Miitary Report - Week of April 21, 2014

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Miitary Report - Week of April 21, 2014

Army Museum Educates Soldiers
The U.S. Army Finance Corps Museum, located at Fort Jackson, S.C., is part of the overall Army program to inform finance Soldiers about the significant historical events and objects that are part of their branch heritage. Although museum tours are essential to exposing FM students to the history and artifacts of the Finance Corps, the (http://www.finance.army.mil/Museum/index.html) Finance Corps Museum website, has brief exhibit displays by topic, a historical timeline, a Finance Corps heritage and values video, an activation of the Finance Corps video, and links to documents. More links and items will be added in the future. Also, the Financial Management School's milBook page provides a link to the official (https://www.milsuite.mil/book/blogs/financecorpsmuseum) U.S. Army Finance Corps Museum blog.
For more on Army history, visit the (http://www.military.com/army-birthday) Military.com Army birthday page.


Army Adds Eye Shield to 1st Aid Kit
Soldiers whose eyes are injured during combat have a better chance of returning to duty with their vision intact due to some revisions in the Army's first-aid kit. The rigid eye shield was added as a component to the Army's "Individual First-Aid Kit II." When properly worn, the shields can protect a servicemember's eye from further damage after an initial eye injury is sustained during combat operations. In the past, servicemembers may have treated eye injuries by wrapping the head with a bandage and applying pressure to the wounded eye. But this method of preserving the eye is not optimal eye care. The new eye shields are meant as a supplement to current Military Combat Eye Protection, not as a substitute for the MCEP. The eye shields should be a part of all DOD joint-service first-aid kits by the fall of 2014.
For more on military gear, visit the (http://kitup.military.com/) Kit Up! blog.


AF Offers Some Second Shot at TERA
A limited number of Airmen who received notice that their previously approved applications for early retirement had been declined will be given the option to retire if they still desire to do so. Some Airmen received erroneous (temporary early retirement authority) approvals and were subsequently notified of the inaccuracy. The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) continues to assess applications to determine if there are other Airmen in similar situations. If Airmen discover an error in an application or approval, they are encouraged to identify and work it through their chain of command. AFPC will be able to quickly respond to any issue highlighted through command channels.
For more on military retirement, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ystem.html) Military Retirement Overview.


Help Support Military.com's 8-bit Salute
Military.com is proud to announce that it is (http://www.operationsupplydrop.org/inde ... antID=1198) supporting the third annual 8-Bit Salute, a 24-hour video game marathon run by Operation Supply Drop. The marathon directly supports service members by raising money for specialized care packages. For our part in the marathon, Military.com editor Stephen Bajza will be playing and live-streaming 24 straight hours of "Titanfall" for the Xbox One on May 17th. For assistance in completing the full 24 hours, Military.com has the honor of playing alongside a squad of Army Special Forces for the duration of the marathon, as well as various other service members and veterans. To help support this effort, (https://www.operationsupplydrop.org/ind ... antID=1198) check out Military.com's page on Operation Supply Drop, and see (http://www.military.com/off-duty/games/ ... alute.html) this article for more details.


Get $50k Family Protection for $2.50 a Month
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What Do MOH Recipients Get?
On May 13, 2014, President Barack Obama will award Kyle J. White, a former active duty Army Sergeant, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. Sergeant White will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions. Earning the MOH will entitle White to privileges and benefits for the rest of his life. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... rdees-get/) So what are the perks of earning the MOH?
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... rdees-get/) Read this week's Military Advantage to learn more.


France Preps for D-Day's 70th Anniversary
Stars and Stripes reports that France is preparing to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. An official ceremony marking the anniversary will bring together heads of state from the major combatant nations on June 6 at Sword Beach. Dozens of other commemorations and events are being planned across Normandy to mark the anniversary, including concerts, films, fireworks displays and parachute drops. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial contains the graves of 9,387 Americans, most of whom were killed in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. For more information on the cemetery, visit the American Battle Monuments Commission website at (http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php) www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php.
For more on D-Day, visit the (http://www.military.com/Content/MoreCon ... =dday_main) Military.com D-Day section.


