Military Report - Week of February 11, 2013

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of February 11, 2013

New AF Emergency Hazard Info App
The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division (AFEM) has developed an Air Force "Be Ready" mobile app for use on Android devices. The app was designed as an on-the-go source for emergency hazard information and preparation guides. It provides information about what to do before, during and after specific threats. Emergency management experts plan to release versions of the app on other mobile platforms including the Apple iPhone coming late spring, 2013. To download the (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... .ara.brapp) free 'Be Ready' application for Android devices. For more information and resources to help you and your family "Be Ready," contact installation Emergency Management offices or visit (http://www.beready.af.mil/) www.BeReady.af.mil.
For more on military apps, including profiles of the latest apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App section.


Navy "All Hands" Magazine Goes Online
The Navy will relaunch its flagship magazine, "All Hands Magazine," for Sailors and their families as an online publication Feb. 11 at the new All Hands Magazine website at (http://www.ah.mil) www.ah.mil. The new online version will feature stories, photos and videos about topics that are relevant to Sailors and their families. For almost 90 years, the print version of All Hands Magazine greeted Sailors everywhere. The magazine's editors are counting on reader contributions from across the fleet. Readers can visit (http://www.ah.mil) www.ah.mil Feb. 11 for details on how to contribute.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


AF 2013 Voluntary Separations
The Air Force has announced that it will implement several voluntary officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal year 2013. For officers, voluntary measures will be offered in certain year groups and overage career fields. For enlisted members, voluntary programs will be open to Airmen who are not in critical specialties. All applications must be submitted, via the virtual MPF, by Aug. 1, 2013. Approved separations must be complete by Sept. 29 and those approved to retire must do so by Sept. 1, 2013. Full eligibility requirements and application procedures for officer and enlisted programs are available on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Enter PSDM 13-09 in the search window for officer FM programs or PSDM 13-10 for enlisted programs.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Air Force Selects 50 Test Pilot Candidates
More than 50 Air Force officers have been selected as primary or alternate Air Force and Navy test pilot school selectees. The program develops specially-trained pilots, combat systems officers, flight test engineers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots to monitor, manage, and perform flight tests on research, experimental or production-type aerospace vehicles and weapon systems. A list of primary and alternate selectees is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 01-069.pdf) online. For more information about development programs and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Get Your Deployment Financial Checklist
If you have a family, the single most important thing to think about when it comes to deployment is ensuring that they're well taken care of while you're away. Finances are a big part of this, but they can also become a source of friction. (http://www.military.com/deployment/chec ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read more and get your financial checklist.


What's Next After the Military?
Explore your options. Start early and get ahead with the Transition Center. The Transition Center works simply, but effectively, and is designed to be the first place you go to plan your transition. Simply enter in your estimated separation date and you'll receive monthly email notifications with checklists and tips to help prepare for your exit from the military -- benefits and options after transition, civilian careers that match your military experience, resume keywords, interview tips, financial changes, relocation advice and more. (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military Transition Center.


Navy Tax Centers Open
More than 100 Navy tax assistance centers around the world are now open for business. Navy tax assistance centers provide Sailors and others free assistance with filing their taxes. The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2013, and Navy tax assistance centers in the U.S. will be open through this date to assist customers. Sailors assigned overseas automatically receive a two-month extension to file their taxes. Sailors and their dependents who are not assigned near a Navy tax center may access Military One Source online at (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) www.militaryonesource.mil to utilize free tax preparation software. A complete listing of Navy tax centers and other important tax references are available online by accessing the Navy JAG website at (http://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/co ... x_info.htm) www.jag.navy.mil/organization/code_16_tax_info.htm.
For more tax tips, and access to tax services for free, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


Congress Seeks to Extend VRAP Deadline
Congressman Jeff Miller (FL-01), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs recently introduced a bill to extend the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) through June 30, 2014, a move that would make it easier for program participants to finish job-training programs they have already started. VRAP was originally part of the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 and is currently scheduled to expire on March 31, 2014.
(http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... -bill.html) Learn more about all the GI Bill education programs.


Register for the March 29th Spouse Experience
Calling all military spouses: Military.com will be hosting the March 29th Spouse Experience in Aviano, Italy. This is a free event for all past, present and future military spouses! Military.com's Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military spouses for military spouses. Every year Military.com's Spouse Experience brings together thousands of military spouses to extend support to the women and men on the homefront. The event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. In a fast-paced, on-your-feet, NO-Power-Point, win-a-prize workshop, the SpouseBuzz experts bring their best insider tips on the top four concerns of military spouses. (http://aviano.eventbrite.com/#?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Learn more and register here.


