Military Report - Week of March 03, 2014

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Military Report - Week of March 03, 2014

Researchers Examine PTSD Evidence
Why do posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms persist in some people and not others? An experiment performed more than 100 years ago is helping us find answers. A team and researchers at top universities are learning more about PTSD using Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov's famous "conditioned response" experiment. Working with servicemembers with and without PTSD, we hope to better understand the disorder to improve diagnosis and treatment. For more information, visit the (http://www.dcoe.mil/blog/14-02-20/Centu ... _PTSD.aspx) Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury website.
For more on PTSD and support services, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... rview.html) Military.com PTSD section.


TRICARE Tips for Quitting Tobacco
TRICARE is available to help beneficiaries quit the use of smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco is often considered less harmful than tobacco that is inhaled, but that is a common misconception. Chewing tobacco and snuff are not safe alternatives to smoking. Visit the Quit Tobacco: Make Everyone Proud website at (http://www.ucanquit2.org) www.ucanquit2.org for a quit support text message program, FAQs, videos and 24/7 live chat support. Beneficiaries should take full advantage of the related TRICARE services, which include: (1) Web-based educational materials, (2) smoking quitlines, (3) live chat counseling services, and (4) tobacco cessation medication. For more information on TRICARE's tobacco cessation benefit, visit TRICARE's Tobacco Cessation webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/LiveWell/Tobacco.aspx) tricare.mil/LiveWell/Tobacco.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


$1 Mil SGLI/VGLI Alternative: Only $41 a Month
Protection for less. Get $1 million in coverage from only $41 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0303.nl) Can your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


DoD Budget Plan Targets TRICARE
According to columnist Ton Philpott's recent (http://www.military.com/benefits/2014/0 ... p-bah.html) Military Update, the DoD is proposing to merge the three options into a single fee-for-service insurance option, similar to the current Standard option. The proposed changes to TRICARE military dependents and working-age military retirees would face higher out-of-pocket costs, which could include a share of medical expenses and perhaps a new annual enrollment fee, set initially at $285 for individuals and $569 for families.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... care-hard/) Read the full article on Military Advantage blog.


Leatherneck Museum Acquires WWII Fire Truck
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum acquired an International Harvester FFN-3 fire and crash crew engine in running condition. This particular World War II-era engine was first used to fight fire aboard Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif., in 1944, making it a piece of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, Calif. history. The museum is seeking able-bodied volunteers to help in the fire engine's restoration and more researchers to help dig up the markings and history of this vehicle. To volunteer on this project or many others, contact the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at 1-877-FLY-USMC (359-8762), For more information, visit the (http://flyingleathernecks.org/) Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum website.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Become a Navy Recruiter
Sailors who become recruiters have an opportunity to receive $450 extra a month in Special Duty Assignment Pay. To qualify, Sailors in pay grades E-5 - E-8 with a good service record should first take the (https://militaps.nmci.mil/rab) Recruiter Aptitude Battery assessment. Next, Sailors should call their detailer to request to be released to special programs for recruiting. Some ratings are not eligible, but others have a great chance of selection. Finally, once a Sailor is nominated they have 30 days to complete screening requirements and submit. Special Programs detailers advise that any Sailor applying for recruiting duty to apply for and obtain a secret clearance at least 18 months prior to their Projected Rotation Date. For more information, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/enlisted/detail ... Recruiting Duty.aspx) Recruiting Duty Page of the NPC website.
For more resources and tips on joining the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com Join the Military section.


Navy's Arctic Operations Plan
The U.S. Navy has released an updated Arctic Roadmap to prepare naval forces over the next 15 years for operations in the Arctic Ocean. This updated Navy Arctic Roadmap prepares the U.S. Navy to respond effectively to future contingencies, delineates the Navy's Arctic leadership role within the Defense Department, and articulates the Navy's support to achieve national priorities. For more information, read the U.S. Navy Arctic Roadmap 2014-2030 at (http://www.navy.mil/docs/USN_arctic_roadmap.pdf) www.navy.mil/docs/USN_arctic_roadmap.pdf.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Marine Corps Marathon Registration
Active duty and reserve registration for the Marine Corps Marathon recently sold out in one hour. But, you can still register to obtain a place in the Marathon through an online (http://www.marinemarathon.com/Register.htm) lottery. For more information, visit the Marine Corps Marathon website at (http://www.marinemarathon.com/) www.marinemarathon.com.
For a look at the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon, see (http://www.military.com/video/forces/ma ... 163194001/) this Military.com video.


Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has established the EOD Marine Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to a student beginning in the upcoming 2014-2015 academic year. To be eligible, applicants must: (1) be the child of an active duty, reserve or veteran U.S. Marine who has received an honorable discharge or was killed while serving in the Corps; (2) be the child of U.S. Navy Corpsmen who is serving or have served; (3) have a GPA of at least 2.0; (4) meet an income requirement; and (5) plan to attend an accredited undergraduate college, university or vocational/technical institution in the upcoming academic year. The Scholarship Foundation gives particular attention to children whose parent has been killed or wounded in action. For more information, visit the Marine (https://www.mcsf.org/) Corps Scholarship Foundation website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


AF Publishes Regulations on E-cigarette Use
Electronic cigarette use is becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, but the upward trend is becoming a concern for Air Force health care providers. The battery-operated products, known as e-cigarettes, are designed to deliver nicotine, flavor and other chemicals as a vapor that is inhaled by the user. Studies have found potentially harmful ingredients are contained in the product. (http://www.njgasp.org/AFD-121220-020.pdf) Air Force Instruction 40-102, Tobacco Use, establishes tobacco policy in the Air Force and explicitly includes e-cigarettes under the definition of tobacco, subjecting the product to all the restrictions implemented for cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. The Air Force is the first service to establish an e-cigarette policy.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Small Business Training Tailored for Vets
Tandem NSI, an entrepreneurial group based in northern Virginia, is planning an event to help servicemembers, veterans, retirees and DoD civilians start a business within the national security sector. But, the group is asking for your input in designing the event. Tandem NSI is especially interested covering the topics you'd like to learn more about; the preferred length of the event; what type of speakers you would like to hear from; and what month would be the best time for you to attend. To let them know what is important to you, send your input to (mailto:info@tandemnsi.com) info@tandemnsi.com.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... nal-event/) Read more about the event on Military.com.


Navy Ship Unveils Crest
The future Freedom-class littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Detroit (LCS 7) recently unveiled its official crest during a ceremony at Mariner's Park on board Naval Base San Diego. Detroit, the sixth warship named after the city, is currently under construction in Marinette, Wis. A keel-laying ceremony was held November 2012 and the ship is expected to join the fleet in 2016. LCS vessels were designed to be high-speed, shallow draft, multi-mission ships capable of operating independently or with an associated strike group. A photograph of the new crest is available (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79263) online.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Tips to Identifying a Suspicious Package
Here are some tips from the Marine Corps on identifying a suspicious package: (1) excessive postage; (2) handwritten or poorly-typed addresses; (3) no return address; (4) misspelling of common words; (5) oily stains or discolorations; (6) excessive weight; (7) protruding wires; (8) originates from an unexpected or unfamiliar source; (9) package has a substance on it such as powder, liquid, paste or metal shavings; (10) excessive securing material such as tape or string; (11) any indication of a timer such as a beeping or ticking sound; (12) arming or firing device; (13) any indication from mail screening devices such as x-ray imaging or sniffer equipment, which raises suspicion about the nature of the package. Everyone should stay out of the line of sight of any potential explosive device, thereby reducing the hazard of injury as a consequence of direct fragmentation. When law enforcement arrives on scene, remain calm and follow officers' instructions.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Featured Discount: 10% Off Games for Xbox, PS3 and More
10% off video games for veterans, active duty, retirees, military spouses and immediate family members. (http://www.oneplay.com/sheerid_users) Includes games for PC, Mac, Xbox, PS3 and PS4.


VBA Accused of Obstructing the Legion
Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), in a Feb. 14 letter sent to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, accused the Veterans Benefits Administration of obstructing the work of an American Legion team of experts during its recent visit to the Seattle VA Regional Office. The Jan. 21-24 visit was part of the Legion's 15-year-old Regional Office Action Review (ROAR) program, which evaluates claims processing at VA regional offices nationwide and offers recommendations for improvement. Miller, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (HVAC), wrote that VBA's recent actions "are perceived as deliberate and retaliatory, and I caution that any obstruction to external review of VBA's work product is contrary to both transparency and government accountability; it will not be tolerated under a pretense of workload management." For more details, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2014/0 ... egion.html) this article.


AAFES Easter Sweepstakes
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is partnering with Just Born, the maker of Peeps, to hatch up an "eggciting" sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 20 Exchange gift cards worth $1,000. Through April 20, shoppers worldwide can enter to win the Peeps Just Born sweepstakes by filling out and dropping off an entry form at any Exchange store. Shoppers must be 18 years or older to enter and have a valid driver's license. The drawing will take place on or about June 2.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


A+E Networks 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 ... =mr0303.nl) Read More.


Tax Season Tips: Adjusted Gross Income
Determining your adjusted gross income is a key component in completing your taxes -- but how do you calculate it? Military veteran and tax expert Todd Severence says we can take a cue from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. For his tips, see (http://www.military.com/money/personal- ... ncome.html) this Military.com article.


