Military Report - Week of October 27, 2014

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Military Report - Week of October 27, 2014

Five Navy Ball Cap Policy Need-to-Knows
Optional wear of the Navy and command ball caps was authorized Sept. 1 with Navy Working Uniforms (NSU) (Type I, II and III) as well as with flight suits, coveralls, Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls and the Navy physical training uniform. Here are five things you need to know about wearing ball caps: (1) replacements can be purchased using the annual clothing replacement allowance for enlisted E1-E6 personnel; (2) Sailors may purchase command ball caps with their personal funds, but they cannot be required to purchase it; (3) if a Sailor is authorized to wear NWUs out in town, he or she may wear the Navy or command ball cap; (4) ball caps may be worn with civilian clothes provided they do not have rank insignia or command titles reflected; and (5) the ball cap should not be worn if commands may prescribe the eight-point cover with the NWUs for Sailors in formation. For more information on uniform regulations and a list of FAQs relating to the ball caps, visit the (http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/S ... /FAQs.aspx) Uniform Matters Office website. Email (mailto:umo_cmc@navy.mil) umo_cmc@navy.mil for feedback on uniform matters.
For more on Navy and other military uniforms, check the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forc ... guide.html) Military.com Uniform section.


2015 Military Retirement COLA Set
Military and federal civilian retirees, survivor benefit annuitants, disabled veterans and Social Security recipients will see a 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment in January. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -for-2015/) Get the details on the 2015 retiree Cola rate.


Navy Command Advancement Update
Earlier this year, the Navy announced updates to the Command Advancement Program (CAP) for active component (AC) and Reserve component (RC) and a shift from a calendar to a fiscal year timeline for CAP. Here are five things you need to know about CAP: (1) CAP continues to provide commanding officers with the authority to advance eligible rated Sailors in paygrades E3, E4 and E5; (2) the updated policy incorporates a CAP season, July 1 to Sept. 30, which is the only the time when commands can advance eligible Sailors under CAP; (3) the CAP season aligns with the Navy-wide advancement examination cycles, which allows CAP to be factored in when determining the number of advancement quotas each cycle; (4) COs continue to have the authority to set CAP performance standards and select their best Sailors; and (5) for Fiscal Year 2015, there will be a hold on CAP for Selected Reserve Sailors.
How much pay would you make with a promotion? For more details, see (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... harts.html) Military.com's updated military pay charts.


Navy Resident Satisfaction Survey
Navy housing residents can now provide feedback through the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey (RSS) which is being distributed to both government-owned and leased and some privatized housing residents. Residents in family housing should receive the RSS through the mail but may also participate online. The survey is used to target funding for facility and amenity improvements. For more information about Navy Housing programs or to find contact information for your local Navy Housing Service Center, visit the Navy Housing website at (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Housing) www.cnic.navy.mil/Housing.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Use Your VA Loan: 2014 Tax Break, No PMI, $0 Down
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 ... rvr1027.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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Navy Safe Harbor for Wounded Warriors
The Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor program is the Department of the Navy's support program for critically wounded, injured or ill Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. With over 3,000 served, it is a vital care network for those in need. The program's objective is to resolve persistent non-medical concerns and arrange enrollees for transition back to active duty or civilian life so the service members can focus on getting well. NWW Safe Harbor offers an extensive variety of services, including assisting with employment and education opportunities, connecting them to benefits, hosting adaptive athletics events, and family and mental health resources. For more information about NWW and how to enroll, call 1-855-NAVY WWP/1-855-628-9997, or visit the (http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil) Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor website or email (mailto:safeharbor@navy.mil) safeharbor@navy.mil.
For more wounded warrior news, see (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) this Military.com section.


Save Up to 66% on TRICARE Costs
Save on the out of pocket costs that TRICARE doesn't cover. (http://offers.military.com/i/tricare/in ... rvr1027.nl) Save now.


AAFES 2014 Toy Book
Military shoppers hunting for the hottest toys of the season will find them in-store and online with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's new Toy Book. The 24-page shopping guide is packed with the kid-tested toys. For those who want to shop online, the Exchange's website at (http://shopmyexchange.com/) shopmyexchange.com offers this season's best toys, too. Online purchases ship for free when shoppers use their MILITARY STAR(R) card. The Toy Book is available soon at Exchange locations worldwide. To find the nearest Exchange, visit the Exchange Store Locator at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores) www.shopmyexchange.com/exchange-stores.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


What You Need to Know About Ebola
As service members deploy to West Africa to support Operation United Assistance to stop the spread of Ebola, the (http://www.health.mil/Military-Health-T ... ases/Ebola) Military Health System website (Health.mil) gives the latest facts on the disease.
For more military news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Sponsored Discount: Military Save Extra 10%* on Select PCs & Tablets
Save an additional 10% off select PCs and tablets with this exclusive military offer. (http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... 51-14?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) Read more.