S. Carolina Law Helps Ease Transition
South Carolina is making it easier for military men and women who drove military trucks and are leaving the military to get a civilian driver's license for commercial vehicles. While the military applicants will not have to pass the skills test for operating vehicles more than 26,000 pounds in gross weight, they will have to pass all other knowledge tests and meet federal regulations before getting a commercial license. Active duty military personnel may apply while still in uniform or within 90 days after their separation of military service. Application forms are available on the (http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/defau ... TestWaiver) South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and must be signed by the applicant's commanding officer. For more information, visit the South Carolina (http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/) DMV website.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Top Brass Continue to Push for Pay Caps
According to Tom Philpott, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been given an unusual and potentially powerful opportunity to persuade senators that the risk of reduced military readiness can be avoided. All seven of the nation's top four-star officers are to testify on May 6. They are expected to try to convince Congress to curb personnel costs in an effort to reduce the impact on weapons systems, training, and equipment. The JCS want Congress to stop shielding compensation from the effects of sequestration.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... readiness/) Read this week's Military Update on the Military Advantage blog.


Freedom Hunters Seeking Donations
Freedom Hunters is a national volunteer non-profit organization that sends wounded service members, Gold Star family members, children of the deployed, and service members returning from war on no-cost hunting, fishing and shooting adventures. Last year Freedom Hunters held over 500 adventures, and has set a goal of providing 750 adventures in 2014. The organization is looking for donations of any items that can be used in upcoming live auctions, silent auctions, raffles or as door prizes. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these events will be used to send wounded service members, Gold Star family members and children of the deployed on outdoor adventures. for more information contact Chris Miller at (mailto:Miller@freedomhunters.org) Miller@freedomhunters.org.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


AF Enlisted Supplemental Promotions
The U.S. Air Force recently selected 25 enlisted members for promotion via the supplemental promotion process. Airmen on the April supplemental promotion list tested outside of their required cycle because of an extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency. To see the list, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil) Air Force Portal and select the promotion news link, or visit (https://mypers.af.mil) MyPers, enter "Active Duty: Enlisted Promotions Home Page" in the search window, select the page and scroll down to the supplemental promotion section.
How much would you make with a promotion? Check out Military.com's updated (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... harts.html) military pay charts.


Tennessee Offers Vets In-state Tuition
Veterans who want to go to college in Tennessee will get help paying for it, even if they do not live in the state. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed a bill into law that would give out-of-state veterans, in-state tuition. It is called the Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act. The law applies to veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or Montgomery GI Bill benefits. Veterans also have to enroll in a college or university within two years of the day they are discharged. For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs at (615) 741-2931 or e-mail (mailto:TN.Veterans@tn.gov) TN.Veterans@tn.gov.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Congressional Fellowship Program for Vets
Members of Congress often urge federal agencies and the private sector to hire military veterans, but a survey suggests they rarely follow that advice with their personal staff. To boost those numbers, lawmakers announce a new fellowship program, the Veterans Congressional Fellowship, which is designed to enable veterans to translate skills acquired through military service into working for a legislative team on Capitol Hill. The first class of fellows will begin this summer. Under the program, veterans will be assigned to a lawmaker's office, where they will learn about the legislative process and how to assist constituents. The fellows will earn a certificate upon completing the program. For more information and to apply, visit (http://mikethompson.house.gov/constitue ... ip-program) U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson's website.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Month of the Military Child
Throughout April, military commands around the world are celebrating the contributions and sacrifices military children continue to make while their parent or parents serve the nation. Roughly two million military children in the United States are connected to the military through one or both parents, and the majority of that population is under 12 years old. To find out more information about Month of the Military Child and share stories, visit the Month of the Military Child website at (http://www.monthofthemilitarychild.com) www.monthofthemilitarychild.com.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


Tips for Lifelong Caregiving
As the 2.6 million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan join previous generations of veterans, it's clear that many of our veterans will require long-term caregiving support. Studies estimate there are 5.5 million military caregivers across the United States, with nearly 20 percent caring for someone who served in the military since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The personal impact of providing care is enormous, the physical and emotional toll can be substantial, and navigating through the policies and procedures of various government agencies can be overwhelming.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has released a new resource to help all caregivers and their families with unmet legal and financial education needs. To learn more about Tips for Lifelong Caregiving, go to (http://www.moaa.org/MRCaregiver/) www.moaa.org/MRCaregiver/.


