Military Report - Week of June 23, 2014

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Military Report - Week of June 23, 2014

Marvel's Military Comic Book at AAFES
Super Hero Captain America and his allies are saving the country from impending doom in (https://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/1 ... 4/sizes/l/) the latest military-exclusive comic book from Marvel, available for free only at Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations worldwide. "Divide and Conquer" is a military-exclusive edition comic book from Marvel. One million issues of Marvel's "Divide and Conquer" have been distributed to Exchange locations worldwide. Shoppers can contact their local Exchange for more information by visiting (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores) www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeStores.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


TRICARE to Cover Autism
Starting this summer, a new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) policy will cover all TRICARE beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under a single benefit. The Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) will start July 25, 2014 and will run until Dec. 31, 2018. All beneficiaries currently receiving ABA under TRICARE will transition seamlessly to the new benefit with no gap in coverage by Dec. 31, 2014. Currently, TRICARE beneficiaries with ASD get ABA covered by one of three programs, depending on their sponsor's duty status. The ACD combines these programs into a single benefit that will stay with beneficiaries if they move from active duty, retire or switch TRICARE plans. All ASD patients will have the same access to care, regardless of sponsor status or plan. For more information, visit the TRICARE Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/aba) www.tricare.mil/aba.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Equine Therapy for Veterans, Military
Hanging out with horses -- not riding them, but just being in a barn, or arena or field with them -- may have therapeutic value for people dealing with issues of all sorts. The nonprofit organization Reins of Change in rural Elgin, Illinois offers quality mental health services, personal growth and educational opportunities for people, utilizing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA) model. (http://www.eagala.org/) EAGALA is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals using equine therapy to address mental health and human development needs. Equine Specialists at Reins of Change work with mental health providers who specialize in particular areas. The organization provides services for eating disorders, anger management, self-injury, ADHD, addiction, anxiety disorders, depression, grief, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. For more information, visit the (http://www.reinsofchange.com/) Reins of Change website. Information on EAGALA and EAGALA Military Services is available online at the (http://www.eagala.org/military) EAGALA website.
For more on mental health and stress in the military, including tips on how to overcome stress, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness page.


Johnson Controls Wants You
At Johnson Controls, we aspire to recruit and hire U.S. Military talent nationwide. A military candidate brings strong work ethic, solid training and the ability to manage multiple challenges given the situation or priorities at hand. (http://www.military.com/jobs-in/employe ... ESRC=mr.nl) Get Hired.


Solving VA Care-Delay Crisis Too Costly?
The Congressional Budget Office dampened some good vibes among lawmakers who rushed to solve the access-to-care crisis for veterans last week. The CBO estimates the cost of requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide non-VA medical care to any enrolled veteran who cannot get a VA medical appointment within 30 days, or who lives more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, at a stunning $54 billion annually. However, despite the sticker shock, House Veterans Affair Committee Chairman, Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) said the he "is committed to paying for the reforms in a responsible manner that is fair to the taxpayers and to our veterans." (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... 4b-yearly/) Read the full article on the Military Advantage Blog.


Your VA Loan = Low Rates, No PMI & Low 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 ... rvr0623.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0623.nl) Interested in finding out more about the VA Loan?


Some AFCS Removed from Retention Boards
Approximately 4,000 Airmen have been removed from eligibility for the involuntary retention boards this summer and fall. Airmen should check their respective AFSC, grade or year group on the updated matrices posted on (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers to ensure they know their latest status. The enlisted retention boards and officer enhanced selective early retirement board for Airmen who are still eligible will occur in June with results released in late July or early August. Updates to information on force management and other personnel programs will continue to be available on (http://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/S ... Counts.pdf) myPers. Airmen can also use the force management graphic on the Air Force Portal at (https://www.my.af.mil/) https://www.my.af.mil, which will take them to updated matrices and force management program details.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Retiree Council Meets
The 2014 Air Force Retiree Council met in May. Among the issues discussed were: (1) maintaining the commissary benefit; (2) continued support for printing and mailing of the Afterburner; (3) enhanced support for Defense Finance and Accounting retired and annuity pay customers; (4) continuing Retiree Activities Office support at the base level and the growing need for more volunteers; (5) support for legislative issues, specifically eliminating offset between the Survivor Benefit Plan and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation; paid-up SBP premiums for retirees at age 67 versus 70; and full pay for the month that a retiree dies; and (6) concerns about rising TRICARE costs and reduced Medicare/TRICARE for Life reimbursement. For more information on the council, visit the Air Force Retiree Council webpage (http://www.retirees.af.mil/council/) http://www.retirees.af.mil/council.
For more on retiree benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits section.


