Groups Fight to Protect Pay and Benefits
The Military Coalition recently testified before the Senate armed services' subcommittee on military personnel to help convince them not to pass the White House's proposed cap on military pay raises and increased TRICARE fees. Read (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... -fees.html) Tom Philpott's Military Update to get the full story.
New Opportunities for Vets
Lawmakers recently passed legislation that helps ease military personnel's transition from active duty to federal public service. Through the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, military personnel nearing their separation date can now submit an approved statement of service letter in lieu of this form and still obtain veterans' preference. Previously, federal agencies and employers required military personnel to submit their DD 214 forms, which are only given upon discharge, to receive their veterans' preference during the application process. This is a substantial improvement that helps servicemembers achieve a seamless transition between their military service and future employment opportunities -- avoiding any periods of unemployment at the conclusion of their military service. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9182/u- ... -veterans/) VAntage Point Blog.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Sailors, Update Your Family Care Plans
Sailors should review their Family Care Plan and update it as required. A Family Care Plan is a group of documents, including a Family Care Certificate ( (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... -11_RE.pdf) NAVPERS 1740/6), Family Care Plan Arrangements ( (http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/Publications/PDF FORMS/NAVPERS 1740-7 R02-11_RE.pdf) NAVPERS 1740/7), and legal documents such as custody or separation agreements, custody and support orders, divorce decrees or related written agreements. The NAVPERS 1740/6 must be signed by the Sailor, the Sailor's spouse if dual military, caregivers and the commanding officer. For more information, read Family Care Plan instruction, (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/01000 Military Personnel Support/01-700 Morale, Community and Religious Services/1740.4D.pdf) OPNAVINST 1740.4D and visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/S ... ePlan.aspx) Navy Personnel Command Family Care Plan webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Dog Soldier Challenge: Extreme Obstacle Course
Are you up for a 3.3 mile obstacle course to put you in the shoes of what it was like for a dog soldier? Come out to Manor, TX on June 1-2, 2013. (http://www.dogsoldierchallenge.com/?ESRC=mrvr0422.nl) Sign Up Today.
Navy Preps for New Deployment Plan
U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and their escorts may change next year to a new deployment plan that will offer more certainty in scheduling. Under the current, anticipated plan, the Enhanced Carrier Presence (ECP) plan would extend the current FRTP cycle by four months, creating a 36-month cycle, which would allow us to deploy ships twice for every training iteration. However, the plan has not been finalized, and the specifics are still pre-decisional. The transition to ECP would take two years, starting in approximately late 2014. For more information on ECP, visit the (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/04/22/ ... ld-i-care/) Navy Live website.
For more on deployment, including financial guides and support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/deployment) Military.com Deployment Center.
Think You Know Military Facts? Test Your Knowledge & Win
Test your military history and knowledge with the Military.com Trivia Challenge. Here's how you win: For each question you answer correctly you'll receive one point, and for each point you'll earn an electronic raffle ticket. At the end of the month we'll have a random drawing of all the tickets and pull out one to determine the winner. Play as little or as much as you'd like during the month, but the more questions you answer correctly, the greater your chances of winning. (http://www.military.com/Trivia/Home/?ESRC=mrvr0422.nl) Play Now.
Battle Monuments App
The American Battle Monuments Commission's (ABMC) first mobile app, a tour of the Pointe du Hoc battlefield, gives users a virtual experience of the site, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs during the June 1944 Normandy invasion to destroy a critical German battery and take control of the coastal highway. The Commission plan to produce apps and virtual tours for all of it sites. The Pointe du Hoc app is available on the (http://www.abmc.gov/events/PDH_APP_Release.php) ABMC website. Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) has also its launched its ANC Explorer mobile app, which allows users to locate ANC grave sites, monuments and memorials. The ANC Explorer mobile app is available on the (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/map/ancexplorer.aspx) Arlington National Cemetery website.
For more on military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.