New Surcharges on VISA Purchases
As of January 27, merchants in the United States and U.S. Territories are permitted to impose a surcharge on any credit card transaction that uses a MasterCard or Visa branded card, which includes the Government Travel Charge Card, both Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs). This surcharge is permitted to be charged in all states except ten states. This new surcharge has been authorized reimbursable expense while on official travel. The Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) have been updated accordingly, effective 27 January 2013. If a traveler is charged this surcharge, they should add it as a separate expense under the Non-Mileage Expense section of their voucher, ensuring that the additional surcharge is not also included in the total of the related expense. For additional information, visit the (http://usa.visa.com/personal/using_visa ... index.html) VISA website.
For more credit and debt tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


5 VA Loan Myths Busted
VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get answers to 5 common VA Loan myths on Military.com.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0211.nl) Next Step: Connect with lenders who are ready to help you buy or refi with your VA Loan benefit.


2013 Tax Changes: Should You Be Worried?
Here's a look at the laws that could wage a multipronged attack on your wallet and what you can do to prepare. Over the last few years, Americans have observed a series of tense Capitol Hill confrontations over what to do about expiring tax code provisions. While each was significant, their scale is dwarfed by what looms at the end of this year: Without action by Congress, Americans face a half-trillion-dollar tax hike in 2013, according to the Tax Foundation -- a scenario so ominous that pundits have nicknamed it "taxmageddon." (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;266811177 ... ance/taxes) Read the Full Article.


VA Disability Compensation Increases
VA disability compensation along with VA pensions, retired pay and annuities have increased for 2013. Last month, the more than four million Veterans and survivors who receive compensation benefits from VA saw an increase of 1.7 percent in their total monthly payment. The increase is due to an annual (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... d-pay.html) cost of living adjustment (COLA) that ensures compensation benefits for Veterans and survivors keep pace with inflation.
For more on disability compensation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ation.html) Military.com Benefits Center.


New DoD 'BioZen' App for Smart Phones
The Department of Defense (DoD) has released a smart phone mobile application to help servicemembers use the therapeutic benefits of biofeedback. BioZen uses wireless sensors to show users their physical level of relaxation. It is the first portable, low-cost method for clinicians and patients to use biofeedback in and out of the clinic. BioZen shows real-time data from multiple body sensors. The mobile application is free for Android devices. Users need to purchase compatible medical sensors to use the app. A sensor can range in price depending on quality. The cost of compatible sensors begins between $75 and $150. A list of compatible sensors is on the (http://t2health.org/apps/biozen) BioZen webpage.
For more on military apps, including profiles of the latest apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App section.


Nursing Scholarship Available
Applications for the $5,000 Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Disease Nursing Scholarship are now available for nurses wanting to advance their training in pediatric lung and respiratory diseases or to prepare for positions in clinical practice and management. Applicants are specifically required to have prospects of full-time employment that have a direct relationship with pediatric lung and respiratory disease nursing. To view the scholarship's complete requirements, download the (http://www.legion.org/publications/1609 ... p-brochure) nursing scholarship brochure at (http://www.legion.org/publications/1609 ... p-brochure) http://www.legion.org/publications/1609 ... p-brochure. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 15. To request an application packet, contact the American Legion Americanism and Children & Youth Division, Attn: Eight and Forty Nursing Scholarship, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Deal of the Week: TurboTax FREE for Military
TurboTax's Military Edition was custom built for military, and now junior enlisted personnel (E5 and below) can file state and federal returns for FREE! (http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;266811177 ... 4_52200486) Get your biggest refund, guaranteed.


AF Renews NASCAR Sponsorship
The Air Force renewed its NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the No. 43 car driven by Aric Almirola, a 28-year-old driver who was born on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and whose father served in the Air Force. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in two of 36 NASCAR points races this season. For more information, visit the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series website at (http://www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html) www.nascar.com/en_us/sprint-cup-series.html.
For more on military-related sports events, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


National African-American History Month
February is National African-American History Month. This year's theme is "At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington." The Emancipation Proclamation is 150 years old, and the March on Washington is 50 years old. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... e=BH_Index) Military.com Black History Month page, the National African-American History Month website at (http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/) www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov, the National Register of Historic Places website at (http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/) www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/afam/, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History website at (http://www.asalh.org/) www.asalh.org and the History.com website at (http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month) www.history.com/topics/black-history-month.


Airmen Retention Applications Deadline
The Air Force is encouraging active duty Airmen who are eligible to retrain in March to submit their completed retraining packages through the myPers website by Feb. 15 to avoid processing delays due to the upcoming Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) upgrade and transfer that will make MilPDS unavailable for about 23 days. Reserve and Guard members will receive specific instructions from the Air Force Reserve Command and Air Reserve Personnel Center concerning how the MilPDS upgrade will impact their personnel programs. More information is available on the (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil) Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) public website. For more information about the MilPDS upgrade, visit the (http://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Fleet RIDE-Perform to Serve Changes
The Navy will implement two new programming changes within the Fleet RIDE-Perform to Serve (FR-PTS) system that are designed to help Sailors negotiate orders and improve system efficiency for career counselors. FR-PTS will now automatically generate a Special Circumstance Application 15 months prior to a Sailor's PRD if they will have less than 24 months of obligated service remaining at their PRD. Monthly denial letters will also be eliminated and a single final determination letter will be sent to Sailors. All other FR-PTS program policies remain in effect. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center, at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC/1-(866)-827-5672.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


