Military Report: Week of January 16, 2012

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Military Report: Week of January 16, 2012

AKO Issues ID Theft Warning Stars and Stripes reports that Army Knowledge Online (AKO) is recommending that users monitor their credit card statements and change online passwords, especially if they used their Stratfor password with other accounts. Hackers recently published hundreds of thousands of registered email addresses and Stratfor usernames online, along with thousands of credit card numbers. If users find fraudulent activity on their credit cards, AKO recommended contacting one of the three main credit bureaus and submitting a fraud alert. Stratfor is providing 12 months of identity theft coverage to all of its paid customers. For more tips on avoiding financial and computer scams, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.

Parents and War It is not just the troops who go to war, but families as well. Read about the experience of war on the homefront, told by the father of an Iraq veteran, on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) () VAntage Point Blog. For more military family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse Center.

Rules Restrict Political Activity With election activity steadily picking up, the Department of Defense (DoD) is issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department civilians that they are subject to several sets of rules regulating their involvement in political activities. (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corr ... 34410p.pdf) DOD Directive 1344.10 applies to most members of the armed forces. Also, the (http://www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm) Hatch Act applies to federal civilian employees, and employees also are subject to widely published DoD guidance that discusses participation in political campaigns and elections. These rules are designed to prevent military members' or federal civilian employees' participation in political activities that imply -- or even appear to imply -- official sponsorship, approval or endorsement. For coverage of political issues that impact servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.

Dispelling Stereotypes Unfortunately, many veterans must deal with PTSD stereotypes that surround wartime service. To learn more about how these stereotypes persist, and what can be done to stop them, read the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) () VAntage Point blog. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games Registration is open for the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. More than 500 Veterans from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain are expected to compete in the Games, taking place June 25-30, 2012, in Richmond, Va. The Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. Veterans interested in competing may download the registration packet from the Games' website at (http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/) www.wheelchairgames.va.gov or contact Marlene Pratt at (804) 675-5000, ext. 3969, or Kristin Windon at (804) 675-5002. The deadline for interested athletes to complete their registration is April 15. For military fitness tips and news on recreational events, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.

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Law Eases TSA Screenings President Barack Obama signed a bill into law Jan. 3 to streamline airport screening procedures for servicemembers and their families traveling on official orders. The Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to develop and implement a plan to expedite screening services for servicemembers on orders and in uniform. The agency also expedites the screening process for Honor Flight Network veterans, and partners with the Defense Department to expedite screening for wounded warriors and their families. For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News section.

USO Connects Families A cooperative effort between the USO and the federal non-profit organization United Through Reading allows overseas personnel to read to their children back home through recorded video. They can read for up to 30 minutes while being recorded. USO patrons can bring their own book or choose from the selection provided. For more information, visit the (http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/military-program) United Through Reading website. For more military family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse Center.

Beating the Winter Blues Some veterans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which results from being exposed to fewer hours of sunlight as the days grow shorter during the winter months. This () article on the "winter blues" will help you understand SAD. VA has () numerous resources to help vets get through the Winter Blues and VA's Mental Health professionals are ready to help you deal with your depression. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

VGLI Insurance Coverage Increases Some veterans covered under the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (VGLI) now have the opportunity to increase their coverage to the current maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. Veterans can increase their coverage by $25,000 at each five-year anniversary date of their policy to the current legislated maximum SGLI coverage of $400,000. Eligible veterans are notified of this opportunity a week before the start of the 120-day period prior to their anniversary date, and twice more before the actual anniversary date. For more information about VA's Insurance Program or other VA benefits, visit the VA website at (http://www.va.gov/) www.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. Veterans are also encouraged to visit VA's web portal (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits- ... abel=Insur href=) eBenefits - Insurance. For more on insurance options and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.

VA Deploying Mobile Centers The Department of Veterans Affairs has deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers. These customized vehicles travel to communities to extend VA's reach to veterans, servicemembers and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. VA has 300 Vet Centers across the country offering individual and group counseling for veterans and their families, family counseling for military related issues, bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death, employment assessment and referral, VA benefits explanation and referral, screening and referral for medical issues and other services. To find out more about Vet Center services or find a Vet Center in your area, visit VA's Vet Center webpage at (http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/) www.vetcenter.va.gov. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

Veterans Career Fair and Expo The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will host its first () Veteran Career Fair and Expo on Jan. 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The free event is for Veterans and will provide information on education, benefits, jobs, health care, and small business opportunities. The event is sponsored by () VA for Vets. For more information, visit the Veteran Career Fair and Expo website at (http://www.vaforvets.com/DC/) www.vaforvets.com/DC/. For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.

