Military Report - Week of September 02, 2013

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Military Report - Week of September 02, 2013

Study Challenges Link Between Combat and Suicide
A new study is challenging conventional thinking about war's effects on the psyche. The new military study has found that combat appears to have little or no influence on suicide rates among U.S. troops and veterans. While depression and other types of mental illness, alcohol problems and being male were all linked to self-inflicted deaths among current and former members of the military, researchers found that deployment and combat did not raise the risk. An abstract of the study is found in the (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.asp ... id=1724276) August 7, 2013 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
For military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


New Marine Medical Home
The new Marine Centered Medical Home is aimed at bettering the care and treatment given to servicemembers in a garrison environment. The Marine Centered Medical Home consolidates medical assets in one location, where servicemembers are able to be seen for various ailments. Civilians on the staff and nurses working at the clinic cannot be deployed, to maintain consistency. They also incorporated wireless systems and secure email so patients can communicate with physicians and request refills for their prescriptions without having to go to the clinic. The medical home is able to give patients same-day care, having a one-stop shop to get x-rays, labs, hearing tests, mental health and having case management to help with referrals. The French Creek Medical Clinic at Camp LeJeune, N.C. is the second of six sites across the Marine Corps to open a new Marine Centered Medical Home. For more information, visit the (http://www.2ndmlg.marines.mil/News/News ... art-2.aspx) Marine Corps website.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Navy Housing Gears Up for Survey
The Navy Housing Office and its privatized housing partners are gearing up for their annual resident satisfaction survey (RSS). The annual survey, which was mailed to residents of military housing at the end of August, asks residents to provide feedback and thoughts regarding their Navy Housing experience. A comment card accompanies the surveys, and residents are encouraged to mention particular issues and request follow-up as a way to seek resolution of any issues. Surveys must be returned by Oct. 21. The family housing survey can be filled out and returned by mail or electronically on the survey website, and a link to the website will be included in the survey. Servicemembers living in unaccompanied housing will receive their survey by mail the second week of September and must be returned by Nov. 12. This survey is available by mail only. For more information about the RSS, visit the CNIC Customer Surveys website at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/HousingSurvey) www.cnic.navy.mil/HousingSurvey.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Volunteer Opportunity to Help Military Families
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a nonprofit organization that provides ongoing support to all who are grieving the death of a loved one in military service to America. TAPS is often looking for volunteer servicemembers, especially those who wish to work with grieving children of our fallen servicemembers. For more information, visit the TAPS website at (http://www.taps.org/) www.taps.org , call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or e-mail (mailto:mentors@taps.org) mentors@taps.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Army in Europe Seeks Nominations
Army in Europe commanders have until Nov. 15 to nominate their top-performing human resource personnel for the USAREUR G1 Frederick E. Vollrath Human Resources Award for Excellence Program. The five award categories are junior officers, junior warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, junior enlisted, and civilians. For more information, contact the USAREUR G1 program coordinator at Civilian: +49 (0) 6117059147, DSN: 337-9147, or e-mail (mailto:john.g.spillman.civ@mail.mil) john.g.spillman.civ@mail.mil.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Commissary Rewards Card
The commissary rewards card allows commissary users to redeem coupons electronically at the commissary checkout. Previously shoppers were only able to view and edit their coupons using a computer. Reward cards are free and can be obtained at cash registers found in all commissaries worldwide. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. For more information, visit the Commissaries.com website at (http://www.commissaries.com/rewards/) www.commissaries.com/rewards/.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Air Force Gives Statement on Airpower
The Air Force has released a new document explaining how the service provides airpower for America. The document is entitled "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America." The paper follows the January release of the Air Force's Vision, "World's Greatest Air Force -- Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation," which focuses directly on Airmen. Building upon the vision, this paper explores the Air Force's five enduring core missions -- air and space superiority; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; rapid global mobility; global strike; and command and control. To find out more about the document and how to tell your story, visit the "Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power for America" website at (http://www.af.mil/airpower4america) www.af.mil/airpower4america.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


"Budget for Baby" Workshops
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), which has locations worldwide, offers Budget for Baby workshops to eligible parents-to-be to help plan financially for the new arrival. During the workshop, volunteers provide families with resources on and off base and a presentation with money-saving tips. Instructors cover not only general infant expenses parents can expect, but also how to reduce costs and discover areas in which they may be overspending. For more information, contact your base NMCRS or visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website at (http://www.nmcrs.org/) www.nmcrs.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Legion Seeks to Protect Benefits from Sequestration
American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz provided a list of what he calls "anti-sequestration" incentives in a message before the 95th national convention of the nation's largest veterans organization Tuesday. Drastic budget cuts imposed this year after Congress was unable to produce a solution to the federal deficit crisis "are failing our troops," he told thousands gathered in Houston. "They are failing veterans. And they are failing the American people." For more, see (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... estration/) this Military Advantage blog post.


