Military Report - Week of March 12, 2012

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Military Report - Week of March 12, 2012

AF Museum Offers Virtual Tour
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Virtual Tour at (http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com) www.nmusafvirtualtour.com is now fully embedded with audio and video hotspots, and touch-screen devices, offering online visitors the opportunity to experience the entire museum. Online visitors can see several exhibits in the virtual tour. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located in Dayton, Ohio, and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website at (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/) www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
For more military museum listings, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Military.com Museum page.


3 Keys for Writing a Federal Resume
It's a fact: 25.6 percent of total new hires across the federal government in FY 2010 were veterans. To join the federal job pool and polish up your resume, the first step is to use keywords that will get you noticed. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on keywords and two other tips for resume writing.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC.mrvr.nl) Search military-friendly Government jobs on Military.com.


Deal of the Week: Military Travel
Visit the Military.com Discounts Center to get deals on travel -- (http://www.military.com/discounts/categ ... RC=mrvr.nl) flights, rental cars, lodging, Disney, and more.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See all Military Deals and Discounts.


AF Teen Summer Camps
The Air Force Services Agency recently announced three Air Force teen summer camps for 2012. The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Teen Leadership Camp is scheduled for July 8-13 at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The Air Force Services Space Camp is scheduled for July 22-27 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Teens interested in applying must complete a nomination registration form and submit the form to their installation youth program by April 2. For more information about each camp or other Air Force youth programs, visit the USAF Services Youth Programs website at (http://www.afyouthprograms.com) www.afyouthprograms.com.
For more resources and guides for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


5 Military Benefits that Pay for a Degree
As a servicemember or veteran you have several benefit options to help pay for a degree. You may be eligible for any or all of the following: Military Tuition Assistance, The GI Bill, Scholarships, State Tuition Assistance and Federal Loans and Grants. The trick is to know how, when and where to use them. View one of the guides below for more information.
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Active Duty Education Benefit User's Guide
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Reserve Education Benefits User's Guide
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) National Guard Education Benefits User's Guide
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Veterans Education Benefits User's Guide
(http://www.military.com/education/conte ... RC=mrvr.nl) Spouse and Family Benefits Programs
Next Step: It's critical to find a school that meets your specific requirements as a servicemember or veteran. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Search for schools with VA-approved programs.


FAQs on VA Home Loans
Why get a VA loan over other types? Simply put, a VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. Even if you've used a VA loan before, you can have previously-used entitlement "restored" one time only in order to purchase another home with a VA loan if you've paid off the prior loan but still own the property, and want to use your entitlement to purchase a second home. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) See more questions and answers on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Connect with Lenders ready to help you purchase or refinance with your VA Loan.


NMCRS Annual Fund Drive
Several U.S. Navy Commands including Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT) and the Naval War College recently kicked off their annual Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive. The fund drive runs March 1-31 and will support active-duty as well as retired and reserve Sailors, Marines, and eligible family members in a time of need. For more information about the Society, visit the (http://nmcrs.org/) Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


New Look for Navy Facebook Page
The Navy Facebook page recently launched a new interface, changing the way fans engage and interact on the site. The Navy was selected as part of the initial rollout of Facebook's popular "Timeline" that, until now was only available to personal profiles. The gives the Navy the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for enhancements to Facebook. This is especially important as the new interface will eventually affect 870 command pages currently administrated by Navy communicators. For more information, visit the (http://www.facebook.com/usnavy) U.S. Navy on Facebook.
To keep up with the military on social media, visit and "like" (http://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com on Facebook.


2012 Non-Locality BAH Payment Rates
Servicemembers who live in government housing and pay child support are eligible for BAH differential. Servicemembers who pay child support and live on the local economy receive the "with dependent" BAH rate for their locality. See a (http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... ESRC=mr.nl) table on Military.com reflecting the increased 2012 BAH (Non-Locality) Tables for Partial, Reserve Component and Transient, and Differential rates.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... RC=mrvr.nl) View Your 2012 Military Pay Charts


5 Tips for Investing Now, Relaxing Later
If you're planning for your future today, knowing how and where you should invest your money is of prime importance. SavvyMoney has come up with a five-step plan to help make your transition and your future more comfortable -- to read all five tips, visit (http://www.military.com/money/partner/p ... -tips.html) this article on Military.com.


Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness month. The Defense Department has identified the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the military as blasts, fragments, bullets, motor vehicle crashes and falls. Traumatic brain injuries are broken down into three levels of severity: mild, moderate and severe with a penetrating wound. The most common, and often overlooked, form of injury for Soldiers is the mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI. For more information on the treatment of brain injuries, visit the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center website at (http://www.dvbic.org) www.dvbic.org.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Ft Lewis Army Museum Reopens
The Fort Lewis Army Museum at Fort Lewis, Washington has just reopened after being closed two years for renovations. The $9.6 million renovation has given the museum expanded gallery space and a new heating/air conditioning system that will help maintain the museum's artifacts. Admission to the museum is free. For more information, visit the (http://www.fortlewismuseum.com/flm/) Ft. Lewis Military Museum website or the (http://www.lewis.army.mil/dptms/museum.htm) Lewis Military Museum webpage or telephone the museum at (253) 967-4523 (12:00 - 4:00 p.m. PST, Wed.-Sun.).
For more military museum listings, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... _guide.htm) Military.com Museum page.