Pay Caps Are Pay Cuts
In this year's defense budget, administration and Pentagon leaders requested a military pay raise of one percent. That's 0.8 percent below private-sector pay growth, the second-lowest pay raise in 50 years, and a second consecutive year of pay caps. Like last year, Congress doesn't see eye to eye on the military pay raise. The House rejected the administration's pay cap in favor of a 1.8-percent raise, while the Senate supports the cap of one percent. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) says once the military pay-cap proposals are accepted, they continue until they have wrecked readiness and retention. Read more at (http://www.moaa.org/MRJuneBottomLine/) the MOAA site.


Paying Off Your Mortgage
Five key steps to insuring your mortgage-free future is a bright one after you pay off your mortgage: (1) get a "Satisfaction of Mortgage Statement," which is proof that your lender paid off the balance of your loan with your last regular payment or your bulk payment; (2) make sure that your "Satisfaction of Mortgage Statement" is properly filed with your county's Register of Deeds or Recorder of Deeds office--you may have to do this yourself; (3) cancel any automatic deduction plan; (4) make sure your home owners insurance and real estate taxed get paid; (4) let your insurer know about your new status and recheck your home insurance including casualty and flood insurance; (5) make sure you get your escrow from your PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) that was used to pay taxes and insurance; and (6) recalculate your budget to decide what you are going to do with the money that would have paid the mortgage. (http://www.military.com/money) Visit the Military.com Money Channel to learn more fiscal fitness tips.


New AF Leave Policy
The U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) has released the command's revised leave policy, which affects Airmen serving 12-month tours in Southwest Asia. Personnel serving in nine countries throughout the AFCENT area of responsibility will no longer receive Imminent Danger Pay, IDP, which is linked 15-day Rest and Recuperation program (R&R). Airmen who commenced 365-day deployments or Permanent Changes of Station on or after June 1 to countries that do not qualify for IDP are no longer eligible for R&R and therefore must apply for ordinary leave. Eligible personnel who deployed or PCSed before June 1 may elect to take either 15 days of R&R using government-funded transportation, or ordinary leave using space-available military or personally funded civilian transportation. The new leave policy is available (http://www.afcent.af.mil/shared/media/d ... 08-001.pdf) online.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... perations/) Read more about the recent changes to Imminent Danger Pay.


New Navy Anatomy App
The Navy has launched a new app entitled "Anatomy Study Guide App from America's Navy." The app serves as a reference for students as well as those already practicing in the medical or healthcare fields. The app features 3-D functionality that allows for an enhanced learning experience of the human anatomy, including interactive diagrams of the muscular system, vascular system, heart, skeletal system, skull, brain and more. A demonstration of the app is available on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Lwcggg ... e=youtu.be) YouTube. The Anatomy Study Guide app from America's Navy is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store. It is also available from (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... avyMedical) Android and from (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/anatomy ... ?ls=1&mt=8) IOS.
For more news on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.


Navy Testing New LNWU Uniforms
Sailors stationed in Bahrain, Guam and Hawaii wore the Lightweight Navy Working Uniform (LNWU) Type I as part of an eight-week conformance test focusing on performance, durability and appearance from May 28 to June 12. More than 230 Sailors received two prototype versions. The uniforms have two different fabric configurations and include a front tab with rank insignia to identify the LNWU as a test version and will not be part of the final uniform design. Sailors in warmer climates were chosen for the test. Sailors made daily log inputs in a user evaluation booklet and completed a questionnaire at the midpoint and conclusion of the wear test. For more information on Navy uniforms, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/S ... ault2.aspx) Navy Uniform Matters website.
For more on uniforms, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/resour ... and-awards) Military.com Uniform guide.


