Military Report - Week of October 06, 2014

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Military Report - Week of October 06, 2014

TRICARE to End Snail Mail Notifications
Tricare is moving many of its notifications from postal mail to an online system, the agency announced Oct 1. The change will be effective immediately, according to a release from Tricare, and will impact notices about changes to coverage and Tricare eligibility, it says. That means if, for example, your coverage is pulled for any reason you will not receive a notice about it in the mail. Instead, you will receive an email or mailed post card asking you to log-in to the Defense Department's online benefits system, (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/fac ... 9mmj2z0s_4) milConnect, to read your change notice. (http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2014/10/some ... -away.html) Read the full article on SpouseBuzz.


AF Basic Training Birthday
For enlisted Airmen, past and present, there is one place that connects them all -- basic military training (BMT). To celebrate the Air Force birthday, the history of BMT -- and how it transitioned from an old bombing range at Kelly Field to the new Airmen Training Complexes of today -- has been captured through (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... ining.aspx) numerous images and personal accounts of past and present Airmen -- just continue to click on the arrow on the right of the picture to move the photographs.
For more on the Air Force's birthday, visit the (http://www.military.com/air-force-birthday) Military.com Air Force Birthday page.


TRICARE Offers Webinar
TRICARE and Military OneSource are co-hosting a webinar to educate TRICARE beneficiaries about back-to-school health services. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 12:00PM EST. Sign up at (https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/657406114) https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/657406114. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited due to system capacity. Participants must avoid sharing personal health information when asking a question. The TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides prescription drugs to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries. To learn more information the TRICARE benefit, visit the TRICARE website at (http://www.tricare.mil/) www.tricare.mil.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


New Boots for Marines
The Marine Corps is buying boots with up to twice the operational lifespan over the current option provided to new recruits. The Rugged All-Terrain boot (RAT boot) will be the boot of choice in sea bags for incoming Marine Corps recruits starting Dec. 1, 2014. Each sea bag will come with two pairs of boots, one for hot weather and one for temperate weather. The boots weigh the same as their predecessor, the Marine Corps Combat Boots, but have a longer lifespan. The new boots also offer greater traction with a redesigned sole that replaces an older treaded sole. The Marine Corps is buying approximately 40,000 boots in all, half of the hot weather variant and the other half of the temperate weather variant.
For more details on the boot change, see this (http://kitup.military.com/2014/07/marin ... boots.html) KitUp article.


AF Online Master's Program Results
The Air Reserve Personnel Center has announced selection results from the Online Master's Program (OLMP). The selection board convened at the center Sept. 4 to identify the best qualified captains to participate in the OLMP. A list of those selected is available (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/medi ... 26-050.pdf) online. For more information, call the Total Force Service Center - Denver at DSN 665-0102, 210-565-0102, or 800-525-0102.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


3 FAQs on TRICARE Supplement Every Military Retiree Should Know
While TRICARE Standard is a comprehensive insurance plan and allows for more flexible healthcare options, it does not cover every expense a military retiree may encounter. TRICARE Supplement insurance can be a worthwhile investment for TRICARE Standard holders who are seeking to reduce out of pocket costs that are left behind by TRICARE. For answers to three commonly asked questions that military retirees may have regarding TRICARE Supplement insurance, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... -know.html) this article.


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Bring Your Talents to A+E Networks
A+E Networks strongly supports the hiring of our servicemen and women as they transition back into civilian life or seek career changes. We believe that veterans possess identifiable and transferable skills proven in real-life situations, and it is our intention to foster a business culture that recognizes, supports and develops the unique characteristics of our veterans. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1006.nl) Learn more.


AAFES Honors Military Retirees
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service will salute America's 2.4 million military retirees with "Still Serving" events Oct. 3-9. Military retirees can take advantage of in-store events along with discounts and giveaways online. This year's discounts include 10 percent off one (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) shopmyexchange.com order of $100 or more and $10 off any optical purchase of $100 or more when using their MILITARY STAR(R) card. Exchange shoppers can also enter to win prizes on the Exchange's Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) Facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. All authorized Exchange shoppers may take advantage of the discounts and events. For more information, call or visit any Exchange location.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Enterovirus Update
With recent cases of the respiratory illness enterovirus D-68 being reported in multiple states within the U.S., doctors want to ensure all the members of the military community are informed and safe. Enterovirus D-68 is spread like most common colds -- through making contact with surfaces or objects that an infected person has coughed on, sneezed on or touched. Take the following preventive measures: (1) Keep children and staff members home if they feel unwell; (2) cover mouth when sneezing or coughing; (3) wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; (4) clean and disinfect surfaces that are regularly touched by different people; and (5) avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils. For more information about enterovirus D-68, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at (http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enteroviru ... V-D68.html) www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/EV-D68.html.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Bremerton Naval Urgent Care Center
Naval Hospital Bremerton's (NHB) Emergency Department in Bremerton, Wash. was converted to an Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) on Oct 1. The UCC will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is similar to a provider's office. The UCC will provide attention for non-life threatening medical problems, or health concerns that could become worse if not attended to in a timely manner. Patients will be seen in the order they are received. NHB has also recently implemented a new Nurse Advice Line (NAL) at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273) -- select option 1. Beneficiaries can also register for the (https://app.relayhealth.com/RegistrationV2.aspx) NHB Online Secure Messaging Service. Beneficiaries with emergency symptoms should call 911 or get to the nearest hospital emergency room.
For more on military health benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