Military Skills Translator: Civilian Jobs You Qualify For
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. Enter in your MOS, MOSC, Rating, or Designator and we'll give you a list of civilian skills and equivalent job openings. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate Your Skills and Apply for Jobs Now.
Performance Matters Associates Is Hiring Veterans
Insurance sales careers are booming with the challenging job market facing many Americans. PMAUSA provides innovative training and support, above average commissions, renewal income and rewards. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Learn more.
AF Reduction-in-Force
In a continuing effort to meet the Department of Defense funding targets in the FY12 President's Budget and re-balance the civilian workforce, approximately 60 Air Force installations will implement civilian Reduction in Force (RIF) authorities effective through about Aug. 23, to assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions (termed "surplus employees"). These actions started in FY12 and are not related to the current sequestration actions. RIF procedures allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations and still retain their grade or pay. In addition, the use of RIF procedures allows for eligible employees who cannot immediately be placed in local vacancies to be registered in the Priority Placement Program (PPP). For information about civilian employment, reduction in force and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) Air Force Personnel Service website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Navy Cash Cards
Navy Cash/Marine Cash was developed in partnership with the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS), the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the Department of the Treasury. The Navy Cash card can be used by Sailors and Marines aboard ship and ashore as well. The card uses a chip to store funds for use aboard ship and a magnetic strip that allows users to take advantage of the card's features ashore. Sailors and Marines can designate their pay to be split, with a portion being sent directly to their strip account on payday. Funds can be transferred between their home bank or credit union account and their ship account as needed. Funds can also be transferred from person to person. For more information, visit the (http://fms.treas.gov/navycash/index.html) Navy Cash/Marine Cash webpage.
For more updates on military pay and other benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage Blog.
Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out (http://www.military.com/Data/MIB/Financ ... 6-1880.pdf) 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. You must have at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get more information on Military.com.
Your VA Loan is worth $417,000 and doesn't require a full 20% down to buy. You can also use it to refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0429.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.
Deal of the Week: Military Discount
Up to 50% off lifestyle, outdoor & tactical gear. Shop premium brands on GovX.com at prices not available to the public. (https://www.govx.com/milcom?gxweba=mili ... ortapril13) Shop over 10,000 products.
Final Reunion for Doolittle Raiders
Three Air Force legends recently spoke to dozens of Airmen at Hurlburt Field Florida marking the 71st anniversary of WWII's DooLittle Raid. Retired Lt. Cols. Richard Cole and Edward Saylor and former Staff Sgt. David Thatcher served alongside 77 fellow U.S. Army Air Corps Airmen taking off in 16 B-25s in the April 18, 1942, bombing over Japan known as the Doolittle Raid. Their recent visit marks the last public reunion of the Doolittle Raiders. For more information on the Doolittle Raiders, including educational materials, visit the Doolittle Raiders website at (http://www.doolittleraider.com/) www.doolittleraider.com, the 71st Doolittle Reunion website at (http://www.doolittlereunion.com/) www.doolittlereunion.com, the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders website at (http://www.doolittletokyoraiders.com/) www.doolittletokyoraiders.com, the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsh ... asp?id=476) North American B-25B Fact Sheet, the Naval History and Heritage Command website at (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/even ... dooltl.htm) www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii ... dooltl.htm, the U.S.S. Hornet website at (http://www.uss-hornet.org/history/wwii/doolittle.shtml) www.uss-hornet.org/history/wwii/doolittle.shtml, the Eyewitness to History website at (http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/doolittle.htm) www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/doolittle.htm, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) website at (http://www.pbs.org/perilousfight/battle ... id_midway/) www.pbs.org/perilousfight/battlefield/d ... id_midway/, and watch a (http://archive.org/details/Doolittle_Ra ... otage_1942) historical film clip of the Doolittle Raid.