No Danger Pay for Special Forces Headed to Iraq
Special Forces troops heading to Iraq to advise the Iraqi security forces will not receive combat pay but will have immunity from local law, Pentagon officials. "This is not a combat mission, they are not being sent to participate in combat," said Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, of the 300 Special Forces troops ordered to Iraq by President Obama on Thursday. Consequently, the troops would not be eligible for "imminent danger pay" of $7.50 daily up to $225 per month for service members in areas where they could be at grave risk, Kirby said. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... -iraq.html) this news article. For more on military pay, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay section.


Summer Reading Program at AF Libraries
Air Force libraries have launched the summer reading program, "Paws to Read" and are planning a host of activities for children, teens and adults. Activities will range by location and include everything from nature programs to K-9 demonstrations. Registration is underway at more than 200 Department of Defense libraries. Interested readers can go to their base library for more information or visit (http://ila.org/dodsumread) ila.org/dodsumread. Those who are not near an installation can email (mailto:dodsumread@navy.mil) dodsumread@navy.mil for participation information. For more information about other library programs and quality of life initiatives, visit the AFPC Services website at (http://www.myairforcelife.com/) www.myairforcelife.com or (http://www.usafservices.com/) www.usafservices.com.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


Thinking Of Buying a Car? See Mil Discounts First
Are you thinking about buying a new car but overwhelmed by the cost? Many automakers want to show their appreciation for military families by offering special pricing on their vehicles. Whether you're returning after an overseas tour or you're just ready for a new car, make sure to take advantage of the (http://www.military.com/discounts/milit ... RC=mrvr.nl) military discounts offered by a variety of automakers, both stateside and abroad.


Coping with Student Loan Debt
President Barack Obama recently signed a presidential memorandum directing the secretaries of the treasury and education to take action to reduce the financial burden on those with student loan debt. Programs already in place, such as the Income-Based Repayment and Pay As You Earn options, allow certain borrowers to cap their student loan payments at 10 percent of their income and receive loan forgiveness after 20-25 years in repayment. The secretary of education is now required to propose regulations expanding the access to the Pay As You Earn Plan to as many as 5 million additional borrowers. These regulations are to take effect by December 31, 2015. For more information about the president's plan to expand repayment options, visit the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/educat ... affordable) White House website. To learn about current repayment options, calculate your repayment under a particular plan, or learn how to apply for repayment under a different plan, visit the (https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans) Federal Student Aid website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


$800k Coverage: As Little as $1 a Day
Protection for less. Get $800,000 Coverage from only $1 a Day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0623.nl) Could your family afford their lifestyle if something happened to you?


Send Your Vote Home
For this election year, June 30-July 7 is Armed Forces and Overseas Citizens Voters Week. During this week, all service members, civilians and voting-age family members are encouraged to take the first steps for absentee voting in federal midterm and local elections. To vote overseas, U.S. Citizens must first apply for their absentee ballot with the Federal Post Card Application. Filling out the application is simple and requires the voter to know only a home address in their state of residence, county and zip code. If overseas citizens do not get the chance to fill out and send their Federal Post Card Application by July 7, they still have until September to do so. Overseas voters can also download a Federal Post Card Application online from the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at FVAP.gov. The website also has state-by-state information about voting overseas for service members, families and civilians. For more information, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at FVAP.gov or contact your base Voting Assistance Office.
For more information on legislative issues that impact the military, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military/home/) Military.com Legislative Center.


