Military Report - Week of July 01, 2013

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of July 01, 2013

Five Reasons Why Employers Aren't Hiring Veterans
Why are many veterans and soon-to-be-veterans having difficulties landing a job? The Center for a New American Security conducted interviews with 87 individuals from 69 companies to find out why from an employer perspective. See the five reasons in (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -vets.html) this Military.com article and keep these factors in your hip pocket while you search for jobs.


Airmen Selected for Commissioning
Four dozen Airmen have been selected for the calendar year 2013 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program. The selectee list is available (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 20-012.pdf) online. Airmen selected will complete their bachelor's degrees at a college or university with an Air Force ROTC detachment, or a college or university with a cross-town agreement. The next NECP selection board will convene in May 2014. Airmen interested in the program can find previous years' eligibility information at the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website (search for NECP) or at (https://kx.afms.mil/afnurseeducation) https://kx.afms.mil/afnurseeducation. For more information about other career development and 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.


SGLI Isn't Enough: Get $50k from $2.50 a Month
SGLI coverage isn't enough for your military family. Get coverage to ensure your family has enough money if something should happen to you. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid=ad&ESRC=0701.mr) Get $50k protection from $2.50 a Month.


Navy's New Targeted Patient Outreach
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center's (NMCPHC) announced a targeted outreach initiative for myasthenia gravis patients and providers to raise awareness about a class of drugs that can exacerbate the chronic condition. A little over two years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning label indicating that fluoroquinolone medications, a class of commonly prescribed antibiotics, may exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms. The outreach included a letter to patients detailing the risks associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotics and a wallet card for patients to take to appointments to help support direct communication with their health care provider. Copies of the letters and the wallet card are available at (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-analysis/) www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-analysis/.
For more on military healthcare benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Stress Less When You PCS
Planning ahead can be one of the biggest stress relievers when it comes to a permanent change of station (PCS) move. After a Sailor receives their orders, the first thing they should do is visit their local FFSC and meet with a Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) specialist, then attend a Smooth Move class or Moving Overseas workshop to learn the basics about a PCS move and how to start the process. Applications like Plan my Move on the Military OneSource website at (http://www.militaryonesource.com) www.militaryonesource.com will organize a Sailor's to do list prior to their move. Other helpful websites include: the (https://www.dko.mil/heat/apply) Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT), and the (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/housing/ho ... rence.html) Housing Service Center locator.
For more PCS news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


The Military.com Spouse Experience: Norfolk
(http://spousebuzz.com/military-spouse-e ... RC=mrvr.nl) 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. (http://spouseexperiencenorfolk.eventbri ... RC=mrvr.nl) Sign Up Today


Skyworks Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Skyworks. As a global diversified technology and industrial leader they can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More


State Veteran's Benefits
Many states offer veterans benefits. These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veteran's homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more. Each state manages its own benefit programs. Visit Military.com to (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... RC=mrvr.nl) see a list of links to the websites for each of the individual states that offer veterans benefits.
Your VA Loan Benefit is worth $417,000 and can be used to buy a home with $0 down or to streamline refinance. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0701.nl) Search for lenders who can help you use your benefit.
(http://www.military.com/benefits?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com Benefits Channel to get straight forward info on Military Pay, TRICARE, GI Bill, VA Loans, BAH, Survivor Benefits, Veteran Health Care and More.


TRICARE Offers Health Information
TRICARE beneficiaries who regularly get their care at military clinics and hospitals can download a summary of their personal health data including lab results, medications, allergies and problem lists from the TOL -- Secure Department of Defense Patient Portal in a continuity of care document (CCD) format. The new CCD is available via the TOL Blue Button at (http://www.tricareonline.com) www.tricareonline.com. Patients can download CCD data to their computers and upload it to their personal health record. To take advantage of the CCD, patients need to go to (http://www.tricareonline.com) www.tricareonline.com and log in to their accounts. More information about the CCD and how to upload it to a personal health record is available on the TOL secure patient portal at TRICARE Online at (http://www.tricareonline.com) www.tricareonline.com.
For more information on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Navy Report on USS Guardian Grounding
The U.S. Navy has released the results of an investigation that assessed circumstances surrounding the ex-USS Guardian grounding that occurred in Philippine waters on January 17. Characterizing the ex-Guardian's grounding on Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea as a "tragic mishap," Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, wrote in the 160-page document that "USS Guardian leadership and watch teams failed to adhere to prudent, safe, and sound navigation principles which would have alerted them to approaching dangers with sufficient time to take mitigating action." A redacted version of the report can be viewed on the (http://www.cpf.navy.mil/foia/reading-room/) U.S. Pacific Fleet website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Training Reviewed
The U.S. Navy's Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) and Center for Information Dominance (CID) are the latest commands to continue receiving recommended college credits for their training. The American Council on Education (ACE) recently completed the review. ACE supports the educational goals of the Navy's Sailors throughout all learning centers by recommending academic credits for training course work and/or occupational experience. The life span of credit recommendation is 10 years, after which the particular training course or occupation (if still active) must be re-evaluated. To learn more about the ACE Military Guide, visit the ACE website at (http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/M ... nline.aspx) www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military ... nline.aspx.
For more details on this story, see (http://www.military.com/education/2013/ ... redit.html) this Military.com article.