Navy to Assist Gold Star Families
A new initiative to assist Gold Star Families -- those whose military members have died in service -- was launched Oct. 1 by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). The Navy Gold Star (NGS) program will provide Gold Star Families a level of long-term assistance and support not previously available through the Navy. It is enhanced with the active participation of new NGS region and installation coordinators, which are the lead agents for actions within the long-term casualty supporting process. For more information about the Navy's Gold Star Program, visit the Navy Gold Star Program website at (http://www.navygoldstar.com) http://www.navygoldstar.com.
For more family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Spouse Channel.


Military Health Review Shows Mixed Results
This week, DoD released the results of a much-anticipated review of the Military Health System (MHS). Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered a review of access, quality and safety of care within the MHS in the wake of the VA's health care scandal. Overall the report's results are mixed.
Read the rest of the article at Military Officers Association of America (MOAA): (http://www.moaa.org/MRHealthReviews/) www.moaa.org/MRHealthReviews.


Navy Final Multiple Score Update
This spring, the U.S. Navy revised the Final Multiple Score (FMS), the weighted formula used to select Sailors for advancement. Here are seven things Sailors should know: (1) FMS is a weight-based calculation used to rank Sailors eligible for advancement; (2) the advancement examination is the largest factor considered for advancement to E4 and E5; (3) for E6 and E7, Performance Mark Average (PMA) becomes the largest factor; (4) Sailors who pass the advancement exam, but do not advance due to quota limitations, are eligible to receive Pass Not Advanced (PNA) points, limited to the top 25 percent of Sailors; (5) total PNA points in the FMS are determined from a Sailor's last five advancement cycles for a maximum of 15 possible points; (6) service in Pay Grade has been reduced from seven percent to a weight of one percent of FMS for advancement to E4 through E6; and (7) the Good Conduct Medal and the Reserve Meritorious Service Medal will no longer contribute award.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Women Vets in Transition
Women veterans are underserved. A new report shows that women veterans' health, economic and social needs are not being met by a support system designed for male veterans. (http://www.dav.org/women-veterans-study ... rvr1006.nl) Read more.


5 Tips to Invest Now and Relax Later
It is important to plan for the future today, including knowing how and where you should invest your money to have a comfortable future. (http://www.military.com/money/retirement?ESRC=mr1006.nl) Learn more.


AF Updates AF Cool Programs
Active-duty Airmen who want to take advantage of military assistance programs for voluntary education in the coming academic year will experience several changes beginning Oct. 1. Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online (AF COOL) will take the place of the military tuition assistance (MilTA) certification program for enlisted and total-force Airmen seeking certifications. Airmen who are currently enrolled in a certification program funded through MilTA will have one year to complete their program. Enlisted Airmen submitting new applications through AF COOL will be able to apply for certifications based on their duty Air Force specialty code, with a lifetime cap of $4,500. Senior NCOs are also eligible for leadership and management credentialing programs within the lifetime cap. Funding for the program is currently scheduled to begin in January, 2015. However, the website will be fully functional Oct. 1. All students are encouraged to meet with education advisors and review the updated Air Force instruction to ensure they are familiar with all the changes to the program.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


New Navy High-Year Tenure Policy
The U.S. Navy has announced changes to its High Year Tenure (HYT) policy. The Navy will now include Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members under this policy. RR includes members of Navy Reserve Volunteer Training Units (VTUs) and the Navy Reserve's Active Status Pool (ASP). New rules impacting these members include making LOS limits apply to the IRR and establishing a ceiling for ASP Sailors not serving in the VTU. All changes are enumerated in MILPERSMAN (MPM) (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/r ... 60-120.pdf) article 1160-120 High Year Tenure. All affected Sailors should seek counseling from their command and unit career counselors. Notification of ASP Sailors will be done by the Reserve Enlisted Personnel Branch (PERS-913).
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Is Redux Retirement a Rip-off?
Hundreds of career service members every month make a choice to take the "Redux" retirement plan while in their 15th year of service. That's when, in return for an immediate cash bonus of $30,000, they make an irrevocable decision to opt out of "High-3" retirement and accept the less generous Redux plan. According to a report by the Center for Naval Analysis this choice can cost an enlisted retiree more than $386,000 over the life of their retirement.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ou-390000/) Read the full report on the Military Advantage blog.


