Military Report - Week of June 02, 2014

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Military Report - Week of June 02, 2014

AF Master Sgt Promotion List
More than 4,000 Air Force technical sergeants have been selected for promotion to master sergeant. The selectee list is available on the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website and search for the active duty enlisted promotions home page, or on the (https://www.my.af.mil) Air Force Portal. To access test and board scores, visit the virtual MPF via the secure applications page. The 4,073 selected represent a 17.96 percent selection rate, with an average selectee overall score of 352.55. Selections are tentative until the data verification process is complete. For more information about promotion 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.


Navy Offers Rate Conversion
Conversion programs allow Sailors to make a major job change and potentially have better opportunities for advancement. Applications for conversion can be submitted by command career counselors (CCCs) through the Career Waypoint (C-WAY) information technology system. Active-duty enlisted Sailors can voluntarily request to change ratings in conjunction with reenlistment applications submitted via the C-WAY-Reenlistment process. Reserve Sailors, working with their CCC, can view and apply for a rating conversion via the RC Conversion Module in C-WAY. Sailors who desire a conversion should speak with their CCC to discover which ratings are open and for which they are best qualified. Also, a Career Navigator Skill Set list is published on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... C-WAY.aspx) C-WAY Web Page. For more information, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/C ... C-WAY.aspx) C-WAY webpage or speak with your CCC.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE and Moving
TRICARE's "Moving Made Easy" is a program for active duty service members and their families that currently have a TRICARE Prime option. With this service, beneficiaries can easily transfer their Prime enrollment via telephone, online or mail. Learn more about "Moving Made Easy" at (http://www.tricare.mil/moving) www.tricare.mil/moving. After your PCS move, you need to update your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) by logging-on to milConnect ( (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect) www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect). TRICARE also provides a downloadable contact wallet card that beneficiaries can print and keep with them to have an instant reference to TRICARE health plan information worldwide. To download the card, visit (http://www.tricare.mil/CallUs) www.tricare.mil/CallUs and click on "TRICARE Contact Wallet Card."
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Fast, Low-Cost SGLI/VGLI Alternative From $7 a Month
Protection for less. Get $100,000 Coverage from only $7 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0602.nl) Can your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


Preliminary Report on Phoenix VA
Department of Veterans Affairs inspectors say they found an unofficial list of some 1,700 veterans who were waiting to get appointments with doctors at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where whistleblowers allege up to 40 vets died awaiting treatment. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki put three Phoenix officials on administrative leave over the allegations, but will take no further personnel actions there until the review is complete. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... -list.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


VA's Actions "Nothing Short of Criminal"
Following the May 28 late night hearing on the systemic failures at the VA's veteran health administration, Air Force veteran Congressman Jeff Denham (R-CA), stated that veterans deserve transparency and quality care. In an Op-Ed posted on the Military Advantage blog, Denham wrote that based on the evidence presented at the hearing the VA's actions at the Phoenix Medical Center was "nothing short of criminal" and that "drastic changes must take place to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve." (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -criminal/) Read Rep. Denham's full editorial on The Military Advantage blog.


Find Lenders Now to Use Your VA Loan
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 ... rvr0602.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0602.nl) Interested in finding out more about the VA Loan?


Battleship North Carolina Legacy Series
The Battleship North Carolina kicks off its June programming schedule on Flag Day, June 14, 2014 with special events from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Battleship will celebrate its first Flag Day Program and Battleship 101 program. Visitors will have the opportunity to raise their own American flags up the halyards on the ship's foremast and learn more about daily shipboard life. The Battleship also kicks off its legacy series June 14 with the presentation "Armored Cruiser North Carolina and the Great War." For more information, visit the Battleship North Carolina website at (http://www.battleshipnc.com/) www.battleshipnc.com or follow the battleship on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/ncbb55) Facebook.com/ncbb55 and (http://twitter.com/battleshipnc) Twitter.com/battleshipnc. Relive with the crew on the Battleship Blog at (http://seastories.battleshipnc.com) seastories.battleshipnc.com. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is an historic site within the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources ( (http://www.ncculture.com) www.NCCulture.com).


