Military Report - Week of May 27, 2013

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Military Report - Week of May 27, 2013

AF Leadership Development Opportunity
The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking active duty Air Force majors and major-selects for the academic year 2013-2014 Executive Leadership Development Program. Applications are due to the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) by June 10. Program orientation is slated for August and the first event will be held in October. Because participation is not associated with a permanent change of station, those selected will not incur an additional active duty service commitment.
In addition to grade requirements, applicants must have completed Squadron Officer School and intermediate developmental education, and must have successfully commanded a flight or higher level organization. For complete application instructions, go to the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and enter "PSDM 13-43" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


State Farm Committed to Hiring Veterans
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VA for Vets
VA for Vets is an innovative new career management program that helps Veterans prepare for or secure careers in the fields they choose. It gives veterans and transitioning military servicemembers the tools and resources they need to launch or advance their careers in the civilian workforce. Share this tool with the veterans and servicemembers you know, and ask them to visit the VA for Vets website at (http://www.vaforvets.va.gov/) www.vaforvets.va.gov to see how they can translate their military skills into resumes, speak with career coaches or access job opportunities in VA or the federal government. VA for Vets is also an ideal for veterans employed by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


American Legion Offers Grants to Tornado Victims
The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization, has announced that it is allocating $1 million to veterans affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma. The money will be used to cover relocation expenses for veterans and their families whose homes were devastated by the disaster. The American Legion has set up a hotline for veterans needing emergency assistance. They can call 1-800-504-4098. If they have legal custody of minor children, they can seek help though the Legion's Temporary Financial Assistance Program. Veterans without children can seek assistance through The American Legion National Emergency Fund. Individuals wishing to donate to The American Legion National Emergency Fund should call 1-800-253-7000, donate online at (http://www.legion.org/emergency/help) www.legion.org/emergency/help or mail checks to The American Legion NEF, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.


AF Tech Sgt Promotion List
More than 3,800 Air Force technical sergeants have been selected for promotion to master sergeant. The 3,841 selected represent 18.71 percent of the 20,528 eligible. Those selected for master sergeant will be promoted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in August. The promotion list is available at the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website -- select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "enlisted promotions" in the search window. Airmen will also be able to access their score notices on the virtual MPF, accessible via the secure applications page and the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal. 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/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Be an AF Defense Attache' NCO
The Air Force is accepting applications for enlisted Defense Attache' Specialists at 19 locations, with tour lengths ranging from 12 to 36 months. These enlisted attache' support positions are open to staff through senior master sergeants, and include operations coordinator and operations NCO. For a list of possible duty locations and other related information, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal and enter "attache' duty" in the search window. To locate and download the application, enter "attache' application" in the Portal search window and select the October 2012 version. Once complete, email the application to (mailto:SAF/IAPA-Attache@pentagon.af.mil) SAF/IAPA-Attache@pentagon.af.mil via secure (https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe) Department of Defense website. For more information about enlisted attache' duty, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Our Veteran Employment Center Needs Your Feedback
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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.


AF Officers: Apply for Attache' Duty
The Air Force is accepting applications for senior defense official/defense attache', air attache' and assistant air attache' duty at nine locations, with tour lengths ranging from 18 to 24 months. Active duty line of the Air Force captains, majors and lieutenant colonels must submit their applications by June 20 to be considered. Air operations background, foreign language skills and experience in the region are highly desired, but not mandatory. The Air Force will host an information webinar May 30, 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, on the (HTTPS://www2.dco.DOD.mil) Defense Connect Online website. For more information, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal and enter "attache' program" in the search window. To download the application, enter "attache' application" in the search window and select the May 2013 option.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


FY13 USN Sr. Enlisted Continuation Board
The U.S. Navy has announced the results from the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) performance-based board for continuation of senior enlisted (SECB), which were recently posted in Bupers Online (BOL) for individual Sailor access. More than 8,000 active and Reserve senior enlisted Sailors reviewed by the FY13 SECB were selected for continuation. Sailors not selected for continuation must transfer to the fleet reserve or retire by Nov. 30 and will have access to the Navy's Transition GPS Program. Formats for operational waivers and readiness appeals can be found at the Navy Personnel Center's (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/b ... fault.aspx) Enlisted Continuation webpage. For more information about the SECB, visit the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil) www.npc.navy.mil or contact 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.


