Military Report - Week of August 05, 2013

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Military Report - Week of August 05, 2013

Monster's Veterans Virtual Career Fair
Veterans and transitioning servicemembers are encouraged to sign up for the free Monster Virtual Career Fair, which will be held from August 27-29. From your own computer you'll be able to communicate and engage with employers looking to hire veterans and attendees in a collaborative virtual environment. Sign-up will begin on August 6 -- for more details and to sign up, visit the (http://www.veteransvirtualcareerfair.com/) Virtual Career Fair website.


American Legion to Host Vet Job Events
The American Legion's National Convention, to be held August 26-29 in Houston, will feature four career events for veterans and servicemembers. Three of the career events will be held Aug. 26 and 27 at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel. The fourth event is a job fair co-sponsored with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 27 at the George Brown Convention Center downtown. Events will include an employment transition workout, a women's small business workshop, and an Empowering Conference Career and Benefits Center. The Hiring Our Heroes Transition & Benefits Job Fair is open to veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve members, and eligible spouses. All of the events are free of charge. To register, contact Jasmine Davis at (202) 263-5771 or by email: (mailto:jdavis@legion.org) jdavis@legion.org; or register online at (http://www.legion.org) www.legion.org.
For veteran job fair updates, job news and tips, and to connect with more companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Illinois Warrior Summit
The 6th Annual Illinois Warrior Summit, to be held August 12th at Soldier Field in Chicago, will provide 10,000 Midwest region military service members, veterans and their families an opportunity to connect with benefits, education, employment, housing, legal, disabilities, mental health, family & children services and faith based organizational opportunities. Over 275 organizations will be present and working together to unite the community and deliver programs and services to veterans efficiently. The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Supporting All Veterans Equally (I-SAVE) Foundation, US Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and World Sport Chicago. Visit the (http://www.illinoiswarriorsummit.com/) Illinois Warrior Summit website to learn more and register for this great event.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


AAFES "Free Tide" Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Proctor and Gamble have teamed up to give five Exchange shoppers the opportunity to "clean up" to the tune of $1,500 in the "Free Tide for a Year" sweepstakes. From July 26-Aug. 29, authorized shoppers can enter at Exchange stores worldwide for the opportunity to win one of five $1,500 Exchange gift cards. Visit your local Exchange and fill out an entry form. Entrants must be 18 years of age or over and the winners will be announced on or about October 4.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount Center.


What Is a Navy Ombudsman?
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program was created in 1970. Today, the Ombudsmen Program is made up of spouses (male and female), but they can also be parents or even active duty members through a waiver process, when a command is not able to find a spouse. Navy families can turn to these volunteers on a range of issues; from information from the command -- especially during deployments, to advice on family issues, or even where to get the best deals on household needs in town. Navy Ombudsmen go through an initial training (16 hours of it) and then are offered monthly online training and local classes to aide in their mission and keep up-to-date on emerging issues. If you are interested in volunteering as a Navy Ombudsman, contact your servicemember's command or the local Fleet and Family Support Center's ombudsman coordinator at the Fleet and Family Support Program website at (http://www.ffsp.navy.mil/) www.ffsp.navy.mil.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Army Scam Warning
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) continues to warn the greater Army community and the American public to be vigilant of internet scams and impersonation fraud, especially within popular social networking and dating websites. CID frequently receives reports from around the world of various scams involving criminals pretending to be U.S. Soldiers who prey on the unsuspecting victim's emotions, leading to an empty bank account for their victims. Cyber criminals also continue to create profiles of senior Army officers in an attempt to lure unsuspecting persons into revealing personal, banking or financial information. Report any theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the FTC website at (http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft) http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft or by telephone at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261. Also, report any theft or fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) (FBI-NW3C Partnership) at (http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx) http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
For more personal finance tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section


Understanding PTSD
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often show differences in certain brain areas compared to healthy people. By, it has been difficult for researchers to determine whether these differences are a cause or a consequence of the condition. Now, several new studies may help researchers understand the condition's causes and effects to bring a better understanding of how the disorder might be prevented or treated. For more information, read the (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/1 ... -progress/) Fox News.com article and the (http://www.livescience.com/24128-brain- ... quake.html) Live Science article.
For more resources on PTSD, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.