Nuclear Forces Budget Hearings
Air Force Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, the assistant chief of staff, strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, testified recently before the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee on strategic forces along with other Department of Defense witnesses on the fiscal year 2015 Atomic Energy Defense and Nuclear Forces budget. Subcommittee members questioned Harencak on the life expectancy of the current intercontinental ballistic missile force and when the system would begin aging out. Gen. Harencak responded that the Minuteman III ICBM will be sustained through 2030, and added the force will be safe and effective until then. Witness statements from the hearing are available on the (http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cf ... ear-forces) House Armed Services Committee website.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Casualty Assistance Class
The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) is offering its annual CAR Training Class for Field Support Services personnel. This class will be held at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., July 22-23. The training consists of briefings by subject matter experts on all casualty statuses and is applicable to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. This course will help CARs better serve their customers. You may register for this class online by visiting the (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/fac ... p?id=21455) ARPC website. Class size is 80 and available on a first-come first-served basis. This is not a formal school and is funded by the attendee's unit. The class will last two full days so travel days are July 21 and 24. Transportation is not available and order should include a rental car. Questions can be directed to Casualties, 720-847-3611 or DSN 847-3611.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Surgeon Generals Testify
The medical capabilities honed from 13 years of war must continue to expand for future needs, the three military surgeon generals' told Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense recently. Despite the war winding down and the fiscal challenges that lie ahead, military medicine has a "clear responsibility" to make sure its medics are well trained and prepared for any future contingencies, said Air Force surgeon general Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas Travis. Combat and stability operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief must be sustained by well-trained personnel. A webcast and presentations from the hearing are available on the (http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/he ... h-programs) U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations website.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Air Guard/Reserve Status Reminder
A new procedure is now in place to send an email to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members to remind them to check the status of accrued service points 90 days before the close out of their retention/retirement year. This new function is designed to help members take care of annual requirements. Members within their 90 day-window can take this opportunity to request all point corrections or complete required time for a good year. Point summaries are viewable in virtual (https://ww3.afpc.randolph.af.mil/vmpf/Hub/Pages/Hub.asp) Military Personnel Flight (CAC required), and an online service for points corrections is available in virtual (HTTPS://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/answer ... 66/p/12,13) Personnel Center for Guard and Reserve.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Pinkerton Committed to Hiring Veterans
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Navy Tests Female Combo-Covers
The Navy's Uniform Matters Office issued new prototype female combination covers for a months-long trial period to approximately 30 D.C.- and Annapolis-based Sailors. The covers were redesigned to more closely resemble the male cover while properly fitting women's heads. The covers will be worn by this group of Sailors until the fall, and then the covers will be issued to a larger test group of approximately 100 Sailors. Observers who see the covers and wish to share comments are invited to email (mailto:usnpeople@gmail.com) usnpeople@gmail.com . For more information on Navy uniforms, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/s ... ault2.aspx) Navy Uniform Matters webpage.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


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Tops in Blue
Tops in Blue, the premier entertainment showcase of the U. S. Air Force, returns this year with its long-standing tradition of "family entertaining family," illustrating what has made Tops In Blue a "must see" event for more than 60 years. Representing a wide variety of career specialties, they are an elite group of the most talented non-professional entertainers from throughout the Air Force. The show is guaranteed to energize hearts and souls and remind each of us that we stand proudly for America, its people and its music. For more information and a schedule of upcoming performances, visit the Tops in Blue website at (http://www.topsinblue.com) www.topsinblue.com. Follow the group on Twitter at (http://www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue) www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue or visit their Facebook fan page at (http://www.facebook.com/topsinblue) www.facebook.com/topsinblue.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


New AF Medical Degree Prep Program
Five enlisted Airmen have been selected to participate in the inaugural Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program. The program offers enlisted members a chance to attend medical prep school full time for two years, all expenses paid, while maintaining active duty status and full pay and benefits. The program includes coursework in a traditional classroom setting with structured pre-health advising and formal medical college admission test preparation. The program is open to enlisted Airmen in all career fields who meet eligibility criteria. The next selection board is slated to convene in October, and application package guidance is expected to be available in June. For more information about developmental opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


USAF Temporary Early Retirement
The Air Force will open two new fiscal year 2014 force management Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) application windows, and a new voluntary separation pay application window. The first window, planned for April 15-May 13, is for Airmen who were unable to apply during the original application window that ended March 26 due to unwaiverable active duty service commitments, deployment status or a short tour assignment. Another TERA window opens May 22-June 30 for officers eligible to meet the October reduction in force board. Also, a second voluntary separation pay window will be open for these RIF-eligible officers. For full application instructions and eligibility requirements, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) MyPers website and enter "Active Duty: FY14 Force Management Programs" in the search window, select the link to the program page, and select the officer or enlisted force management programs link.
For more on military retirement, see the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... ystem.html) Military Retirement Overview.


