Military Report - Week of December 31, 2012

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Military Report - Week of December 31, 2012

What Will You Make in 2013? View 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. Take a look at the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting next year.


AF Marathon Registration Opens
Registration for the 2013 Air Force Marathon will open Jan. 1, 2013, with special New Year's resolution discounts. The full and half marathons will be discounted by $10 Jan. 1. The 10K and 5K races will be discounted by $5. The Air Force Marathon sold out in record time in 2012 and organizers anticipate selling out even faster this year. Officials will not be increasing the number of runners this year, capping the participants at 15,000. Thus, all participants should register as early as possible. for more information, visit the Air Force Marathon website at (http://www.usafmarathon.com/) www.usafmarathon.com.
For military-level fitness training tips and programs from the experts, visit the (http://military-fitness.military.com/) Daily PT.


New Book on Agent Orange
A new book chronicles the history of using Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. Western Michigan University history professor Ed Martini also deals with the aftermath of the herbicide in his book (http://www.umass.edu/umpress/title/agent-orange) Agent Orange: History, Science and the Politics of Uncertainty. Martini says American scientists started paying closer attention to the effects of dioxin as the war escalated. He says the Nixon administration eventually ended the use of Agent Orange over the objections of military commanders. Martini says despite extensive research, much remains unknown about Agent Orange. For more information on the book, visit the (http://www.umass.edu/umpress/title/agent-orange) University of Massachusetts Press website.
For more on military-related books, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


DoD Ending Paper Checks
Stars and Stripes reports that the Department of Defense (DoD) will no longer issue paper paychecks as of March 1, 2013. On that date, electronic funds transfer for military pay will become mandatory for all servicemembers, retirees and DOD civilians. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is encouraging personnel to set up a direct deposit checking or savings account ahead of the March 1 deadline, About 99 percent of DFAS customers already receive their pay by direct deposit. For more information, visit the (http://www.dfas.mil/MANDATORYEFT.html) Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) website.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Benefits Center.


Eligibility List for AF SRB Grows
Three Air Force specialty codes have been added to the selective reenlistment bonus (SRB) list, and two have seen an increase in bonus amounts. One career field has been removed from the SRB list and one will see a bonus decrease effective Jan. 18. Overall, these changes will increase the number of Air Force specialty codes that receive an SRB in one or more zones to 55 career fields. For more information about SRBs, including zones and multiples, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "Selective Reenlistment Bonus Program" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Sleep Study
Researchers from academia and the private sector are teaming up to study and improve the sleep quality of Soldiers through an online survey. The survey is now available (http://myvetadvisor.com/sleep-survey/) online to active and reserve-component Soldiers, other servicemembers, as well as veterans. Soldiers take the 10-minute survey to describe their own sleep patterns and habits, which will help researchers which kinds of sleep aids and coaching might be most useful to Soldiers. The focus is not just on sleep, but also on other health problems that poor sleep might be signaling. There are more than 100 types of sleep disorders and some of these are linked to serious health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. For more information, visit the National Sleep Foundation website at (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/) www.sleepfoundation.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse and Family Center.


Green Beret Training: "Ain't Nothing But a Thing"
"We sat four to a side in the back of a panel van with no windows, two rows facing each other. Each man tried not to look into the face of the man sitting across from him, tried not to betray fear, tried not to look overly confident, tried not to look like he was trying. By October 1993, we had been together most of four exhausting months -- we had formed relationships that sustained through the hard times. We had exchanged glances before a night jump." (http://www.military.com/special-operati ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


GM: Veteran Hiring Programs
GM is grateful for our nation's support through the years, and we're dedicated to designing, building and selling the world's best vehicles. General Motors is the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history and we remain dedicated to supporting America's heroes. In addition to our signature national programs, we encourage our employees to support the military on a local basis and in ways meaningful to them. In many instances, our employees have a family member, relative, friend in the military. (http://www.military.com/general-motors/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


