Military Report - Week of April 28, 2014

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Military Report - Week of April 28, 2014

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AF Portal for Civilian Employees
Air Force civilian employees can visit the Air Force Portal for free career development tools, tips and guidance. The Civilian Development Resource Center (CDRC), formerly known as the Supervisor Resource Center, now offers self-development tools for supervisory as well as non-supervisory career tracks. The site has also been re-engineered to help users quickly target customizable learning programs focusing on the employees' individual goals. To access the CDRC site, go to the (https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp) Air Force Portal and select the Career and Training Tab. Then select Force Development and click on the Civilian Development Resource Center link located on the left navigation panel. For more information about career development and other personnel issues, 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.


AF 2013 Line Officer Promotions
The 2013C Colonel Line of the Air Force/Nurse Corps/Chaplain, and the 2013D Nurse Corps/Chaplain Central Selection Boards convened recently with 390 lieutenant colonels, 78 majors and 131 captains selected for promotion. To see the selection list, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website, select "search all components," and enter "officer promotions" in the search window, or go to the (https://my.af.mil/) Air Force Portal and select the promotion link. For more information about promotion opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.
Want to know how much you would make with a promotion? Visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/2013/0 ... harts.html) military pay charts.


Gen. Franks Youth Leadership Program
The deadline for applications to the General Tommy Franks' (http://fourstarleader.com/) Four-Star Leadership Institute (4SL) is May 9. The leadership program enables high school students to meet with authors, politicians and global thought leaders, and participate in leadership training, policy debate and speech competition. Students will receive free travel, room, and board to the July 13-19 program. $400,000 in scholarships will also be available to the students. Three participants will receive full-tuition scholarships to the University of Texas - Arlington. Any of the 50 4SL participants who choose to attend Oklahoma Christian University will also receive a $1,000 per year scholarship for up to four years. To apply, visit the (http://fourstarleader.com/) Four Star Leadership website.
For more family support resources, (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) see this article in Military.com's Spouse Channel.


Featured Discount: 10% off All Clothing at The Buckle
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Putting Together the Right Vet Job Resume
In this week's Military Benefits Podcast, Military.com's Terry Howell returns to talk about the jump from military service to a civilian career, and how to construct a resume that best fits the companies and industries you're interested in. To listen to the podcast, visit the (http://podcasts.military.com/2014/04/th ... esume.html) Military.com Podcast Center.


AAFES Pet Photo Contest
From May 2 through May 24, authorized Exchange shoppers can send in photos of their pets for a chance at the grand prize--a $500 Exchange gift card--in the "Just Say Treat" Pet Photo Contest. Two second-place winners will each be awarded a $100 gift card and four third-place winners will each take home $50 Exchange gift cards. To complete an entry form, Exchange shoppers can visit (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community ... ntests.htm) shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily or the Exchange's Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. Contestants can also email their pet's photograph plus a description of the pet in 50 words or less to (mailto:PatroitFamily@aafes.com) PatroitFamily@aafes.com. In the email, entrants must include their name, address, closest Exchange, daytime phone number, rank and branch of service, or their sponsor's. Pet information, such as name, breed and type of pet, must also be included. Contest winners will be determined on or about June 6.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center. For more on pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