Navy Offering Motorcycle Courses
U.S. Navy motorcycle safety training courses will be offered to Sailors during October on a limited, first-come-first-served basis. Sailors interested in taking a class may sign up by visiting the Navy's Enterprise (https://esams.cnic.navy.mil/esams_gen_2/loginesams.aspx) Safety Application Management System (ESAMS) website or by checking with their local installation safety office. Sailors who are qualified motorcycle safety instructors and are interested in volunteering to teach, should contact their local installation safety office. Courses will include: Basic Rider Courses 1 and 2, the Advanced Rider Course, and Motorcycle Sportbike Rider Course. To schedule motorcycle training, visit the Navy's Safety Training Program website at (http://www.navymotorcyclerider.com) www.navymotorcyclerider.com.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Memorial for Veterans
America's 4 million disabled veterans are now bring honored with the dedication of the nation's first memorial specifically designed for them. The 2.4-acre American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial at 150 Washington Ave. in Washington, D.C was officially dedicated with a public ceremony Oct. 5. For more on the memorial, visit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial's dedication page at (http://www.avdlm.org) www.avdlm.org.


AF Promotion System Changes Update
Implementation of a series of changes to the enlisted evaluation and promotion systems announced in July by Air Force senior leaders continues with establishment of the staff sergeant enlisted performance report (EPR) static closeout date, which will be Jan. 31. Effective Oct. 4, change of reporting official EPRs will no longer be accomplished for staff sergeants. Additional enlisted evaluation and promotion system changes will be announced as they are approved for implementation. For more information, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Select "search all components" from the drop down menu and enter "28061" in the search window for SCOD and CRO report information; "27948" for enlisted evaluations or "27949" for enlisted promotion change information.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AAFES Fall Catalog
Soldiers, Airmen and their families looking for the latest in home accessories, appliances, fall fashions and tech toys can find all that and more in the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's (https://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/1 ... 6/sizes/l/) Autumn 2014 catalog. The 36-page catalog is available now at main Exchange stores and also at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) shopmyexchange.com by clicking the Savings Center button in the upper left corner of the home page and then choosing Catalogs. Prices in this all-services catalog are valid through Oct. 31, 2014. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or phone. Toll-free orders can be placed from the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam at 800-527-2345.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


AF Reactivates 19th Air Force
The Air Education and Training Command will re-activate a streamlined 19th Air Force Oct. 1, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Maj. Gen. Michael Keltz is the commander of the newly re-activated numbered air force. This restructuring within AETC will move all formal aircrew flying training missions under General Keltz's command. The 19th Air Force will include 19 training locations, 10 regular Air Force wings supported by six Guard and Reserve wings, approximately 32,000 personnel and more than 1,350 aircraft of 29 different models. No new positions or authorizations will be created.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Integrates Transition GPS
In October, the Air Force will align Transition Assistance Program (TAP) resources to engage at key touch-points in the Department of Defense Military Lifecycle model to ensure Airmen prepare for life after the military beginning with their first day on active duty. New Airmen will be required to prepare an individual development plan that they will use as an action plan throughout their military career, and that they will transform into a retirement or separation transition plan. Airmen will regularly evaluate their career and life goals to ensure they are on track. The (https://www.dodtap.mil) new DoD Tap website features an Air Force specific tab directing Airmen to transition information. For more information about TAP and other services available, contact a local Airman and Family Readiness Center. For more 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.


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Register Now for the Free Spouse Experience Event at Fort Bragg, NC
This event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-milita ... =mr1006.nl) Register today.


Technology to Accelerate Your Career Transition
With the current job market more competitive than ever, it is important to use all the resources and tools available to you in your career search. Looking for the right job can take up as much time as being employed full time. With current work responsibilities and competing personal responsibilities, taking advantage of transition tools electronically can help you manage everything on your plate. For more on how you can use technology to aid your job search, see (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... ition.html) this article.


Sponsored Discount: Military Save Extra 10 Percent on Select PCs and Tablets
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