AF February Promotion List
More than 300 Air Force enlisted members were selected for promotion in the February supplemental promotion process. Airmen on the supplemental list tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency. The list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 31-016.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. For more information about enlisted promotions or other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


DoD, VA Scrap Shared Records Program
The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are scrapping their joint effort to create an Integrated Electronic Health Record (iEHR) system by 2017, after spending about $1 billion on the project. The iEHR was previously lauded by VA and DoD as a solution to the ongoing problem of incompatibility between the two departments' electronic health record systems (VA's VISTA and DoD's ALTA). James E. Koutz, national commander of The American Legion, said, "... our veterans are the real losers in this decision. Without a joint DoD-VA record that is easy to access, veterans have to ask for copies, and those requests often take months to process."
For more on military records, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Phase One of Navy Detailing System
The Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) application phase began Feb. 7 and will remain open until 5 a.m. Feb. 19 for Sailors in their permanent change of station (PCS) orders negotiation window. Sailors may access the CMS/ID website from the CMS/ID link at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil. Sailors with a September, 2013 PRD to November, 2013 PRD, and with Fleet Ride/Perform to Serve approval if applicable, may review advertised billets in CMS/ID during the application phase and apply for up to five jobs, either directly using CMS/ID or through a command career counselor (CCC). The application phase is typically about 10 days. 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 PCS guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


New Army Medical Billing Policy
As of Jan. 30, 2013, at the direction of the U.S. Army Medical Command Chief of Staff, patient medical bills at all Military Treatment Facilities that are less than $100,000 and more than 90 days past due will be transferred to the US Treasury Department for collection. To avoid bills being transferred to the US Treasury, patients with a balance due should contact their hospital's Treasury Office to make payment arrangements. Once overdue medical bills are transferred, the MTF will no longer be able to accept payments or negotiate a repayment plan. The patient will be required to contact the US Treasury Department's FedDebt Division at (888) 826-3127 to settle their debt with the U.S. Government.
For more on medical benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Retiree IDs Now Have Expiration Date
Blue retiree identification cards issued prior to December, 2012 had the word "indef" instead of an expiration date. Since December, retiree cards issued have an expiration date effective the day before the retiree's 65th birthday. Although benefits will not automatically expire, some changes will take effect based on Medicare eligibility. Retirees who have the new card showing the expiration date will get a replacement card showing the indefinite status once they turn 65. Retirees who need to renew their retiree ID card can go to the nearest Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System office (military personnel section), or call their nearest RAPIDS facility for assistance and guidance.
For more on military IDs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Army Ready and Resilient Campaign
Secretary of the Army John McHugh Monday has directed that programs from resilience training to suicide prevention be part of a wide-ranging "Ready and Resilient Campaign" (R2C) plan, which the U.S. Army will launch later this month. R2C programs will include those aimed at eliminating sexual assault and sexual harassment, bullying and hazing, substance abuse, domestic violence, and any stigmas or barriers associated with seeking help. The program will also improve methods to help leaders understand high-risk behaviors that could lead to suicide. For more information, read the memorandum related to the (http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/281001.pdf) Army Ready and Resilient Campaign and the (http://www.army.mil/readyandresilient) U.S. Army Ready and Resilient webpage.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Military Talent Sought
5 Streams Global Entertainment is searching for military talent for its new reality competition TV series -- The Casting Call: Troop Star Edition. All veterans, reservists, National Guard and active-duty servicemembers are encouraged to audition for the series, which is set to film in New York City and premiere nationwide in June 2013. The Troop Star Edition will support The American Legion's homeless veterans outreach efforts. Auditions will be held in four cities as well as (http://thecastingcallseries.com/ts/) online at The Casting Call website through March 31. For rules and regulations, eligibility and tour sites and dates, visit (http://thecastingcallseries.com/ts/) The Casting Call website and (http://www.facebook.com/CastingCallTV) The Casting Call Facebook page.
For more on military-related entertainment events, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Hertz Committed to Hiring Veterans
At Hertz we share the military's values of discipline, hard work, and dedication. Start your civilian career with a company that can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. Whether you are looking for an entry level position or a management role, Hertz can provide the opportunities to grow, learn, and be challenged as well as provide you with the tools to succeed. Come back and join a team that appreciates all that you have done for your country and is ready to help you use your skills to better your life. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Find out more.


$100k Coverage as Low as $7 a Month
Protect your family for less. Get $100k life insurance protection for as low as $7 a month. Want more coverage? (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0211.nl) Find personalized coverage today.