Navy General Military Training Update
General Military Training (GMT) for Fiscal Year (FY) 14 now includes the Privacy and Personally Identifiable Information Awareness topic as required training. This training is required as a Category Two topic. Standardized training material for Category One and Category Two training are available for download from the Personal Development GMT page on the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) webpage at (http://www.nko.navy.mil) www.nko.navy.mil. Additionally, a GMT calendar for FY 14 is also available on the NKO GMT page. The NKO GMT webpage has been updated to reflect the addition of the Privacy and Personally Identifiable Information Awareness training topic. GMT questions should be via e-mail to the Center for Personal and Professional Development at (mailto:gmt.distribution@navy.mil) gmt.distribution@navy.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Taking Care of Sailors' Careers
Command career counselors and command career development teams are required to conduct quality Career Development Boards (CDB) to include properly documenting them in the Career Information Management System. CDBs are required within 30 days of reporting, at 12 months on board, and every 12 months thereafter. CDBs may also be conducted for other reasons. Many tools are available to career counselors to assist with the use, function and support of CIMS. The "5-Tip Series" of user aids cover a variety of helpful information to use CIMS effectively. Additional reference guides, tutorials, "How Tos," and instructions are available at www.npc.navy.mil under the Career Info/Career Counseling tab. Additional information can be found in the Navy Retention & Career Development Program ( (http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/010 ... 40.11D.pdf) OPNAVINST 1040.11D) and the Career Counselor Handbook ( (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... nselHB.pdf) NAVPERS 15878K).
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AAFES Rewards Good Students
Military students from first-graders to high school seniors can turn good grades into rewards with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's You Made the Grade program. Pupils who maintain a B average or higher receive a coupon booklet filled with free offers and discounts including Snack Avenue coupons for a free 16-ounce drink, a complimentary hot dog and more. Students, including those who are home schooled, can receive a You Made the Grade coupon booklet by presenting a valid military I.D. and proof of an overall B average at their nearest Exchange customer service area. Students and guardians can visit their local Exchange for more information about the Exchange's You Made the Grade program.
For more discounts for military families and veterans, visit the (http://www.military.com/discount) Military.com Discount Center.


Equipment Guides: Weapons, Vehicles, and More
Find past and present aircraft, weapons, electronics, and more with the Military.com Equipment Guide. (http://www.military.com/equipment?ESRC=mrvr0428.nl) Read More.


AF Families Forever Supports Survivors
Families of Airmen killed on active duty can get support and information from community readiness consultants at their local base Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC). Air Force Families Forever (AFFF) provides support from installations closest to the bereaved family members. AFFF representatives will reach out to any person the fallen servicemember identifies on the virtual record of emergency data (vRED), not just to the primary-next-of-kin. Within 10 days of a servicemember's death, an A&FRC community readiness consultant from the installation the fallen servicemember was assigned to will contact all family members listed on the servicemember's vRED. Subsequent contacts will be made four more times during the next year. For information about personnel issues, go to the (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers website.
For more family support resources, (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) see this article in Military.com's Spouse Channel.


Naval War College Centennial
The U.S. Naval War College celebrates its 100th anniversary of distance-learning education and non-resident programs April 15 in Newport, R.I. April 1, 1914, Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels issued General Order No. 89 announcing the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. Was "prepared to conduct extension courses by correspondence for the benefit of officers who are not at present available for attendance at the college." The distance education program kicked-off two weeks later. Over the last century, thousands of NWC students have completed non-resident courses. For more information, visit the U.S. Naval War College website at (http://www.usnwc.edu/) www.usnwc.edu.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


An MOAA Spouse Says "Don't Fear Advocacy"
There has been a lot of attention placed on the recent on-the-record (http://www.moaa.org/main_article.aspx?id=14109) statement by a senior service member at a (http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/he ... l-programs) Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing. Deeply concerned by these statements, some spouses are using (http://usmclife.com/2014/04/open-letter ... p-barrett/) their voice to express their heartfelt thoughts. They are putting into words, what many were thinking, wondering or afraid to ask. No one, especially military families should ever be afraid of respectful discourse. Had this senior official's comment been made at a party, in a private home, or taken out of context from a closed meeting that would have been a different story. These comments are on-the-record and stand as an official position. See more at: (http://www.moaa.org/MRspouseadvocate) www.moaa.org/MRspouseadvocate.