$250k for as low as $18.15 a Month
ASMBA offers $250,000 insurance coverage for as little as $18.15 a month. No medical exam for Active Duty military under age 50. Want more than $250k coverage? Customize your own coverage amounts for your family's needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?esrc=mr.nl) Get started now.


National Cemetery Update
The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) held an oversight hearing to examine the current state of our (http://www.military.com/benefits/conten ... eries.html) National Cemeteries. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has come under fire recently due to a series of audits revealing, to date, over 240 mismarked or unmarked graves and 8 veterans or their loved ones buried in the wrong place at 13 cemeteries nationwide. Officials reviewed NCA's progress in mending the harm revealed by the national audit, as well as to review measures taken to ensure greater accountability. The committee was told that the new leadership at Arlington and the NCA are making significant strides in addressing the issues found during the recent audit.
(http://www.military.com/news/article/va ... rkers.html) Read the latest news on the National Cemeteries troubles.


Get the Best Deal on a Home Loan: 5 Steps
It's important to get the best deal when you want a loan. You may assume that a Realtor has the connections and expertise to get you the best deal and that may be true, but not necessarily. Sometimes, a Realtor has a vested interest in steering you to a particular bank, mortgage company or lender. And some shady lenders may make you feel that financing is way too hard for you to understand, but it isn't. (http://www.military.com/money/content/h ... RC=mrvr.nl) Try these five steps to assure you get the best deal anywhere, and rest easier knowing you've done your homework. 1. Make a list of lenders and start calling. 2. When you call say you need help. 3. Ask 5 questions. 5. Call back. (http://www.military.com/money/content/h ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get the full story on Military.com.


Army Establishes Hotline
The Army Medical Command has a hotline available for soldiers and veterans who have been screened by forensic psychiatric teams since 2007 as part of the evaluation process for medical retirement. Soldiers and veterans with concerns about their diagnosis may call 800-984-8523. The forensic psychiatric team at the U.S. Army's Madigan Healthcare System at Tacoma, Washington (is under investigation into whether it properly evaluated soldiers previously treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Army Surgeon General has suspended the use of forensic evaluations during the conduct of medical evaluation boards.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Command and Control Doctrine
The Navy Warfare Development Command has released a tactical memorandum (TACMEMO). The TACMEMO is the result of a yearlong campaign to observe and document command and control of command and control (C2 of C2) processes across fleet staffs in various theaters, including Pacific Fleet, 6th Fleet, 5th Fleet and 3rd Fleet and during Exercise Terminal Fury 2011. To access the TACMEMO from the Navy Doctrine Library System, visit the (https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/default.aspx) Navy Warfare Development Command website and click on the Navy Doctrine Library System link.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Transitioning Sailors to Get Assistance
Transition benefits available to Sailors affected by the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) are proving to be a valuable resource. About a third of ERB separating Sailors have connected with the outplacement consulting firm of Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc. (CGC) since January. Sailors are encouraged to reach out to CGC by phone toll-free at 1-800-971-4288 or by email at (mailto:CGCUSNavy@challengergray.com) CGCUSNavy@challengergray.com. Sailors who have been contacted by CGC and have a password for web access, can enroll at (http://www.challengeressentials.com) www.challengeressentials.com. For more information, access the transition assistance handbook on the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/) Navy Personnel Command (NPC) ERB webpage or contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672).
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.


Sailors Should Negotiate PCS Orders
Sailors must be proactive and negotiate early for permanent change of station (PCS) orders online through Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) via (http://www.nko.navy.mil) Navy Knowledge Online or at the (https://www.cmsid.navy.mil/jass/Index.action) CMS/ID website. Sailors must have Perform to Serve (PTS) approval before negotiating orders through CMS/ID. Therefore, a Sailor's PTS application at the 15 to 12 month point prior to their projected rotation date (PRD) is key to getting a timely PTS quota and being able to apply for jobs in CMS/ID. Sailors can learn more about CMS/ID from their command career counselor or at (http://www.npc.navy.mil/enlisted/cmsid/ ... ault2.aspx) Navy Personnel Command's CMS/ID webpage.
For more PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS Center.


Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month, and a commemorative poster can be downloaded from the (http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/ ... m?CatID=10) Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute website. For more information on Women's History Month, including educational materials, visit the (http://www.military.com/Resources/Histo ... istory.htm) Military.com History Center, the (http://womenshistorymonth.gov/) Library of Congress website, the (http://www.nwhp.org/) National Women's History Project website, the (http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases ... -ff05.html) U.S. Census Bureau website, the (http://www.defense.gov/specials/womenshistory/) Department of Defense Women's History Month webpage, and the (http://www.history.com/topics/womens-history-month) History.com website.