AF Financial Mgt Leadership Opportunity Non-finance Air Force officers interested in financial management leadership opportunities are encouraged to apply for the financial management leadership program. All Air Force line officer career fields - except the 65F financial management - are eligible to apply for the program with their career field assignment team's approval. Nominees must have both their undergraduate and graduate degrees, preferably in business, accounting, economics or financial management. Officers must be nominated by their senior raters, and packages must be e-mailed to AFPC by Jan. 31. For full eligibility and application procedures, and for more information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/) Air Force Personnel Services website. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News section.

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Financial Planning for Sailors The beginning of a new year is an excellent time for Sailors to review their financial plan and personal budgets. Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.mil provides free financial assistance for servicemembers and their families. The Military OneSource website also offers free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance. For more information on financial planning, budgeting or investing contact the command financial specialist, or call NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or email CSCMailbox@navy.mil. For more savings, budget and investing tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.

Persian Gulf Claims Deadline Extended The Department of Veterans Affairs has extended the presumptive period for Persian Gulf War veterans to file claims for undiagnosed illnesses. The new deadline is Dec. 31, 2016. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 25-35 percent of veterans of Desert Shield/Desert Storm have undiagnosed and chronic multi-symptom illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and concentration problems. For more information, visit VA's (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/) Gulf War Illnesses website. For complete guides to all veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

AF Releases Reading List The Air Force chief of staff has announced his latest professional reading list. This year's list contains 13 books and, for the first time, supplementary films, treatises and Internet-based resources. More information on the 2012 reading list can be found at the (http://www.af.mil/information/csafreading/index.asp) CSAF Reading List 2012 website. For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News section.

New Navy Personnel Qualifications The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) has announced the update of the Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) for master training specialists (MTS). The updated PQS is available on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) via the Navy PQS link found on the Quick Links tab in the middle of the left side of the main (https://nko.navy.mil/) NKO page. From the Navy PQS page, Sailors should click on the PQS 43100 Series link on the left side and choose the 43100.7 link for the new MTS PQS. For more information about Personnel Qualification Standards, visit the (https://nko.navy.mil/) NKO website. For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.

Navy NETC Seeks Feedback The Production Management Branch (N73) at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) has announced that it established a group e-mail account to better serve fleet training activity resource customers. The account is for the submission of system change requests supporting functional needs. The Navy hopes to use the e-mail account to stay on top of issues, ideas and concerns that the fleet has about the Corporate enterprise & Training Activity Resource System (CeTARS). To reach the team's mailbox, type "CeTARS" in the NMCI Global Address List (GAL) which will display (mailto:Cetars_funct_pgm_mgr.fct@navy.mil) Cetars_funct_pgm_mgr.fct@navy.mil. The team's mailbox is not intended to be used for routine administrative requests. For more information about CeTARS, visit the (https://www.netc.navy.mil/Development.aspx) NETC website. For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News section.

Legacy Run Registration Underway The American Legion Legacy Run Home begins Aug. 21, 2012. The Run will traverse New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan and end in Indianapolis, Indiana. Registration for the 2012 event is now available (https://www.legion.org/riders/registration) online. Expo registration is free to all Commander's Ride participants. The American Legion Legacy Run raises funds for the Legacy Fund, which provides college scholarships for the children of U.S. servicemembers killed on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. For military fitness tips and news on recreational events, visit the (http://www.military.com/entertainment) Military.com Entertainment Center.

Website Offers Jobs The Army Reserve component sponsors the Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces website at (https://www.employerpartnership.org/) https://www.employerpartnership.org/, which lists over 600,000 jobs for veterans. About 2,500 employers partnered with the Reserve via that website. The Reserve component also has about two dozen program service mangers in specific regions across the United States who are working to connect veterans who need a job with private sector human resource professionals that are looking for employees. The Reserve is working to expand that force of service managers. For more information, visit the (https://www.employerpartnership.org/) Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces website. For job listings across the nation and civilian job guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.

AF Offers Early Retirement The Air Force began offering a second round of voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay Jan. 9. Civilian employees will receive VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from their personnel managers in January and applications are due Feb. 3 or an earlier date established by local authorities. Applicants approved for this round of VERA/VSIP will need to separate on or before April 30. For more information about civilian employment, voluntary separation programs and other personnel issues, visit the secure (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/) Air Force Personnel Service website.

Navy Adjusts SRB Plan The U.S. Navy recently released an updated Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) award plan. The update includes reductions for eight skills, elimination of four skills, increases for 31 skills award levels and 11 skills added to the list. The plan also continues the quota management policy whereby reenlistment requests for SRB will be approved based on quota availability. For updates to SRB eligible ratings/skills, visit Navy's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... s/srb.aspx) Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) webpage. For more on military benefits, including pay and bonuses, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.

