Military Report - Week of January 21, 2013

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Military Report - Week of January 21, 2013

New Overseas Mail Requirements
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently sent out a mandate that all letter mail being shipped to overseas military installations be addressed with a nine-digit zip code, starting January 2013. The policy change came with an upgrade to USPS's mail sorting system and the opening of an additional centralized gateway for receiving and shipping all government mail. The new mail sorting system will enable mail to be delivered and sorted quicker by giving the sorting machines another way to divide up the mail. The new address format will include the box number as a four digit number at the end of the zip code. For more information, visit the (https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-guidelines.htm) USPS website.


New AF Instructor Application Process
Technical sergeants and master sergeants who meet qualification requirements may be non-voluntarily selected for military training instructor duty by the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC). Airmen selected will receive their assignment notification through the normal notification process and will have 45 days to complete and submit the MTI application. Required application package contents and instructions are available in the Air Force Special Duty Catalog on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers site -- enter SPECAT in the search window. For information from the Air Education and Training Command, visit the AETC website at (http://www.aetc.af.mil/) www.aetc.af.mil. For information about MTI duty, visit the 737th Training Support Squadron page on the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal. For more information about enlisted special duty opportunities, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers site and enter "Equal Plus" in the search window.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Army Offers New App
Members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) community can now download frequently requested info about installation activities and events to Apple or Android mobile device, using the "My Military Communities" (myMC2) smartphone app. Smartphone users can download myMC2 by searching for "My Military Communities" in Google Play or iTunes. Once installed, users can select "Joint Base Lewis-McChord" (or one of more than 30 other participating installations) to view a customer service directory and an event calendar for their base, using the app. For more information about the MWR app, visit the Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR website at (http://www.jblmmwr.com) www.jblmmwr.com.
To keep up with the latest military apps, including Military.com's tablet and phone apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Apps page.


DoD Safe Helpline
DoD Safe Helpline, operated by RAINN on behalf of the Department of Defense, is a secure, anonymous and confidential crisis support service that connects members of the military community to live sexual assault professionals for one-on-one support. Access DoD Safe Helpline 24/7 from anywhere in the world by calling 877-995-5247 or visiting the Safe Helpline website at (http://www.safehelpline.org/) www.safehelpline.org. To find help near you, text your zip code, installation or base name to: 55-247 (in the U.S.) or 202-470-5546 (outside the U.S.) RAINN will not share your name or any other personally identifying information with DoD or your chain of command.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Time to Prep for Navy Advancement Exams
Sailors should be preparing now to excel on their March advancement exams, which take place every March and September for Sailors trying to achieve the ranks of petty officer third class through petty officer first class. The exam to become a chief petty officer takes place every year in January. Once Sailors have met all of the eligibility requirements, they can start preparing for the exam. One of the best resources available to prepare is the (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/career ... mentcenter) Navy Advancement Center webpage. For more information on the Navy Advancement Center, visit the (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Adva ... 3190711299) Navy Advancement Center Facebook page.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


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Airmen to Attend Inauguration
A selected few from the ranks of the Air Force, along with those selected by their sister services will become a part of history on Jan. 21, when President Barack Obama takes his second oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. They came together on Sunday Jan. 13, to put months of practice to the test. The U.S. Air Force Band, along with the Honor Guard, joined more than 1,000 Airmen in fields ranging from communications to logistics, medical, legal, command and control and contingency response to provide support for the inauguration. To see more on Airmen's participation during the rehearsal, read the AIRMAN magazine story and (http://airman.dodlive.mil/2013/01/standing-in-2/) see the accompanying images.
For more military-related news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Changes for TRICARE Prime
Active-duty servicemembers and their families will be unaffected when long-delayed reductions to areas where the TRICARE Prime option is offered take place Oct. 1. However, some military retirees and their dependents who reside more than 40 miles from a military treatment facility or near base closure site will be moved to TRICARE Standard coverage. Provisions will allow Prime beneficiaries who see providers outside the 40-mile service area to remain in Prime if they reside within 100 miles of an available primary care manager and sign an access waiver. Contractors such as United HealthCare Military & Veterans, Health Net Federal Services and Humana Military will continue to assist beneficiaries in obtaining providers in their regions. Beneficiaries should speak to their health care providers and families to assess the best course of action.
Read the (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,254518,00.html) Military Update for more details.


Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Recent events with tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and even tsunamis demonstrate a continuing need to recruit talented individuals for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Planning and Response Teams (USACE PRT), which provide assistance in time of disaster to help people recover and set a path to return to normalcy. People with almost any skill set, background, training or specialty may be used. Skill sets most desired for the teams and particular questions may be directed to your emergency management office or supervisor. Typical emergency assistance needed includes needs assessments, temporary power, ice and water, debris management, emergency infrastructure assessments, critical public facility restorations, demolition/structural stabilization, and technical assistance. Contact your emergency management office for the procedures to apply to be a member of a USACE PRT.
For more Army news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


33 States Waive CDL Test
Maryland has joined 33 other states in agreeing to waive the skills test for veterans and servicemembers who have military training that would entitle them to a commercial driver's license. A provision of the commercial learner's permit rule gives state driver licensing agencies the authority to substitute two years of commercial motor vehicle safe-driving experience in the military equivalents of commercial motor vehicles for the skills-test portion of the commercial driver license. The rule applies to active duty, Reserve, Guard and Coast Guard members, and veterans within 90 days of separation. More states are considering such a waiver. For more information, contact your state's motor vehicle administration or department of transportation.
For more veteran job news, as well as job listings and tips for starting your civilian career, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Fix Bad VA Loan Credit in the New Year
Many Americans have New Year's Resolutions to leave bad credit habits behind them. Borrowers with damaged credit, or who have been turned down for a VA loan due to a low credit score, can use these tips to improve their scores for a VA loan in 2013, based on some recommendations from the Federal Reserve. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) See these tips.


Wal-Mart to Hire Veterans
The nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, has announced a plan to hire every veteran who wants a job, provided that the veterans have left the military in the previous year and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. The program will officially begin on Memorial Day and will eventually lead to the hiring of more than 100,000 people in the next five years. The new program represents one of the largest hiring commitments for veterans in history.
(http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... erans.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


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.


$300k Financial Security: Only $1 a Day
Get $300k Life insurance coverage starting at only $1 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0121.nl) Get affordable coverage now.


Fiscal Crisis Threatens Military Pay
The latest "fiscal crisis" has once again triggered fear that military servicemembers won't get paid. This week the President renewed those fears when he stated that "If congressional Republicans refuse to pay Americans bills on time, Social Security benefits, and veterans' checks will be delayed." He added, "We might not be able to pay our troops or honor our contract for small business owners." Once more it appears that our elected officials are willing to hold military servicemembers, veterans, and the elderly hostage to ensure they get their way. As to be expected, fear and anger spread quickly through the military and veteran communities. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... pay-again/) Read the full article on the Military Advantage.


Airmen Urged to Reenlist
Active-duty Airmen who are eligible to reenlist, extend their current enlistment, retire or separate in March are encouraged to complete these personnel actions through the myPers website and their base military personnel sections by Feb. 15 to avoid processing delays and military pay issues due to the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) upgrade. Airmen who are eligible to apply for retirement or request a voluntary separation in March are encouraged to initiate these personnel actions through the virtual Military Personnel Flight application on the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website as soon as possible. Air Force Reserve members are not required to take any immediate actions unless they are notified by their MPS. More information is available on the (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil) Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) public website and the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more on reenlistment options and bonuses, visit the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com Recruiting Center.


Leave Carryover Extended
Airmen with more than 60 days of leave at the beginning of next fiscal year may be able to carry it into the next fiscal year thanks to a provision in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The provision extends the maximum leave carryover of 75 days through Sept. 30, 2015. For information about the military leave program and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more on military benefits, including the latest pay charts, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Tops in Blue Receives Grant
Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier traveling entertainment troupe, was selected to receive $100,000 from the Air Force's Trademark and Licensing Office, which processes requests from around the world by entities interested in using the Air Force symbol and other intellectual properties. Recently, the Services Directorate identified Tops in Blue as the benefiting activity. U.S. law authorized military branches to identify their trademarks, license them to qualified companies and collect fees for their use. Consumers are encouraged to look for the "Officially Licensed Product of the United States Air Force" identifier on Air Force-branded products when shopping. Buying officially licensed products helps support Airmen and their families. For more information on trademark and licensing, visit the Air Force Trademark and Licensing Program webpage at (http://www.trademark.af.mil/) www.trademark.af.mil . For more information on Tops in Blue, including a current tour schedule, visit the Tops in Blue website at (http://www.topsinblue.com/) www.topsinblue.com.
For more entertainment-related military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


