Military Report - Week of October 07, 2013

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Military Report - Week of October 07, 2013

Stay on Top of Shutdown News
Need to keep up with the latest news on the U.S. government shutdown and how it affects military benefits? The (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section features constant updates about the shutdown, the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog focuses on military benefits that are affected by the shutdown, and the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money channel, including the (http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com/) Paycheck Chronicles, offers news, tips and guides on how to manage your personal finances during the shutdown.


Defense Secretary Issues Message
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has issued a message to the Defense Department workforce regarding the government shutdown. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013 ... tions.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


ACA to Impact Some Federal Employees
Starting in January under the Affordable Care Act, all individuals must maintain minimum health care coverage for themselves and all dependents claimed on their federal tax return, or must qualify for an exemption. Servicemembers covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (including temporary continuation of coverage), Medicare, TRICARE and Children's Health Insurance Program meet the federal requirement. However, some civilian employees may not be covered, and should review their options in preparation for the 2013 Federal Benefits Open Season, Nov. 11-Dec. 9, 2013 when they can select qualifying health insurance. For more information, visit the (https://myPers.af.mil) myPers website or the (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-An ... -Provision) Internal Revenue Service website.


Shutdown Facts for Sailors
The Navy's head of personnel recently detailed the impact the federal shutdown is having on Sailor's pay, benefits, and Navy personnel operations. In his message, Vice Admiral asked that in spite of the uncertainty of this shutdown, those who remain on watch continue to stay focused on the mission. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... explained/) Read the full message and list of affected programs on the Military Advantage Blog.


DoD Issues Shutdown Explanation
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... chment.pdf) guidance to the force for use during the government shutdown. The document gives basic guidance to commanders and directors on how to handle everything from personnel matters to contracts to medical concerns. Military personnel will report to work as normal. DoD can also maintain police, fire, and emergency medical protection since they are labeled as excepted and protected from stoppage. Non-excepted activities must generally stop. Non-excepted DoD civilians will be placed on emergency, no-notice, non-pay furloughs. Training and travel of military and civilian employees will be disrupted unless it is connected to an excepted activity. For more information, visit the Department of Defense (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... vtshutdown) Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know webpage, the (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversigh ... n-Furlough) OPM.gov Furlough Guidance webpage, and the (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/20 ... chment.pdf) DoD Contingency Plans Document.
To keep up with the latest updates about the government shutdown, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section.


Transitioning? Create Your Plan
The Transition Center now features a personalized Transition Action Plan for those leaving the military, those retiring from a career in the military and National Guard and Reserve personnel. The (http://www.military.com/military-transi ... rvr1007.nl) Transition Action Plan tool guides the servicemember using a timeline that recommends specific steps to take at certain key points; whether they are leaving the service in a few months or a few years.


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Civil Air Patrol Still on Watch
Members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, will continue to perform emergency and disaster response missions authorized by Air Force officials during the federal government shutdown. CAP members annually participate in 90 percent of America's inland search and rescue missions. CAP is a nonprofit organization with nearly 61,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. Its members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 26,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. For more information, visit the Civil Air Patrol website at (http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/) www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
To keep up with the latest updates about the government shutdown, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section.


AAFES Helping Wounded Warriors
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), in conjunction with New Balance, is helping wounded servicemembers take a step forward in their recovery process with free athletic shoes through the Wounded Care program. Members of any branch of service returning injured from Operations Iraqi, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle or any current member of a Wounded Warrior Battalion or a Warrior Transition Unit (AW2) are eligible to receive a free pair (any style) of in-stock New Balance athletic footwear. Certificates for the shoes can be obtained from the installation chaplain.
For more wounded warrior news and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors/page/2) Military.com Wounded Warriors section.


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. Visit the (http://www.military.com/slideshows/capt ... rvr1007.nl) Military.com "Captain Phillips" section for a slideshow and the real-life details behind the movie.


Navy Knowledge Online Updated
Navy Knowledge Online recently updated its website. A new global navigation bar provides quick-access links and dropdown menus to more easily find relevant content. System alerts now appear on both the NKO login page and home page. Users are notified in advance of scheduled system outages and receive other important information that may affect NKO access. Tutorials and training materials for NKO administrators are available (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/aboutnko/home/nko-tr) online. A Common Access Card (CAC) is required to use NKO. For help, please contact the NAVY 311 at: phone: 1-855-NAVY- 311 (1-855-628-9311), DSN: 628-9311, Email: NAVY311@navy.mil and Chat: at the Navy 311 website at (http://www.navy311.navy.mil) www.navy311.navy.mil.