Search over 40,000 Units on Military.com
Connect with your past or present Military Unit on Military.com. Post Messages, find old friends, see Unit History & Photos and more. (http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPa ... rvr0527.nl) Search over 40,000 units.


GI Bill for Spouses of Fallen Heroes
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced a bill today that would amend the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rview.html) Post-9/11 GI Bill to include spousal eligibility for the Fry Scholarship. Under the Spouses of Heroes Education Act, spouses of fallen service members could receive the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance. Spouses would need to use this benefit within fifteen years, and would not remain eligible if they remarried.
Read the full article on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... g-spouses/) Military Advantage Blog.
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 66&type=CO) Let your elected officials know how you feel about providing Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to surviving spouses of fallen heroes.


Assistance Available After Tornado
Immediately following the May 20, 2013, tornado in Oklahoma, the Tinker Air Force Base Airman & Family Readiness Center was called to stand up the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) 24/7. If your personnel need immediate assistance with food, clothing or emergency financial assistance, please contact the Tinker EFAC at (405) 739-2747. If you would like to 'adopt' a Tinker family who has been directly affected by the tornadoes by offering temporary shelter in their home, please contact the EFAC. A brochure on community resources for civilian employees is available (http://www.tinker.af.mil/shared/media/d ... 17-100.pdf) online. More information regarding assistance and volunteering is available on the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/ok/oklahoma-city) Central and Western Oklahoma Region website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Tinker AFB Reserve Muster Cancelled
The Air Reserve Personnel Center has announced that due to the devastating tornado that touched down in Moore, Okla., the Individual Ready Reserve Muster Screening, scheduled for June 8 at Tinker AFB, Okla., has been cancelled. Individuals required to attend were originally provided reporting instructions by mail in March, 2013. Questions should be directed to the Total Force Service Center - Aurora at 800-525-0102.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Fleet-wide Uniform Survey
Approximately 16,000 randomly selected female officers and enlisted are being asked to participate in the online survey on the fit, design and durability of Navy uniforms in a Fleet-wide survey. Letters were mailed recently to participants notifying them of their selection and providing instructions on accessing and completing the survey. The online survey will be open for approximately 90 days. The decision to do the fleet-wide survey was made after interviews and focus groups determined that there was a need to gather more feedback on women's uniform concerns and recommendations. For more information on uniforms and uniform policy, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ault2.aspx) Navy Uniform Matters website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


How to PCS with a VA Loan
Have you been served with PCS orders and looking to rent your home financed with a VA loan? (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... =mr0527.nl) Get the details here to have a smooth transition.


Deal of the Week: Win a Sony Vaio Laptop
Enter for a chance to win a Sony Vaio Laptop and receive exclusive unadvertised specials during the (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/misc/red ... o_win.html) NEX Sight & Sound giveaway.


VA and VSOs Team to Take on Backlog
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion have announced a new partnership to help reduce the compensation claims backlog for veterans. The effort, called the Fully Developed Claims Community of Practice, is a key part of the VA's overall transformation plan to end the backlog in 2015 and process claims within 125 days at 98 percent accuracy. Last month, the VA announced an initiative to expedite compensation claims decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer. Claims for wounded warriors separating from the military for medical reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority basis with the Defense Department through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. For more information on filing a fully developed claim, visit VA's (http://benefits.va.gov/compensation/fdc.asp) Fully Developed Claims webpage. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... cklog.html) Military.com website.


Separate System Aids Wounded Troops
Servicemembers who are separating from the military for wounds, injuries or illnesses have their own VA benefits process, and on average receive their disability compensation within three months of leaving the military. This process, called the (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/pcola/Spe ... ments/IDES Overview Handout.pdf) Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), started in 2007 when the Department of Defense (DOD) and VA collaborated to design a more seamless transition specifically for Servicemembers who could no longer continue with their military careers for medical reasons--which includes PTSD. To support IDES, VA has dedicated staff to work exclusively on disability claims for this population. For more information, read VA's IDES fact sheet at (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/pcola/Spe ... andout.pdf) Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
For more on disability compensation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... ation.html) Military.com Benefits Center.


