Military Report - Week of November 17, 2014

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Military Report - Week of November 17, 2014

Secure Your Next Career at SCIS
Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services', or SCIS' mission is to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to ensure the safety and security of the assets of the U.S. Government, government contractor organizations worldwide, and the Energy and Petrochemical industries. SCIS will relentlessly strive to preserve national security and improve the protection of the personnel, programs, resources, and facilities of their clients. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1117.nl) Learn more.


Rates Nearing Historic Lows - Use Your VA Loan Now
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 ... rvr1117.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
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$1 Million Coverage Only $41 a Month
Protection for less. Get $1,000,000 Coverage from only $41 a Month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr1117.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Sponsored Discount: Nissan's Got Your Back with Exclusive Savings
You watch our back. Now we've got yours. Nissan is proud to provide eligible military personnel with the best savings program in the country. It's the same pricing we give our family & friends. (http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/281443259;107547039;j) Read More.


Profile: Navy SEAL Documentary
Lady Valor is a documentary film about Kristin Beck, a former Navy SEAL who came out as a transgendered woman in 2013. The network then commissioned this film, aired it last month and now it's available on VOD and DVD from Wolfe Video. For a look at the documentary, which includes an interview about her Navy career as Christopher Beck, visit (http://undertheradar.military.com/2014/ ... r-journey/) this Military.com article.


Search Jobs at Houston Methodist
As a diverse, inclusive and growing health care system, Houston Methodist offers a lifetime of meaningful careers within their many facilities. Based in the Greater Houston area, Houston Methodist is comprised of a nationally recognized academic medical center and six community hospitals with a history of health care innovation. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1117.nl) Learn more.


Army Offers Ebola Information
The U.S. Army Medical Command has released a 13-page supplement to its monthly newsmagazine, MERCURY. The November edition special supplement provides beneficiaries with information and resources on the nation's Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) response and what they need to know to stay safe. The publication includes a Public Service Announcement from Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho and details what the Army has done to support the military's Total Force response to EVD in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies. The Ebola Supplement is available in a .PDF file on the (http://armymedicine.mil/Documents/Ebola-Supplement.pdf) U.S. Army Medical Command website.
For more military-related news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Special Pay for Deployed Sailors and Marines
Eligible Sailors will begin receiving Hardship Duty Pay - Tempo (HDP-T) in their December midmonth paycheck. The pay is authorized for Sailors and Marines, active duty and reserve, deployed beyond 220 consecutive days as of Sept. 17. Sailors and Marines will receive HDP-T on a prorated daily basis of $16.50, not to exceed a monthly rate of $495, when they are operationally deployed beyond 220 consecutive days. Reservists serving in individual augmentee assignments that meet the 220-day threshold will receive their pay upon completion of their mobilization.
For more on military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay section.


TRICARE and Diabetes
When blood glucose levels rise and remain outside of the normal range, you can develop a disease called diabetes. When you develop diabetes, you are at a greater risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and other serious illnesses. TRICARE covers diabetic supplies through both pharmacy and medical benefits. You can get certain diabetic supplies from a military pharmacy, through home delivery or at any TRICARE network pharmacy. Additionally, certain diabetic supplies are covered as durable medical equipment. For details, visit TRICARE'S Diabetic Supplies and Equipment webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/diabeticsupplies) www.tricare.mil/diabeticsupplies. The (http://ndep.nih.gov/publications/Public ... x?PubId=74) National Diabetes Education Program offers publications tailored specifically for you to help you beat diabetes. TRICARE beneficiaries can also visit the TRICARE Operation Live Well webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/livewell) www.tricare.mil/livewell for advice on how to make healthy choices.
For more on TRICARE programs and services, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Rise and Shine to a Different Roll Call at Comcast
Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with approximately 126,000 employees. Comcast brings together some of the most creative talent in the industry with the best tech innovators and business minds to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences to millions. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1117.nl) Learn more.


MOAA Motorcycle Sweepstakes
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is offering a new Harley-Davidson FXDL Low Rider(TM), valued at $16,419, as the prize in a sweepstakes for eligible service members and veterans. The deadline to enter the sweepstakes is November 26. To register, sign up at the (https://www.moaasweeps.org/) sweepstakes page.


Door Opens to New Vet Care Options
The new Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act gives many veterans the option to receive non-VA health care rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. Read about the new Veterans Choice Program and check your eligibility at VA's Veterans Choice Program webpage at (http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/) www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/.
For more on veteran benefits programs, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits) Military.com Benefits Center.


