Military Report - Week of October 29, 2012

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Military Report - Week of October 29, 2012

Rent vs. Own - Another Reason for a VA Loan
Buying beats renting in many spots across the U.S. See why zero-down VA loans combined with low rates make now a great time for veterans to buy almost anywhere. Veterans already have many great reasons to use their zero-down VA loan benefits. But new rent vs. own data makes buying a home with a VA loan even more attractive. Now, it's cheaper to own than rent in all 100 U.S. metro areas referenced in top home price indexes. According to the Trulia Rent vs. Buy Report ? Summer 2012, owning a home is 24% to 70% cheaper than renting one. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See the full report.

Five Programs for Entrepreneurial Vets
Here are five programs veterans entrepreneurs should know about: (1) The TechStars RisingStars program at (http://www.techstars.com/risingstars/) www.techstars.com/risingstars/, which extends technology company startup opportunities to veterans and others; (2) (http://inclinehq.com/) InclineHq, which teaches military veterans the tools they need to become a junior programmer; (3) American Corporate Partners (ACP) at (http://www.acp-usa.org/) www.acp-usa.org/, which supplies a veteran a mentor that can assist an entrepreneur in connecting them with potential investors, advisors and maybe even customers; (4) (http://victoryspark.com/) VictorySpark, which exposes veteran-initiated startups to a national group of mentors and investors; and (5) and the (http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/) Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), which offers training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with disabilities.
For more on military transition and interviews with veteran entrepreneurs, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... on-archive) Military.com Veterans Jobs Center.


Navy Plans Pharmacy App
Navy Medicine Information Systems Support Activity (NAVMISSA) has announced a pending plan for Navy Pharmacies to care for TRICARE beneficiaries more efficiently with a new mobile pharmacy application being built to be implemented in the 3rd quarter of 2013. If all goes according to plan, this project may eventually be implemented Navy-wide. NAVMISSA has been working to help provide APP oversight, acceptance testing coordination, and final approval for this project. Communicating new prescriptions would be done from the beneficiaries' place of choice due to a new Smartphone mobile pharmacy application.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


2012 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Each year businesses honor Veterans and Servicemembers by offering Veterans Day discounts on goods, services, and dining. Military.com has put together a list of 2012 veteran and military discounts, Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings, and even some of the offerings include honest-to-goodness free meals. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... bies-2012/) Learn more about the 2012 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies.

Navy to End Service Dress Khakis
The U.S. Navy has announced the Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) decision to terminate the Service Dress Khaki (SDK) initiative. The Navy is also recently emphasized the optional wear of the Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform as an acceptable alternative during summer uniform wear periods when participating in events, ceremonies and meetings where wearing a coat and tie is appropriate and when other uniforms are not prescribed. SDB uniforms may be prescribed for wear year-round to all official functions (when formal dress, dinner dress, or full dress uniforms are not prescribed) and civilian equivalent dress is coat and tie.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... ation.html) Read the full article on Military.com.

AF Extends Retirement Request Deadline
The Air Force Personnel Center has extended the window for eligible active-duty Airmen to submit their retirement or separation applications. Airmen who are eligible and would like to apply early to retire or separate on December 1, 2013, January 1, 2014 or February 1, 2014 are authorized to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections immediately. This opportunity expires on Nov. 16 and applies to members in the ranks of second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel for officers and airman basic to senior master sergeant for enlisted Airmen. Airmen also need to accomplish these actions because the Air Force is upgrading and transferring the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Defense Enterprise Computing Center in December. For more information about the MilPDS upgrade, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Updating Family Information
Updating family information can now be done online. The (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/r ... ution=e1s1) RAPIDS Self Service portal is designed to update DEERS records and renew or reissue ID cards. Common Access Card-holders to digitally sign required documents, which are then accessible to all ID card-issuing facilities world-wide. Also, members can access the RAPIDS Self-Service portal to add or change an email address for signature and email encryption certificates, download certain applications, view and update contact information and more. For more information, visit the (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/r ... ution=e1s1) RAPIDS Self Service portal and follow the screen prompts to add or update information.
For more military IDs and military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Photos Are Critical for Army Promotions
Soldiers' Official DA photographs are critical for promotion boards. A DA photograph is used to quickly determine a Soldier's professionalism and military bearing while conducting a board or when a Soldier is not physically present. Soldiers should check their records before having their photo taken to ensure all medals, badges, ribbons and other accoutrements are properly recorded. For female Soldiers, the variance in uniform can be a big determining factor for boards. It is better to wear the skirt because there are fewer winkles. Read Army Regulation 640-30, " (http://www.apd.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r640_30/head.asp) Photographs for Military Human Resources Records," before getting your photo taken.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Vet Benefit Calculator: What Do You Qualify For?
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefits information based on service and status. Find Federal Benefits, State Benefits, National Guard State Benefits, Special Military Discounts and More. (http://benefits.military.com/reg/Vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find Your Benefits Now.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefit Channel to access Pay Charts, TRICARE information, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Vet Benefits and More.