USAF Prior Service Program
A very limited number of specialized careers are open in the Air Force Prior Service Program, which is an enlistment option that allows a select number of people who separated from military active duty, the Guard or Reserve, to enter full-time Air Force service. Currently, the program is only accepting applications for the direct duty and retraining categories. A list of the career fields currently being accepted for direct duty is available on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... mited.aspx) Air Force website. Retraining for fiscal 2014 is limited to pararescue. For more information, or to apply for direct duty or retraining, talk to your local Air Force recruiter. You can also visit the Air Force website at (http://www.airforce.com) www.airforce.com and speak with an Air Force advisor, or call 800-423-USAF.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$400k ASMBA Protection: As Low As $29 a Month
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'Heartbleed' Security Vulnerability
The 'Heartbleed' Security Vulnerability has attracted media attention after affecting encryption software (Open SSL) found on many websites, email databases, instant messaging platforms, and virtual private networks. This vulnerability can enable an attacker to expose sensitive data, including user authentication credentials, passwords, and credit card information. This vulnerability should be treated as a serious risk. If a site that you visit has been affected, you should consider changing your password, and review (http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/720951) Vulnerability Note VU#720951 from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team for mitigation details for users and administrators.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Sea Pay Increases Coming
The increase to Career Sea Pay (CSP) and Career Sea Pay Premium (CSP-P), will be implemented May 1, and eligible Sailors will see the increase in their mid-month paycheck. CSP rates are based upon a member's pay grade and cumulative years of sea duty. All pay grades with at least three years of cumulative sea duty will receive a 25 percent increase in regular CSP, while servicemembers who exceed 36 months of consecutive sea duty will receive an increase in CSP-P from $100 to $200 per month. Consistent with current policy, in lieu of receiving CSP-P, Sailors and Marines in grades E5-E9 with eight years of cumulative sea duty receive a higher CSP rate. The new CSP table is available on the (http://military.com/benefits/military-p ... a-pay.html) Military.com Career Sea Pay page.


POV Shipping Program Changes
The Department of Defense's privately owned vehicle shipping program will undergo several changes starting May 1. Many vehicle processing centers will relocate. Also, a new website, PCSMyPOV at (http://www.pcsmypov.com/) www.pcsmypov.com has been established for servicemembers to request and track their POV shipments. For more information, servicemembers should contact their transportation office or personal property office. Or starting May 1, customers desiring to ship their privately owned vehicle should call to make an appointment at a vehicle processing center: (1) for U.S. Domestic appointments: 855-389-9499; (2) for appointments in Germany: 0800-227-7447; and (3) for any other locations: 00800-227-7447. Address for new vehicle processing centers effective May 1 are on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... anges.aspx) Air Force webpage.
For more moving and PCS checklists and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move) Military.com PCS section.


Help for Michigan Homeowners Event
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, along with their national partners Hope Now, NeighborWorks America, and HUD is hosting a free mortgage help event to provide a supportive space for homeowners to discuss their mortgage challenges and to identify possible solutions. Participants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with their mortgage company to see if they are eligible for the federal Making Home Affordable (MHA) program or another mortgage solution. Participants may also meet with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The event will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EDT at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi, MI. For more information, contact Eric Hagen at (mailto:Eric.Hagen@Treasury.gov) Eric.Hagen@Treasury.gov or 202-622-1168.
For more on homebuying and homebuying tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/home-ownership) Military.com Home section.


Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial, educational, and other support for active duty and retired Sailors and Marines along with their eligible family members in times of need. Although sponsored by the Department of the Navy, the Society is a private, non-profit organization whose programs and services are totally funded by charitable donations. NMCRS involvement does not negatively affect a Sailor or Marine's career and is a dynamic and useful tool for those seeking assistance. In 2013, NMCRS processed more than 84,000 cases on behalf of more than 65,000 individual clients worldwide, disbursing nearly $49 million in financial assistance. For more information, visit the NMCRS website at (http://www.nmcrs.org/) http://www.nmcrs.org and (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... ciety.html) this Military.com page.


Join the Veterans Employment Summit: April 29 & 30th.
In the Arlington or DC area? Join the National Veterans Employment Summit and talk with employers that value your military service. (http://www.eventbrite.com/e/nves-vetera ... 1075871229) Register Now.


What's Your Opinion on Military Pay?
Military.com has launched a survey to better understand how troops and military families feel about the Defense Department's proposed changes to pay and benefits. Readers can fill out the short, 10-question survey by clicking on (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NBDVG2J) this link. The first five questions deal with specific proposals in the Pentagon's fiscal 2015 budget request that would curb military pay and benefits. The last five questions seek basic demographic information. By participating in this survey, readers will help us better communicate their concerns about the budget proposals to the department's uniformed and civilian leadership.