Navy FLEX Program
The Navy's centralized program for Fleet Experimentation (FLEX) recently held a fleet-wide live and virtual event to glean the fleet's priorities and plans for fiscal year (FY) 2014. The FLEX program, led by Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), designs and executes collaborative, synchronized and relevant experimentation based on near-term fleet priorities and capability gaps. These experimentation events result in tangible products for the warfighter, frequently in the form of new and updated doctrine. FLEX harvests innovative ideas generated by members of the fleet and other military and government organizations. Submissions are accepted for review year-round through a classified Navy website. For more information on NWDC, visit the (https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/default.aspx) Navy Warfare Development Command website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
'Salad Wednesday' at Exchange Restaurants
Wednesdays are now something to look forward to as Army & Air Force Exchange Service restaurants are offering $2 off any salad priced $4 or more on what is becoming known as "Salad Wednesdays." "Beyond the $2 savings on Wednesday salad orders, guests save an additional 10% when paying with a MILITARY STAR(R) card or Exchange gift card." Exchange restaurants are open to anyone on the installation -- whether military, civil service, contractor or visitor -- per ArmyRegulation 215-8 and Air Force Instruction 34-211 (I). "Salad Wednesdays" occur every Wednesday at all participating Exchange restaurants. For more information, contact your local Exchange restaurant.
For more discounts for military families, servicemembers and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.
Website Links Soldiers, Employers
Transitioning Soldiers, veterans and family members can use the HERO 2 HIRED website at (http://www.h2h.jobs) www.h2h.jobs where they can post their resumes and look for jobs. Employers from more than 12,000 corporations, including small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, are now using the website to hire Soldiers and veterans. Nearly 109,000 Soldiers have already posted their resumes there. The website can also help Soldiers translate what they did in the military into something that civilian employers might better understand. Soldiers can also get personal help in Army Career & Alumni Program centers located across the country.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
Dress for Success for Your Civilian Life
Men's Warehouse offers a free guide on how to determine what to look for in a suit. Giving tips on jacket length or the difference between double down and double breasted find out what suit is (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... RC=mrvr.nl) the right fit for you today.
AAFES Employs Veterans
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/86 ... hotostream) extends career opportunities to veterans and their families. Ten percent of the Exchange's workforce is comprised of veterans with military spouses and family members accounting for another 24 percent. In 2013, the goal is to increase veteran management hires by 33 percent from 2012. AAFES partners with programs like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Wounded Warrior Project to provides jobs to veterans. Veterans can also apply for the Exchange's "Detail to Retail" management trainee programs, which are designed to train various levels of retail management. Complete details on how veterans and their families can apply for a career with the Exchange are available at the (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/AboutExch ... milies.htm) ShopMyExchange.com website.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
AF Debuts Pregnancy Website
The Air Force Medical Service's Center of Excellence for Medical Multimedia (CEMM) recently unveiled an educational and state-of-the-art website on pregnancy for Airmen and their families. The Pregnancy A to Z website at (http://www.pregnancyatoz.org) www.pregnancyatoz.org is the CEMM's 12th educational website. The new website features videos, 3-D animations, downloadable fact sheets, a section for future fathers, and information on conception, delivery, and genetic counseling training. Other sites available deal with low-back pain, men and women's health, asthma, and skin cancer. A full list of websites is available at the CEMM Virtual Library website at (http://www.cemmlibrary.org/) www.cemmlibrary.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.
How to Have a Smooth PCS Move
Did you get orders for a PCS move? Check out what you need to do to have a smooth PCS move. From arranging travel for your pet, vehicle, furniture and financial tips to make it all happen. (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.
TA Returns for Some Coast Guardsmen
The U.S. Coast Guard announced that tuition assistance is reinstated for the remainder of Fiscal 2013, which ends September 31, 2013. However, the Coast Guard made some significant changes to the eligibility requirements that will impact chief petty officers and officers.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... d-members/) Get the whole story on the Military Advantage Blog.
Improve Your Financial Security
April is Financial Literacy Month and a good time to learn about financial security. One important tool for financial security is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). It is easy to enroll. Planning for retirement takes a little time but can reap great benefits. Both the military and civilian service offer TSP. To learn more about planning for retirement with TSP, visit the (https://www.tsp.gov/index.shtml) TSP website and the Navy Operational Stress Control website at (http://www.navynavstress.com) www.navynavstress.com.
