Military Report - Week of September 08, 2014

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Military Report - Week of September 08, 2014

Air Reserve Development Plan Update
A change to the Reserve-Development Plan has been made in which members will no longer see the option to select to have their career "Deliberately Managed" when completing their R-DP. The command is deliberately managing key, command, and joint positions, not individuals and this is the reason for the change. Airmen will still have the opportunity to communicate their Reserve assignment and professional development preferences, career goals and availability to their career field senior leadership. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at DSN 665-0102 or 210-565-0102.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Offers Commissioning Program
Airmen interested in biomedical sciences education (BSC) or commissioning opportunities may be eligible for one or all of the four Biomedical Sciences Corps programs now accepting applications. Available BSC programs include the Army Baylor Doctor of Physical Therapy Training, the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences PhD Clinical Psychology Training Program, the Interservice Physician Assistant Training Program and the Direct Accession Program. For more information, including additional eligibility criteria and application instructions, log in with a common access card to the (https://kx2.afms.mil/kj/kx3/afbsceducation) AFMS Knowledge Exchange. For more information about developmental 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.


Leaving the Service? Get Your Records to VA
Servicemembers need to take an active role in getting their medical and dental records to the Department of Veterans Affairs at retirement or separation. Before a Sailor separates or retires, commanding officers (CO) and officers in charge (OIC) are responsible for ensuring that the Service Treatment Records (STR), medical and dental records, are at the appropriate medical and dental facilities. This guarantees that the records will be available to the VA. COs and OICs are directed to provide a quarterly list of personnel who have separated or retired that includes their name, separation date, date their STR was made available to the medical/dental facility, and an explanation for STRs not provided by the separation date, if necessary.
For more on military records, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/record ... rview.html) this Military.com page.


Children's Eye Health and TRICARE
Parents have the opportunity to make their child's eye health a priority as they head back to school. Every two years between the ages of three and six years old, TRICARE covers an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist as eye care provider. These exams focus on regular vision services like eye exams and screenings. You will not need a referral or authorization to visit an optometrist. However, you will need a referral and/or authorization for an ophthalmologist visit, depending on your plan. For more information on eye exams and specifics of your TRICARE plan coverage, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/eyeexams) TRICARE Eye Exams webpage and download the (http://www.tricare.mil/~/media/Files/TR ... ion_FS.pdf) Vision Benefits Fact Sheet.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Navy Rewrites Customer Service Manual
The U.S. Navy recently rewrote its Customer Service Manual, which is a Nonresident Training Course (NAVEDTRA) of instruction Sailors complete for professional growth. While most NAVEDTRAs are rating specific, the Customer Service Manual offers training to a broad spectrum of jobs across the Navy. The revision was necessary to keep the NAVEDTRA up to date with today's technology. Once finalized, the new Customer Service Manual NAVEDTRA will be available online at the Navy's (https://www.courses.netc.navy.mil/) Non-Resident Training Course (NRTC) website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


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Air Reserve Promotion Enhancement Results
The Air Reserve Personnel Center has announced results for the Calendar Year 2014 Promotion Enhancement Program Selection Board. A complete list of Airmen selected for promotion is available (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/medi ... 27-039.pdf) online or visiting the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at DSN 665-0102 or 210-565-0102.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


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DoD Using E-mail Benefit Notifications
The Department of Defense (DoD) is moving away from mailing letters to using e-mail notifications when there are important changes to your DoD benefits, including TRICARE. The email will link you to milConnect, a secure DoD website, where your personal information will be posted. Those who have not provided an e-mail address, or those who opt-out of receiving e-mail notifications, will receive a postcard stating that there is a change or update to their benefit. Even if you receive a postcard you will still need to go to (http://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) milConnect to read the letter because specific plan or protected health information (PHI) will not be printed on the postcard. Visit milConnect to sign up or update your email contact information. You can click on the "MyProfile" menu item to update your personal email preference. Please allow three days for revised settings to take effect.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


MOAA Pushes Back on Pay Cap
The (http://www.moaa.org/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) issued a statement strongly objecting to the proposal to again cap military pay below private sector pay growth. The statement points to a recent letter in which (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... raise.html) President Obama asks Congress for a 1% pay cap for uniformed service members and federal civilian employees. The proposed pay cap is .8% lower than that of private sector growth, marking the second year in a row of capping military pay.
(http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ay,00.html) Get a first glimpse at the proposed 2015 active duty pay charts.


