Military Report - Week of February 25, 2013

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Military Report - Week of February 25, 2013

AAFES Offers Marvel Comics
Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, Hulk, and Black Widow are all making their way to military installations around the world via one million free comic books published exclusively for the Armed Forces by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Marvel Custom Solutions. The new full-color comic, titled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/84 ... otostream/) "Double Vision," opens five years in the future, with the Earth's Mightiest Heroes locked into a desperate battle with the hi-tech terrorist group. The free, 22-page comic bookis currently available at Exchanges worldwide.
For more on military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


AF Climate Survey Results
More than 163,000 Airmen across the Air Force voiced their opinions in the online Air Force Climate Survey conducted May 11-June 22, 2013 with results indicating Airmen are satisfied with unit performance and trust their leaders. The climate survey is designed to measure attitudes toward the work environment, with questions organized within factors such as satisfaction, trust, unit performance and resources. Survey results from the 2012 CSAF Climate survey, as well as the 2008 and 2010 results, are available on the Air Force Portal webpage. To see them, log into the (https://www.my.af.mil) Portal. And enter "Air Force Survey Office" in the search window. Once at the Survey Office page, mouse over the AF Climate Survey link on the left side of the page and select the 2012 survey. For more information about 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.


AF Splits Space and Missile Career Field
The Air Force has split the space and missile career field. The new career field will be "Nuclear and Missile Operations" (AFSC 13N). The change affects approximately 3,100 officers coded as either "Space Operations" or "Nuclear Missile Operations" within the former 13S career field. Those officers previously coded as "Nuclear Missile Operations" will have their AFSCs changed to 13N. Affected officers should contact their career field managers for more information about how the change will affect them.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Buddy Finder: Reconnect with Old Military Friends
The Military.com Buddy Finder allows you to search over 20 million records to locate old military friends. Search by name, service, pay grade, age, installation, school, state or employer. (http://www.military.com/buddy-finder/?ESRC=mrvr0225.nl) Reconnect now.


AAFES Warns of Misleading Ads
Someone claiming to be "Exchange Inc." has been placing advertisements in auto magazines and commercial newspapers, leading Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers to believe they are purchasing a vehicle through the Department of Defense (DoD) retailer. Shoppers who believe that they may have been taken advantage of can file a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at (http://www.ic3.gov) www.ic3.gov. Exchange facilities are located solely on military installations. The Exchange does not advertise in civilian outlets such as metropolitan newspapers or automobile sales magazines. Exchange advertisements are published in outlets whose audiences are mostly comprised of military members.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


PTS Sailors Can Take March Exam
A recent policy change allows Sailors with a PTS "Intends to Separate" status to participate in the upcoming March, 2013 examination. Sailors who have received final PTS denial (Denied Final - Active) on their December PTS application remain ineligible to participate in the March examination. A policy change in the security clearance requirement now allows a Sailor to take the advancement exam with an interim clearance issued by the unit commanding officer while awaiting formal adjudication from DONCAF. Some exceptions apply. For additional information on PTS eligibility requirements visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... E-PTS.aspx) FleetRIDE (PTS/REGA) webpage. For additional information regarding security clearance requirements, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/C ... ement.aspx) Navy Personnel Command website. Individual rating and paygrade bibliographies for the March, 2013 enlisted examinations are posted on NAC's (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/career ... iographies) NKO portal. For more information about the Navy Advancement Center and the Navy Enlisted Advancement System, visit the (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Adva ... ts&fref=ts) Navy Advancement Center Facebook page.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Scholarships for Those Left Behind
The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation's vision is that every such child can have a debt-free college education. TO date the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has given over 300 scholarships totaling over $4.6 million. Every dollar donated to the foundation goes directly to children in need. For more information, visit the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation website at (http://fallenpatriots.org/) fallenpatriots.org.
For more guides on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Library Showing Rare WWII Cartoons
The rare Private Snafu films were created to teach World War II soldiers with low literacy skills what happens if you fail to follow military protocol. The films were never intended to be seen by the general public. But on March 1, 2013, you can see them in their original 16mm format at the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library in Indianapolis, Indiana. The character of Private Snafu was created by director Frank Capra (It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) and voiced by the legendary Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny). Many episodes were written by Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel. For more information, visit the (http://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/) Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library website.
For more on military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Navy Housing Rental Partnership Program
The U.S. Navy Housing's Rental Partnership Program (RPP) helps servicemembers and their families save money on their moving costs associated with renting a home. The RPP provides servicemembers with an affordable alternative for off-base housing and defrays some of the costs incurred as a result of their relocation. Benefits include reduced rents, reduced or no security deposits, and reduced or no application or administrative fees. Servicemembers are invited to contact their local Navy HSC to learn about availability of the RPP at their duty station by visiting Navy Housing's website at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Housing) www.cnic.navy.mil/Housing. For more information about the Rental Partnership Program (RPP), visit the RPP webpage at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/RPP) www.cnic.navy.mil/RPP.
For more guides and tips on home ownership and rental, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Home Ownership section.


