Military Report - Week of March 04, 2013

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Military Report - Week of March 04, 2013

AF Wounded Warrior Pay Policy
The Air Force has released its new Pay and Allowance Continuation (PAC) Program policy, AFGM 34-02, for Airmen who become wounded or ill while supporting a combat contingency. A major concern motivating publication of the policy was the uncertainty Airmen had of their benefits. One major change included in the new policy is the granting of more authority to unit commanders. This benefits Airmen by leaving certain major decisions up to leaders who know them, and their specific mission in that unit. For more information on the PAC program, contact your installation's casualty assistance representative.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


DoD Program for Secure Mobile Devices
The Department of Defense (DoD) is rolling out a program that will allow users of a range of mobile devices -- working anywhere from remote battlefields to the Pentagon to rapidly share classified and protected data across all components. The goal is to ensure that mobile devices throughout the department -- as well as their apps, email and other functions, and the wireless networks supporting them -- can operate securely in often hostile and remote environments and can adapt to ever-changing technology, even as the number of users expands. Officials are planning for a phased implementation involving vendor competition for development of a related system that could prove to be a model for large companies that also need to protect the transmission of both open and confidential data.
For more news and reviews of military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App section.


TRICARE for Life
TRICARE for Life (TFL) is TRICARE's Medicare-wraparound coverage available to all Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, regardless of age or place of residence, provided they have Medicare Part A and Part B. With TFL, Medicare becomes the primary insurance, and TRICARE acts as a secondary payer. There is no paperwork associated with TFL--beneficiaries automatically gain coverage when they meet the requirements. To learn more about TFL, a fact sheet is available (http://www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TR ... FL_FS.ashx) online.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE section.


Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor
One thousand seriously wounded, ill and injured servicemembers are now enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Department of the Navy's support program for Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. NWW has also assisted more than 960 other servicemembers who do not qualify for enrollment but still require support. The program's goal is to enable servicemembers to focus on getting well, while its team of experts resolves pressing non-medical concerns and prepares enrollees for transition back to active duty or civilian life. Services include linking wounded warriors to benefits, connecting them to employment and education opportunities, hosting adaptive athletics events, and sharing family and mental health resources. For more information about NWW and how to enroll, call 1-855-NAVY WWP/1-855-628-9997, visit the (http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil) NWW Safe Harbor website or email (mailto:safeharbor@navy.mil) safeharbor@navy.mil.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Updating DEERS Information In-Person
Servicemembers and beneficiaries can visit the (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl) RAPIDS Site Locator to locate the nearest personnel office or Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), where they can update DEERS information in person, request a military or dependent ID card, update their Record of Emergency Data (Page 2), Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or Family SGLI and death gratuity benefits, or make corrections to their pay. Failure to keep one's personal information up-to-date could result in breaks in certain benefits or eligibility for a Sailor and their family. For a complete description of all Navy human resource records or detailed instructions on how to update service records, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/career/recordsm ... ault2.aspx) Navy Personnel Command Records Management and Policy webpage.
For more on DEERS, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... deers.html) Military.com DEERS section.


TRICARE West Region Transition
TRICARE West Region beneficiaries should keep their eyes on their mailboxes. UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans, the incoming West Region health care support contractor, is sending out welcome packages in late February and early March. TRICARE beneficiaries should read their packets carefully to see if they have to take any actions to prepare for the April 1, 2013 transition to UnitedHealthcare. One important date highlighted in the package is March 11, 2013 when beneficiaries must switch their automatic payment authorizations to UnitedHealthcare to maintain uninterrupted coverage. West Region beneficiaries can access additional information about the transition by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website at (http://www.uhcmilitarywest.com/) www.uhcmilitarywest.com or reach UnitedHealthcare customer service at 1-877-988- 9378. They may also visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/westtransition) www.tricare.mil/westtransition.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE section.


