Military Report - Week of May 05, 2014

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Military Report - Week of May 05, 2014

Thinking About a Resume Refresh?
Can you really get a job by inserting puffy adjectives in front of all of the nouns? Of course not -- your interview and references carry far more weight. With MOAA's spring career fair approaching on May 13 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, this is a good time to begin thinking about refreshing your resume if you will be in the D.C. area. If not, join MOAA's Virtual Career Fair on May 21, 2014, 12-4 p.m. (EST).
Read the rest of the article at (http://www.moaa.org/MRResumeRefresh/) http://www.moaa.org/MRResumeRefresh/


Veteran Hiring Conference in May
If you're a wounded, ill, or injured Service Member or Veteran looking for a job, or an employer looking for qualified candidates, the 4th Annual Wounded Warrior and Veteran Hiring and Support Conference is the place to be May 28-29. The conference will take place in Raleigh, N.C., at the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown. The first day, May 28, is employer-focused. Day two, May 29, features a career fair for employers to connect with Veterans and wounded warriors. Service Members and Veterans who are unable to attend for any reason can interview virtually. Soldiers and Veterans interested in attending the conference or career fair or interviewing should: contact their Warrior Transition Unit Transition Coordinator, contact their Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocate, call the AW2 Contact Center at 1-877-393-9058, visit the (http://www.navsea.navy.mil/WWemployment ... ation.aspx) Conference website, or learn more from the (http://www.wtc.army.mil/documents/facts ... _sheet.pdf) Warrior Transition Command's (WTC's) fact sheet for this conference.


New Marine Corps Fact App
The new (https://marinecorpsconceptsandprograms.com/) Marine Corps Concepts & Programs website and application will replace the yearly almanac. Unlike the almanac, these new outlets will automatically update allowing the Marine Corps to provide up-to-date information. Both new outlets serve as a one-stop shop for a variety of Marine Corps facts, figures and plans divided into five categories: concepts, organization, programs, almanac and resources. The website and application can be downloaded for Android smart phones from the (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... ems.usmccp) Google Play store and (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/usmccp/ ... ?ls=1&mt=8) Apple's App Store for no charge.


New Naval Chaplaincy Course
The Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) recently completed a pilot of the new Religious Program Specialist (RP) Managers' Course and celebrated the graduation of 10 students. The new course curriculum is a blending of distance and resident learning that trains students to occupational standards of E5 and E6 ranks. Areas covered include administration, religious advisement, ministry support and accommodation, pastoral care support, expeditionary ministry support and finance and accounting. NCSC will offer the course twice a year. For future course offerings, interested students can access the Chaplain Corps link on Navy Knowledge Online at (https://www.nko.navy.mil/login/index.html) https://www.nko.navy.mil/login/index.html or the Catalog of Navy Training Courses (CANTRAC) at (https://www.netc.navy.mil/Development.aspx) https://www.netc.navy.mil/Development.aspx. For information about the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC), visit the NCSC website at (https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/chaplain/) https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/chaplain/.


TRICARE Cuts Rx Discounts for 400K
Starting this spring, more than 400,000 military retirees and senior dependents in the TRICARE for Life program will owe the full amount for certain prescription refills if they use a retail pharmacy rather than a military pharmacy or mail service. The change is part of a pilot program meant to help control the cost of military health care. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... irees.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Update
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs has announced major changes to its Alabama G.I. Dependents' Scholarship program. The requirement that a veteran must have served during a wartime period or under extra-hazardous conditions has been eliminated. Beginning with the fall 2014 semester, dependents of eligible peacetime veterans may now qualify to participate in the program if all other qualifications are met. Dependents previously denied must reapply by Aug. 1, 2015. Also, beginning this fall, the program will cover only undergraduate level courses at the in-state tuition rate. For more information, contact your county veterans' service office in Alabama or visit the (http://www.va.state.al.us/gi_dep_scholarship.aspx) Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs website.


Army Europe Begins Night Flying
Due to extended daylight hours, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) is conducting its annual summer night flying program for helicopters based at U.S. Army airfields in Germany. USAREUR pilots are required to fly with night vision goggles a minimum of one hour every 60 days. This seasonal adjustment allows flights after midnight during the months of May and August until 1:30 a.m., and June and July until 2 a.m. on only two nights a week, between Tuesday and Friday mornings. Aircraft are permitted to depart airfields until midnight and, after midnight, are permitted only to land -- there are no practice approaches or hot refueling. Occasionally, after-hours operational flights are required to move personnel or equipment and are exempt from the program.