Walgreen TRICARE Contract Expires The expiration of the retail pharmacy contract between Express Scripts, Inc. And the Walgreens pharmacy chain means Walgreens is no longer a TRICARE pharmacy network provider as of Jan. 1. TRICARE beneficiaries changing from Walgreens pharmacy can simply take their current prescription bottle to their new network pharmacy to have the prescription transferred. To find a nearby network pharmacy, use the "find a pharmacy" feature on Express-Scripts website at (http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/) www.express-scripts.com/tricare. Beneficiaries who want help finding a pharmacy, changing their medications to Home Delivery, or who have other questions can contact Express Scripts at 877-885-6313. For more information, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/walgreens/) www.tricare.mil/walgreens/. For a related article on CVS and TRICARE Pharmacy, see the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... customers/) Military Advantage Blog.

5 Best (and Worst) Run Companies 24/7 Wall St. has taken a shot at assembling a list of the best (and worst)-run companies to work at, based on stock price, changes in earnings per share, major shifts in market share and changes in management, among other data. First on the list are Apple, Amazon, and Yum! Brands. (http://jobsforveterans.military.com/448 ... RC=mrvr.nl) See a complete list of the 5 best and 5 worst run companies. Work at a top run companies ? (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) search career opportunities on Military.com.

Huge Military Spouse Event on Jan. 21 SpouseBUZZ Live will be in Ft. Walton Beach on Jan 21st. Spouses from all over will be attending this free event to celebrate, share and learn from each other. There will be big give aways, discussion boards, exhibitors and the first 300 (pre-registered) attendees will receive a free tote bag stuffed with goodies. In addition, you will be entered into a drawing to win free electronics, appliances and jewelry. (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2011/10/regi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information and Register.

College Credit for Military Experience The American Council on Education (ACE) was created in 1942 to recognize the educational value of military training and experience. Through ACE, you can take academic credit for most of the training you have received, including Basic Training. The first step to claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military service. Each service will provide unofficial personal copies and send schools an official copy of your transcript at no charge. In most cases, ACE recommended credits will be used to fulfill your free-elective requirements, but each college determines the number of credits they will accept, and how they will be applied toward your degree. In fact, some schools may even choose not to grant any credit for military experience. That is why it is critical to shop around for the a school that meets your specific requirements. (http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on ACE & (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search for Schools with VA Approved Programs.

VA Loan Facts for 2012 VA Home Loans allow qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. Although there is no maximum VA loan, lenders generally limit the maximum VA loan to $417,000. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... loans.html) See a list of VA Loan FAQ on Military.com. Use your VA Loan in 2012 to buy or refinance with no down payment. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find lenders today.

2012 Cost-of-Living Allowance Update The 2012 CONUS COLA rates have changed for several Military Housing Areas. COLA has returned to many areas which had no COLA in 2011, while a few areas will no longer receive COLA in 2012. COLA is based on the zip code of your duty station, not your home address and is a taxable allowance. COLA is based on 3 main factors: Family Status, Location and Pay Grade. (http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information and calculate your pay. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate Your Military Pay for 2012

Must-see Base Guides: Local News and Info Find Base Directories, Base Talk, Local Events and News, Reviews, and connect to other servicemembers, spouses, veterans and retirees near you. Browse installations by Service, location or name. (http://www.military.com/base-guide/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Get local now.

Avoid Identity Theft Here are some tips to avoid identity theft: (1) be careful what you post on social media; (2) beware of dumpster diving thieves who search through trash for bills or other personal information; (3) skimming involves credit or debit card information using a device when the card is processed during what appears to be a normal transaction; (4) beware of phishing attempts where the thief pretends to be a financial institution to trick potential victims into releasing their personal information; and (5) a change of address scam reroutes bills to another location to collect personal information. Information about other ways to prevent identity theft and recover from it are available on the FTC's (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/) Identity Theft website. For more tips on avoiding financial and computer scams, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.

Deal of the Week: Banana Republic Get 50% off three full priced items at all Banana Republic stores from Jan 19-22. This discount is exclusively for Veterans, Military Personnel and their families. (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/in ... brem005341) Get this discount. Attention San Diego, Honolulu, Annapolis, Sea Grit, Arlington, and Mclean Servicemembers and Veterans: Banana Republic is giving back by hosting special shopping events in your area to give you tips on interviewing, resume writing and dressing for success. The events will be held on Friday, Jan 20 from 10am to 1pm. (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/in ... brem005341) Get specific locations and details here. (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Discounts Channel to see more military coupons and discounts.