Applications for Scholarships, Grants Sought
Applications are currently being sought for scholarships and community grants from the Army Officers Wives Club of the Greater Washington Area (AOWCGWA) are currently being accepted. Scholarships are awarded three types of recipients--high school student, college student and spouse--based on merit. Applications must be completed and postmarked by March 30, 2013. The AOWCGWA also provides community grants to individuals and organizations that provide services and/or support for the military community. Grant requests must be received no later than April 17, 2013. To apply for a scholarship or grant, visit the AOWCGWA website at (http://www.aowcgwa.org) www.aowcgwa.org and click on the scholarships and grants tab to obtain application information and forms, as well as contact information for any questions.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Paper Checks Ended March 1
New rules from the Treasury Department require recipients of payments from Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the Veterans Administration and other federal pay and benefit agencies, to use electronic fund transfer methods to receive funds rather than mailed checks. The Treasury Department has estimated that eliminating hardcopy check payments would save the federal government about $20 million each year. According to DFAS more than 23,000 military retirees, annuitants and former spouses have yet to switch from monthly hardcopy checks to EFT. DFAS estimates that the federal government could save $265,000 per year if the remaining 23,000 join the more than 99 percent of DFAS customers that are already receiving electronic payments. The Treasury's rules call for issuing debit cards to payees without a bank account or who fail to register their account for direct deposit by the March 1, 2013 deadline.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... er-checks/) Read the full DFAS article.
For more on military pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Sailors, Families Should Review DEERS
Military families should review and update their personal information. Also, Sailors should update their personal information online whenever they have a permanent change of station move or undergo any life-changing event. Most of a Sailor's personal, dependent, family member or beneficiary information can be viewed and updated through the following reporting and record systems: (1) (https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil) Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS); (https://www.bol.navy.mil) BUPERS Online (BOL); (https://navyfamily.navy.mil) Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS); and (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). For a complete description of all Navy human resource records or detailed instructions on how to update service records, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/career/recordsm ... ault2.aspx) Navy Personnel Command Records Management and Policy webpage.
For more on DEERS, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... deers.html) Military.com DEERS section.


AF Criteria for New Medal
The Air Force has officially released nomination criteria for the new Distinguished Warfare Medal. Servicemembers may be awarded the DWM for actions completed from either in or outside an actual combat zone. The action must include hands-on employment of a weapons system, including remotely controlled assets, or any other activity, in any domain, that had a direct and immediate on-site effect on an engagement or operation against a target. The domain is expansive in scope and includes air, land, maritime, space and cyberspace. The medal will not be awarded for acts of valor. Eligibility for the medal is retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001. For more information and full eligibility criteria, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "DWM" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


The Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic and fierce battles in our history, recently commemorated its 68th anniversary. Check out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... q6KiTXkcQM) To the Shores of Iwo Jima on YouTube, a 1945 documentary (featuring color footage) to give some perspective on why the engagement mattered. And be sure to read the Washington Post about Joe Rosenthal's famous shot of the flag raising over Mt. Suribachi. For more information on the Battle of Iwo Jima, including instructional materials, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/library/onl ... wojima.htm) Navy Department Library website, the (http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-iwo-jima) History.com website, and the (http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13 ... a2,00.html) Military.com website.


DoD Says Military Pay is Safe
According to The Pentagon Channel, DoD officials have made it clear that military pay and "monetary" benefits will continue despite sequestration. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that servicemembers are not subject to the unpaid furloughs that will affect that majority of the Defense Department's civilian work force as a result of sequestration. According to Defense Secretary Panetta in a recently released memo "the president has used his legal authority to exempt military personnel funding from sequestration, but we have no legal authority to exempt civilian personnel funding from reductions. DoD's civilian employees' unpaid furloughs may begin in late April. The furloughs will effectively cut civilian pay by 20%. DoD did not make clear how sequestration will affect non-monetary benefits, like tuition assistance, MWR, and childcare services.
See more news on (http://www.military.com/topics/military-pay) Military Pay and (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Sequestration.


Survey Request: We Need Your Help
Your opinion matters. Take a quick survey to help ASMBA improve their product offerings and better serve the military community. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FNDM3J3) Take the survey now.