Is SGLI Enough? Get $200k Coverage for $15 a Month
Is SGLI enough for your growing family? What about college, living expenses, your mortgage? If the unthinkable happens, protect your family's financial security. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr1029.nl) Get $200k coverage starting at less than $15 a month.

Deal of the Week: Military Save $ Here
Exclusive Military & Gov't Only Discounts up to 50% off retail. Save on Outdoor, Lifestyle & Tactical Gear. We carry Sunglasses, Watches, Knives, Apparel & More! (https://www.govx.com/milcom?utm_source= ... rtsepoct12) Sign-up is free!

Army Shows Off New PF Uniform
With a change to the Army's Improved Physical Fitness Uniform looming, Soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas recently got a firsthand look at proposed designs at an open expo. The expected wear date of the new uniform is fiscal year 2015, but first, PEO Soldier needs to decide on a color scheme and design. The proposed uniforms feature upgrades to a variety of technologies. The prototype adjusts fabric weight and fit of the uniform, adds tagless labels, moisture-wicking material and anti-microbial cloth treatment, and it removes reflective properties and the elastic trim on the jacket and pants. The Army will test modifications to the uniform in a series of limited field tests for various climates.
For more on military fitness and fitness guides, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.


VA Guarantees 20 Millionth Home Loan
The Department of Veterans Affairs has guaranteed 20 million home loans since its home loan program was established in 1944. The program was part of the original GI Bill of Rights for returning World War II Veterans. According to the VA, the 20 millionth loan was for the surviving spouse of an Iraq War Veteran. The programs no-down payment requirement and current low interest rates, have contributed to a 71 percent rise in (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans) VA loans for home purchases and an increase of 20 times as many refinances over the last five years. Learn more about the VA Home Loan program at (file:///C:/Users/vbacomackip/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/WV019I78/www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans) www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans) Visit Military.com to learn more about the VA Home Loan program, including a list of FAQs, advice and tips for buying a home.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate. Keep in mind that the Certificate of Eligibility, while necessary, only allows an eligible individual to apply for a home loan; it does not guarantee a loan approval. Eligibility for the Certificate is based on an individual's (or a spouse's) military service. (http://www.military.com/money/content/v ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get specifics on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Find Lenders ready to help you use your VA Home Loan.


Air Force Sexual Assault Hotline
Airmen, separated and still serving, who graduated from basic military training and technical training during the past 10 years were recently sent an email message about an activated sexual assault hotline. The hotline is for any Airman who is a victim of sexual misconduct. The released email encourages the recipient to share any known information regarding any incident of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or unprofessional relationships that occurred in basic military training and technical training. Reports can be made anonymously. For more information, call the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) team, 24/7, at DSN 487-0008 or (210) 652-0008.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Moving With Family Pets
PCSing with pets in-tow makes an already hectic process a little more complicated. Before traveling, pet owners must get medical records, health certificates and vaccines for their pets before they can ship. Here are some steps you can take to prepare: (1) contact your local veterinary clinic, and ask what to do; (2) visit the website of the country of your next duty station. For those heading to an OCONUS duty station, particularly Japan, Korea, Guam, the Philippines or England, this step is essential; (3) contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility at your new duty station for guidance; (4) update vaccinations and records; (5) contact the airline for its standards on shipping pets; (6) buy a pet ticket; and (7) obtain a health certificate within 10 days of the flight. To find out more about PCSing with a pet, contact your local veterinary clinic.
For more news and guides to military pets, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


New Program to Help Transition Process
Servicemembers will soon get more help transitioning from military to civilian life. On Nov. 21, the Veterans Opportunity to Work or VOW to Hire Heroes Act will require every Soldier attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). What can Soldiers expect to see when the VOW Act is implemented? The initial TAP will feature pre-separation classes ranging from health care, life insurance and disability to higher education, vocational training and home loans. Parts of the VOW Act will be implemented in phases until the end of 2014. By the end of 2013, Transition Goals-Plans-Success (GPS) will replace TAP. GPS will be a classroom and one-on-one session with servicemembers and their spouses to formulate a plan, including a detailed budget.
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.


Navy Sr. Enlisted Selection Boards
The U.S. Navy has announced the fiscal year 2014 (FY14) enlisted selection boards for active duty and Reserve master chief and senior chief petty officers. The Reserve board will convene March 25, 2013 and will consider eligible Reserve chiefs and senior chiefs serving on active duty as full-time support (FTS) in the active/guard reserve and selected Reserve (SELRES) to include those serving on voluntary and involuntary recall and mobilization orders. The active duty master chief board will convene April 15, 2013 and the active duty senior chief board will convene May 13, 2013. Eligibility maybe verified in November 2012 by education service officers and command designated personnel via the (https://neasos.cnet.navy.mil/) Navy Enlisted Advancement System (NEAS) website. Candidates should review their (http://www.bol.navy.mil/) official military personnel file (OMPF) via BUPERS Online to verify completeness. For more information, visit the selection board section of the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... fault.aspx) Navy Personnel Command website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Facts
TRICARE is a regionally managed health care program for Active Duty, Activated Guard and Reserves, Retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE has 3 main coverage choices: TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Extra, and TRICARE Standard. Active Duty and Guard and Reserve servicemembers are automatically enrolled TRICARE Prime. However military dependents and retirees must choose the TRICARE option that best suits their needs. (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get more information and see deductibles, fees and more on Military.com.

AF Looking for a New Helo
The Air Force Acquisition Office recently announced the posting of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Federal Business Opportunities website, signaling the official launch of this high priority Air Force acquisition program. The primary mission of the CRH air vehicle is to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory; it will also execute humanitarian missions, civil search and rescue, disaster relief, casualty and medical evacuation, and non-combatant evacuation operations. The CRH requirement is for 112 aircraft. For more information, visit the (https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/ASC/F ... sting.html) FedBizOpps.gov website.
To keep up with other developments and innovations in military tech, visit (http://www.defensetech.org/) Defensetech.


New Hiring Program for Veterans
The Department of Defense along with participating corporations has announced a new hiring program that aims to train and place 100,000 veterans in advanced manufacturing and related jobs by 2015. The "Get Skills to Work" program seeks to match veterans with some of the more than half-million unfilled high-tech manufacturing jobs in the United States. The new program will offer veterans an online skills assessment and badging system for those who are already qualified for high-tech manufacturing jobs, and will train other veterans through partnerships with community colleges and technical training schools in 10 states. For more information, visit the (http://getskillstowork.org/) Get Skills to Work 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.


New Website for Grade School Info
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) has recently upgraded a very useful website its SchoolQuest website for military children, teens and their parents. The website is well-suited for anyone who is "questing" for information about schools, colleges, transitions and workplace readiness. It is meant to facilitate the search for new schools and centralize resources. It is also a secure storage site for students' educational, extra-curricular, award, volunteer and work information. A recent addition to SchoolQuest is the College Planner, which offers two services to ensure high school students are fully prepared for college. To access SchoolQuest or any of MCEC's many other resources, visit the Military Child Education Coalition website at (http://www.militarychild.org/) www.militarychild.org.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Political Do's and Don'ts
With the 2012 general presidential election only days away, special ethics rules apply to active-duty Airmen regarding their political activities. As an Airman, you may: (1) register, vote and privately express your opinions on political candidates and issues (but not as a representative of the Armed Forces); (2) make monetary contributions to a political organization; (3) encourage other military members to exercise their voting rights, however, you may not attempt to influence or interfere with the outcome of an election. Also, you may not encourage subordinates to vote for or against a particular issue or candidate; and (4) display a small bumper sticker on your private vehicle. More information, including prohibited political activities, is available in (http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/m ... 51-902.pdf) Air Force Instruction 51-902.
To keep up with political issues and legislation that affects military benefits, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


New Navy Advancement Exams
Following U.S. Navy advancement exam construction changes, a Test Plan Development Panel (TPDP) of force and command master chiefs has redefined Professional Military Knowledge (PMK). The restructured advancement exams decrease the total number of questions from 200 to 175 and increase the emphasis on rating-specific technical questions. The September 2012 exams for active duty E4-E6, the upcoming January chief petty officer exam, and the Selected Reserve (SELRES) exams in February will be the first opportunities for candidates to take the new 175-question exams. For the current schedule of Advancement Exam Readiness Reviews, see the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... V12254.txt) AERR NAVADMIN 254/1. For more information, visit (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/) Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) and under the career management tab select Navy Advancement Center.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Chenega Is Hiring Veterans
Chenega is a premier Government and Commercial services provider to the security, healthcare, IT, environmental, military operations, construction, and tourism industries. Our integral business practices are rooted in the Alaska native culture of our shareholders. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Chenega is known for exceptional employees, fiscal strength, creativity and innovation, and providing excellent cost and performance value to our customers and business partners. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Click here to learn more.

AAFES 'You Made the Grade' Program
Military schoolchildren who receive a report card with an overall "B" average or better can pick up an array of free and discounted products through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's You Made the Grade Program. Rewards include a free Burger King hamburger kid's meal, Subway 6-inch combo, a magazine of their choice and even a complimentary haircut, to name a few. Students "making the grade" can also register for a drawing to win a $2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. To receive a "You Made the Grade" booklet, eligible students can simply present a valid military ID and proof of an overall "B" or better average to their local Exchange. For more information, contact your local exchange.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.