Top Five First-time Homebuyer Questions
You're finally ready to buy your first home, and you're considering a VA home loan. Don't let unanswered questions stop you from moving forward. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... rvr0602.nl) See the answers to the top five first-time homebuyer questions.


Commissaries Safe; Pay, TRICARE Maybe Not
In shaping a 2015 defense authorization bill, Congress has decided to protect the prized commissary benefit. But, military personnel are not likely to escape other key compensation curbs to include a pay raise cap in January of one percent. And, pharmacy co-pay increases, to be phased in over 10 years, would mean higher out-of-pocket costs mostly for older retirees, spouses and survivors. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ys-likely/) Read Tom Philpott's Military Update to get the rest of the story.


Prevent Rx Fee Hike
The Senate defense authorization bill includes an administration proposal to dramatically increase pharmacy copays over the next decade. Act now and ask Congress to resist cutting the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. Both the House and Senate defense bill reject administration proposals to consolidate TRICARE health care options and implement enrollment fees for TRICARE For Life (TFL). Read the rest of the article at (http://www.moaa.org/MRRXFeeHike/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).


AF Quality Force Review Board Wraps Up
The Air Force QFRB recently concluded, and results will be released to senior raters in June. Airmen not selected for retention by the QFRB will separate Sept. 29, or retire, if eligible, Oct. 1. Additionally, the enlisted retention boards and the enhanced selective early retirement boards are scheduled to convene in June.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Officer RIF Board Convenes in October
The Air Force officer RIF board is scheduled to convene at AFPC Oct. 1. The RIF matrices are available on (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers under "FY15 Officer Force Management Program Matrices." These will be updated with the latest round of voluntary separation approvals for eligible AFSCs, grades and year groups. The Air Force remains committed to providing voluntary opportunities prior to subjecting Airmen to an involuntary board. As a reminder, the Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP) and the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) window scheduled to run May 22-June 30 will be open to officers eligible to meet the RIF and officers whose AFSC and year group remain eligible (blue) on the voluntary matrix.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Secretary Responds to Allegations
Retired U.S. Army General Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, recently released a message regarding allegations of VA employees' misconduct that have surfaced over the last several weeks, beginning with scheduling delays at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The message is available on the (http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2543) VA website.


Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Founded in 1994, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a nonprofit organization that provides immediate and long-term emotional help, hope, and healing to all who are grieving the death of a loved one in military service to America. TAPS meets its mission by providing peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, casework assistance and connections to community-based care. TAPS also sponsors a Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. For more information, visit the TAPS website at (http://www.taps.org) www.taps.org.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


ASI Can Save You Up to 60% in TRICARE Costs
The AMRA TRICARE Supplement saves money and time. The TRICARE Supplement Plan for individuals and families protects you when out-of- pocket health care expenses rise. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr0602.nl) Find out more.


Start Your Own Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently hosted a 'Veterans Entrepreneurship Panel' during National Small Business Week featuring leading experts. Here are three key tips from the experts when starting a new business: (1) Have a plan. While many skills gleaned through service -- resilience, teamwork, dauntlessness -- are directly applicable to business, these attributes must be purposefully channeled; (2) Find a mentor; and (3) Hire employees as soon as possible. Banks tend to appraise companies as a whole when choosing whether to offer a loan, he explained, regardless of a principle's achievements or abilities. Banks will look at you differently if you have even just one employee.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


USMC Abused Family Compensation
The "Transitional Compensation for Abused Family Members Program" is an option that can help alleviate financial strain when leaving an abusive relationship. It provides monetary compensation for a minimum of 12 months and maximum of three years. The amount is based on the rate for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. It typically takes around six weeks to start receiving benefits. Additionally, dependents would continue to receive medical care, dental care and access to the commissary and Marine Corps Community Services. The benefit is available to spouses and children. To be eligible, dependents must have been living with the service member. Also, the service members must be separated from active duty due to dependent abuse and the offense must be listed by the command as one of the reasons for military separation. Victims of abuse can apply through victim advocates at their installation's Family Advocacy Program.
For more on military benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