9 Military Discounts You Can Use this 4th of July
Military.com has compiled a list of 9 Military Discounts you can enjoy over the holiday weekend -- Blue Star Theaters, Carowinds, Center Point, Entertainment Books, Home Depot, Kings Dominion, King's Island, Lowe's and TravelCenters of America. (http://www.military.com/independence-da ... RC=mrvr.nl) Get the details.
Always save big -- (http://www.military.com/discounts/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) view more military deals and discounts on Military.com


Security Clearance Wanted: Jobs for Veterans
Top companies and government contractors actively hire and pay top salaries to Veterans with Security Clearance. Your skills and experience are in high demand. (http://www.military.com/newslettersignu ... rvr0701.nl) Visit Military.com to view job openings, get industry tips and more to make 2013 your best year yet.


Same-Sex Couples to Get Mil-Benefits
The Supreme Court decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (a.k.a. DOMA) removes any legal barriers to allowing full military benefits to gay and lesbian spouses of military servicemembers. The new benefits will include medical care, allowances like the Dislocation Allowance, BAH, BAS, etc. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -benefits/) Read more on the Military Advantage.


National Veterans Small Business Conference
The Department of Veterans Affairs has invited all federal agencies, including all VA Administrations, to send Procurement Decision Makers (PDMs) and small business office staff to connect directly with Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) at the National Veterans Small Business Conference (NVSBC) from August 6-8 at the America's Center Convention Complex in (http://nationalveteransconference.us2.l ... 4a42d0ed8a) St. Louis, MO. Over 300 PDMs will be in attendance. A list of PDM's confirmed to-date is available (http://www.nationalveteransconference.c ... -220747605) online. For more information, visit the National Veterans Small Business Conference website at (http://www.nationalveteransconference.com) www.nationalveteransconference.com.
For complete listings of veteran job conferences and job fairs across the country, see the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Upcoming Job Fairs page.


AF Scholarship, Fellowship Opportunities
Eligible Airmen interested in unique scholarships and fellowships must submit completed, endorsed applications by July 31. Opportunities offered annually include the Olmsted Scholar Program, the White House Fellowship Program, the Mansfield Fellowship Exchange Program and the Information Assurance Scholarship Program, each of which has specific time on station and date eligible for return from overseas requirements. Details of each program are available (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123353479) online. For more information about developmental opportunities, and other personnel issues, go to (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers and enter "PSDM 13-54" in the search window.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


GI Bill Transfer Rule Changes
Stars and Stripes reports that beginning Aug. 1, all active-duty military personnel who opt to transfer their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to a family member will be obligated to four more years of service, including troops who are eligible for retirement. The rule change mostly affects senior officers and enlisted personnel who are nearing retirement. The four years does not begin until the servicemember executes the actual transfer. To transfer Post-9/11 G.I. benefits, a servicemember must have a minimum of six years in the military; to be eligible to receive those benefits, a dependent, whether a spouse or child, must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) computerized database. For more information, visit the (http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_ ... efits.html) Post 9/11 GI Bill website and the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... sheet.html) Military.com website.