Servicemembers: Get $1 Mil Coverage from Only $41 a Month
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Exchanges Pilot Travel Program
Airmen at six bases will soon be able to make vacation or recreation plans while shopping at the Exchange, thanks to a test program. ITT operations will be placed in Exchange malls to streamline the Information, Tickets and Tours program. ITT offices, which will be open five days a week including a weekend day, will also offer information and possibly reservations for outdoor recreation trips, fitness specials, youth programs and more. Test installations are Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.; Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath, England; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; Luke AFB, Ariz; Patrick AFB, Fla. and Tinker AFB, Okla. For more information about tour and travel opportunities, visit U.S. Air Force Services Tickers and Travel Information webpage at (http://www.aftravelonline.com/) www.aftravelonline.com. For news and information about other quality of life programs, visit the U.S. Air Force Services webpage at (http://www.usafservices.com) www.usafservices.com.
For travel discounts for servicemembers and families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


AAFES Halloween Mystery Contest
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is giving away four $500 and ten $100 Exchange gift cards in its latest contest. The " (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/99 ... otostream/) Halloween Mystery of the Shadows Sweepstakes" will send Exchange patrons on a frightfully fun scavenger hunt throughout the store. Using a treasure map from the Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/community/patriotfamily/) www.shopmyexchange.com/community/patriotfamily/ or from the store, shoppers can hunt for clues in the Exchange. After collecting all five clues, treasure hunters can go to the Exchange's (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX?sk=app_95936962634) Facebook page to enter. The contest ends at the stroke of midnight on Oct. 31. No purchase is necessary to enter.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


Many VA Hotlines Remain Open
The Department of Veterans Affairs updated its original online "field manual" detailing which call centers and services remain operating during the government shutdown. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -shutdown/) View the entire list of VA help lines on the Military Advantage blog.


Military Health System and the Shutdown
The Military Health System (MHS) expects to see some impact on the delivery of health care services within its military hospitals and clinics. Inpatient, acute and emergency outpatient care in our medical and dental facilities will continue, as will private sector care under TRICARE. Local hospital and clinic commanders will implement the required adjustments to available medical services. Patients should contact their hospital or clinic to confirm previously scheduled routine appointments. Patients needing to schedule new routine appointments might experience delays. For TRICARE beneficiaries using providers in the private sector, little or no effect is anticipated at this time. For more information, read the TRICARE statement on the (http://www.tricare.mil/Welcome/MediaCen ... tdown.aspx) TRICARE website.


MOAA's Career Fair Checklist
Attending a Career Fair can lead to a job, but you have to know what to do to make it work for you. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has tips that will help you make the most of the Career Fair experience. (http://www.moaa.org/MRCareerFairChecklist/) Click here to read the rest of the article.
To see a comprehensive list of veteran job fairs across the country, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Upcoming Job Fairs page.


Managing Stress During Deployment
The good news about stress: it can alert you to danger, orient you to meet deadlines, and motivate you to get things done. The bad news about stress: chronic stress can create problems in your body and your relationships. While stress is something that we all live with, the stress of military deployments should not be minimized as ordinary. For more tips on how to handle stress during deployment for military families and servicemembers, see (http://www.military.com/deployment/mana ... 034&rank=1) this Military.com article.


Fighting Childhood Obesity
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in three children and teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Parents should also pay attention to their children's portion sizes because teaching proper portion sizes at an early age helps children make better choices as they get older. Visit the Department of Agriculture's ChooseMyPlate.gov at (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/) www.choosemyplate.gov for more information about recommended daily portion sizes. Also, TRICARE covers physical exams for children ages 5-11. For more information about childhood obesity, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Childhood Overweight and Obesity webpage at (http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood) www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


The Marine Corps and the Shutdown
Active Marine Corps servicemembers and reservists who are performing active service during the shutdown will continue to report for duty and will be paid and receive allowances. Reservists currently on active duty because of training or operational support orders prior to Oct. 1, 2013 will stay on orders and will be treated as active duty. Civilian employees accepted to continue working will also be paid in full and on time. Civilian employees who are not accepted to continue working should ensure their time and attendance is recorded and settled as needed. Anyone in temporary additional duty during the shutdown will need to make immediate arrangements to return to their duty station or home of record. Notification of when to return to work and other related information is posted at the (http://www.manpower.usmc.mil) Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs website at (http://www.manpower.usmc.mil) www.manpower.usmc.mil. For Marines and their families requiring assistance, charitable organizations can be found at the Military OneSource website at (http://www.militaryonesource.com/) www.militaryonesource.com.
To keep up with the latest updates about the government shutdown, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section.