USMC Task Force Needs Volunteers
The Marine Corps is seeking volunteers to support the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, which will train female Marines in ground combat arms military occupational specialty skills. The GCEITF will be comprised of male and female, active and Reserve volunteers. The task force will be activated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in June 2014. Marines who wish to volunteer may do so via telephone, the (https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/application_noncac/) Manpower and Reserve Affairs website or in person during one of the recruiting briefs that will be conducted through June 9, at various bases and stations. For questions not answered on the website, volunteers should e-mail (mailto:gceitf_mcotea@usmc.mil) gceitf_mcotea@usmc.mil or call to speak with a MCOTEA Research Representative between 2 and 7 June, 2014 from 1500-1700, EDT, at (703) 432-2513 OR (DSN) 378-2513 (enter password 5564).
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Academic Credit for Military Training
Veterans and service members have a variety of ways to earn credit for their military experience, but it is up to the college or university to decide what to accept. Here are several ways veterans and service members can get academic credit for military training: (1) a joint services transcript: When veterans leave the military, they can obtain a record of their training known as the joint services transcript; (2) credit by examination: Veterans also have the option to earn college (http://www.usnews.com/education/online- ... it-by-exam) credit through taking exams that test their knowledge of content taught in college courses; and (3) portfolio assessment: Some schools give students the option of petitioning for credit through submitting a portfolio of their work. For more information, visit the (http://www.military.com/education/times ... ience.html) Military.com Education section.


MarineNet Offers Language Courses
The Marine Corps has announced the activation of an initial suite of language training courses on MarineNet as a part of the Regional, Culture and Language Familiarization Program (RCLF). The program is now operational for all 17 culture regions and is available for the ranks of O1 to O4, WO to CWO4 and E5. RCLF courses will be available for Marines in the ranks of E6-E7 by the summer of 2014. Courses for Marines in the ranks of CWO5, O5, and E8-E9 are still under development. All Marines assigned a RCLF region are required to select a language and complete the associated blocks of RCLF education on MarineNet. For more information, contact the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning (CAOCL), 2076 South Street, Building 711, Quantico, VA 22134, telephone (703) 432-1504. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available on the (https://www.tecom.usmc.mil/caocl/SitePa ... F_FAQ.aspx) RCLF FAQ webpage.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Navy Offers 'REACH' Program
The Reintegrate, Educate and Advance Combatants in Health Care Program is one of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery's initiatives to recruit and employ wounded warriors into civil service medical positions. The program is for Sailors who are expected to receive a 30 percent or greater disability rating after going through the medical board process and who are committed to pursuing a career in a health care-related field. Once accepted into the program, Sailors begin working in health care while they are still on active duty. They learn basic skills and work expectations while pursuing related college courses. After medical retirement, the part-time positions allow them to continue on-the-job training and provide a service for a command, while they pursue the formal education that will lead to full-time civil service employment. For more information, contact your local Naval medical center.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Deal of the Week: Military Save Extra 10%* on Select PCs and Tablets
We appreciate all you do. Save 10% on top of your military discount on select PCs and tablets. (http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... 51-10?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) You've earned it.


AF Cancels Retention Boards
The Air Force has cancelled three retention boards. Based on voluntary and other mandatory retirement losses; the Air Force has met the overall end strength goal for chief master sergeant. Thus, there is no longer a need to conduct a chief master sergeant retention board this year. Also, there is no longer a need to conduct a major nurse corps or biomedical science corps enhanced selective early retirement board.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


