Military Report - Week of November 25, 2013

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Military Report - Week of November 25, 2013

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Join the Air Force's CHIEFchat
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James A. Cody, recently shared his perspective on the past, present and future of the Air Force with Airmen, Air Force civilians and their families during the first-ever world chat session using CHIEFchat. CHIEFchat is a recurring initiative designed to give Airmen around the world a direct connection to the chief master sergeant of the Air Force. Watch the full-length talk on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1S6qUN3 ... e=youtu.be) YouTube. Airmen can join in the conversation with the chief master sergeant of the Air Force by following him on (https://www.facebook.com/cmsafcody) Facebook.
To follow the military via social media, visit and like the (https://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom) Military.com Facebook page.


Chenega Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Chenega. 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.


New DEERS and TRICARE Support App
(http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) milConnect is the Defense Manpower Data Center's mobile site for Android phone users available via the Google Play store. The app helps beneficiaries locate ID card-issuing facilities, find contact information for TRICARE Regional Offices, review a searchable FAQ section, and login with a Department of Defense Self-Service Logon to change their address in DEERS or change their TRICARE enrollments.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Using TRICARE Online Tools
TRICARE offers online tools help beneficiaries learn about the plans they qualify for and then compare plans. To find out which TRICARE plans your family may be qualified for, log onto the (http://www.tricare.mil/planfinder) TRICARE Plan Finder webpage to use the Plan Finder tool. To compare plans, visit the Compare Plans webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/compareplans) www.tricare.mil/compareplans. To be eligible for any TRICARE plan, beneficiaries must be registered in DEERS. To update contact information, sign into (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) milConnect. Beneficiaries must add or remove family members to their DEERS record in person at the nearest military ID card issuing facility, however, appointments can be made online at (https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/) rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


DoD Considers Closing CONUS Commissaries
According to several news sources, the Defense Commissary Agency has been asked by the Defense Department to submit a plan for closing stateside commissaries. Columnist and Military.com contributor (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/1 ... aries.html) Tom Philpott reports that the request was made by the DoD's Under Secretary of Defense Robert Hale, the department's top financial adviser, and Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay, director of force structure, resources and assessment for the Joint Staff. (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/11/plan ... -soon.html) Read more about the plan to close stateside commissaries on the Spouse Buzz blog.


Navy Sexual Assault Reports
The U.S. Navy as released an overview of alleged sexual assaults is compiled based on 19 initial reports from across the Navy between Nov. 4 and Nov. 10. The reports are available on the (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77647) U.S. Navy website. To contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at the Department of Defense Safe Help Line, call (877) 995-5247. To learn more about Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, visit (http://www.sapr.navy.mil) www.sapr.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Warning: VA ID Cards Are Easily Scanned
Anyone with a smartphone and a bar code app can scan any Department of Veterans Affairs identification card issued since 2004 and the cardholder's Social Security number immediately pops up on the screen. The Department of Veterans Affairs published warnings about the veterans information cards (VICs) on their website in 2011 and again in July, 2013. The alert states, "Some barcode readers, including those available as applications on cell phones, can scan the bar code on the front of the card, and reveal the veteran's social security number." VA has begun to work on a new type of card, which will not contain a Social Security number. Meanwhile, veterans should treat their current ID cards as just a careful as they do their Social Security card to prevent identity theft.
For more updates on military benefits programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Go Mobile With TRICARE
TRICARE.mil at is now mobile accessible, to make it easy for beneficiaries to connect to the health information they need on the go. (http://www.tricare.mil/) TRICARE.mil can be used on mobile devices including tablets and smartphones, and beneficiaries can go to the TRICARE homepage via the web browser and have instant access to benefit and contact information. The mobile site offers the same great tools beneficiaries use online: podcasts, TRICARE TV, access to educational materials and TRICARE news.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Military Family Month
November is Military Family Month. During the month, family support centers will offer information on what is available. Year-round, support services exist through the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/phases ... _id=266979) Family Readiness System to help family members navigate any challenges they might face in their military lifestyle. Two other initiatives that bring civilian resources together with military needs are the (http://blogs.extension.org/militaryfami ... -families/) Military Families Learning Network and the How to Help program. Another community option to help support servicemembers and their families is the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) Military OneSource website, which explains the military lifestyle and families' particular needs while living off an installation and in a neighborhood.
For more on military family appreciation events and discounts, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-family ... tion-month) Military.com Family Appeciation Month page.