The Legion's Efforts Help Speed VA Claims
The American Legion's national staff has been working with several VA regional to identify best practices for generating and processing fully developed claims. FDCs require no further documentation from veterans submitting the claims. As a result, decisions are made much faster than traditional claims, which need more development. While the current average processing time for traditional claims is about 260 days (which contributes to the backlog), the average for FDCs is about 114 days. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... s-backlog/) Read more about fully developed claims.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


PLAYPass Gives Airmen Discounts
Airmen projected to deploy or have recently returned from a deployment can participate in the PLAYPass Get out and Play Program and save $500 to $1,000 on installation programs. To obtain a PLAYPass card, eligible members must bring a copy of their deployment orders to the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Each PLAYPass card contains 20 discount blocks worth $25 each. Card holders can use as many blocks as they like for individual transactions, excluding food, beverage, and resale. For more information about the PLAYPass program including program eligibility or how to obtain a PLAYPass card, visit MyAirForceLife.com at (http://www.myairforcelife.com) www.myairforcelife.com or the nearest Airman and Family Readiness Center.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts) Military.com Discount 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 ... rvr0805.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.


Navy Celebrates WAVES' History
Women throughout the Navy, past and present, recently celebrated the 71st anniversary of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Although women have served in every major American conflict, WAVES did not gain a foothold in Navy service until well after World War I. Navy women returned to general service in 1942, during the height of World War II. The Navy was preparing to accept not just a large number of enlisted women, as it had done during World War I, but also female commissioned officers. Today, more than 66,000 women serve in the Navy in the active and Reserve components, comprising 18 percent of our Navy force. For more information about the history of women and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20h ... -index.htm) Women in the Navy webpage and the (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/prs- ... ve-ww2.htm) World War II Era WAVES webpage.
For more Navy history features, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Navy birthday page.


Post-9/11 GI Bill Celebrates Anniversary 080513
The Post-9/11 GI Bill recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. VA has issued approximately $30 billion in Post 9/11 GI-Bill benefit payments since its inception in August, 2009 and helped nearly 1 million Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families pursue their education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive educational support through tuition, books and housing allowance to people with at least 90 days of total service after September 10, 2001, or people discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This summer, VA is launching new tools to help beneficiaries learn more about their vocational aptitudes and select an education institution. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rsary.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Are You Eligible for a VA Home Loan?
In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out 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 ... rvr0805.nl) Find lenders ready to help you use the VA Loan.


The Purpose of Life Insurance
It's important to take away some of the fear and mystery about the important subject of life insurance. By understanding some of the basic concepts of life insurance, you should be a more informed buyer. (http://www.military.com/money/insurance ... RC=mrvr.nl) Here are some thoughts from experts.


American Commercial Lines Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with a company that 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.


Veterans Can Submit Comments to VA
OEF/OIF/OND and 1990-91 Gulf War Veterans are invited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide their comments through August 20, 2013 about the (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type ... gistry.pdf) proposed questionnaire (PDF) for the planned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The proposed questionnaire is available (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exp ... gistry.pdf) online. For more information, visit (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... n-plan.asp) VA's Action Plan: Burnpits and Airborne Hazards webpage. Also, visit VA's (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/) Military Exposures webpage to learn about military exposures and benefits.
For complete guides on veteran benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


AF Foundation Aids Wounded Warriors
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Wounded Warrior Foundation is a not-for-profit group helps wounded EOD heroes and the families of EOD fallen by providing financial, emotional and social support. EOD Warrior Foundation members meet each of the EOD wounded at the hospital and provide an initial financial grant to help pay for early expenses not covered by Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The foundation's involvement with the wounded EOD member and their family is on-going. It provides opportunities to apply for additional financial grants and organize retreats for both the wounded as well as their caregivers. The foundation also maintains the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin Air Force Base. For more information, visit the EOD Warrior Foundation website at (http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/) www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