Equal Opportunity Advisor Candidates
Sailors looking to enhance their career by working outside their rate should consider becoming an Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA). EOAs are command climate experts who strengthen a chain of command by keeping leadership aware of any equal opportunity related issues as well as procedures and practices that may affect the mission, readiness, welfare and morale of Sailors. Sailors in pay grades E-6 to E-9 may be eligible to apply for EOA duty after being interviewed by an EOA. To become an EOA, Sailors must earn the 9515 Equal Opportunity Advisor Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC). The required obligated service for an EOA tour is 36 months, and members selected are required to complete two full consecutive EOA tours, one sea and one shore. For more information, visit the EOA webpage on the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/ENLISTED/DETAIL ... VLEAD.aspx) Naval Personnel Command (NPC) website.


Get the 2013 VA Loan Guide
Understand the VA Loan benefit you've earned by downloading the free Miliary.com VA Loan Guide. The PDF guide walks you through the benefits of a VA Loan, eligibility, how to refinance, what forms you'll need, and more. (http://www.military.com/va-loan-guide/i ... rvr0527.nl) Download your free PDF now.


Together We Served
The website (http://www.togetherweserved.com/) Together We Served (TWS) has extended the (http://www.rollofhonor.togetherweserved.com/) Roll of Honor online war memorial to include every man or woman who fell in combat since the start of the Vietnam war, plus many more from Korea and WWII -- 90,000 in all. Families of fallen heroes can search for their loved ones on the Roll of Honor on the website and help complete their Remembrance Profiles. Families of veterans who died after completing their service can also join TWS to create a profile for their deceased loved ones. Interviews with both families and veterans are available on the website to commemorate Memorial Day.
For more on Memorial Day, visit (http://www.military.com/memorial-day) Military.com's Memorial Day page.


TRICARE West Deadline This Week
To avoid losing coverage, beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) who pay monthly premiums by check were requested to switch to an electronic form of payment. TRICARE will only accept monthly premium payments using recurring automatic payments by credit or debit card, or by recurring electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a linked bank account. The deadline is May 31, 2013. Those members who do not have this requirement established by May 31, 2013 will have their coverage suspended and possibly terminated for 12 months beginning June 1. To avoid confusion, beneficiaries should verify that their bank sends EFT payments electronically. Contact information for each region is available at the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/contacts) www.TRICARE.mil/contacts.
For guides to all TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Airmen Affected by Tornados
More than 33,000 Air Force members in the Oklahoma area may have been affected by recent tornados that leveled neighborhoods in and around Moore and Oklahoma City. To ensure those Airmen and their families are accounted for and have access to assistance, the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) has activated the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS). Airmen affected by the Oklahoma tornado should log into (https://afpaas.af.mil) AFPAAS and complete a needs assessment survey, which tells their leaders that they need help. They will then be able to use the base Emergency Family Assistance Center where teams of volunteers are standing by to help Airmen and their families. AFPAAS can also be accessed from the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal, and the Air Force Personnel Center website at (http://www.afpc.af.mil/) www.afpc.af.mil . For more information about personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Tinker's AFRC Became a Lifeline
Immediately after the tornado struck Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013, the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma began providing assistance to Tinker personnel who desperately needed it. More than 340 servicemembers at Tinker were displaced by the tornado. It is believed that approximately 140 of their homes are total losses. The center has expanded many of its services to include Tinker's civilian members. Monetary donations to the Tinker Family Readiness fund can be sent to the Tinker Family Readiness Fund, 6001 Arnold Ave., Tinker AFB, OK, 73145. For more information about this program and other ways you can help, call (405) 739-2747, 736-3813 or 736-3847.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Online Post-Tornado Disaster Resource
A new (http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2013/0 ... resources/) "DOD Live" blog post provides a wide range of resources for people affected directly or indirectly by the deadly tornado that struck Moore, Okla., May 20. Links in the blog post include information related to: (1) tips from Military OneSource on helping children cope with natural disasters; (2) how to administer psychological first aid after a disaster or traumatic event; (3) the Physicians First Aid (PFA) Mobile app; (4) the Red Cross database where people can list themselves as "safe and well" or for loved ones to find people missing after a disaster; and (5) a Veterans Affairs Department list of resources for people needing help with post-traumatic stress. Other resources and information are available at the new (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... tornadoes/) DoD Disaster Relief: Oklahoma Tornadoes webpage.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