AAFES Open Doors to Vendors
While the economy may have forced some retailers to scale back on merchandise or services, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is actively seeking the assistance of local businesses to increase the product selection troops and their families find at their Exchange. The addition of local, small, minority, women- and veteran-owned businesses can help provide the diversity, value and innovation that enhances the shopping experience. Partner businesses, called concessions, also operate in Exchange-provided space, primarily in the retail mall area. For more information on how to partner with the Exchange as a concessionaire, visit the ShopMyExchange.com website at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/DoingBusiness/index.htm) www.shopmyexchange.com/DoingBusiness/index.htm.
For more discounts for servicemembers and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Company Chief Puts Country Over Self
GM's Military History: GM is grateful for our nation's support through the years, and we're dedicated to designing, building and selling the world's best vehicles. General Motors is the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history and we remain dedicated to supporting America's heroes. In addition to our signature national programs, we encourage our employees to support the military on a local basis and in ways meaningful to them. In many instances, our employees have a family member, relative, friend in the military. (http://www.military.com/general-motors/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Army Unveils Capstone Concept Plan
The U.S. Army recently unveiled its latest Army Capstone Concept (ACC). The previous ACC was published in 2009. The ACC is a broad roadmap for how the Army will conduct future planning, organization and operations globally in support of the president's national security objectives. Much of what is in this recently-issued Army Capstone Concept is not really new as the Army has done this work throughout its history including war games and experiments on maneuver warfare in the interwar years of the 1920s and '30s, as well as post-war assessments. It just went by other names. The new Army Capstone Concept is available (http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/276637.pdf) online.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Exchanges Offer MILITARY STAR(R) Card
One way shoppers can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is by using the MILITARY STAR(R) Card. Unlike bank cards, swiping a MILITARY STAR(R) Card produces no fees as the card is administered by the Exchange and revenue generated is shared with military communities through contributions to quality-of-life programs. The card also benefits the cardholder through gas savings during the year as well as ten percent savings on food purchases at Exchange restaurants. The card is accepted at all Army and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Online store at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com. Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the MILITARY STAR(R) Card by visiting (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Credit Services."
For more discounts for servicemembers and military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Get a List of 2013 Military Benefits
The Military.com Benefit Calculator is designed to quickly and easily connect you with your benefit information based on your military service and status. Get a list of 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.


Car Repair Tips: Basic Safety Rules
Repairing your vehicle by yourself can save you money, and make you better equipped to handle emergencies and breakdowns on the road -- but is it safe? If you make a mistake while making repairs, in most cases all you'll get is silence (which can be disconcerting, but not lethal). This isn't to say that working on a vehicle is free from danger. Before you do any work, be sure to observe the following safety rules in this (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/ ... afety.html) Military.com Auto Center article.


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 Line Officer Promotion List
The 2012D Line of the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps Quarterly Captain Selection Process selected 154 first lieutenants for promotion to captain. All candidates selected were in the promotion zone. The list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 20-019.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. For information about promotion opportunities and other personnel issues, 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.


Last Chance to Win a GM Camaro
In honor of your commitment to serving our country, GM Military Discount offers you the best military discount from any car company. To further honor your service, GM Military Discount is giving away a New 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Coupe in our Grand Prize drawing?and we are giving away a $100 gift card every day to and instant winner. (http://www.military.com/general-motors/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Enter here.