For more tips on TSP, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... vings-plan) Military.com TSP section.
GI Film Festival
Check out trailers from the GI film festival. Watch previews of the next up and coming military documentaries. (http://www.military.com/video/military- ... rvr0422.nl) Watch Now.
Get tickets to this year's award-winning GI Film Festival. Watch the world's best military films May 6-12, 2013 in Washington, DC. (http://gifilmfestival.com/giff-2013-schedule-by-day/) Get tickets now.
Early Retirement for Navy Officers
The Navy temporarily reduced the minimum years of active commissioned service (ACS) required for selected officers for retirement purposes from 10 to eight years. This program mainly affects prior-enlisted officers who with their prior service and active commissioned service will complete at least 20 years of active service. This temporary change has been extended for eligible officers retiring through Sept. 30, 2018. Officers applying for retirement under this authority may submit requests no more than 18 months in advance. For more information and a list of ineligible designators, read NAVADMIN 109/13 on the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil or contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Do Your Duty: Get $100k Protection From $7 a Month
Do your duty to protect your family's financial future. (http://www.military.com/insurance/asmba?ESRC=mr0429.nl) Get $100k coverage starting at only $7 a month.
May Is Military Appreciation Month
The President of the United States has proclaimed May as National Military Appreciation Month to remind Americans of the importance of the U.S. Armed Forces in history. This year's theme is "The United States Armed Forces: The Strength of the Red, White and Blue." Look for localized information on national events such as Loyalty Day (May 1), Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-10), Victory in Europe Day (May
, Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10), Armed Forces Day (May 19), and Memorial Day (May 30) at installations and communities worldwide. For more information, visit the National Military Appreciation Month website at (http://www.nmam.org) www.nmam.org and the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month) www.military.com/military-appreciation-month.AF Implements Live Chat
The Air Force Personnel Center now provides live chat capability through the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website. The live chat capability is providing users interested in retiring with the option of real time communication with personnel specialists. Following the session, a transcript of the chat is emailed to the member for their records. Records of a member's previous chats are also available on the myPers website. Additional topics will be rolled out in phases throughout 2013. For more information on personnel programs and self-service applications, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.
For more updates on military pay and other benefits, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/) Military Advantage Blog.
Navy Sexual Assault Prevention Program
The U.S. Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response - Fleet Level (SAPR-F) training will be a continuous training evolution at Recruit Training Command (RTC), even though the program technically ended for the rest of the Navy, March 31. SAPR-F will be provided for each training division on their third week/third day of training through Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April and into the indefinite future. The training consists of a 90-minute class on sexual assault, prevention and bystander intervention from those who observe a continuing-of-harm behavior. An approximately 30-minute video is shown in various segments and discussion encouraged with suggested questions facilitated by instructors. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/S ... ining.aspx) Navy Personnel Command SAPR-L/F Training webpage.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.
Help for Struggling Homeowners
A Help for Homeowners Event in the greater Chicago area will be offered on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The event will help struggling home owners meet one-on-one with their mortgage companies or HUD-approved housing experts to help them identify the programs and resources they need to help them avoid foreclosure or short sale. The event will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL Complimentary parking is available. Visit (http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/) MakingHomeAffordable.gov or (http://www.hopenow.com/) HopeNow.com to learn more.
For more guides and tips on owning a home, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Money Center.
Free SAT/ACT Prep Software Online
Military.com and eKnowledge are giving servicemembers, veterans and their families $250 SAT and ACT test prep programs for just the cost of providing the programs (under $20). The fee covers everything, including: materials, shipping, student support, and streaming. You may request your programs at: (http://www.eknowledge.com/Mil) www.eknowledge.com/Mil.
(http://www.military.com/education/2013/ ... nline.html) Visit Military.com for more details.