AF Museum Opens Space Shuttle Exhibit
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio has launched a mock-up space shuttle exhibit. The display is built around a cockpit simulator and is the size of a real shuttle. The NASA space shuttle trainer acquired by the museum in 2012 was used by astronauts to prepare for shuttle missions. The exhibit is expected to be part of a sprawling hangar gallery slated to open in 2016. For more information on the museum, visit the (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/) National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


DHS Guidelines on "Active Shooters"
The United States Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as "an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area." There are established guidelines that give three approaches to maximize chances of survival in an active shooter situation and assist in the apprehension of the shooter: (1) hide -- observe your surroundings, and seek a room for shelter. Immediately lock the door and improvise a barricade with nearby furniture if necessary; (2) flee the danger zone -- observe any accessible escape routes and leave the premises if possible leaving any and all personal possessions behind; and (3) if all else fails, and only if one's life is in imminent danger, it is advised to take action against the shooter to increase your chance of survival. For more information about guidelines in an active shooter scenario, visit the Department of Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness) Active Shooter Preparedness webpage.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Marines Transition to Summer Uniforms
Personnel on Marine Corps Installations West- Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton will transition to the summer season uniforms March 9. The uniforms include the blue dress A and B for NCOs and below, blue dress D, Blue-White dress A and B for SNCOs, Service A and C and the desert MARPAT MCUU with the sleeves rolled down.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


DoD Budget Virtual Townhall
The proposed 2015 defense budget includes cuts to pay, housing, healthcare, and commissaries. Join MOAA and other experts for a virtual town hall on MOAA's Facebook page to discuss the Pentagon's budget, what it means to you, and how you can make a difference. Military.com's Editor Ward Carroll will moderate. Follow the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #BudgetBattle.
To see the video, post your questions below it and join the Townhall Thursday at 7 pm EST, go to MOAA's Facebook page: (http://www.moaa.org/MRBudgetTownHall) www.moaa.org/MRBudgetTownHall


Never Pay PMI and $0 Down Payment
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(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0303.nl) Want more info on your VA Loan Benefit?


Sprint: Start a Framily Plan
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Remembering Montford Point
The Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans to enlist in the Marine Corps, earning the name after completing training at Recruit Depot Montford Point, N.C., a separate training facility made for blacks due to segregation in the armed forces during the 1940s. More than 20,000 recruits trained at Montford Point between 1942-1949. The Montford Point Marine Museum opened in 2001 to preserve the history of the first African American Marines with photos, exhibits and articles. The museum is located in the original mess hall on the hallowed grounds of what used to be Montford Point Camp. To learn more about Montford Point, visit the Montford Point Marine Association website at (http://www.montfordpointmarines.com/index.html) www.montfordpointmarines.com/index.html.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Officer RIF Board Delayed
Air Force leaders have announced a change to the officer reduction in force board (RIF) originally scheduled to convene June 16 at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC). The delay moves the RIF board into October with separations effective no later than April 30, 2015. Changes to the scheduled RIF board date will result in changes to the eligible population. All eligible officers will still receive at least six months' notice prior to meeting the board. Specific details are being finalized and further guidance will be published by AFPC officials in the coming weeks. For more information on force management, force shaping, reduction in force and other personnel programs, 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 Center.


USMC Career Course Goes Online
The U.S. Marine Corps has announced a switch from the Career Course MCI (MCI series 8100) to the newly-released Career Course Distance Education Program on MarineNet. As of March 1, 2014, MCI series 8100 will be discontinued, and Marines will no longer be able to enroll. If a Marine is already enrolled in the Career Course MCI, they have until June 30, 2014 to complete their course of study, or they will be automatically disenrolled, and no credits will transfer to the distance education program. The new distance education program is already "live", and Marines can begin enrolling immediately. The new program consists of eight sub-courses, each with its own test. For Marines who are not within a reasonable distance of a learning resource center, a special proctor may be arranged by calling 1-888-4DL-USMC and selecting option two.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education Center.


Tips for a Healthy Heart
Here are a few simple, everyday things that can increase daily heart-healthy activity: (1) park further away when you visit the commissary and walk; (2) if work has you pinned to a desk, consider standing for periods of time; (3) take the stairs whenever possible, forego the elevators and escalators; (4) try to avoid getting sucked into electronic targets such as smartphones in your free time, take a walk instead; and (5) at minimum, exercise for 30 minutes, three times per week.
For more fitness tips and plans, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.


Five Things to Do When You Get PCS Orders
Got orders? Well you know that the first thing you need to do is to get yourself and your family organized for the big move - but where to start? Now is a good time to (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity- ... to-do.html) review the 5 steps to a smooth move