Calling a Few Good Marines
Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) is hosting the MCRC Advertising 2014 Casting Call for Marines of all ranks, military occupational specialties and backgrounds for the opportunity to be featured in future MCRC advertising projects. Applicants should visit the MCRC Casting Team at one of the dates and locations listed (http://www.quantico.marines.mil/News/Ne ... rines.aspx) online. Prior to the visit, Marines should visit (http://www.mcrc.marines.mil/casting) www.mcrc.marines.mil/casting to complete a pre-screening worksheet and submit according to the instructions. Marines may still visit a casting event without previously submitting the form. Those who are not located near a casting event listed below are encouraged to submit a pre-screening worksheet online. For more information about the MCRC Advertising 2014 Casting Call, contact: (mailto:Casting@marines.usmc.mil) Casting@marines.usmc.mil or call 703-784-9434 and reference casting.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Apply for the Naval War College
The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) is now accepting online applications through June 30 for the College of Distance Education's 2014-2015 Fleet Seminar Program (FSP). The FSP serves as an avenue for officers to complete Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I, without attending the year-long resident program in Newport, R.I. To be eligible for the FSP, applicants must either be: Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard O-3 and above; Army or Air Force O-4 and above; or federal civilian employees in the grade of government service-11 or equivalent and above. Selected staff members serving in the federal Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches are also eligible for enrollment. The program will be conducted at nineteen regional locations. For more information and application, visit the NWC College of Distance Education website at (http://www.usnwc.edu/FleetSeminar) www.usnwc.edu/FleetSeminar.
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Reduce Stress When Moving
Planning ahead can be one of the biggest stress relievers when it comes to a permanent change of station (PCS) move. Sailors can use the "Plan my Move" tool on the Military OneSource website at (http://www.militaryonesource.mil) www.militaryonesource.mil and the checklists and guides at the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section to organize their move. Also, Sailors who have not been assigned a sponsor should contact their gaining unit, or they can request one on the Military OneSource website with the Electronic Sponsorship Application and Training tool. Sailors should also visit their local FFSC and meet with a Relocation Assistance Program specialist. Other helpful websites include: (1) (https://www.dko.mil/heat/apply) Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT), (2) Housing Service Center locator at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/HousingQuickReference) www.cnic.navy.mil/HousingQuickReference , and (3) Schedule your PCS move at (http://www.move.mil) www.move.mil.


New AF MiCare System
The Air Force has recently completed implementation of its secure health care-messaging system, MiCare, to all 76 of its medical treatment facilities worldwide. The new service which the patient and health care provider to communicate on a secure network regarding non-urgent health care concerns. The MiCare network also allows beneficiaries to view their health care record, make appointments, fill prescriptions, as well as allowing providers to push important preventative care updates to the members. Overall, Airmen, their families and beneficiaries using MiCare can expect a decrease in trips to the medical treatment facilities and more personal communication with their health care team. For more information about MiCare, visit the Air Force Medical Service website at (http://www.afms.af.mil/MiCare) www.afms.af.mil/MiCare, or ask your health care team during your next visit.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Expands Early Out Waiver Authority
The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) has been granted expanded waiver authority to waive some active-duty service commitments, or ADSCs, for Airmen interested in transferring to the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, or considering applying for voluntary separation. The expanded waiver authority allows AFPC to waive up to 36 months of advanced flying training ADSCs, up to 36 months of Air Force Institute of Technology ADSCs, up to 24 months of medical residency training ADSCs, and up to 48 months of medical special pays and bonuses. The full list of waiver authorities is available on (https://mypers.af.mil) MyPers.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Wounded Warrior Program
The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) works hand-in-hand with the Air Force Survivor Assistance Program and Airman & Family Readiness Centers (A&FRC) to ensure Airmen receive professional support and care from the point of injury, through separation or retirement, for life. The AFW2 program coordinates with closest A&FRC to ensure wounded warriors receive face-to-face, personalized services. The program also assists in integrating Airmen and their families back into their local communities. For more information about this and other programs for wounded, ill or injured Airmen, visit the Air Force Wounded Warrior website at (http://www.woundedwarrior.af.mil) www.woundedwarrior.af.mil. For more information about personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) MyPers website.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.