TRICARE to Host Webinar
TRICARE and Military OneSource are co-hosting a webinar to educate TRICARE beneficiaries about TRICARE Dental Options. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, from 12-1 p.m. EST. (https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/250710474) Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited due to system capacity. The featured speaker for this event is COL Gary (Chad) Martin, chief of the TRICARE Dental Care Office. About TRICARE's dental program options, visit the TRICARE Dental Care webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/dental) www.tricare.mil/dental.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Veterans on Wall Street
The fourth annual Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) Veteran Employment Symposium and Resource Fair for transitioning veterans will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 7:00 am, at the Goldman Sachs Conference Center at 200 West Street in New York. The half-day morning symposium is an opportunity for transitioning Veterans to learn about career opportunities and how to best position themselves for success. Employment professionals from leading non-profit support organizations, educational institutions and corporate Veteran employers will discuss preparing for your ideal career, leveraging your military skills and veteran network, how to start, run and grow your business. Visit the (http://www.goldmansachs.com/events/vetsws2014/VETS) VOWS website to learn more.
For a full calendar of veteran job affairs across the nation, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/ca ... fairs.html) Military.com Upcoming Job Fairs page.


TRICARE Delays Changes in Autism Services
TRICARE has delayed until April a 46-percent reduction in the reimbursement level for some autism services while it awaits the results of an independent assessment of the prevailing rate for the services. The reduced reimbursement rate -- for one-on-one therapy with a board-certified behavior analyst for those with autism spectrum disorder -- was one of several program changes scheduled to go into effect Oct. 20 as TRICARE implements its new Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration, or Autism Care Demo.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Ft Bliss AAFES Opens a Boston Market
The first Boston Market restaurant located on a military installation had its official grand opening Oct. 10 at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss, Texas. Boston Market has more than 450 locations nationwide featuring all-natural rotisserie chicken and home-style sides. Boston Market's menu also has more than 100 different health-conscious meal combinations totaling 550 calories or less. The Exchange has plans to open additional Boston Market restaurants at Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Hood, Texas, in the next six months.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Join Chevron and Help Create the Future of Energy
Chevron is committed to being the employer of choice for qualified U.S. military veterans and recognizes your commitment to teamwork and safety. When you join Chevron, you can turn your ideas into real-life solutions. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... rvr1027.nl) Read more.


Bob Hope USO Military Monday
The LA Auto Show and Bob Hope USO are partnering to welcome members of our Armed Forces and their families throughout the show. Many of our troops in Southern California have limited means and opportunities to get off their bases. Your ticket donation will help us say "thank you" to those who serve, and their families, who sacrifice so much. Along with the ticket, the LA Auto Show will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Bob Hope USO. Tickets to the LA Auto Show for Bob Hope Military Monday, scheduled for November 24th, are specially priced at just $12.00. (https://losangelesautoshow2014.frontgat ... txffkzvees) Click here to purchase tickets for Military Monday.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