Scholarships for Military Families
Army Emergency Relief offers two scholarship programs, the (http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/Educational ... ouses.aspx) Spouse Education Assistance Program and the (http://www.aerhq.org/dnn563/Educational ... ldren.aspx) Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program. Applications will be available Jan. 1, but the packets for both programs do not have to be completed and returned until May 1. The 2013 Scholarships for Military Children is also now open for students at commissaries around the world. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by Feb. 22. For more information on the Scholarships for Military Children, visit the Commissaries.com website at (http://www.commissaries.com) www.commissaries.com and or the Scholarships for Military Children website at (http://www.militaryscholar.org) www.militaryscholar.org.
For more on military education programs and benefits, including GI Bill and tuition assistance guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Tax Services for Servicemembers
Military OneSource provides free access to the H&R Block At HomeR Basic online tax filing service. The service allows you to complete and electronically file your federal and up to three state tax returns or filings. Your calculations are guaranteed to be 100% accurate or H&R Block pays the penalties and interest. Also, the H&R Block At HomeR Basic tax filing service protects the security and confidentiality of your personal information by using industry-recognized security safeguards. You do not have to complete the return all at one time. When you begin, you create a secure user ID and password, which enables you to log on, save, close and return to the program as needed. For more information, visit the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/pfm/ta ... _id=269644) Military OneSource Tax Services webpage.
For more tips for tax season, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


AF Wounded Warriors Employment Program
The Air Force's Wounded Warrior Civil Service Employment Program assists combat-related ill and injured Airmen with a 30 percent or higher combat-related disability rating to secure Air Force civil service jobs. It provides for the noncompetitive placement of a wounded warrior into an Air Force civil service position and can temporarily fund their salary through the use of a central salary account if necessary. Wounded warriors interested in the special hiring program should contact their nonmedical care manager. For more information about the Air Force Wounded Warrior programs and opportunities, visit the Air Force Wounded Warrior website at (http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil/) www.woundedwarrior.af.mil. For information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Navy Announces Rating Changes
The Navy has announced the realignment of approximately 2,000 Sailors from the Engineman (EN) rating to the Machinist's Mate (MM) rating and disestablishment of the Full Time Support (FTS) EN rating. Current EN Sailors who have experience in diesel propulsion will remain an EN and those who have an auxiliary background will be converted to MM. For E1-E9 active-duty and E6-E9 Reserve Sailors, official conversion from EN or MM rated Sailors will be effective May 1, and E1-E5 Reserve conversions will be effective Oct. 1, 2013. For more information, contact EN DETAILER: ENC(SW/AW) Deane Morin at (901) 882-3613/DSN 882; MM DETAILER: MMCS(SW/AW) Lawrence Fraley at (901) 874-3607/DSN 882; or DC/EM/EN FTS DETAILER: DCC(SW) Russell Marquis at (901) 874-2767/DSN 882.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


2013 Military Pay Raise Now Official
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) has released the 2013 Military Pay and Allowance charts. This year?s pay raise is 1.7% across the board, and the monthly (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... tence.html) basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) rates increased to $242 for officers and $352 for enlisted. The 2013 Military Pay Raise goes into effect on January 1, 2013.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... harts.html) Click here to view the 2013 Pay Charts.


New Navy "Gooru" Search Engine
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has announced the release of the Gooru ( (http://about.goorulearning.org) www.goorulearning.org), a free search engine for learning that brings together science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Gooru curates, auto-tags and contextualizes millions of STEM related web resources to get the most out of searches. It also ranks and suggests items for students and teachers based on usage data, user input, search query logs and social signals. Educational materials on the Gooru Collections iPad app bring together thousands of assorted multimedia resources. For more information, visit the (http://goorulearning.org) Gooru Beta website.
For more on military education programs and benefits, including GI Bill and tuition assistance guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Security Clearance Wanted By Top American Companies
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://content.military.com/newsletters ... rvr1224.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan in 2013?
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.


Trucking Companies Recruit Veterans
Despite the fact that millions of Americans are looking for work, ninety percent of trucking companies say they can't find enough drivers. Long hours and many nights spent away from home make the driver's seat difficult to fill, so trucking companies are targeting a group they believe has the skill-set to handle a tough job--veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Like other large trucking companies, Schneider National has ramped-up its efforts to recruit veterans since 2001. Close to 15 percent of the company's approximately 13,000 drivers are veterans, and the wants more. To learn more about career opportunities available at Schneider National or to apply, visit (http://www.schneiderjobs.com/) www.schneiderjobs.com or call 1-800-44-PRIDE (1-800-447-7433).
For more on military transition and civilian job listings nationwide, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.