BAH Recertification for Reserve Airmen
The Air Force has directed all Airmen who claim dependents to complete a recertification of their basic allowance for housing by Dec. 31. Every Individual Reserve member claiming BAH at the dependent rate must submit a correctly filled out AF Form 594 and provide required supporting documentation. Instructions for completing your recertification can be found at the HQ RIO website at (http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/rio/bahrecert.asp) www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/rio/bahrecert.asp. Members who have not completed the recertification process will be notified via email. If notified, but you are certain you have recertified, please contact the HQ RIO RPO directly by calling 720-847-3711.
For more on BAH and other military pay benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay) Military.com Pay section.


Flat Rate Per Diem Update
The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) was changed Nov. 1. Here are five things you need to know about flat rate per diem: (1) Travel from 31 to 180 days will receive a flat-rate per diem of 75 percent. For travel greater than 180 days, the flat-rate per diem will be at 55 percent; (2) When staying in government lodging, a traveler will be reimbursed for actual lodging costs; (3) Currently, the Defense Travel System (DTS) does not automatically calculate the reduced per diem based on the length of the temporary duty assignment (TDY); (4) Travelers may consider furnished apartments or similar types of lodging, which are typically cheaper than the standard room rate at commercial hotels; (5) you still have options if you are unable to find extended-stay lodging within a reasonable distance of the duty location, or if additional costs arise. For more information, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website at (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil) www.defensetravel.dod.mil.
For the updated per diem rates, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... rates.html) Military.com Travel and Per Diem Rate page.


Marines Test Reality Training Simulator
Marines recently tested an augmented reality system from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) last week that could revolutionize the way they prepare for battle, allowing them to transform any location into a dynamic training ground. The new Augmented Immersive Team Trainer (AITT) brings simulation-based training to Marines in the field so they can train anywhere. The system works by injecting virtual images, indirect fire effects, aircraft, vehicles, simulated people, etc. onto a real-world view of one's surroundings. To learn more about training systems like AITT, plan to attend the 2015 Naval Future Force Science and Technology EXPO to be held Feb. 4-5, 2015, in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit the Office of Naval Research (ONR) website at (http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Conference-E ... -Expo.aspx) www.onr.navy.mil/en/Conference-Event-ON ... -Expo.aspx.
For more on new tech and the military, visit the (http://www.defensetech.org) Defensetech site.


Navy Alert System Reminder
Sailors, both active and reserve, Navy civilian employees, and contractors working aboard installations with Navy Marine Corps Intranet or One Net user accounts are required to register in the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN) and the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). Updating WAAN and NFAAS is part of the Navy Ready program. Sailors and civilians should update their NFAAS information twice a year. To register on the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN), visit the WAAN website (http://www.ready.navy.mil/stay_informed/waan.html) www.ready.navy.mil/stay_informed/waan.html and for NFAAS, visit the (http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_rea ... faas-.html) NFAAS website. For more information on emergency preparedness and Ready Navy, visit the Ready Navy website at (http://www.ready.navy.mil/) www.Ready.Navy.mil, or contact Ready Navy by e-mail at (mailto:ready.navy@navy.mil) ready.navy@navy.mil or by phone at (202)433-9348, DSN 288-9348. Follow Ready Navy on Facebook ( (https://www.facebook.com/ReadyNavy) www.Facebook.com/ReadyNavy), Twitter ( (https://twitter.com/ReadyNavy) @ReadyNavy), (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFbs4 ... rw52rZcxiw) YouTube, and (http://instagram.com/ready_navy) Instagram.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE and Other Health Insurance
TRICARE beneficiaries that have another health plan besides TRICARE need to make sure that they notify TRICARE. Other health insurance, known as OHI, is alternate or additional insurance that is usually through an employer or a private insurance program. This does not include Medicare or a supplement to TRICARE. If your OHI is not recorded, TRICARE cannot coordinate your benefits and make sure that your claims are paid accurately and quickly. Even if you get your medical care at a military hospital or clinic at no cost to you, it is important that TRICARE know about your OHI. To learn more about using OHI with TRICARE please visit the TRICARE Other Health Insurance webpage at (http://www.tricare.mil/OHI) www.TRICARE.mil/OHI.
For more on TRICARE programs and services, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


New Air Force Innovation Website
In April, the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... -force-lau) Airmen Powered by Innovation program (API) launched a new website aimed at turning Airmen's ideas into real cost savings for our Air Force. Since that time, API has received and reviewed more than 2,400 ideas. Now, API has developed (https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/site/API) an enhanced API page hosted on the Air Force Portal giving submitters a wealth of information from the latest API approval stats, to tools that can help refine and enhance potential submissions. There is also a link that enables Airmen to communicate directly with the API Team to get answers to their questions.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