3 VA Loan Tips
Tip: Get Pre-Approved. Before you start the hunt for a house, the best thing you can do is to get pre-approved for your (http://www.military.com/Resources/Resou ... -1,00.html) VA loan amount. Hint: Check Your Credit. Did you know that over 70 percent of all credit reports in the United States contain errors? Hint: Consider the Advantages of Having a VA Guaranteed Loan. A VA mortgage loan can be guaranteed with no money down, in some cases up to $417,000. There is also no private mortgage insurance requirement. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read the full story on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... RC=mrvr.nl) Next Step: Search for lenders ready to help you buy or refinance with a VA Loan.


Allstate Searching for Veteran Talent
Our Shared Vision: At Allstate, we celebrate creative problem solving, full engagement and working together to keep all people in Good Hands, and we recognize our military veterans as men and women who share this vision. The sacrifices you've made for our country demonstrate your level of commitment, resourcefulness and integrity -- (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) invaluable characteristics that we seek in new talent.


Navy Basic Combat Skills Course Online
The First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) has announced the activation of the Basic Combat Skills (BCS) Level I online training course on Navy e-Learning (NeL) via Navy Knowledge On-Line (NKO). This self-paced course includes six lessons that enable Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officers to learn combat skills or refresh their skill-sets. Until its launch on NeL, the BCS course had only been available in an instructor-led classroom environment. To enroll, visit the (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/home/) NKO site and select the LEARNING tab> Navy e-Learning>Online Courses> Browse Categories> Department of the Navy (DON) Training> Naval Construction Force Training> Basic Combat Skills> Basic Combat Skills - Level I.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


New Navy Apprenticeship
The U.S. Navy's Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) has announced that the fourth installment to its list of apprenticeship trades is now available to Sailors for open enrollment. The new Armory Technician Apprenticeship Trade is available to Sailors, E-4 and above, who serve in certain ratings. Sailors can enroll in this new Department of Labor (DoL) approved apprenticeship trade by visiting the (https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss/static/usmap.jsp) United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) webpage and selecting the 'Enroll/Reinstate' link to begin. Sailors desiring to enroll must have completed the Security Force Weapons Personal Qualifications 301, 305, 308, 322, and 323. A Sailor must also possess NEC [Naval Enlisted Classification Code] 0812, 0814, 9525, or 9536. For more information about Center for Security Forces (CSF), visit the Center for Security Forces website at (http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/) http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/ or the CSF Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ) www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Get the 2013 Military Pay Charts
The President signed the NDAA for FY2013 which includes a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. This pay raise went into effect on January 1, 2013. Take a look at the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) 2013 military pay charts to see what you may be getting this year.
Get a list of all your 2013 pay -- BAH, Special Pay and Allowances and more. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl) Use the Military.com Pay Calculator.
(http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... ESRC=mr.nl)


GI Bill Transferability Update
When initially implemented, the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rview.html) Post-9/11 GI Bill education transfer program was phased in to enable servicemembers nearing retirement to accept a 1-, 2-, or 3-year active-duty service commitment. That phase-in period expired July 31, 2012 and all active-duty now incur a 4-year ADSC. Servicemembers interested in transferring a portion or all of their GI Bill education benefits to family members can contact the education services team at (mailto:afpc.dpsitedu@us.af.mil) afpc.dpsitedu@us.af.mil. Eligible members can apply to transfer benefits through the MilConnect website at (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect. Air Force personnel may also apply through the Virtual Military Personnel Flight self-service actions section, accessible via the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website or the Air Force Portal. For more information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill and transferring education benefits, visit (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers, and enter "Post 9/11 GI Bill" or "9083" in the search window.
For more guides on the GI Bill, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.