Navy Suicide Prevention Month
September is Navy Suicide Prevention month, which begins a year of promoting a culture supportive of seeking help as a sign of strength. This year's theme, "Thrive in Your Community," is based on the importance of community and self-purpose when dealing with adversity. This year's efforts encourage Sailors to engage with one another and make a difference to those around them; shipmates reaching out to shipmates. By helping others, we help ourselves. Fact sheets, plan of the day notes, awareness products and additional resources for local involvement are available on the Navy Personnel Command Suicide Prevention webpage at (http://www.suicide.navy.mil) www.suicide.navy.mil. If you are in crisis, or know someone who is, call the Military Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Start a Transportation & Logistics Career
Veterans looking for jobs in the transportation and logistics industry have access to a very strong resource: the Troops to Transportation and Logistics Program. (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/se ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


$1 Mil Life Insurance -- From $2 a Day
$1 Million life insurance protection can help your family survive financially, if the unthinkable happened to you. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0902.nl) Get $1 Mil coverage starting at $41 a month.


Top 10 Work-at-home Jobs
Servicemembers and veterans struggling to find work may have an issue with geography -- there may not be many positions open where you live, and it may be difficult or impossible to search in the next city or state over. Fortunately, the growth of the Internet has opened up many possibilities in the job market. If you like the idea of working remotely, check out the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... -jobs.html) following list of the ten best work from home jobs.


Gay Marriage 'Leave' May Get a New Name
With Republicans raising legal issues and "unfair" echoing across military communities, Defense officials are reviewing a two-week old policy to allow up to 10 days of special "marriage leave" for gay and lesbian members assigned more than 100 miles from a state where they can marry legally. Instead of unearned leave, which might need to be backed by statute, commands might be encouraged to grant up to 10 days' "administrative absence." The intent still would be to give homosexual service members extra time off to travel to where same-sex marriage is allowed, and thus qualify them sooner for full benefits including spousal medical care and "with dependents" housing allowances, military and congressional sources confirm. For more, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... sence.html) this Military.com article.


Marine Combat Fitness Test
Once a year, from July to December, Marines all over the world must complete the Combat Fitness Test (CFT). Marines have options to prepare for a CFT instead of running a mock course. Four main types of exercises help prepare and condition the body for the grueling stages of the CFT: power lifting, high-intensity tactical training, agility drills and speed and strength exercises. By carrying out these types of exercises, and adding them to your daily workout routine, you can better prepare for the CFT. Learn how high-intensity interval training with a mixture of high-intensity exercises and lower-intensity exercises for recovery at the (http://www.acefitness.org) American Council on Exercise website. Agility drills help condition the body to make quick turns. Find out how quick turns can cause injury without proper conditioning at the (http://www.hss.edu) Hospital for Special Surgery website.
For military-level fitness plans and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness 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 ... rvr0902.nl) Search over 40,000 Units.


Navy Issues Influenza Policy
The U.S. Navy has issued its influenza vaccination and reporting policy for the 2013-2014 influenza season. Both injectable and intranasal vaccines will be available for the 2013-2014 influenza seasons. The Navy on-line (https://gov_only.nmlc.med.navy.mil/int_code03/vials/) Vaccine Information and Logistics System (VIALS) is the requisition system tool for seasonal and emerging influenza vaccines. The VIALS website is common access card (CAC)-enabled. Active and Reserve Component Navy force vaccination administration compliance will be monitored via the Medical Readiness Reporting System (MRRS). The new policy is available (http://www.vaccines.mil/documents/1664_ ... 013-14.pdf) online.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


Navy Sponsors Symposium
The Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) 2013 leadership symposium which will be held Sept. 6, 2013 at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA. The U.S. Navy will sponsor 100 servicemembers by funding their registrations to the conference. To obtain a conference registration reservation, contact LT Deirdre Collins, at (703) 604-5075 or via e-mail at deirdre.collins(at)navy.mil . Commands shall not fund registrations. For more information, visit the ANSO website at (http://www.ansomil.org) www.ansomil.org.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