TRICARE Warns of Scam
TRICARE is warning beneficiaries of the need to be aware of a telephone scam affecting beneficiaries older than 65 and on Medicare nationwide. A caller will usually identify themselves as being an official Medicare vendor, and will then offer to sell beneficiaries back braces. Do not give any personal identifiable information, such as birth date, Social Security number or banking information if you receive such a call. TRICARE representatives never ask beneficiaries for this information when calling for an official Department of Defense survey. Beneficiaries who receive a call of this nature, can contact the Defense Health Agency Program (DHA) Program Integrity Office directly. For more information on fraud and abuse reporting, visit the TRICARE Fraud and Abuse website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/fraud) www.TRICARE.mil/fraud.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammograms are an x-ray picture of the breast used to look for early signs of breast cancer. For information about mammograms and how they are done, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_ ... ograms.htm) www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm. TRICARE covers clinical breast exams for women under forty years old during a covered periodic preventive health exam. After age forty, clinical breast exams are covered annually. For women who have a 15% higher risk, TRICARE covers screening mammograms annually starting at age thirty. For women who do not fall into one of these categories, visit the CDC website at (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm) www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm to see if you are eligible for free or low-cost screenings.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Navy Offers Chaplain Training
The Chaplain Corps' professional development training course includes a one-day workshop on leadership and Professional Naval Chaplaincy. The training will run Jan. through Jul. 2015 at the locations listed on the Navy website at (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83892) www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83892. Chaplains and RPs can (https://www.nko.navy.mil/group/naval-ch ... enter/pdtc) register to attend the training at (CAC required). For more information on the Navy Chaplain Corps and complete confidentiality, visit the Navy Chaplain Corps website at (http://www.chaplain.navy.mil) www.chaplain.navy.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Disaster Information
There is more than a month left of hurricane season; make sure you stay aware and prepared so that you are not caught off guard by a late season storm. TRICARE has several resources to help beneficiaries get the information they need to prepare for a disaster. First, the TRICARE Disaster Information webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/disaster) www.tricare.mil/disaster provides information. Next, beneficiaries affected by a disaster may be eligible for an emergency "Refill too Soon" by taking their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. To find a pharmacy, call 877-363-1303 or use the pharmacy locator tool online at (http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy) www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy. Finally, you can access disaster tools and resources at the Ready.gov website at (http://www.ready.gov/) www.ready.gov.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Budget Gloomy, Despite Shrinking Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office released final budget figures last week for FY 2014 showing the annual federal budget deficit shrank to its smallest level since 2008 - $486 billion - or nearly 25 percent smaller than last year's deficit. Although positive, it's important not to construe this forecast as anything close to sunny skies ahead. Read the full article at the (http://www.moaa.org/MRdeficitshrinks/) Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) website.


$1 Million Family Protection from $41 a Month
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Navy Ends Standard Transfer Orders
The Navy announced the cancellation of Standard Transfer Orders (STO) and the establishment of the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) order writing module. The NSIPS module must be used for all orders for transferring Sailors for unit moves, unit decommissionings, Base Realignment and Closure moves, Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program, and enlisted separations and retirements. All other Permanent Change of Station orders will be written by Navy Personnel Command through the appropriate detailer. Units that are not supported by a Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or a Customer Service Detachment (CSD) have until Oct. 31 to start using the NSIPS order writing module. PSD/CSDs will not process STOs after Sept. 30. Some ships are exempt from the transition while NSIPS upgrades are taking place.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


3 Keys to Preparing for a Voc Rehab Meeting
There are three key down and dirty elements that you need to prepare before you attend a first meeting Voc Rehab meeting with your Voc Rehab Counselor that we will cover here. Do you know what they are? (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ab-meeting) Learn more about preparing for your Voc Rehab meeting.
For more on vocational rehabilitation, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... yment.html) Military.com Vocational Rehabilitation section.


Dogs of War Series to Debut
The A&E network will soon debut "Dogs of War," a new docu-series about war veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the service dogs that help them adjust back into life after combat. The new show will premiere on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2014. The series is based on married couple Jim and Lindsey Stanek and their nonprofit organization (http://www.pawsandstripes.org/home.html) Paws and Stripes. The organization provides service dogs to wounded military veterans, and each episode will chronicle the journey of one or two PTSD veterans as they are paired with man's best friend. Check your local television listings for exact air dates and times.
For more on pets and the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty/pet-corner) Military.com Pet Corner.


AAFES Offers Price Matching
Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers who price matched in 2013 saved $6.4 million. At brick-and-mortar locations, price differences of $10 or less are matched on the spot -- no ad required. For price differences of $10 or more, shoppers can show a competitor's current ad with a lower price for an identical product. The Exchange's online shopping site, (http://shopmyexchange.com/) shopmyexchange.com, also matches lower prices from other online retailers on identical items available for sale and delivery in the customer's area. Besides matching prices, Exchange stores worldwide have a 14-day price guarantee on any item originally purchased from the Exchange and sold at a lower price by the Exchange or any local competitor. The 14-day guarantee is valid also on any item originally purchased through shopmyexchange.com. For more information, visit the Exchange Price Matching Policy webpage at (http://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match/) http://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/price-match.
For more discounts for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


TRICARE and Mental Health
Mental health disorders are treatable. The burden from most mental health concerns can be decreased by actively participating in an individual treatment plan. TRICARE covers mental health care that is medically or psychologically necessary. There are many different types of outpatient and inpatient mental health care, and the coverage varies by the type of care. For more information on getting care, visit the TRICARE Mental Health Care webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth) www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth. There are also crisis phone lines available when you or a loved one needs help right away; call 800-273-8255 or text 838255. Also, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at (http://www.nami.org/) www.nami.org, which is dedicated to educating people about mental illness, symptoms, treatment and services.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section. For mental health guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/vetera ... d-wellness) Military.com Mental Health and Wellness section.