Know Your POV Shipping Entitlements
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) acknowledged that the transfer to the new POV contractor did not go as smoothly as it could have. There is a system of recourse in place if expectations are not met. For vehicles overdue fewer than seven days, the first step is for military members to contact the local personal property, personnel support detachment or finance office. Reimbursement for rental cars for military members for those first seven days is capped at $30 a day or $210 a week. For rental car rates exceed that amount, an inconvenience claim can be submitted to the contractor, International Auto Logistics (IAL). Military members inconvenienced beyond seven days because of a missed delivery date can file a claim with IAL and an inconvenience claim for temporary lodging. For vehicle damages, IAL provides customers an option for on-site settlement for claimed damage.
For more on POVs and shipping your vehicle overseas, see this (http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos/ ... rseas.html) Military.com article.


Navy News and Media App
Sailors and Navy family members looking to find the latest information about the Navy on their smartphone or tablet now have a new mobile application (app) to get up-to-date news and media. The official U.S. Navy app also gives users access to an interactive global map that displays the locations of key naval installations, current events, an up-to-date status of naval forces, as well as the Navy's current forward presence. The official U.S. Navy app is available for download from (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-u.s ... 73763?mt=8) Apple-iOS, (https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... navy&hl=en) Android, (http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us ... 4349b322d2) Windows 8 and (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/deta ... ggddbljieg) Chrome Book. The Navy app requires Internet access to function and access current information and media content.
For more news on military apps, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/best-apps) Military.com App page.


Air Force Health Risk Assessment
The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is a multi-faceted interactive tool offered at the AFMC Wellness Support Center at (http://www.afmcwellness.com/) www.afmcwellness.com. The HRA is a health questionnaire that you complete on the website (http://www.afmcwellness.com/) www.afmcwellness.com. You answer questions about your health - such as diet, exercise, and stress - and then a wellness profile report is created just for you with ideas for ways to be healthier. The wellness profile is yours to print and keep. You should take your HRA once each fiscal year. For more information, contact your local Civilian Health Promotions Services (CHPS) team or visit the AFMC Wellness Support Center (http://www.afmcwellness.com) www.afmcwellness.com.
For more fitness tips and military-level fitness programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness/) Military.com Fitness channel.


Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month is observed across the United States in September. A number of resources are available including the (http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/suicideprevention) Air Force Suicide Prevention website, the (http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/airmansguide) Airman's Guide for Assisting Personnel in Distress, the Military Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255, press 1, text 838255, or go online to chat at the Military Crisis Line website at (http://www.militarycrisisline.net) www.militarycrisisline.net with access to peer counselors in person and through online chats and text messaging. You can also find help by contacting your local agencies who make up the installation Integrated Delivery System. Also, help is available through the Vets4Warriors peer support chat line at 855-838-8255 or online at the Vets4Warriors website at (http://www.vets4warriors.com) www.vets4warriors.com. Family members, retirees, and veterans can also use these resources for themselves if they feel the need to speak with someone.
For more mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


New PTSD Discharge Guidelines
The Department of Defense issued supplemental guidelines on Sept. 3 that will help its review boards when considering petitions for discharge upgrades from veterans claiming they had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at the time of separation. The guidelines, issued in a memo from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, will be used by DoD's Military Department Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records. They will help in considering whether servicemembers suffered from PTSD while on active duty, and if that condition may have contributed to their discharges under other-than-honorable conditions. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/2014/0 ... lines.html) this article.


Prep to Enter the Business World
The University of Texas at Austin's Master of Science in Technology Commercialization program is a one-year master's program from the McCombs School of Business. Meeting on alternating weekends with the option to attend in person or online, the program provides a bridge from the military to the business world. Learn more about the program and how it can teach you to launch innovative new technologies by visiting the University of Texas website at (http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MSTC/Military) www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MSTC/Military or call 512-471-2283.
For veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Fall is the Perfect Time to Use Your VA Loan
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Navy's 'Every Sailor, Every Day' Program
Starting in September the Navy will be promoting the message "Every Sailor, Every Day," to encourage all Sailors, leaders, families and members of the Navy community to strengthen their connections with those around them in accordance with Suicide Prevention Month. From September 1-30, "I Pledge to ACT," a web-based effort, will take place to encourage all Sailors, families and members of the Navy community to take steps in building personal resilience, supporting their shipmates and intervening if they notice signs of distress. The pledge is completely anonymous and available on the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/s ... fault.aspx) Navy Personnel Command (NPC) website. For more information, For more information about suicide prevention, visit the Navy Chaplain Corps website at (http://www.chaplain.navy.mil) www.chaplain.navy.mil, the Military OneSource at (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) www.militaryonesource.mil, the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/s ... fault.aspx) NPC Suicide Prevention website, and the Defense (http://www.suicideoutreach.org/) Suicide Prevention website. If you are in crisis, call the Military Crisis Line anytime at 1-800-273-8255, and press 1.
For more mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.