Navy Women's History Month Plans
The Navy joins the nation in celebrating Women's History Month during the month of March. Commands are strongly encouraged to increase their knowledge and awareness of the contributions of women to our Navy and nation by celebrating the national Women's History Month theme, "Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)" through programs, exhibits, publications, and participation in military and community events. For more information, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/special highlights/women/women-index.htm) Naval History and Heritage Command's Women in the Navy webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Updates Learning System
The Navy has begun a phased rollout of its new, modernized Learning Management System (LMS) platform. The new system uses AtlasPro as the replacement technology for the current LMS, which is at its end-of-life. The LMS is the technology was the backbone of Navy e-Learning (NEL). The Navy is implementing the AtlasPro LMS in a phased rollout throughout shore-based training facilities only. For general learners, transitioning to AtlasPro will be relatively transparent. However, the user interface will have a modernized look and feel. To assist users and schoolhouse staff in the transition, a series of role-based Job Performance Aids (JPAs) will be available via a link within the LMS application. For more information on the AtlasPro LMS and ETMDS visit the (https://ile-help.nko.navy.mil/ile/index.aspx) Navy NKO site. A CAC is required for access.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/news) Military.com News 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.


Operation: Live Well
Choosing to live healthy is proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, coronary artery disease, enlarged heart and other life threatening heart diseases. OPERATION: Live Well, the Military Health System's healthy living campaign, provides education, resources and support for healthy living initiatives throughout the military community. Visit the (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... live-well/) OPERATION: Live Well website to learn how to eat healthy, stay active and live tobacco-free. TRICARE beneficiaries are covered for preventive screenings for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both risk factors for heart disease. Prescriptions and preventive screenings are covered at no cost when Prime beneficiaries get their care from their primary care provider or a network provider. A list of covered services is available online at the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/preventivecare) www.tricare.mil/preventivecare. For more information on heart disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at (http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease) www.cdc.gov/heartdisease.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit Military.com's (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE section.


Fed Speeds up Health Record Integration
The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have announced that they will speed implementation of the Integrated Electronic Health Record program allowing servicemembers and veterans better access and, more importantly, better medical care. The system is now expected to be deployed by the end of 2014. The goal is to provide one set of electronic records from entry into the military through veteran status. The program is designed to allow servicemembers or veterans to download information and present it to doctors or other health care providers without delays. Previously, servicemembers had to hand carry paper files from DoD facilities to Veterans Affairs. DoD and VA begin conducting a pilot program this summer.
For more on military medical benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Deploying or Returning Home? Get Tips - the Deployment Center
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.


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 VA loan amount. Tip 2 : Check Your Credit. Did you know that over 70 percent of all credit reports in the United States contain errors? Tip 3: 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. For more details on these tips, read (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) 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.


AF 2013 Senior Enlisted Promotions
More than 1,360 master sergeants, out of 12,834 eligible, have been selected for promotion to senior master sergeant. The list will be accessible on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/news/index.asp) Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) public news page and the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal. Selectee promotions will begin in April, in order of promotion sequence numbers.
For more 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/news) Military.com News Center.


Get 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. (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 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.


$400k Protection Starting at $26 a Month
Is SGLI too much for your family? Find low cost alternatives designed for your family's needs. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0304.nl) Get $400k protection for as low as $26 a month.


Survey Request: We Need Your Help 030413


General Dynamics Is Hiring Veterans
Your Next Mission Starts Here. We scour the country in search for the best veteran talent to help us deliver innovative technology solutions for our nation's highest-priority defense and homeland security initiatives. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn how your skills can translate into a civilian career in mission-critical programs.


Cuts to Hit Military School Districts
School districts with military ties from coast-to-coast are bracing for increased class sizes and delayed building repairs. Others already have axed sports teams and even eliminated teaching positions, but still may have to tap savings just to make it through year's end. The schools' losses will come from cuts to a federal program known as "Impact Aid" that supplements local property tax losses for districts that cover federal land, including military posts and Indian tribal areas.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... first.html) Read the full article on Military.com to learn more about the impact sequestration will have on your schools.


Deal of the Week: Military Discounts
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MOAA Offers Scholarships
Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) Scholarship Fund announced it received bequests totaling over $5.7 million. One hundred percent of the gifts will be used to help educate children of military families. The MOAA Scholarship Fund has been able to provide over $100 million in interest-free loans and grants to more than 12,000 students. To learn more about the MOAA Scholarship Fund or to donate, visit (http://www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund) www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Basic Allowance for Housing Helps You Get A Loan
As an active duty service member, you're probably aware that you're eligible for a basic allowance for housing (BAH). But do you know that your BAH can be used to help you get a VA mortgage? Although it's not specifically designed for mortgages, it's incredibly helpful for anyone considering buying or refinancing a home by helping to defray the costs of a mortgage. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.