New Navy SWOS Courses Announced
The Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) announced Nov. 7 the availability of several new courses for LPD-17 and LSD 41/49 class ships taught at SWOS Engineering Learning Sites (ELS) Norfolk and San Diego. There are four new courses of instruction for LPD-17 Class ships, and five new courses of instruction for LSD 41/49 Class ships. The courses are divided into three disciplines: console operations, electrical maintenance, and ship's control equipment and incorporate the latest technology into classrooms and labs, including the Virtual Task Trainer (VTT). For further course details on LSD 41/49 Courses, read DTG SWOSCOLCOM 181841Z SEP 14 and for LPD 17 Courses reference DTG SWOSCOLCOM 181741Z SEP 14 messages.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Squadron Command Assignments
The Air Force Personnel Center has announced that 75 officers, from five medical career fields have been selected for squadron command. Assignment bids were coordinated among the medical group and wing commanders, senior raters and command surgeons. Candidates who are not on the selection list will remain eligible for additional vacancies as they occur. To see the commander selection list, visit the (https://kx2.afms.mil/) Air Force Medical Service Knowledge Exchange website or (https://mypers.af.mil/) visit myPers. Select "search all components" from the drop down menu and enter "CY14 Medical Squadron Commander Matches" in the search window.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Hiring Initiative in New Hampshire
"Operation VETS Connect" is a 100-day challenge concluding Dec. 10 for New Hampshire's business community to demonstrate support for our veterans and returning servicemembers and to find great employees to fill their vacant positions at the same time. Under the leadership of Governor Hassan, the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security has partnered with New Hampshire's military community in an effort to connect returning servicemembers and veterans with hiring employers. For more information and to sign up for the program either as an employer or as a veteran, visit the New Hampshire Employment Security website at (http://www.nhes.nh.gov/media/job-fairs/index.htm) www.nhes.nh.gov/media/job-fairs/index.htm.
For more veteran job news, job listings and advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Army Financial Readiness Program
The Army Community Service's Financial Readiness Program (FRP) offers Soldiers information on everything financial from home-buying and financial preparation for marriage to saving and investing advice. Their mission, according to their website, is to reduce indebtedness, minimize the need for emergency financial assistance and prevent financial difficulties. Financial stability takes discipline, but once achieved, it also takes work to maintain that stability. Soldiers can take classes on the cost of pet ownership, improving credit, preparing for the future and more through the FRP. Also, by tracking expenses for three months, an accurate personal or family budget can be compiled. For more information, contact your base's Financial Readiness Program Office.
For more money tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Air Force Standards Updated
The Air Force has approved updates to Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards, to clarify guidance on Airmen's religious rights and commanders' authority and responsibility to protect those rights. Several changes were made to the Air Force policy to clarify guidance for how commanders should handle religious accommodation requests or when Airmen's rights to free exercise are questioned. Chaplain corps officials also clarified policy language to assist commanders in balancing the constitutional protections for their own free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs. Airmen who feel their leadership has failed to accommodate their religious expression appropriately should first attempt to resolve the conflict through their chain of command. Civilian and military Airmen should also be informed of their rights to discuss their concerns with an equal opportunity advisor in the local EO office.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


VA Care for Camp Lejeune Alumni
Thousands of veterans with ailments linked to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, N.C. have gained access to VA healthcare thanks to the 2012 Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. Unfortunately many eligible veterans and their families are unaware of their access to care. In addition, many of the details of the law have bitterly disappointed those who believe they've been harmed by exposure to poisons.
Read the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -families/) latest Military Update to get the whole story.


TRICARE Claims for Separated Airmen
Records for all Airmen separated or retired under the fiscal year 2014 Voluntary Separation Pay program were updated Nov. 5 to reflect eligibility for transitional medical benefits. The transition benefits include 180 days of premium-free TRICARE coverage for the separatee and any eligible family members. Airmen who applied for separation and are still within 180 days from separation should visit the nearest military ID card issuance facility to obtain the appropriate forms that allow for use of the benefits. Issuance facility locations are available through (http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl) the RAPIDS site locator. Information about filing TRICARE claims is available on the TRICARE website at (http://www.TRICARE.mil/claims) www.TRICARE.mil/claims. For more information, contact the Air Force Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102 or read the (http://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/F ... tSheet.pdf) the Transitional Assistance Management Program fact sheet.
For more on TRICARE programs and services, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


DoD Meets Recruiting Goals
All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal year 2014 through September, and each service also exceeded Department of Defense quality benchmarks for new recruits. The numbers of new active recruits and new reserve component recruits for all four services is available on the (http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/t ... ember.aspx) Air Force website. All reserve components have met their attrition goals or were within the allowed variance and that current trend is expected to continue.
For more on joining the military, visit the (http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces) Military.com Recruiting Info section.