Help Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief (AER) announced the start of its annual AER Campaign, which runs from March 1 through May 15. AER provides emergency financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans or grants. In addition, AER provides scholarships to children and spouses of active-duty and retired Soldiers as well as financial support to widows and wounded warriors. Soldiers requiring AER assistance should contact their unit chain of command or go to their local installation AER office. For more information, visit the (http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/) Army Emergency Relief website.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


VA Health Care Budget Threatened
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), Chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, wrote that the reality of sequestration ? the congressionally mandated cuts that will automatically occur later this year due to the Joint Select Committee's failure to find $1.2 trillion dollars in deficit reductions ? is about hit home for veterans. "As it stands right now, sequestration of government programs is imminent." Miller's concern goes beyond the issue of how this will impact our national defense, Miller is worried that an ambiguity in the law could be used by the Office of Management and Budget to cut as much as two percent from the VA's Healthcare budget despite Congress' intent to protect VA from sequestration. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ksmanship/) Read the full article in the Military Advantage blog.


Troops May Soon Get Mortgage Relief
The President's plan will require the federal government to review thousands of servicemember held mortgages for illegal foreclosures and charges. As a result, eligible veterans and servicemembers could see a sizeable payback from the mortgage companies. Under the settlement certain mortgage companies must pay back at least $116,785 plus any home equity to military homeowners who lost their homes due to illegal foreclosure procedures. In addition, servicemembers who were charged more than 6 percent interest rate (the highest rate allowed under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) will be eligible to receive four times what they overpaid in interest. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ettlement/) Read the Military Advantage to learn more.


Preparing for Hurricane Season
The 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season will run June 1 - November 30, 2012. For information on how to prepare for hurricanes, visit the (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/) National Hurricane Center website, the (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm) FEMA Hurricane webpage, the (http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes) Ready.gov website, the (http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/ ... f0870aRCRD) American Red Cross website, the (http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/hurricane.html) Disaster Center website, the (http://www.mass.gov/czm/hurricanes.htm) Hurricane Preparedness Kit website, the (https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/hurric ... dness.html) OSHA Preparedness webpage, and the (http://floridadisaster.org/) FloridaDisaster.org website.
For more tips on home ownership and maintenance, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Money Center.


News Headlines Hurt Vets' Reputation
In an article titled, "The 'Dangerous' Veteran: An Inaccurate Media Narrative Takes Hold," VAntage Point blogger Kate Holt writes about the impact the media is having on veterans reputations and the efforts in a San Diego neighborhood to block VA from opening a residential treatment program for Vets with PTSD and mild TBI. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... eputation/) Read more in the Military Advantage blog.


AAFES Patriot Family Contest
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is sponsoring its (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... otostream/) "Patriot Family Peeps Diorama" contest, which gives military shoppers the opportunity to show their creative side and craft a patriotic scene using Peeps candy. Entrants must use a shoebox or comparable item of reasonable size to create a patriotic play, scene or event that inspires emotion. The winner will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card. Entries will be accepted through April 8. Complete entry rules and regulations can be found at the (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community ... ntests.htm) Patriot Peeps Diorama Contest 2012 webpage.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


New Navy Substance Abuse Program
The Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) office recently launched a new substance abuse prevention campaign called 'Who Will Stand Your Watch'. The program heightens awareness of how poor decision making by Sailors in abusing drugs or alcohol can impact careers, family and shipmates. For more information on the Campaign, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/o ... Watch.aspx) NPC Webpage or contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC. Sailors who need help with substance abuse can contact their command drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA), Military-One Source, or speak with their chain-of-command or their medical care provider.
For more military family resources and support programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


AF Promotes 1,700 Senior Enlisted Airmen
More than 1,700 Air Force master sergeants were recently selected for promotion to senior master sergeant. The list is posted on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/) AFPC public news page, the (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website and the (https://www.my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal. Promotions will begin in April, depending on selectee promotion sequence numbers.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Top Employers: Virtual Career Fair
Military.com and Monster are throwing a Virtual Career fair March 27th-29th. It's free to join and you'll be able to communicate and engage with exhibitors and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Fast Track Your Military Experience to a Civilian Career. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Register for the event now.
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) View a full calendar of Military Career Expos.
Visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Veteran Career Center to search for jobs and get tips on your career and job search.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities.


Free Military Career Expo at West Point
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's Office and Military.com will host a Career Expo at West Point on March 22, 2012, from 10AM-2PM at The Thayer Hotel, West Point, NY. The Senator?s office is a co-sponsor for the event and will have constituent services representatives on site to provide information about benefits and programs to help job seeking veterans. (http://www.military.com/career-expo/201 ... ESRC=mr.nl) Sign up today!
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/201 ... ESRC=mr.nl)
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) See the 2012 Military Career Expos Calendar
(http://www.military.com/career-expo/?ESRC=mrvr.nl)
Everyone is invited to attend a free Virtual Military Career Expo March 27th to 29th. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more info and register.
(http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl)