Military Report - Week of November 12, 2012

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Military Report - Week of November 12, 2012

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New VA Claims Coach App
The American Legion has developed and launched a smartphone app to help veterans apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability compensation. (http://www.legion.org/mobileapps) The "Claims Coach" app provides an applicant access to a certified Legion service officer, a resource guide, tips on working through each stage of the application, and a handy way to keep track of submitted documents. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012 ... laims.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


Navy Detailing Application Phase Open
The Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) application phase began Nov. 8, and remains open until 5 a.m. Nov. 20 for Sailors in their permanent change of station (PCS) orders negotiation window. CMS/ID is the web-based program enlisted Sailors use to review and apply for PCS orders when it's time to transfer duty stations. Sailors may access the site from the CMS/ID link on the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil. Detailers will not assign Sailors to advertised jobs until after the close of the application phase, during the detailer selection phase. Sailors may log into CMS/ID any time after the detailer selection phase to see if they have been selected for orders. Sailors can learn more about CMS/ID from their CCC or access CMS/ID by selecting the CMS/ID link on the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more on the PCS process, and guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Program for Sailors Leaving Active Duty
The Navy has announced a new program to allow greater flexibility for enlisted Sailors transitioning from Active Duty or Full Time Support to the Selected Reserve. The new "Active Component (AC) and Full Time Support (FTS) to Selected Reserve Delayed Affiliation Program (DAP)" will allow Sailors to delay in-rate affiliation with the Reserve Component (RC) for up to six months after their Soft Expiration of Active Service (SEAOS) through a quota reservation system. The program is targeted towards Sailors who desire a delay in their affiliation into the Selected Reserves (SELRES), or who are unable to obtain a SELRES in-rate perform to serve (PTS) quota at SEAOS. Sailors are eligible to apply for DAP up to 90 days prior to their SEAOS through their chain of command. All separating AC and FTS Sailors are eligible to apply for DAP. Application questions can be addressed to PSC Jaime Coronado, BUPERS-328 Selres ECM Technical Advisor at (901) 874-4508/DSN 882.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Requirements for Child Care Providers
If you are providing child care out of your home, are you certified through the Army's Child, Youth and School Services Family Child Care? If not, you could be in violation of guidance for providing child care on an Army installation. Those who provide child care out of their home on an Army installation for more than 10 hours per week on a regular basis must be certified through CYSS Family Child Care. Your base Family Child Care (FCC) office is responsible for certification and monitoring of all family members on the installation who wish to provide child care out of their home. For more information, contact your base Child, Youth and School Services Family Child Care office.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


GED Test Available for Servicemembers
The GED test is now available on an after-the-fact reimbursement basis to eligible military personnel. To find the closest official GED testing center, visit the GED Testing Service website at (http://www.gedtestingservice.com/tester ... ing-center) www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/locat ... ing-center. Test Control Officers may download the GED Reimbursement Request (DANTES Form 1560/47) from DANTES TCO Portal at (http://www.dantes-tco.com/) www.dantes-tco.com/. For more information visit the DANTES Examination Programs GED Web page at (http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages ... s_GED.HTML) www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub Pages/Exams/Exams_GED.HTML .
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


What's Next After the Military?
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COLA Overview & Calculator
As a servicemember, you can expect to be stationed virtually anywhere in the country. During your career, you are likely to be assigned to a variety of low-, moderate- and high-cost locations. To help offset the effects of higher cost areas, military servicemembers may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS). (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get a full overview and calculate your COLA.


Resources for Soldiers Seeking Employment
Soldiers and Veterans seeking employment assistance can visit: (1) the (https://www.acap.army.mil) Army Career & Alumni Program (ACAP) website; (2) each state Department of Labor employs Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) representatives and Local Veterans Employment (LVER) Representatives who work in the one Stop Career Centers. To find your local DVOP/LVER, visit the (http://dvoplverlocator.nvti.ucdenver.edu) DVOP/LVER locator website; (3) the (https://h2h.jobs) Hero2Hired (H2H) website was created to make it easy for servicemembers to connect to and find jobs with military-friendly companies; and (4) the Army's (http://www.wtc.army.mil/) Warrior Care and Transition Program (WTC) supports the rehabilitation and successful transition of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers back to active duty or to veteran status.
For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Club's Football Frenzy
Members are currently participating in the Air Force Clubs' Annual Football Frenzy promotion, which offers free tickets to NFL regular season and championship games. Two more drawings are planned, but only club members who participate in Football Frenzy are eligible to win. The next Football Frenzy drawing will be Nov. 19 for the Dec. 13 game when the Dallas Cowboys host the Pittsburgh Steelers. The final drawing - Feb. 3 - will be for the championship game, slated this year for New Orleans. Club members and their adult (18 or older) dependents are eligible to participate. Members must attend a Football Frenzy event at any participating club and fill out an entry form. For more information about club membership and member benefits, visit the Air Force Clubs website at (http://www.afclubs.net) www.afclubs.net. For information about other services programs, visit the Air Force Services website at (http://www.afservices.com/) www.afservices.com. For information about personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more on military-related sports events, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty page.


Marine Corps Spouse Reading List
The First Lady of the Marine Corps, Bonnie Amos, wife of Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, has launched a reading list titled "The First Lady of the Marine Corps Recommended Reading List." The reading list is intended to provide military spouses and children recommended reading material that have all been considered credible sources for helpful advice. The reading list is available on the (http://www.beaufort.marines.mil/News/Ne ... nched.aspx) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort website.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Veterans Day Deals You Can Use Monday, Nov. 12
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. Many of these deals last through Monday, November 12 and beyond. (http://www.military.com/veterans-day/ve ... RC=mrvr.nl) View the list of deals and discounts.


Program Offers Recordable Kids Books
The Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Services is sending more than 900 recordable children's books to learning resource centers at six deployed locations throughout the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's area of responsibility. The Air Force Library Program collaborated with the Directorate of Services' PLAYpass initiative to create the Get Out and READ Program to offer deployed Airmen an opportunity to keep in touch with their children by reading and recording books in their own voices. Additional book kits will be made available next year. The PLAYpass card program provides families of deployed Airmen access to learning, recreation and leisure activities at a reduced cost or free of charge. For general information about services programs, visit (http://myairforcelife.com) My Air Force Life website.
For more military spouse and family resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


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.


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Consumer Protection on Social Media
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Office of Servicemember Affairs (OSA) opened two valuable new communications channels to the military community with the launch of an (http://www.facebook.com/CFPBMilitary) OSA Facebook page and (http://www.twitter.com/CFPBMilitary) Twitter feed. These accounts give OSA and the CFPB the opportunity to digitally engage directly with servicemembers, military families and veterans on the consumer financial issues that matter most to them. These accounts also give OSA the ability to offer military members tips, tools and other resources to help them keep financially fit.
For more on credit, debt and other personal finance issues, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


View 2013 Proposed Military Pay Charts
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. The Senate has yet to present a National Defense budget proposal. If passed the military pay increase will go into effect on January 1, 2013 and will be reflected by the mid-January pay date. (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Take a look at the 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


Benefit Calculator: What Can You Use Today?
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.


AF Selects 820 for Senior Development
More than Air Force 700 officers and 120 civilians were selected recently for intermediate and senior developmental education during the 2012 Developmental Education Designation Board held last month at the Air Force Personnel Center. The list of civilians selected is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 02-050.pdf) online. The list of officers selected is also available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 02-045.pdf) online. This year, more than 12,000 eligible officers were considered for fewer than 800 slots. For school information and reporting guidance, selected Airmen can go to the Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum 12-85, CY12 Intermediate and Senior Developmental Education (IDE/SDE) Designation Board and Civilian Developmental Education (CDE) Designation Board Results, on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website -- select "search all components" in the drop down menu, and enter PSDM in the search window. Selectees can also contact their local military or civilian personnel section for school information and reporting guidance.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Online Science Game for Children
The National Science Center (NSC) is now training kids to stay safe from cyber-attack malware when they are surfing the web or using email and cell phones. The new online game called Cyber Swarm Defenders is targeted to 6th-8th grade students and is also appropriate for younger students. Cyber Swarm Defenders is deployed through the social networking site jabbersmack.com, which was built for children ages 13 and under. Kid-safe requirements are built in, including a parental control feature. To access the game, visit the NSC website at www.NationalScienceCenter.org and click on the Cyber Swarm banner button. Or, go directly to (http://www.jabbersmack.com/#/brands/view/VQYE) Jammer. To play, participants must first register on jabbersmack, which is not accessible on some older versions of browsers.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


New Navy Wounded Warrior Program
The Department of the Navy (DoN) has announced a single system wounded warriors can use to apply for Department of Defense civilian jobs. The new Defense Outplace Referral System (DORS) will help connect Wounded Warriors with available job opportunities. Registration for DORS is open to all services. However, in order to register in DORS, veterans must meet these qualifications: be ready to work within 30 days; be honorably discharged; and have a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more. The disability must be a direct result of injury and/or disease received in the line of duty and a result of armed conflict or instrumentality of war. To explore civilian careers with the DoN and learn more about DORS and other support for veterans, visit the Department of the Navy Civilian Human Resources website at (http://www.donhr.navy.mil) www.donhr.navy.mil.
For more links to military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


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171K May Soon Lose TRICARE Prime
Defense officials are expected to announce that military retirees and their dependents that live more than 40 miles from a military treatment facility or BRAC (base closure) site will lose access to TRICARE Prime as early as next April. This move could force as many as 171,000 retirees to shift to TRICARE Standard, which would mean an increase in out-of-pocket costs--especially those with special needs dependents or other chronic health issues. The first round of Prime service changes is "tentatively" planned to go into effect in the West region on April 1. The North and South regions will see the plan implemented by October 1, 2013.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... are-prime/) Read the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about this plan.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 86&type=ML) Let your elected officials know how you feel about this issue.


New Combat Infantryman's Badge Exhibit
Of the hundreds of thousands of Infantrymen who have fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, only 325 have been awarded the third award of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, known as the Triple CIB. Their names were recently enshrined on a new display at the National Infantry Museum. The CIB Third Award is the most prestigious combat badge in the U.S. Army and one that is among the least presented. The U.S. War Department established the badge on Oct. 27, 1943, and was later made retroactive to Dec. 6, 1941. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Combat Infantry Badge webpage at (http://www.army.mil/symbols/CombatBadges/infantry.html) www.army.mil/symbols/CombatBadges/infantry.html and the National Infantry Museum website at (http://www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/) www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/.
For more on military history visit the (http://www.military.com/history) Military.com History Center.


Study Finds Ties to PTSD
A study in the in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, for the first time provides clear evidence that smaller amygdala volume is associated with PTSD, regardless of the severity of trauma. But it's not clear whether the physiological difference was caused by a traumatic event, or whether PTSD develops more readily in people who naturally have smaller amygdalas. An abstract of the article is available on the (http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article ... id=1389371) Archives of General Psychiatry website.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Find more PTSD Resources on Military.com.


Connect with Hiring Managers at the Veterans Virtual Career Fair Nov 13
Top employers are looking to talk and hire veterans at the Veterans Virtual Career Fair on November 13. From your computer you'll be able to communicate with hiring managers at companies such as AT&T, BOS Solutions, Cisco Systems, GE Aviation, Toyota & more. Registration is free. Don't miss this opportunity. (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.co ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information and register.


November is Military Family Month
President Obama recently declared November as Military Family Month when all Americans should honor military families for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our servicemembers and our Nation. The presidential proclamation is available on the (http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/NewsAr ... month.aspx) Marine Corps website. You can also visit (http://www.military.com/military-family ... tion-month) Military.com's Military Family Appreciation Month section.


2012 'Military Friendly' State Rankings
The (http://www.moaa.org) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has published a 2012 state-by-state assessment that evaluates 12 key indicators of military friendliness in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This comprehensive and easy-to-read guide, developed by MOAA experts, is a handy resource and a compass for state-level advocacy. This (http://www.moaa.org/uploadedFiles/MOAA_ ... Card/State Report Card.pdf) State Report Card features a breakdown of the most military friendly states based on education, tax and retirement policies for military families. A free download is available at (http://www.moaa.org/statereport) www.moaa.org/statereport.


Army Seeks to Employ Former Soldiers
The U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) is seeking to hire and retain former soldiers in the Army civilian workforce. Federal service may be an ideal opportunity for wounded warriors and disabled veterans through a process called "schedule A" appointment authority where qualified candidates with disabilities can be hired non-competitively. This speeds up the recruitment process, helping our wounded warriors gain employment while filling critical vacancies quickly. There are many opportunities for Soldiers transitioning out of the Army, regardless of their status, to continue their service by joining the IMCOM team. To learn more about civilian job opportunities within the Installation Management Command, visit the IMCOM homepage at (http://www.imcom.army.mil) www.imcom.army.mil.
\For more veteran job guides or to translate your military skills into civilian job occupations, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Top Cities for Veterans: 2012
Pittsburgh ranks as the top place in the nation for veterans to transition from combat boots to civilian shoes, according to a new study commissioned by USAA and Military.com. The "Best Places for Veterans" list identifies U.S. metro areas that offer America's most recent veterans more opportunities to find a job or go to college while providing a higher quality of life in an affordable location. For the entire top 10 list see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... 012/11/09/) this Military.com article.


450 Airmen to Make Chief Master Sgt
More than 450 Air Force senior master sergeants were recently selected for promotion to chief master sergeant. Airmen will be able to access their score notices on the virtual military personnel flight and the Air Force Portal. Those selected will be promoted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in January. For more information about promotions and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Offers New Master Driver Course
The first five students recently graduated from the U.S. Army Transportation School's new Master Driver course at Fort Lee, Va. Soldiers graduating from this 80-hour course will be in charge of their unit's driver training program and advise their commanders on driving-related issues. The course consists of standardized driver training for all Soldiers, instruction on how to build a unit program and development of a driving course. Students also learned to reference and resource training material for all vehicles and equipment assigned. The course is available to staff sergeants and sergeants first class in the 88M, motor transport operator, military occupational field. Graduates will receive the additional skill identifier of M9. The school will have the capacity to train 72 Soldiers a year.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Featured Job: AT&T is Hiring Veterans
It's a different kind of action, but exciting nonetheless: In the military, you contributed to a disciplined, motivated and successful team. You'll be right at home with AT&T. We continuously recognize the contributions of our armed forces. In every area of AT&T, you'll find retired military and active reservists who made the (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) transition to civilian life.