New 'In-State Tuition' Rule for GI Bill
Currently Post-9/11 benefits cover all in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities. But an estimated 3800 veterans annually face substantial out-of-pocket costs because they elect to attend state-run colleges as non-residents. That will soon change with a new law that will require schools to charge veterans using the GI Bill to receive in-state tuition rates. However, the first thing veterans using GI Bill education benefits should understand about new "in-state tuition" protection is that it won't take effect until the fall semester of 2015. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... n-gi-bill/) Learn more about this new GI Bill benefit.


TRICARE Nurse Advice Line
TRICARE provides several resources to help parents keep their families healthy. When children have pain, sniffles or sore throats, telephone TRICARE's Nurse Advice Line (NAL) at 1-800-TRICARE, Option 1, for advice on what to do. When you call, the nurse will ask you about your child's illness. Please make sure that your child is present so you can assess their condition as the nurse asks questions. If your child is over age 13, the nurse may ask to speak to your child directly. If self-care is recommended, the nurse may provide you with advice on home treatments and remedies. If your child needs an appointment, the NAL will try to schedule one for you at your local military treatment facility (MTF), or will advise you to seek care within the network. For more information, visit the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/NAL) http://www.tricare.mil/NAL.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


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President Pledges Support to Vets
In his recent speech to the American Legion's annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, President Obama said the administration is moving ahead with changes to the Veterans Administration. Obama recently signed the Veterans Access Choice and Accountability Act, which provides money to hire staff and allows veterans who live more than 40 miles from VA care to see doctors outside the VA. Obama called for more awareness, more outreach and more access to mental health care. He said another priority is for VA to reduce the backlog. The full text of the President's speech is available on the (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-off ... convention) White House website.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


Corps to Manage Reserve End-Strength
A temporary suspension of non-critical prior service Selected Marine Corps Reserve and Individual Mobilization Augmentees affiliation upon completion of the fiscal year 2014 mission. What does that mean? The authorized Selected Reserve end-strength is 39,600 Marines. In order to ensure that the force does not exceed this end-strength on Sept. 30, 2014, prior-service affiliations must be carefully managed at the Headquarters Marine Corps level for the remainder of the fiscal year. Units are not authorized to affiliate prior-service Marines unless they are processed through a prior-service recruiter. The only exceptions are HQMC-directed programs. Marines on associate duty orders with a SMCR or IMA unit are not authorized to mobilize or execute Active Duty Operational Support orders greater than 30 days without prior coordination.
For more Marine Corps news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Marine Corps Career Course Seminar
Marine Corps staff sergeants now have an opportunity to participate in a resident-like Professional Military Education with the new Career Course Seminar, developed by the College of Distance Education and Training at Marine Corps University. Previously, the multimedia distance learning version of the course was the only option available for staff sergeants who could not attend the course because of filled seats or work obligations. Now the new seminar will allow these staff noncommissioned officers to stay local, with a shorter-term residential experiences and virtual learning. The Career Course Seminar is scheduled to take place three times a year. The next course will begin in January.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


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Congress Invites Vets to Jobs Forum
On September 10, 2014 veterans, active duty, reserve, National Guard, military families, and supporters are invited to a veteran employment focused forum at our Nation's Capitol. The event is being hosted by Senator Manchin III, Senator Kirk, Representative Denham, and Representative Walz and the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus. Participants will have a chance to engage with military veteran business leaders in a small group setting. This rare opportunity for veterans offers a chance to discuss concerns and gather advice from experienced leaders who have worked their way to the top. There will also be a roundtable discussion with both business and political leaders to discuss the current national veteran unemployment issues such as obstacles to employment and misconceptions.
The event will be held on Wednesday September 10, in Room 325 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
You can RSVP at: (mailto:IHIREVETS@manchin.senate.gov) IHIREVETS@manchin.senate.gov.
For veteran job fair listings, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.