DeCA Cuts Could KO Commissaries
In the recent Military Update post, Tom Philpott reports that the former director of the Defense Commissary Agency, retired Army Major Gen. Richard E. Beale Jr., thinks the planned reductions in commissary subsidies will put the whole DeCA system at risk. According to the article, the current 30 percent average shoppers save on groceries will be cut to 10 percent if the DoD is allowed to proceed with their planned budget cuts. This reduction is likely to result in lower sales as retirees, guardsman, and active duty patrons stop shopping on base. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... le-system/) Read the full article on the Military Advantage blog.


AF Selects Wounded Warrior Team
Air Force Wounded Warrior program officials have announced the names of the athletes to represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games and the Invictus Games. Lists of athletes selected for both games are available on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... games.aspx) Air Force website. The Air Force Trials gave injured, ill and wounded Airmen a chance to compete in Paralympic-style events. During the games, athletes will participate in seven different sports, to include cycling, air rifle and pistol shooting, archery, seated volleyball, track and field, swimming, and wheelchair basketball. This is the fourth year Airmen have competed in the Warrior Games and athlete participation has grown exponentially.
For more wounded warrior news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warrior section.


Navy Publishes Report
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) announced the release of its 2013 Wounded, Ill and Injured (WII) Program annual report, which highlights the many ways that WII projects improve the health of WII servicemembers throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. The report showcases the unique products and services of each WII project with associated outcomes and impacts that align to the three Pillars of FHP (Healthy and Fit Force, Protection and Prevention, and Medical and Rehabilitative Care) and public health focus areas. The report is available (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/Do ... _FINAL.pdf) online.
For more wounded warrior news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warrior section.


Improved DoD Assault Prevention Training
The Department of Defense has announced improvements to sexual assault prevention and response training for all members of the armed forces and civilian employees. Improvements center on development of consistent sexual assault prevention and response core competencies and learning objectives for: (1) training for new accessions; (2) annual and refresher training; (3) pre- and post-deployment training; (4) professional military education; (4) training for commanders and senior enlisted leaders before assuming their new positions; and (5) training for sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates and chaplains. For more information, visit the DoD Sexual Assault and Prevention Office (SAPRO) website at (http://www.sapr.mil/) www.sapr.mil.
For more news related to sexual assault and the military, visit this (http://www.military.com/topics/sexual-assault) Military.com section.


PCSing? Ready for a New Home? Use Your VA Loan
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Veteran Job Summit in Washington DC This Week
Monster and Military.com invite veterans to the National Veteran Employment Summit, which will be held on April 30, 2014. The Summit brings together leaders in business, government and education to share ideas and effective veteran employment and retention strategies. The agenda will cover employment from the veterans and spouse perspectives, the view from Capitol Hill, frank discussion around what some employers quietly wonder about hiring veterans, what some organizations are doing to put commitments into action, and innovative regional efforts to spur veteran employment. Registration for the summit is complimentary and includes admission to all of the activities of the summit. For more information and how to register, see (https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/ ... ID=1505650) this page.


VA Vocational Rehab Program
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. Veterans are eligible if they have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable, and have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent, or a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from the VA. For more information, contact your local veterans' services officer and visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... yment.html) Military.com website.


Navy Seeks Success Stories
The birthday of Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED) is May 14, and the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) is looking for current and former Sailors to share their successes as a result of using Navy VOLED programs. VOLED programs include Tuition Assistance, Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE), and United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). During May, CPPD will post submitted photos and personal stories, along with each person's name, rank and/or what they accomplished and the hashtags #NavyVOLED #My5Words. Information on how to submit photos and stories is available on the (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=80375) U.S. Navy website. For questions about the VOLED celebration, contact CPPD at CPPDFeedback@navy.mil or 757-492-5642 (DSN 492).