Protect Your Pet
Pet owners need to take some precautions to keep their pets cool and safe during the dog days of summer: (1) talk to your veterinarian about choosing a sunscreen (most important to apply on ears and nose) and be sure to limit your pet's sun exposure; (2) beware of heatstroke in pets--early-morning and evening hours are best for outdoor playtime, and be sure to provide plenty of water and even ice cubes; (3) if you use fertilizers or other chemicals on your lawn or garden, make sure your pet does not have access to these and other potentially toxic substances such as car antifreeze; (4) talk to your veterinarian about preventatives for mosquitoes, ticks, heartworm and other bugs and parasites, which your pet might carry into your home; (5) teach your pet to have a place they can safely rest during summer storms, such as a crate. For more summer safety tips, visit the (http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm) American Kennel Club website and the (http://www.prevention.com/health/health ... all-summer) Prevention.com website.
For more pet news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


Featured Job: Small Business Account Manger in Florence, SC
We're looking for Small Business Account Mangers with a passion for sales and an understanding of organization hiring needs. As part of the Telesales team you will be the "voice of Monster", actively calling and helping acquire new accounts and/or maintaining existing accounts in the Small Business space. You will be selling Monster's extensive line of recruitment specific solutions to help fill their current openings and build their business. (http://jobview.monster.com/Small-Busine ... 61551.aspx) Learn More


Why Get a VA loan Over Other Types?
A 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) View more VA Loan FAQs.
(https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... 0701lmn.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Mental Health Support Options
In addition to VA Medical Centers, Veterans may receive mental counseling using Vet Centers and telehealth technology. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9603/te ... h-support/) VAntage Point Blog.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


New Navy 24-Hour News Website
The U.S. Navy has launched a 24-hour "newsroom" at the new Exploration Now website at (http://www.explorationnow.org) www.explorationnow.org to track scientists' activity aboard research ships and in the field and broadcast their findings to students and teachers around the world. Exploration Now uses telepresence technologies to provide students, educators and others with live-stream video of research activities and opportunities to interact directly with scientists aboard different vessels in real time. A shore-based production team at the University of Rhode Island will provide mission control by coordinating feeds, creating highlight videos, arranging crew interviews and interpreting findings for audiences. For more information, visit the Exploration Now website at (http://www.explorationnow.org) www.explorationnow.org.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Get a VA Claim Decided Quickly
The fastest and most efficient way to submit a VA disability claim is to file a Fully Developed Claim. For more information, read VA's (http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/9648/ge ... ped-claim/) VAntage Point Blog and visit VA's (http://www.benefits.va.gov/FDC/) Fully Developed Claims webpage.
For more updates on veterans benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Troops to Teachers
Transitioning military personnel looking to serve in a different way will find assistance from the Department of Defense program Troops to Teachers. Since 1994, Troops to Teachers has assisted more than 6,000 military personnel looking to begin a career in the education sector. To be eligible for the program, individuals must register with Troops for Teachers within three years of separation from the military. An exception will be made for people with service-connected injuries and candidates who have completed 20 years of military service. They can join the program at any time. For more information, visit the Troops to Teachers website at (http://www.proudtoserveagain.com) www.proudtoserveagain.com.
For more veteran job news, as well as job listings and tips for starting your civilian career, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Technical Sergeant Promotion List
5,654 Air Force staff sergeants have been selected for promotion to technical sergeant. Those selected represent 15.03 percent of the 37,608 eligible. To see the promotion list, visit 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 Air Force Portal. 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.


Navy Rapid Innovation Cell Applications
The Navy is currently accepting applications for new members of the CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) for fiscal year 2014. CRIC members are volunteers from a cross-section of Navy communities. Participation in the CRIC is a collateral duty that does not require a geographic relocation or release from one's present duty assignments. Selection to the CRIC is based partly on a candidate's proposed project. Once a CRIC member's project is approved, the member remains in the CRIC to shepherd his or her project to completion. The application period is open to July 31, 2013. Nominations forms and further information are available at the (https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncfi/cric/default.aspx) CRIC website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


DoD Prepped to Expand Military Benefits
Department of Defense officials will move forward in making benefits available to all military spouses, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said recently in a statement issued after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. The Act had prevented federal agencies from offering all of the same benefits to spouses in same-sex married couples that they provide to other spouses. Read the full article on (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... efits.html) Military.com.


Deal of the Week: Dell Salutes You. Save up to 30%.
Military members get exclusive savings up to 30% off top Dell PCs, including Alienware gaming systems. Those who serve deserve technology they trust. (http://altfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/1230 ... 551-7?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) Claim Here.


VA Home Loan Blog
Want to stay up to date on all the latest VA loan information? Follow the VA loan blog to find answers to any of your VA home loan questions. Is a VA loan for you and how much does it cost? Find answers to those questions (http://valoan.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) and more.