Military Report - Week of September 30, 2013

[boardman]

Military Report - Week of September 30, 2013

House Moves to Protect Military Pay
The House unanimously passed the "Pay our Military Act," to protect servicemembers and their families from any pay halts or slowdowns in the event the federal government shuts down at midnight Monday. The bill put forward by Republican representatives effectively removes military pay as a reason for lawmakers to agree to a budget that includes funding for the Affordable Care Act. The (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.3210:) House-passed military pay bill also guarantees that all Defense Department civilian employees and contractors supporting DoD operations will be paid.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... tdown.html) Read the full story on Military.com
(http://www.capwiz.com/military/issues/a ... 11&type=ML) Let your elected officials know how you feel about this bill.


Protect Your Family: 200k Coverage from Only 14 a Month
Your family's future is important. Could your family survive financially if the unthinkable happened? Prepare your family with $200k quality coverage (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... =mr0930.nl) from only $14 a month.


Spouse: Tell Your Employment Story
Often times we only talk about service members transitioning from life in the service to life in the civilian world, but in reality military spouses face many transitions throughout the service members' career. In fact, active duty military spouses move 14% more often as compared to their civilian counterparts. (http://www.moaa.org/MRSpousePrograms) Click here to read the rest of this article.
For more spouse resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Spouse Center.


AF OTS Board Results
The Air Force Officer Training School Rated Selection Board 13OT04 has selected 211 men and women to earn an officer's commission. Three Air Force colonels reviewed every application. The selection process is similar to an Air Force officer promotion board, and no single factor leads to an individual's selection or non-selection. People selected can expect to attend Basic Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 2014. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should contact their local education office; civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter. For a complete list of applicants selected, visit the Air Force Recruiting Service website at (http://www.rs.af.mil/) www.rs.af.mil.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips: Oct 11
The latest film by Paul Greengrass, director of the Jason Bourne movies, focuses on a real-life event in which a merchant vessel captain is taken hostage by pirates and must be rescued by the U.S. Navy. (http://www.military.com/slideshows/capt ... RC=mrvr.nl) Visit the Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.


Tell Us What You Think and You Could Win an iPad Mini
Take our annual market research survey now to help us stay in touch with your latest interests and updates our offerings to better meet your needs. Your information and responses collected will be confidential and remain anonymous. By completing the survey you will be entered into a drawing* to win a new Apple iPad mini(R). (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/military ... search2013) Take the Survey Now.


AF Club Scholarship Winners
Twenty-five individuals were recently selected to receive $1,000 scholarships, a laptop and a portable printer through the Air Force Club Membership Scholarship Program. A list of winners is available (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... nners.aspx) online. To be considered eligible for this scholarship Air Force Club members and their families had to submit a 500-word essay about what inspired them to be successful and why. For more information about the Air Force Clubs programs, how to apply for this scholarship and view this year's winning essays, visit (http://www.afclubs.net/) www.afclubs.net at (http://www.afclubs.net/) www.afclubs.net and click on the Club Scholarship logo. For more information about personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse/) Military.com Family Center.


Prudential Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Prudential. As a global persified 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.


Did You Serve at Camp Lejeune?
Did you serve at Camp Lejeune for 30 or more days between 1957 and 1987? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published a (https://www.federalregister.gov/article ... e-veterans) proposed regulation Sept. 11, 2013 that discusses how it will improve health care for eligible veterans with 1 of 15 conditions. Learn more on the (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposure ... /index.asp) VA website. Visit (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures) www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures to learn about other military exposures and VA benefits.
For more military benefits news and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Sailors to Update NFAAS Data
The Navy has issued an order for all Navy personnel to verify or update their contact information in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) no later than Sept. 30. All active-duty and Reserve Sailors and Department of the Navy civilian employees to log in to (https://navyfamily.navy.mil/) NFAAS to verify or update contact information for themselves and their dependents. Navy contractors outside the continental United States are also required to complete the assessment. Personnel can log in to NFAAS and update or verify their personal information by clicking on the "My Info" tab, then selecting "Contact Information." Personnel must also verify family member information by clicking on "Family Member Info" under the "My Info" tab. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or visit the NPC website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil/) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Smart Ops App
Airmen can now download an Air Force mobile application designed to help them better get at the root of workplace problems. Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) is the Air Force's eight-step problem-solving method and application. The application, available for free download from the two most popular mobile marketplaces, provides a breakdown of problem solving steps with common tools and a rubric for each step. A glossary of AFSO21 terms wrapped up with tools and methodologies related to other problem solving models is also available. The app is available on the (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/afso21- ... 77504?mt=8) iTunes website and the (http://www.afairteam.org/afsoc-afso21-mobile-app/) AIR Team website.
For more news on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com Apps page.