Navy Updates USMAP Website
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) recently updated its website, which will simplify the process for Sailors working toward civilian credentials by documenting their daily work. The USMAP team works closely with the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide nationally-recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level certificates of completion for members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Servicemembers receive credit for the hours they are working in their rating or military occupational specialties (MOS). The program is free to servicemembers and requires minimal time outside of the normal work day. For more information about the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program, visit (https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/) usmap.cnet.navy.mil.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Study Shows Vets Struggle to Translate Experience
According to a recent survey, more than 70 percent of hiring managers admit having a hard time making business sense of military experience; once employed, veterans lack job satisfaction after transition from active duty. The results shine a spotlight on the challenges new veterans face when transitioning from the armed forces to civilian employment. Data from the new survey also demonstrates an opportunity for companies hiring new veterans to increase job satisfaction. For more, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... ience.html) this article.


Defending Earned Military Benefits
The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) was authorized by Congress in the 2013 defense authorization act to examine all forms of military compensation. The commission is required to report its findings to the President by May 1, 2014 and provide legislative recommendations to Congress. MOAA's Director of Government Relations, Col. Mike Hayden, USAF (Ret.), testified on military pay, compensation, retirement and healthcare issues at a hearing held by the MCRMC on November 5. (http://www.moaa.org/MRMRMCTestimony) Read MOAA's testimony at the MOAA website.
For more updates on military benefits programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Wounded Warrior Care Makes Strides
November marks Warrior Care Month, a time to honor the contributions of those who provide medical and non-medical care to wounded warriors - at bedside, during rehabilitation, and throughout their transition back to active duty or to civilian life. During the past 12 years of war, more than 51,000 servicemembers have been wounded in action. Tens of thousands of other servicemembers have been diagnosed with serious illnesses or experienced injuries in training, shipboard or liberty accidents. As a result, the past decade has witnessed tremendous advancements in military medicine. To learn more about wounded warrior care, visit the (https://www.nrd.gov/other_services_and_ ... r_programs) National Resource Directory or the (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/wounde ... d-benefits) Military OneSource website. To learn more about Warrior Care Month, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive_201 ... id=standto) U.S. Army's Stand-To! Website or the (http://www.wtc.army.mil/about_us/warrio ... l#features) Warrior Transition Command website, or call 855-NAVP WWP (628-9997).
For more Wounded Warrior news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warrior section.


Family Resilience Training Program
The U.S. Army Installation Management Command has joined forces with the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Program to provide family resilience training through Army Community Service Centers. The program is designed to provide family members with thinking skills and coping strategies needed to take care of themselves and their soldier. The master resilience trainers will train specific resilience techniques to Army family members and Department of Army civilians that increase physical, emotional, social spiritual and family strengths. For more information, visit the (http://www.army.mil/standto/archive_201 ... id=standto) U.S. Army's Stand-To! website and the (http://csf2.army.mil/) Army's Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness website.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse) Military.com Family Center.


TRICARE Extends Free OTC Med Project
TRICARE beneficiaries may continue to receive selected over-the-counter medications at no cost to them until Nov. 30, 2016. The Department of Defense has extended the Over-the-Counter Medication Demonstration Project (OTC Demo) to allow more time to determine its effectiveness. The OTC Demo allows TRICARE beneficiaries to get OTC medications from retail network pharmacies and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery at no cost. Beneficiaries must get a prescription from their doctor for most of the medications covered under the OTC Demo. For more information about the OTC Demo, visit TRICARE's OTC Medications Demonstration webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/otcdemo) www.tricare.mil/otcdemo. The online formulary search tool at (http://www.pec.ha.osd.mil) www.pec.ha.osd.mil allows TRICARE beneficiaries to see which prescription medications TRICARE covers and determine the applicable cost.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


VA Loans: A Buyer's Advantage in a Sellers' Market
Veterans may have a leg up with VA loans when it comes to winning bidding wars in a sellers' market. The zero-down feature of VA loans can help eligible borrowers secure the purchase agreement on the home of their dreams in a sellers' market. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Read More.


Mobile Pharmacy Refills With TRICARE
(http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE) Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), the TRICARE pharmacy contractor has an enhanced "Express Scripts" mobile application available for download through the iPhone App Store, or Google Play for Android devices. With the ESI's mobile app beneficiaries can refill, renew and track prescriptions ordered through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. They can also set medication reminders, locate the nearest retail pharmacy, search for drug information, transfer to Home Delivery and more. The mobile app offers the most convenient way to manage pharmacy benefits.
For more on TRICARE benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section. For more news on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/apps) Military.com App page.