South Dakota Veterans Bonus
South Dakota offers a bonus to members of the Armed Forces who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months immediately preceding their period of active duty and who served on active duty during one or more of the following periods: (1) Aug. 2, 1990 to March 3, 1991; (2) March 4, 1991 to Dec. 31, 1992, with exceptions; (3) Jan. 1, 1993 to Sept. 10, 2001, with exceptions; (4) Sept. 11, 2001 to a date yet to be determined. Also, Veterans with qualifying service before Dec 31, 1992 [Desert Storm] and after Jan 1, 1993 [Operation Iraqi Freedom] may receive two separate bonuses of up to $500.00 each. South Dakota veterans may apply through the nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer. Those living outside of South Dakota may apply by e-mail at (mailto:john.fette@state.sd.us) john.fette@state.sd.us. Please include your branch of the military and dates of service. If you do not have email you may request an application and instructions by writing SD Veterans Bonus, 425 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501-5070 or by calling 605-773-7251.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Filing Complaints Against Sallie Mae
The Justice Department has announced an enforcement action against the nation's largest servicer of federal and private student loans, Sallie Mae, which was found to be systematically violating the legal rights of U.S. service members. Sallie Mae has been ordered to pay $96.6 million in restitution and penalties. Service members who have an issue with their loan servicers should submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). To submit a complaint: (1) visit the CFPB website at (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint) www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint; (2) call the toll-free phone number at 855-411-CFPB (2372) or TTY/TDD phone number at 855-729-CFPB (2372); (3) Fax the CFPB at 855-237-2392; or (4) mail a letter to: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, IA 52244. Also, call the CFPB at 855-411-CFPB (2372) to get answers to your questions.
For more military-related money news and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Broken VA System Is Nothing New
A VA memo, dated February, 2002, discussed the potential scandal regarding the waiting list and scheduling problems. The memo, which was written by the then VA Deputy Under Secretary of Health, was ignored more than 12 years ago. The memo shows that systemic issues were identified and have gone unaddressed for more than a decade. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... a-glacier/) Read Benjamin Krause's post in the Military Advantage Blog to learn more about this 2002 memo.


AF Tests New vESD App
The Air Force is working hard to put an end to long periods of telephone waiting time with a new product called the Virtual Enterprise Service Desk (vESD). The product is a client-based application that serves as a communication platform between the Air Force Enterprise Service Desk and all 850,000 plus users in the Air Force network. Currently, the product is going through a trial period and is expected to be released in October 2014. The vESD will empower users to resolve their own issues as well as get status updates on existing trouble tickets and allow them to provide feedback. It will also cut-back on call time allowing more time for productivity. The vESD is the future of the Air Force help desk.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Veteran Talent Wanted: PMA USA is Hiring
Performance Matters Association (PMA USA) is hiring veterans and transitioning service members. Visit the PMA USA Veteran Talent Portal to apply for jobs, read success stories, and learn more about a career as an Insurance Agent. At PMA USA, we believe in helping people grow from a position of strength--and that means both our customers and our agents. By delivering the services and products that help American families, our agents earn more than a living. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... =mr0602.nl) Visit the Veteran Talent Portal today to learn more and apply.


TRICARE and Women's Health
The number one killer of U.S. women is heart disease -- and it is preventable. Almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. Others experience sharp chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck/jaw/throat or pain in the upper abdomen or back. To fight this disease (1) know the risk factors--high blood pressure, high numbers for low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, and smoking; (2) know your numbers for blood pressure and cholesterol; get preventive health screenings; and increase healthy behaviors like eating right and exercising regularly. Find information about TRICARE's specific preventive services at the TRICARE Preventive Services webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/PreventiveCare) www.tricare.mil/PreventiveCare.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Using the TRICARE Website
At (http://www.tricare.mil) www.tricare.mil, beneficiaries can fill out a profile to get customized and immediate benefit information. Beneficiaries can also get answers to frequently asked questions without calling in, and can email TRICARE to ask a specific benefit question. There's also the "I want to..." section with links to manage prescriptions, enroll or purchase a plan, find a doctor and much more.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Business Start-Up Challenge in Portland
The (http://www.pdc.us/startuppdxchallenge.aspx) Startup PDX Challenge in Portland, Oregon is encouraging entrepreneurs to complete for a top prize of $15,000, free office space for 12 months and a handful of free startup services. Run by the (http://www.pdc.us/welcome.aspx) Portland Development Commission (PDC), the Challenge is designed to support early-stage startups for one year. A group of investors, founders and accelerator managers will review applicants and ultimately pick the winners. The PDC puts an emphasis on veterans, women and minorities. The PDC is looking for startups with 2-to-10 employees in the tech, consumer, B2B or value-added food products/services areas that have ambitions to scale nationally or internationally with 50 percent of sales outside of Oregon. Apply on the (http://www.pdc.us/startuppdxchallenge/s ... -tips.aspx) PDC website before June 25 for a $23 fee. FAQs are available (http://www.pdc.us/startuppdxchallenge/s ... e-faq.aspx) online.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.