What VA Loans and Bankruptcy Means to You
As a veteran or active duty service member, you're entitled to a variety of exclusive benefits that are created to both protect and help you -- from helping with your health benefits to understanding your finances. However, even the most responsible and conscientious homeowner can be faced with difficult financial issues that require them to file for bankruptcy. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Navy Museums Return to Normal Hours
The Navy museums, which adjusted their hours as a result of the federal furlough, have returned to their normal operating hours. Additionally, the Navy's archives and Navy Department Library, located on the Washington Navy Yard, have reopened. A list of the museums that have resumed normal hours is available (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76102) online. For more information and to access the Navy museum websites, visit the (http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/index.html) Naval History and Heritage Command website.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


What Would You Make with a Promotion? Calculate Your Pay
Use the Military.com Pay Calculator to see what you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. (http://www.military.com/apps/reg/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) Calculate by rank, location or duty.
(http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... RC=mrvr.nl) View 2013 Pay Charts and BAH & COLA Information on Military.com.


Same-sex Spouses Get ID Cards Sept. 3
Same-sex spouses of Air Force military members, eligible civilian employees, and military retirees may be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System by their sponsors and get their dependent identification card beginning Sept. 3, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today. Following a June 26 Supreme Court decision finding Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, Defense Department officials announced the plan to extend benefits to same-sex spouses.
Read more on the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ds-sept-3/) Military Advantage Blog.


DoDEA Schools Start New Policy
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) students, parents and employees should expect quite a few changes in the upcoming school year, which intend to improve the quality of education at DODEA schools. This year, every school will have a new blueprint -- the Community Strategic Plan -- for advancing students to higher levels of learning. To accomplish this, DODEA set five rigorous goals: student excellence, school excellence, talent excellence, organizational excellence and outreach excellence. DoDEA will issue progress reports every year. For more information, visit the DoDEA website at (http://www.dodea.edu/) www.dodea.edu.
For more on military education benefits and programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Commissaries Offer App
With a new app, known as Commissary, patrons of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) can now directly upload and view existing coupons on their commissary rewards card using their iPhone or iPad from anywhere. The application also offers a store locator. Future developments in the mobile application will allow an Android version to be released for other devices. You can download the new app from the (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/commiss ... ?ls=1&mt=8) iTunes Store. For more information, read the (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/08/new- ... -card.html) Spouse Buzz Blog.
For more news and reviews of military-related apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.


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 ... 0902lmn.nl) Connect with lenders ready to help you use your VA Loan Benefit.


Navy Releases Tips for Emergencies
With hurricane season underway and National Preparedness Month approaching in September, some Sailors and their families may quickly realize they may not be as prepared as they thought they were. True emergency preparedness is a diligent and constant cycle that consists of: (1) being informed of potential hazards in your area and what to do before, during, and after that hazard; (2) making and practicing a family plan that includes an in- and out-of- neighborhood meeting location, a designated out-of-town contact, and all family members in the planning process; (3) building and renewing an emergency supply kit where every family member to survive at least three days; and (4) staying informed through the emergency and after by registering personal contact information in the Navy's Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN), the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System, and downloading government emergency alert mobile apps. Visit the Navy Ready website at (http://www.ready.navy.mil) www.ready.navy.mil to take the quiz found on the home page to help you and your family be better prepared year round.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AF Seeks Flight Training Applications
Eligible active duty Air Force officers interested in undergraduate flying training (UFT) must apply by Nov. 29 to be considered by the UFT selection board. The board will review candidates for fiscal year 2014/2015 training requirements in the pilot, remotely piloted aircraft, combat systems officer and air battle manager categories. Applicants must meet age and commission date criteria - born April 1, 1984 or later and total federal service commissioned date after April 1, 2009 - and must have squadron commander or equivalent endorsement. For more information about UFT eligibility criteria, application instructions, and more, visit (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers and enter "PSDM 13-81" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.


AF Releases Plan on Nuclear Enterprise
The Air Force recently announced a long-term vision for the service's nuclear enterprise. The plan provides a framework for advancing and monitoring the overall health of the Air Force nuclear enterprise, supporting infrastructure and processes. The plan is organized into three main sections. Though it is not intended to supplement any programming guidance, nor outline specific force structures, the plan may be used by planners, programmers and others to inform their efforts. The plan is available in .pdf format on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... -plan.aspx) Air Force website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News section.