Preparing for the Worst Case
If you were to die, are your important documents easily accessible, and does somebody know where to find them? Here are some steps to consider: (1) have your will easily accessible; (2) discuss with someone where you would like to be buried, what to do with your car, furniture and the rest of your possessions; (3) let someone know if you have life insurance and what type; (4) make sure your Service Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is updated regularly to reflect the desired beneficiaries; (5) prepare and keep in a safe place a list of passwords to your computer and online accounts, so others can access your digital documents even when they do not share your computer on a regular basis; (6) talk about your death and wishes with those closest to you; and (7) strive to get your things in order and plan ahead for those you love.
For more life insurance programs and options, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/insurance) Military.com Life Insurance section.
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AF to Roll Back Separation Dates
The Air Force will implement the enlisted date of separation rollback program this fiscal year, in addition to several voluntary force management programs. The rollback will accelerate the date of separation for senior master sergeants and below who meet required criteria. Airmen affected must separate from the Air Force by May 31, and those eligible to retire must do so effective June 1 or earlier. It is important that retirement-eligible members affected by the program submit their retirement request by March 29, 2013. Also, Airmen who served 180 days or more on active duty who are separated under the DOS rollback will be authorized transition assistance benefits. For more information about force management 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.


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Navy Announces CMC Board Results
The U.S. Navy has announced the results from the Fiscal Year 2014 Command Master Chief (CMC) and Command Senior Chief (CSC) Selection Boards. More than 140 active duty and Reserve senior enlisted Sailors were selected by the FY-14 selection board. CMC and CSC selection boards convene annually. For a complete list of selectees read NAVADMINS 031/13 and 032/13 on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/P ... fault.aspx) Navy Personnel Command website. To learn more about the CMC and CSC programs read OPNAVINST 1306.2F at (http://www.goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/about/cmc.pdf) www.goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/about/cmc.pdf and (http://www.slideshare.net/FleetCPOtrain ... nst13062-f) www.slideshare.net/FleetCPOtraining/cmc ... nst13062-f.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Furloughs to Hit DoD Hard
If Congress fails to stop $46 billion in indiscriminate defense budget cuts set for March 1, most of the 800,000 Department of Defense civilian employees will face shortened workweeks, their pay cut by 20 percent from late April through the end of FY2013. The furloughs, along with the other planned cuts, will impact overall readiness. (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... lback.html) Read this week's 'Military Update' for more details.


Navy Online Game Continues
People have been collaborating online in a war game called Massive Multiplayer Online War Game Leveraging the Internet (em2 MMOWGLI), which is designed to help the Navy better understand the electromagnetic environment. The last phase of the online war game, "Change Our Paradigm: Tactical Employment of EM Weapons," takes place March 4-10, 2013. New players can (https://mmowgli.nps.edu/em2) register online for the next two phases. For more information, visit the (https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncoi/default.aspx) Navy Center for Innovation website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Prime Rollback
Beginning in Fiscal Year 2013, managed care networks operating beyond 40 miles of military treatment facilities or base closure sites will be halted under next-generation TRICARE support contracts. The change, to impact 171,000 beneficiaries, is intended to cut TRICARE costs for taxpayers. The TRICARE Management Activity has a new online tool for retirees under age 65 and surviving spouses to verify if their Prime network will end Oct. 1, forcing them to use TRICARE Standard. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -rollback/) Read the Military Advantage to get the whole story.