Happy Birthday, Navy
Later this week, on October 13, the U.S. Navy marks its 238th birthday. The Navy traces its roots back to the privateers that were employed to attack British commerce in the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775 the Continental Congress established a small naval force, hoping that a small navy would be able to offset the uncontested exercise of British sea power. For more on the Navy's history and upcoming birthday, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Military.com Navy Birthday page.


Exchanges to Remain Open
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will continue operations during the U.S. government shutdown. Nearly 97 percent of its funding is generated by sales instead of tax support. Some transactions may be delayed, such as the purchase of firearms which require background checks or other federal government actions but, for the most part, it will be business as usual at the Exchange. To find out more about the Exchange's history and mission, visit the Army and Air Force Exchange Service website at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com) www.shopmyexchange.com.
To keep up with the latest updates about the government shutdown, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section.


Navy to Issue Safety Videos
Four Sailors shared their personal stories on video recently of how alcohol incidents impacted their careers and the importance of drinking responsibly. The four videos being released soon are part of the Navy's "Keep What You've Earned" campaign. Each testimonial reminds Sailors of the importance of drinking responsibly and keeping what they have earned. Watch the first video just released on the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention's (NADAP's) YouTube channel at (http://www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP) www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP. For more information, materials and resources from NADAP's "Keep What You've Earned" campaign, visit the NADAP website at (http://www.nadap.navy.mil) www.nadap.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com news section.


NEX's Navy Birthday Celebration
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that it has made some exciting changes to its second Navy Blue Holiday celebration. The Navy Blue Holiday season will kick off this year on the Navy's 238th birthday Oct. 13. The kick-off includes one of the largest single customer giveaways ever! NEXCOM has partnered with its vendor community to give away 1,000 NEX $100 gift cards. Customers can enter for the drawing beginning Oct. 9 at their local NEX or online at the My Navy Exchange website at (http://www.myNavyExchange.com) www.myNavyExchange.com.
For more on the Navy's upcoming birthday, visit the (http://www.military.com/navy-birthday) Military.com Navy Birthday page.


Navy Offers Forensic Exams
Naval Hospital Bremerton has implemented Victim Care Protocols and will now conduct independent Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations (SAFE). The forensic exams are part of the command's response ability in conjunction with the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program to prevent and eliminate sexual assault. Staff members are ready to render the needed care, concern and compassion to any victim. Patients can also talk with the hospital's victim advocates. For more information on the SAPR Program, visit the Navy Sexual Assault and Prevention Response (SAPR) Program webpage at (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ault2.aspx) http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ault2.aspx.


TRICARE Publishes Notice
The TRICARE Management Activity Privacy and Civil Liberties Office has revised and updated the Military Health System (MHS) Notice of Privacy Practices (NoPP). These revisions enhance clarity and readability, and reflect the latest modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules published in January, 2013. beneficiaries can review the new NoPP at (http://www.tricare.mil/Privacy/HIPAA) www.tricare.mil/Privacy/HIPAA. If beneficiaries have questions, they should contact the privacy officer at their local military hospital or clinic. To locate a nearby facility, visit TRICARE's Military Treatment Facility Locator at (http://www.tricare.mil/mtf) www.tricare.mil/mtf/.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Performance Matters Associates Committed to Hiring Veterans
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Video: President Addresses the Troops
President Obama issued a video message to members of the Armed Forces explaining the government shutdown and the need to continue to serve with pride and dedication. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -shutdown/) Watch the video on the Military Advantage Blog.


Free Military Sam's Club Membership Until Shutdown Ends
If you live near a Sam's Club and are in the market for bulk groceries, this could be your lucky day. According to Sam's Club officials all military members will be allowed to (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/10/free ... rvr1007.nl) shop in the members-only warehouse store for free until the government shutdown ends and the commissaries reopen.


Navy Exchanges and Lodges Remain Open
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Sept. 30 that NEXs and Navy Lodges worldwide will remain open during the government shutdown. Customers can still purchase the products and services they need at any NEX around the world. At this time, stores will continue to operate at their normal hours. For more information, visit the Navy Exchange Service Command website at (http://www.navy.mil/local/nexcom/) www.navy.mil/local/nexcom/, the (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/) NEX website and the (https://www.navy-lodge.com/) Navy Lodge website.


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