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AF Developmental Education Selectees
More than 800 officers and 111 civilians were selected for intermediate and senior developmental education by the 2013 Developmental Education Designation Board which convened recently. Despite the government shutdown that delayed board by a month, results were tallied and released within the timelines announced in March. The selectee list is available on the (http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/doc ... 14-065.pdf) Air Force Personnel Center website. Airmen selected for IDE and SDE will attend advanced training and senior leader development programs including Air War College, the Executive Leadership Development Program and more.
For more information about the annual DEDB selection process and other 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.


Coast Guard to Reduce TA Benefit
The Coast Guard will soon announce the return of a 75/25 cost-share based Tuition Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2014. The 2014 tuition assistance cost-share will mark the return of the pre-2002 75% coverage formula for tuition assistance. This means Coast Guardsmen must now pay at least 25% of their tuition out of pocket this year. In addition, the Coast Guard will now only cover up to $187.50 per credit hour. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ent-rates/) Get more on who is affected by this new policy on the Military Advantage Blog.
(http://www.military.com/education/money-for-school) Learn more about military tuition assistance and other education benefits.


CHAMPVA Offers Dental Insurance
The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering eligible veterans, plus family members receiving care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), to purchase affordable dental insurance beginning Nov. 15. This three-year pilot has been designed for Veterans with no dental coverage, or those eligible for VA dental care who would like to purchase additional coverage. Participation will not affect entitlement to VA dental services and treatment. People interested in participating may complete an application online through either Delta Dental at (http://www.deltadentalvadip.org/) www.deltadentalvadip.org, or MetLife at (http://www.metlife.com/vadip) www.metlife.com/vadip beginning Nov. 15. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2014,. For more information, visit the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) website at (http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/) www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/, or call Delta Dental at 1-855-370-3303 or MetLife at 1-888-310-1681.
For more updates on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


The Candy Bomber Returns
65 years after the Berlin Airlift, its renowned 'candy bomber,' 93 year old retired General Gail Halvorsen recently boarded a vintage C-47 Skytrain on November 9, 2013 at the South Texas Regional Airport in Hondo, Texas to celebrate the anniversary. More than 250 community members and servicemembers attended the event, which featured rides on vintage aircraft, performances by the Texas Children's Choir, and a candy drop. For more information on the Candy Bomber of the Berlin Airlift, check out the (http://www.hill.af.mil/library/factshee ... sp?id=5979) Berlin Candy Bomber Fact Sheet, or catch the (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d7eOF8-4gw) You Tube video.
For more military videos, visit the (http://www.military.com/video) Military.com Video Center.


AF Announces CMSgt Promotions
The U.S. Air Force recently selected 400 Airmen for promotions to chief master sergeant. The promotion list is available on the (https://my.af.mil) Air Force Portal. Airmen will be able to access their score notices on the virtual military personnel flight and the Air Force Portal. Those selected will be promoted according to their promotion sequence number beginning in January. For more information about promotions and other personnel issues, visit (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Law Prohibits Employment Discrimination
Employees who satisfy the eligibility requirement under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994 are entitled to re-employment as long as they are a member of the U.S. armed services and meet the following five conditions: (1) The employee must have civilian employment; (2) the employee must give his employer notice prior to military service; (3) the employee's cumulative length of service causing his absence from employment must be less than five years; (4) the employee must have been released from military service with at least a general discharge under Honorable Conditions; and (5) when the employee returns from active duty, he or she must report back to work within a certain period of time. An employee must give notice to his or her employer before taking military leave. For more information, visit the (http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htm) Department of Labor website.
For more veteran job news, tips, and job postings, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Transportation & Logistics Jobs for Vets
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.


PFC Lynch to Speak at CCME
Jessica Lynch, the first successfully rescued POW since WWII, will provide the keynote for this year's Council of College and Military Educators' (CCME) 2014 Professional Development Symposium in Savannah GA. Lynch is a former Private First Class (PFC) in the United States Army who was injured and captured by Iraqi soldiers after her unit was ambushed on March 23, 2003. After nine days in captivity she was rescued by U.S. special operations forces. It the first successful POW rescue since World War II and the first ever of a female soldier. The 2014 CCME Symposium will take place February 10-13 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. To register to attend this year's symposium or for more information, please visit (http://ccmeonline.org/annualsymposium) the symposium website. Early bird pricing for members and nonmembers is available for a limited time.


Military Families Get Subsistence Help
The Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) Program was designed to bring eligible servicemember's gross household income to 130 percent of the federal poverty line as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is available for Sailors stationed in the United States and overseas. Members may be eligible for up to $1,100 per month. Visit the (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa/) FSSA website to determine eligibility and review application procedures.