What You Need to Know About Crimea
Crimea, an autonomous republic in Ukraine, became the focus of attention in early 2014 when mass protests in central and western Ukraine forced the pro-Moscow president of the country to flee to Russia. Russia-backed forces in Crimea then took control of the republic and in a hastily organized referendum, the Russian ethnic majority in the region voted to join Russia. The Russian government quickly annexed the republic. For information on Crimea and the current situation, read the (http://www.quantico.marines.mil/News/Ne ... rimea.aspx) U.S. Marine Corps press release.


VA Response to Phoenix Health Care Issues
The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a statement regarding recent allegations of problems at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The VA statement is available at (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2539) http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2539.
For background information, (http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/23/health/ve ... ?hpt=hp_t1) read the news article at CNN.com.


Using the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Soldiers are required to serve an additional four years after deciding to transfer benefits to a family member under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) program. Here are key points: (1) members to have at least six years of eligible service and agree to serve an additional four years; (2) spouses may use the benefit once the TEB is approved; however, children can use the benefit only after the servicemember has completed at least 10 years of service; (3) failing to complete the service agreement, including voluntary retirement, invalidates the agreement required to transfer the benefits; and (4) soldiers must elect to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits using the TEB webpage in the milconnect portal at (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect. For more information, visit the Military.com website at (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rview.html) http://www.military.com/education/gi-bi ... rview.html.


Sprint Committed to Hiring Veterans
Start your civilian career with Sprint. As a business solutions 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 ... =mr0505.nl) Read More.


Vets Sound Off on Sgt. Major's Remarks
In this week's edition of (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/c ... tts-forum/) Philpott's Forum, veterans respond to the controversial statements made by Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Micheal P. Barrett. The comments were made during congressional hearings on the administration's plans to reduce military pay and benefits. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ion-curbs/) Visit the Military Advantage Blog to find out what they had to say.


American Military Partners Association
The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) is the nation's premier resource and support network for LGBT military spouses and their families. As a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, AMPA is committed to education, advocacy, and support for our modern military families. (http://www.MilitaryPartners.org) Read more.


SGLI Premiums to Increase
The Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program will adjust its monthly premium rate from 6.5 cents per $1,000 back to the 2006 rate of seven cents per $1,000 of insurance. For a servicemember with the maximum $400,000 of life insurance, this change will mean an increase of two dollars per month. The new premium rate will take effect July 1, 2014. Individual ready reserve members who are drilling for points toward retirement or who do not receive pay for other reasons will be billed by their branch of service for the higher premium beginning July 2014. For information on the new rates, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) webpage at (http://benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp) http://benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp.


Veteran and Military Crisis Line
Friends or loved ones in crisis may show signs that indicate that they are at risk of attempting or committing suicide. If you recognize that something is not right, make the call to the Veterans Crisis or Military Crisis line. During times of crisis, reach out and call. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. For more information, (http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bcpid=69 ... 5399707001) watch the video on the U.S. Army website.


AF Reserve School Selection Board
The CY14B Air Force Reserve School Selection Board will convene July 14, 2014 at the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Both Invitation to Apply and RSSB Application can be found on (https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/answer ... 6,17/c/549) myPers at (https://mypers.af.mil/) https://mypers.af.mil located under the red "News Alert" tab or on the vPC-GR Dashboard under the "Actions Request" tab. Applications are due to ARPC by June 13; however, applicants are urged to check with their units for local deadlines. Questions can be directed to the Total Force Service Center at 210-565-0102 or DSN 665-0102.


A Look at Food Allergies
May 12-16 is Food Allergy Awareness Week. Many clinics tend to see more children than adults because food allergies are more likely in children. There are eight major food allergens that affect patients, which include: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish. These foods seem to apply worldwide, but different areas are more apt to developing certain allergens. If there is a concern based on a food allergy, the next step is to consult an allergist. For more information, visit the (http://www.foodallergy.org/managing-food-allergies) Food Allergy Research and Education website, the (https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-tr ... lergy.aspx) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website, and the (http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features ... eating-out) WebMD website.


$500,000 Coverage: Less than $1.50 a Day
Protection for less. Get $500,000 in coverage from less than $1.50 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0505.nl) Could your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


6 Traits of Successful VA Homebuyers
The VA loan program has opened the doors of homeownership to millions of military members, veterans and their families since 1944. Millions more are eligible for this historic home loan benefit. But being eligible for a VA loan and ultimately securing one can be two different things. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... rvr0505.nl) Read more.


