyelite Pro, along with 17 other supplement brands, from the retail stores on military bases because the real ingredient in these supplements was the synthetic drug 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). DMAA has been linked to severe side effects like heat injuries, seizures, brain hemorrhages, and heart problems. Visit (http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/opss) Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) to get the latest tools and resources to help you make a wise and informed decision when purchasing supplements.


Don't Waste Your VA Loan Benefit
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0324.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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VA Loan Limits Are Up for 2014
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its 2014 VA loan limits effective February 28, 2014. For most areas, the limit is still $417,000, unless listed as a high-cost county where limits are higher. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... rvr0324.nl) The limits are in place for the remainder of 2014.


Featured Discount: Art.com 35% Off
Art.com is proud to offer an exclusive discount to members of the US Military and their families. (https://artdotcom.sheerid.com/) All eligible members receive 35% off any purchase over $30.


Sponsored Discount: Save an Extra 10% on PCs and Tablets
Because Dell appreciates everything you do for us, we would like to invite you to take advantage of exclusive military discounts on Dell PCs featuring 4th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) processors, electronics and so much more. (http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... 51-16?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) Whether you're at home or abroad, soldiers save big with Dell.


TRICARE Shutters Walk-in Service Centers
All stateside TRICARE walk-in service centers will be closing April 1. The closure of the 189 facilities is expected to save the Defense Department about $50 million a year, officials said. The TRICARE Service Centers, which handle about 137,000 visitors a month, are staffed by contractors and handle issues ranging from processing provider changes to billing problems. Patients with questions and concerns about their TRICARE services can visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/) www.tricare.mil or call their toll free number at 1-877-TRICARE. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... ril-1.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


Free Tax Preparation for Military
(http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... rvr0324.nl) Military personnel and their families have access to a variety of tax preparation and filing services for free.


Space Command Addresses Challenges
Douglas L. Loverro, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, joined by Gen. William L. Shelton, the commander of Air Force Space Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee's strategic forces subcommittee on the department's space program posture. "If potential adversaries are to challenge the United States, they must do so in the space domain," said Loverro. Testimonies and a video of the hearing are available on the (http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/he ... 03/12/2014) U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services website.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Mandatory "Mail Order Meds"
About 500,000 military beneficiaries age 65 and older with chronic health conditions are being forced, starting this month, to have maintenance drug prescriptions filled by mail order rather than in local retail pharmacies. The (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... -life.html) TRICARE For Life (TFL) (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ogram.html) Home Delivery pilot is a yearlong program required by law. Defense Department health officials project it will save the government $120 million per year in retail drug costs and save beneficiaries $28 million a year in lower drug co-payments. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... e-elderly/) Read the latest 'Military Update' to learn more about the Home Delivery pilot program.