AF Staff Sergeant Promotion
More than 11,000 senior airmen have been selected for promotion to staff sergeant. Those selected for staff sergeant will be promoted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in September. The promotion list is available on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website; select "Active Duty AF Enlisted" from the drop down menu and enter "promotions" in the search window. Select the enlisted promotions home page and scroll down to the "Promotion Selects and Statistics" link. 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 other career development and personnel issues, visit (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers. (https://mypers.af.mil/)
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AF Seeks Airmen's Stories
Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is looking for young Airmen, both officer and enlisted, who have experienced a safety mishap to share the lessons they have learned with their peers. The Airman-to-Airman council is comprised of 10 Airmen who have experienced mishaps and have proven their understanding of lessons learned as a result of their mishaps. These 10 Airmen speak to groups of other young Airmen throughout the year about safety. They also write articles about their experience and record videos that are featured on the Air Force Safety Center's website. Members of the Air Force Reserve team between the ages of 19 and 30 who have a safety mishap story to tell should contact Bo Joyner at the Headquarters AFRC Office of Public Affairs at DSN 497-1771 (commercial 478-327-1771) or e-mail him at (mailto:bruce.joyner@us.af.mil) bruce.joyner@us.af.mil.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Cuts in BAH, TRICARE, Commissaries and More
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel gave a preview of how round two of budget sequestration could rattle current forces if Congress is willing to let the defense budget take hit in FY2014. According to Hagel, the 2014 sequestration will result in a loss in in (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) pay and (http://www.military.com/benefits) benefits for servicemembers. The impact will be cuts in (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... or-housing) Basic Allowance for Housing, O-CONUS cost-of-living allowances, caps on future military pay raises, the end to military commissaries and a modification in (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE, which could force younger retirees to use employer offered health care insurance.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... slips.html) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update column for more details.


AF 2014 DARPA Selectees
Twelve captains, majors and lieutenant colonels have been selected as primary or alternate fiscal year 2014 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Service Chiefs Program participants. The program begins in September and is designed to immerse outstanding military officers into an imaginative, innovative, fast-paced science and technology research environment. For more information about the DARPA SCP, visit the DARPA website at (http://www.darpa.mil/) www.darpa.mil, select "Opportunities," then "Military Services," and "Service Chief's Fellows Program." For more information about Air Force Developmental Education and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Army's Sequestration Concerns
The Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno, says sequestration will result in a lower level of training for the Army, which will prolong operations and possibly lead to more casualties. For more information, view the (http://www.army.mil/article/108279/Army ... _Concerns/) video of General Odierno addressing these concerns.
For more news on sequestration and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/sequestration) Military.com Sequestration page.


Find Civilian Jobs that Match Your Military Experience
Translate your military skills, experience and training to find career opportunities that best align with your capabilities. The Military Skills Translator is quick, easy and gives great results -- just enter in your Branch of Service, Military Job Title and Pay Grade. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/sk ... RC=mrvr.nl) Translate your military skills now.


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 ... rvr0805.nl) Download your free PDF now.


Get Your VA Loan Answers Here
Wondering how you can get the most out of your VA Loan? Follow the (http://valoan.military.com/?ESRC=mrvr.nl) VA loan blog to stay up to date with tips and get the real facts about the benefits of using your VA loan.


Naval Museums Open August 1
The U.S. Navy is giving the public summer access to some of its naval museums. For the month of August, free public access via the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail will give the public access to the newly opened Cold War Gallery, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and Display Ship Barry in Washington, DC. Signs placed along the Riverwalk will direct visitors to the Washington Navy Yard gate located near the Cold War Gallery. All adult visitors are required to present photo identification to enter. With the exception of Mondays, the museums and display ship will be open to visitors 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit the National Museum of the United States Navy website at (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm) www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Army Overstrength MOS: How to Re-enlist
The Commander's Allocation Process (CAP) is not a new re-enlistment category, but a force alignment tool that empowers commanders to re-enlist fully qualified Soldiers in an overstrength MOS for continued service in their primary MOS without requesting an exception to policy from Human Resources Command. Soldiers selected for re-enlistment under the Commander's Allocation Process are eligible to re-enlist for any re-enlistment option in accordance with Army G1 policy for overstrength MOSs. Soldiers serving in MOS/Skills that are listed in MILPER message 13-142 who were not approved for continued service in their PMOS via the CAP, may request re-enlistment through their unit career counselor. For more information, see (http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/Retention/M ... rocess.pdf) MILPER Message 13-029 and (https://www.hrc.army.mil/LoginRedirect. ... per/13-142) MILPER Message 13-142.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Post-9/11 GI Bill Celebrates Anniversary
The Post-9/11 GI Bill recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. VA has issued approximately $30 billion in Post 9/11 GI-Bill benefit payments since its inception in August, 2009 and helped nearly 1 million Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families pursue their education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides comprehensive educational support through tuition, books and housing allowance to people with at least 90 days of total service after September 10, 2001, or people discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. This summer, VA is launching new tools to help beneficiaries learn more about their vocational aptitudes and select an education institution. (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rsary.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