Navy QA on Govt. Shut-down
U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Bill Moran recently spoke at several aviation and information dominance training centers. The dialogue at every stop was insightful and candid. Of greatest concern was the budget and potential government shutdown. Answers to several of the questions are available on the (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/09/25/ ... questions/) Navy Live Blog.
To keep up with the latest news that affects the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Retiree Access to DoD/VA Benefits Sites
Servicemembers concerned about losing access to benefits web pages once they retire should establish their Department of Defense self-service logon identification account. The common logon, developed by the DOD and Veterans' Administration allows beneficiaries of DOD or Veterans' Affairs programs to access various benefit websites using a single username and password. Because access to the account does not require a common access card, Airmen, family members and retirees will be able to access their information 24/7 from their home computer. To access the site, visit the (https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess/) My Access Center and follow the instructions. For more information about other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) Air Force Personnel Services website.
For more military benefits news and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Navy Seeks Subject Matter Experts
The U.S. Navy has announced its latest Advancement Examination Readiness Review (AERR) schedule and volunteer request. Navy chiefs (E7 to E9) on active duty, Full Time Support (FTS), and Reservists on Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) are encouraged to apply. Chiefs who are selected as Fleet Subject Matter Experts (FSME) for the AERR panels are responsible for determining the content of E4 through E7 rating advancement exams. Chiefs with experience in multiple platforms or recent experience on a major rating skill-set are highly desirable. For application forms and additional requirements, visit the (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/career ... mentcenter) Navy Knowledge Online website.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Many Given Wrong Prostate Test in Europe
The American Legion reports that the Europe Regional Medical Command is notifying beneficiaries who received an incorrect prostate cancer screening blood test between August 2009 and May 2012 at military medical treatment facilities in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Kosovo and U.S. Central Command that are supported by the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center laboratory. Approximately 3,280 patients should receive a letter informing them of the error. Beneficiaries affected who are still living in Europe are asked to talk with their primary care provider. Beneficiaries can also call the Europe Regional Medical Command PSA Advice Line at DSN 314-590-8889; within Germany 06371-9464-8889; from the United States 011-49-6371-9464-8889. Beneficiaries can also call the 24/7 stateside PSA Advice Line (Wounded Soldier Family Hotline) at DSN (312) 421-3700 or toll-free at (800) 984-8523. Beneficiaries may reach Army health officials via a link on the U.S. Army Medicine website at (http://www.armymedicine.army.mil) www.armymedicine.army.mil.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Deal of the Week: GovX.com 20-50% Off Premium Brands
Military & gov't discounts on awesome off-duty goods & gear. Ray Ban, Nixon, Life Proof, Under Armour, & more. Choose from 200+ brands. GovX - you're off-duty, life after work store. (http://www.govx.com/adregister/20?gxweb ... al-of-week) Shop Now.


Commissaries to Close in Govt. Shutdown
According to officials with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the government shutdown on Oct. 1 will mean the closure of all stateside commissaries starting Oct. 2. They will be open Oct. 1, the first official day of the shutdown, so that they can offload perishable foods, they said. Stores overseas in all OCONUS locations except Alaska and Hawaii will remain open.
(http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/09/stat ... -shut.html) Read the full story on the impacts a shutdown could have on military families.


Government Prepares for Possible Shut-down
Although Department of Defense (DoD) officials believe a government shutdown can be avoided when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, they want DoD employees to be prepared for the possibility. If Congress does not approve a budget or pass a continuing resolution when the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, the portions of the government funded via appropriated funds will be forced to close. The absence of funding would mean a number of government activities would cease. While military personnel would continue in a normal duty status, a large number of our civilian employees would be temporarily furloughed. More information is available on the Office of Personnel Management website at (http://www.opm.gov) www.opm.gov.
To keep up with the latest news that affects the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Jewelry and Accessory Gift Guide
Shopping for a gift can be tricky if you're living the military lifestyle and especially if you're giving a gift to someone deployed. Factors like shipping and convenience are key aspects in the decision-making process. (http://www.military.com/ecomm/articles/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Airmen Should Review Records
The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) plans to reduce the access Airmen have to the Automated Records Management System (ARMS) on the AFPC Secure Sept. 30. As a result, Airmen should visit the Personnel Records Display Application (PRDA) to view their personnel records. To access military personnel documents, users should visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) Air Force's myPers website. Once logged into myPers, scroll down to the "I would like to" section and click on the link labeled, "View My Records (PRDA)." After clicking on the link, users will be directed to AFPC Secure and a consent form will pop up. Users who agree to the terms must click the "OK" button to gain access PRDA. Airmen can access PRDA from their home computer with a common access card reader. 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.


KCM Changing to Expeditionary Medal
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the transition of the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM), effective Jan. 1, 2014. The AFEM area of eligibility mirrors that of the KCM with the addition of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Hungary. The eligible area also encompasses Serbian land and airspace including Vojvodina, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, and U.S. Naval vessels operating in the Adriatic Sea. The Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, " (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corr ... 33vol2.pdf) Manual of Military Decorations and Awards" contains specific eligibility criteria.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Navy Instructor Course
The U.S. Navy recently launched its Waterborne Instructor Course - Coastal (WIC-C) offered by the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS). This advanced course is specifically designed for select junior officers and senior enlisted personnel who are graduates of NAVSCIATTS's Patrol Craft Officer - Coastal (PCO-C) course, or personnel with an equivalent level of training but, as NAVSCIATTS leadership stresses, not every PCO-C graduate is an ideal candidate for the WIC-C course. Students in this course are required to perform a timed physical fitness test during the first week. Students have to complete a minimum of 42 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, six pull-ups and run 1.5 miles in less than 15 minutes. Students must also perform a 500-yard swim and a float test in combat gear. To learn more about NAVSCIATTS, visit the (http://www.navsoc.socom.mil/navsciatts/index.htm) NAVSCIATTS website.
For more military-level fitness programs and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.