New Scholarships at Wright State
A new, $750,000 scholarship fund by Wright State University's graduate school will help Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employees get graduate degrees. Under the program, civilian workers and active duty military can apply for up to $7,500 in scholarship funding per year. The scholarships are renewable until the student completes their program, and the school says the effort will help with advanced training for base employees. Spouses and dependent children of base employees will be eligible. Applicants for the scholarship program can apply for up to $2,500 for each of the three semesters of the school year, and the scholarships can be combined with military educational benefits. All graduate degree programs at masters and doctoral levels, except for M.D. and Psy.D. Degrees are eligible, including humanities, arts, business, math, engineering and others. Many of the programs are also for online classes. For more information, visit the (https://www.wright.edu/graduate-school/ ... cholarship) Wright-Patterson AFB Scholarship website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Navy Workout App Series
The U.S. Navy recently launched three new workout series apps for your smart phone or tablet. These high-intensity programs - the Strength, Endurance, and Sandbag series - provide Sailors with a "best-in-class" physical fitness and nutrition program. The foundational exercises are designed to replicate the activities Sailors conduct in their operational duties: lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying. The workouts can be customized based on heart rate and/or rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Interactive apps for each series are available at no cost for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, or iPod), with Android devices being released shortly. The apps provide detailed guidance and examples of each exercise, along with scrolling pictures and videos that can be viewed with a quick swipe. Search for "NOFFS" in the App Store or on the Google Play Store app. For more fitness and nutrition resources, visit the Navy Fitness website at (http://www.navyfitness.org) www.navyfitness.org.
For more fitness tips and military-level workout programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.


Navy Transition Career Track Videos
The U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) has released three short informational videos that focus on the different career tracks Sailors can take in addition to attending the mandatory Transition Goals, Plans, Success (Transition GPS) class. The videos are previews of what paths transitioning Sailors can choose. They cover subjects like attending college, preparing for the working world, and starting a business. The videos should be watched prior to and during the Transition GPS class, or any time Sailors are making decisions about their next steps after the Navy. The videos can be found on the Fleet and Family Support (FFSP) website at (http://www.ffsp.navy.mil) www.ffsp.navy.mil in the Podcast and webinar section or view them on YouTube at (http://www.youtube.com/user/navyfamilyreadiness) www.youtube.com/user/navyfamilyreadiness.
For a customized transition plan, and military transition guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-transition) Military.com Transition Center.


Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Today, nearly 90 percent of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) workforce is comprised of volunteers who provide financial assistance and counseling, quick assist loans, education assistance health education and post-combat support, advice on how to budget for a baby, emergency travel assistance, disaster relief and thrift shops for Sailors, Marines and their families. For more information on NMCRS and the resources they offer, visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website at (http://www.nmcrs.org) www.nmcrs.org.
For more military family support resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Family Center.


AF Introduces Fitness Challenge
Airmen at 18 installations will see a new era of physical fitness as the Air Force introduces the Air Force Team Cohesion Challenge. The pilot program, built around special operations training, involves two elements: a base-wide 5K run and the rucksack challenge. Airmen can sign up for the rucksack challenge individually or with their friends and coworkers. Once registered, the force support squadron places members on a 30-person team, known as their GORUCK family. For more information and it sign up, contact participating force support squadrons.
For more fitness tips and military-level workout programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness Center.


Air Force Innovation Programs
Airman are encouraged to submit ideas through the new Airmen Powered by Innovation program (API). Once an idea is submitted, the submission is quality-checked to determine if the idea is ready for evaluation. If the idea is not specific enough, the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) idea cell will work with the submitter and may direct the submitter to their local AFSO 21 experts. Ideas that are clear, specific and ready for evaluation will be reviewed by the idea cell and within three days will be submitted to the office with the authority to approve and implement the idea. The approving authority will then have 30 days to respond with a decision and intention to implement. For more information about API, visit the (https://my.af.mil) Air Force Portal and enter "API" in the search window. To submit an idea, go (https://ipds.afpc.randolph.af.mil) this site. Follow API on its (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airmen-P ... 8355524910) Facebook page. For information about 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.


TRICARE Extends ABA Pilot
Children receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA) reinforcement under the TRICARE ABA Pilot will continue to get those benefits after the ABA Pilot ends on July 24, 2014 while TRICARE implements a new ABA policy. TRICARE is finalizing plans to merge its ABA policies into a single benefit that will cover all beneficiaries, regardless of sponsor status or TRICARE plan. TRICARE beneficiaries currently receiving ABA will transition seamlessly to this new benefit when it goes into effect. For more information, visit the TRICARE Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/aba) www.tricare.mil/aba.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.