'Have Book, Will Travel' Summer Reading
Libraries across the Department of Defense (DoD) will soon begin offering the fourth annual Summer Reading Program, which operates on DoD installations worldwide generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This year's theme is "Have Book, Will Travel." The program will be available at installation libraries and at some child and youth programs during the summer. The program includes incentives for students to participate such as bookmarks and other prizes, as well as crafts parties. Participants can earn a military challenge coin for reading. Students can sign up at their local installation library or online. For more information, visit the (http://ila.org/dodsumread/) DoD-MWR Summer Reading Program website.
For more on military-related book and entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Must Have Veteran Benefits Information
Don't miss out on your Veteran benefits. From special monthly compensation to your health care, (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rvr0527.nl) get all of your Veteran benefits here.


The Benefits of the VA Loan
The VA loan can be used in a number of ways and is available to servicemembers, veterans, and some surviving spouses. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0527.nl) Find out more information how the VA loan can benefit you today.


SGLI Isn't Enough -- Get $50k Coverage from $2.50 a Month
SGLI caps out at $400k. Protect your family's future with affordable life insurance coverage. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =0527mr.nl) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a month.


AAFES Free Guide: Dressing for Success
Military members transitioning to civilian life can acquire a new wardrobe thanks to the Exchange's support of the Army Career & Alumni Program/Transition Assistance Program (ACAP/TAP). As a means of serving those who serve, top trendsetters such as Billy London(R), Van Heusen(R), and Haggar(R) are partnering with the Exchange to provide the latest in business fashion. Authorized Exchange shoppers can pick up a free copy of "Welcome Home: A Military Man's Guide to Style" at their nearest main store where weekly sales fliers are located. For more information regarding the ACAP/TAP, shoppers can speak with a Store Manager. Exchange locations and contact information are available through the "Exchange Stores" section at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com.
For more clothes tips for a civilian career, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... ccess.html) this Military.com article.


Navy Requires Motorcycle Safety Program
The most recent change to the Navy's Traffic Safety Instruction, (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/navycni/groups ... 294590.pdf) OPNAVINST 5100.12J requires commands to set up mentorship programs for motorcycle riders. Required training courses, such as the Basic Rider Course and Military Sportbike Rider Course, are designed to teach the basics of bike handling and risk management. Sailors should consider looking for mentors who ride the same type motorcycle. General guidance, pre-ride inspections, and other topics and information for mentorship programs can be found at the (http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/P ... Motorcycle) Naval Safety Center's website. For more information on Navy motorcycle safety policy and requirements, visit the (http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/ftrStory. ... e=3&page=1) All Hands Magazine Online. For the latest statistics on personal motor vehicle fatalities as well as narratives, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/P ... stats.aspx) Naval Safety Center's website. Help raise awareness by joining the conversation on social media using #NavySmartRide and #Motorcycle.
For more on vehicle safety, as well as tips and buying guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos) Military.com Auto Center.


2013 Military Pay Calculator
Calculate your military pay on Military.com to see how much you'll make at your next duty station, what your next promotion is worth, and find out how much your longevity increase will be. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate your gross monthly income by rank, location or duty.


Scholarships Given at Pearl Harbor
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park recently awarded the park's annual scholarships to eight recipients in the Pearl Harbor submarine community. The 28 year scholarship program is open to active duty submariners assigned to the Pearl Harbor area and to their family members, whether active duty, retired or deceased. For scholarship eligibility, applicants should reside in Hawaii and attend an accredited college, university or vocational school and have a good academic record. Potential recipients will be interviewed by a scholarship selection committee. For more information on the scholarship, contact the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park at (mailto:info@bowfin.org) info@bowfin.org. Visit the Museum's website at (http://www.bowfin.org/) www.bowfin.org.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.