AF to Pilot Cyber Credentialing Program
The Air Force has taken the lead in a pilot program designed to give credentialing and licensing in the information technology sector to cyberspace Airmen in the 3D0X2, Cyber Systems Operations, career field. The IT Training and Certification Partnership is a new public-private program that aims to prevent servicemembers from having any issues gaining employment in the private sector. The Air Force has targeted initial participation in this initiative at two trial groups: mid-career and transitioning Airmen. Servicemembers can find more information on the White House's Joining Forces website at (http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces) www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces, and information specifically on the IT Credentialing and Licensing Initiative at the (https://usitpipeline.com) US IT Pipeline website.
For veteran job news and tips, and to connect with companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Pathways to Federal Careers
The goals of Pathways are to offer clear paths to federal internships for students and to careers for recent graduates, and provide meaningful training and career development opportunities for people at the beginning of their Federal service. Pathways is an immersive program: a real, practical, hands-on experience in a professional environment. Pathways Internships are open to current students in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. The Internship must be related to the Intern's academic career goals or field of study. More information on Pathways is available at USAJOBS ( (http://www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads) www.usajobs.gov/studentsandgrads).
For veteran job news and tips, and to connect with companies looking to hire veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Military Families to Get the Big Squeeze
Sequestrations across the board, automatic cuts mean the Department of Defense has to trim an additional $500 billion dollars over the next ten years. Military Officers Association of America says the cuts are drastic and their effect on military families will be dramatic in many ways. Sequestration is the law of the land and unless Congress takes action, it will remain in effect for years to come.
(http://www.moaa.org/Main_Menu/Take_Acti ... eezed.html) Read the full MOAA article to see how the cuts may affect your family and to learn what you can do.


AAFES 'Cutest Kiddo' Contest
Through Aug. 9, Exchange patrons worldwide may post photographs of their children holding a completed coloring page to the Exchange (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook page for the first-ever (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/9323624194/) "'Color Me' Cutest Kiddo" contest. Contestants may choose one of four coloring pages, all of which are available to print online at the Patriot Family webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PatriotFamily/) www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PatriotFamily/. One of the pages is also available in the July 19, 2013 Exchange flyer. An online entry application can also be found on the Facebook page. Rules and regulations for the "'Color Me' Cutest Kiddo" contest may be found at the (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PatriotFamily/) Patriot Family website.


VA Loans Q&A
Military.com, Quicken Loans, and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a (http://po.st/vZgHwi) VA Loans Q&A Google Hangout on Friday, August 9th at 1:00 PM. The event will feature a panel of experts from Military.com, Quicken Loans and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs discussing VA Loans and answering any questions about the VA Loan program. The event will feature user submitted questions which are being gathered through (https://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom ... tarydotcom) social media. Time permitting, the event may also include live questions asked during the (http://po.st/vZgHwi) VA Loans Q&A.


AF Offers Early Retirement
Technical and master sergeants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels in certain Air Force specialties may apply to retire with fewer than 20 years of active service under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA). Commonly referred to as the 15-year retirement, To be eligible for consideration, members must have at least 15, but less than 20 years of total active duty time as of Oct. 31, 2013. Applications will be accepted July 29 - Aug. 15. Airmen must apply through the virtual military personnel flight, accessible via the (https://www.my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal or the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website. For full application instructions and eligibility requirements and a list of eligible career fields, go to the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and search for "PSDM 13-73" for the enlisted program or "PSDM 13-74" for the officer program.
For more on retirement and transition, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


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