Some Airmen Due Additional Bonuses
Enlisted Airmen who retrained into a career field with a selective reenlistment bonus may be eligible for additional bonus money, even if they are now separated or retired from the Air Force. If you were in retraining status or approved for retraining within 30 days after an SRB termination or reduction announcement, and you reenlisted for at least 36 months within 30 days of earning your 3-level in the new career field, you may have been paid the wrong bonus multiple, provided your retraining approval and reenlistment were in the same zone. Airmen who did not get an email notification should check their records and contact their local military personnel section to determine if they were affected. For more information, including full instructions and SRB lists, visit the myPers (https://mypers.af.mil) website. Enter "25959" or "Additional SRB" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Research Grant on Overseas Voting Issues
The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded grants to help military and overseas voters. The (http://www.FVAP.gov) Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has announced the first two recipients of the Effective Absentee Systems for Elections 2 (EASE 2) research grant program. EASE 2 is the second round of grants from FVAP to States and localities to explore technological improvements for military and overseas citizen voters. The EASE 2 grants fund two research areas in Arizona and Maryland: (1) the development and effect of online blank ballot delivery tools, and (2) the establishment and effect of a single point of contact in a State election office for the transmission of election materials. For more information on FVAP or assistance with the absentee voting process, visit (http://www.FVAP.gov) FVAP.gov, call FVAP at 1-800-438-VOTE or DSN 425-1584 (CONUS)/312-425-1584 (OCONUS), or email (mailto:vote@fvap.gov) vote@fvap.gov.
For more guides to legislation to affects the military, and to contact your local representatives on important issues, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


AAFES Offers Fuel Savings
Army & Air Force Exchange Service gas stations worldwide are offering fuel savings for MILITARY STAR(R) Card users. In addition to the five cents a gallon discount that drivers using a MILITARY STAR(R) Card already enjoy at the pump, cardholders can increase their savings per gallon with an additional five cents a gallon discount from Oct. 5-7 for a total savings of 10 cents a gallon. For more information, contact your local Exchange.
For more discounts for servicemembers, veterans and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


AAFES Sponsor Essay Contest
From now to Oct. 18, authorized Army & Air Force Exchange (AAFES) shoppers can submit an essay of 200 words or less nominating any authorized shopper embodying these qualities for a chance to win a cash prize in the Exchange's "Still Serving the Military Community" contest. One first-place volunteer will receive a $1,000 prize. Two second-place winners will receive $500 prizes and four third-place winners will receive $250. Submissions must include the entrant's full name, mail, email addresses and telephone number, as well as the nominee's name, rank, branch of service, job title or volunteer description. For complete rules, contest details and how to enter, visit the AAFES Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily) www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse/) Military.com Family Center.


AAFES Mancave Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is sponsoring the Unilever Man Cave Shopping Spree Sweepstakes through Oct. 14. Shoppers worldwide can enter for their chance to win one of two $2,500 gift cards that can be used on everything from chips and queso to a complete home theater overhaul. Shoppers can enter to win the Unilever Man Cave Shopping Spree Sweepstakes at any Exchange store and must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license to enter.
For more discounts for servicemembers, veterans and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Wounded Warrior Hiring Conference
Whether you are a veteran or wounded warrior looking for a job or an employer looking for qualified candidates, the 4th Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference is the place to be Oct. 16-17. The two-day conference will be held in Raleigh, N.C. at the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown. Day two of the conference, Oct. 17, features a career fair for employers to connect with veterans and wounded warriors. For more information and to register, visit (http://www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx) www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment/default.aspx.
For more news on wounded warriors, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warriors page.


Disability Evaluations
Have you ever heard of the Department of Defense's (DoD's) Disability Evaluation System (DES) or Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and wondered what, exactly, it is? Or why it matters to you? DoD's disability evaluation process provides disability compensation for servicemembers who are injured or become ill in the line of duty and are no longer able to perform their duties. For more information, visit the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/2013/09/ ... ation-101/) Warrior Care Blog and the (http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/disabili ... tion/ides/) Integrated Disability Evaluation System webpage and follow Warrior Care on Twitter (https://twitter.com/@WarriorCare) @WarriorCare.
For more military benefits news and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage Blog.


Paycheck Chronicles: Government Shutdown Info
Many military-oriented banks and credit unions have organized policies regarding delay of military pay due to the potential government shutdown. For more details, and to keep up with issues that affect military pay, visit the (http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com ... formation/) Paycheck Chronicles.