AAFES Reports Their Websites are Safe
Army & Air Force Exchange Service reports that the Exchange's online shopping site, (http://shopmyexchange.com) shopmyexchange.com, and business partner site, (http://partners.aafes.com/) partners.aafes.com, have not been compromised by the Heartbleed security flaw. Heartbleed is a vulnerability found in servers that allows hackers to see and collect traffic passing between a server and a web browser once a secure connection is established. If Exchange shoppers are concerned about the safety of their data on other websites, they can protect themselves from the security flaw by changing online passwords for personal banking, shopping, email and social networks. Shoppers are also advised to closely monitor credit cards and bank statements for unknown or fraudulent transactions.


Never Pay PMI and $0 Down Payment
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. You don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoa ... rvr0505.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
Want more info on your VA Loan Benefit? (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0505.nl) Read more.


House Panel Nixes Plan to Curb Benefits
The House armed services' subcommittee on military personnel has rejected Pentagon plans to slow increases in military housing allowances starting next year and raise TRICARE fees and ending TRICARE Prime. However, the subcommittee did not move to block a planned military pay cap which would mean a one percent raise versus 1.8 percent for January. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... fit-curbs/) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update to get the full story.


May Commissaries Specials
Commissaries are offering customer discounts beyond everyday savings throughout the month of May. Check with your local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions (overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs): (1) "Cinco de Mayo -- Create a Fiesta Tonight" (April 24 - May 7); (2) "Win a Family 4th of July in Washington DC" (throughout May) -- you will automatically be entered when you purchase four Kellogg's participating brands and use your Commissary Rewards Card at the checkout.; (3) "Honoring Our Heroes" essay contest -- to enter, go to (http://www.gatorademilitary.com/) www.gatorademilitary.com and submit a 200-word essay on why your military hero or spouse deserves to be honored; and (4) "Celebrating our Heroes Sale" (May 8-June 4).


AAFES Mother's Day Giveaway
Military shoppers who love candles can win big with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's latest giveaway in celebration of Mother's Day. From May 5 through May 16, Exchange shoppers can enter the (https://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/1 ... 6/sizes/l/) Colonial Candle Mother's Day Giveaway by submitting a review of their favorite Colonial Candle scent in 50 words or less. Entries should be e-mailed to (mailto:patriotfamily@aafes.com) patriotfamily@aafes.com with "Colonial Candle Mother's Day Giveaway" in the subject line. Entries must include the contestant's name, address, nearest Exchange, daytime phone number and rank or occupation of sponsor. Five winners will each receive a Colonial Candle gift bag. Exchange shoppers can visit the Patriot Family Connection webpage at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily) www.shopmyexchange.com/patriotfamily for complete contest rules.


Moving With Success
Moving to and from an overseas duty station can be stressful even for senior service members. Two common mistakes people make prior to transitioning are failing to have family members approved as dependents if they are planning to travel with the PCSing service member, and not having passports for every family member. The biggest difference between a PCS from an overseas location and a stateside PCS is restricted travel. Attending a PCS for Success Class as soon as a service member receives orders is also strongly recommended. Service members are also encouraged to apply for a sponsor at their new duty station to make the transit period go smoothly. Also, space for pets is extremely limited and is based on a first-come first-serve basis. Service members should also make sure they have enough obligated service on their contract to execute the orders.


Survey for Sailors Available
An independent group is asking their shipmates what they think first-hand about retaining talented and experienced Sailors in the Navy. Their 2014 Navy Retention Study at (http://www.dodretention.org) www.dodretention.org lays out exactly what will be asked, how the data will be crunched and what use it will go to. The survey is the first of its kind conducted outside of official U.S. Navy channels -- the survey results will provide senior uniformed and civilian leadership with a snapshot of how sailors, both officer and enlisted, perceive their experience while serving.


Air Reserve Fax Back Online
The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) was recently notified that the TFSC FAX number, 478-327-2215 or DSN 497-2215, is now back online. If you sent a FAX to ARPC between March 3 - April 17 and you did not receive a response from TFSC-DEN on your faxed request, it is very possible the technicians did not receive it. ARPC apologizes for any inconvenience and encourages you to resubmit your request for service. Questions can be directed to the Total Force Service Center at 210-565-0102 or DSN 665-0102.