Navy's Citadel Shield Exercise
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will conduct an annual Force Protection and Anti-Terrorism (FP/AT) exercise Citadel Shield (CS) 2013 on naval bases and installations throughout the continental United States Feb. 19 - March 1. There will be an increase in patrols on and around Navy installations as a result of this planned exercise. Exercise CS 2013 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base and station operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Updated Navy Hazing Policy
The U.S. Navy has initiated new measures to track and prevent cases of hazing. Hazing occurs when a servicemember causes another to be exposed to cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or harmful activities. Reporting procedures are outlined in the new NAVADMIN 034/13 on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/P ... fault.aspx) Navy Personnel Command website. The full Department of Navy policy on hazing can be found in (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/01000 Military Personnel Support/01-600 Performance and Discipline Programs/1610.2A.pdf) SECNAVINST 1610.2A.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


New Navy IDC FitRep Procedures
The U.S. Navy has announced new fitness report summary group procedures for Information Dominance Corps officers captain and below. Reporting seniors will use combined officer summary groups for IDC officers regardless of designator in an initiative that supports the Navy's IDC transition strategy. The new method is effective for all IDC officer fitness reports captain and below ending May 31, 2013 or later as entered in Block 15 on the report. Ranking will include Oceanography (180X), Information Warfare (181X), Information Professional (182X), Intelligence (183X) and Cyber Warfare Engineer (184X) communities for FITREP purposes only. The goal is to eventually move to one statutory board per pay grade across the IDC. More information on officer summary groups can be found in the Navy Performance Evaluation System Instruction, (http://www.navybmr.com/BUPERSINST 161010.html) BUPERSINST 1610.10.
For more military-level fitness guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.


Benefits of a VA Loan in Today's Market
Contrary to what many Americans think, it's a very good time for servicemembers to refinance or purchase a home. With mortgage rates continuing to hover at all-time lows and many homes selling at significantly discounted prices, (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) it's possible for those with good credit and income to purchase a great home.


SEAL Survival Guide: Fighting Tips
Former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley has some tips on handling yourself in a fight. Violence of action means the unrestricted use of speed, strength, surprise, and aggression to achieve total dominance against your enemy; any fighting technique is useless unless you first totally commit to violence of action. Don't be afraid to hit first, and when you do, hit hard. Remember, you are fighting because this is the best and only option. Pull the trigger -- because you are in a battle for your life! (http://www.military.com/special-operati ... -tips.html) Read the full article.


Calculate Your 2013 Pay
The President and House of Representatives have proposed a 1.7 percent across-the-board pay increase for 2013. Calculate your gross monthly pay by rank, location or duty assignment. Calculations include Base Pay, BAH, Duty Pay, COLA, Special Pay and other bonuses, special pays and allowances. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... =mr0225.nl) Use the Military.com Pay Calculator.


DoD Announces New Medal
The Department of Defense has approved the new Distinguished Warfare Medal, which is designed to recognize servicemembers directly affecting combat operations who may not even be on the same continent as the action. (One example could be the work of an unmanned aerial vehicle operator who could be operating a system over Afghanistan while based in the United States.) The new medal cannot be awarded for acts of battlefield valor and cannot be used as an end-of-tour award. The Distinguished Warfare Medal will be below the Distinguished Flying Cross, and will be limited to achievements that are truly extraordinary. Award criteria will be incorporated into the next revision of DOD Manual 1348.33-V3, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Volume 3.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... lower.html) Learn how veterans groups are reacting to this new medal.


Navy Leave Policy Extended
The 2010 law that allowed Sailors to carry over up to 75 days of leave has been extended from Sept. 30, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2015. Afterward, leave carryover will be reset to 60 days and any leave balance in excess of 60 days will be lost. Special Leave Accrual for servicemembers assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger areas, certain deployable ships, mobile units, or other duty remains unchanged and Sailors should review MILPERSMAN 1050-070 for more information. Further extensions of the 75-day leave carry-over policy are not expected beyond 2015 and therefore, Sailors are encouraged to work with their chain of command to manage excess amounts of leave. For more information, read NAVADMIN 026/13 available at the Navy Personnel Command website at www.npc.navy.mil or contact the nearest Personnel Support Detachment for clarification of the 75-day leave carry-over policy.
For more military benefits information, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


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AF Libraries Offer Online Education
Worldwide, Air Force libraries offer online learning resources, digital magazines, music, movies and much more for Total Force Airmen, civilians, retirees and family members. Also, the Air Force libraries offer opportunities for self-improvement and personal development through the Universal Class program where any authorized Air Force library customer is eligible to register for more than 540 online classes in 30 different subject areas. To register and access the online programs, visit the AF Portal and click on the word "Library" on the navigation bar, or visit your local AF library or joint base library. For more information about Air Force libraries and other quality of life programs, visit the (https://www.usafservices.com/Default.aspx) ASAF Services website or (http://www.myairforcelife.com/) MyAirForceLife.com. For information about other personnel issues, visit the myPers (https://mypers.af.mil) website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Bankers Is Looking for Veteran Talent
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