Military Report - Week of December 08, 2014

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Military Report - Week of December 08, 2014

AF Officer Promotion Board Results
The Air Force recently selected 652 captains, 260 majors and 85 lieutenant colonels for promotion to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. To see the promotion lists, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers, select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu, enter "Active Duty: Officer Promotions Home Page" in the search window and scroll down to the promotion select list section. For more information about other personnel issues, visit myPers.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Wife Network Holiday Special
It is the most wonderful time of the year here at Army Wife Network (AWN)! Our annual Army Wife Talk Radio (AWTR) holiday show is fast approaching. We have jubilant holiday cheer to share with our listeners this year! Chanda Bell, author of The Elf on the Shelf(R): A Christmas Tradition and the newly released Elf Pets(R): A Reindeer Tradition and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) are the special guests for the annual holiday show.Tune in to AWTR ( (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awtr) www.blogtalkradio.com/awtr) beginning at 8PM ET on Monday, December 15th!
For more on military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


New Air Force-Wide E-Mail Security Tool
The Digital Signature Enforcement Tool (DSET) was integrated Air Force-wide on Dec. 5, providing Microsoft Outlook email users with an interactive, automated virtual assistant to help ensure the security of personally identifiable information. DSET is an effective tool the total force can use, right now, to help reduce inadvertent PII breaches. DSET version 1.6.1 contains fixes for some previously identified software bugs. For more information on PII and DSET, visit the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware National Guard (http://www.166aw.ang.af.mil/news/story_ ... =123423694) website. If electronic transmission of sensitive PII is operationally required, users can leverage approved (https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe/) Department of Defense file exchange services. More information regarding DSET implementation can be found (http://www.24af.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123417788) online.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


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 and friends. (http://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/281443259;107547039;j) Read More.


Start Your Career at Chevron and Create the Future of Energy
In the U.S., Chevron has a strong presence in all aspects of the oil industry. As the second-largest U.S.-based integrated energy company, Chevron produces oil, natural gas and other products essential for progress. Chevron values integrity, trust, diversity and ingenuity as a company and in our employees. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1208.nl) Learn more.


Refinance Your VA Home Loan
The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) allows homeowners with mortgages through the VA to refinance their mortgage to a lower fixed interest rate with no out-of-pocket expense. The IRRRL does not require a new appraisal, so even if you owe more on your mortgage than your house is presently worth your loan could still be eligible for a refinance. Additionally, the IRRRL does not require a minimum credit score. The IRRRL can also use it to refinance out of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) into a secure fixed rate. For more information, visit VA's VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan website at (http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/irrrl.asp) www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/irrrl.asp, or (https://secure.military.com/leads/VALoanNew/Step1.jsp) contact a lender experienced in VA programs.


300+ Selected for Air Force Command Board
More than 300 Air Force officers were recently selected as command candidates for the calendar year 2015 Combat Air Forces Squadron Command Board. Candidates who are not on the selection list will remain eligible for additional vacancies throughout calendar year 2015 as they occur. To see the commander selection list, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers. Select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "CY15 Combat Air Forces (CAF) Squadron Command Selection Results" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


National Wreaths Across America Day
Join over 600,000 volunteers nationwide in placing a wreath on a veteran's headstone. Invite your family and friends to an experience you will never forget, as we take a break from the hustle and bust le of the holiday season to honor our service men and women, and their families. Volunteers can get involved at any of the 900+ participating locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and national cemeteries on foreign soil. There are five ways to help: (1) Sponsor a Wreath; (2) Coordinate a wreath laying ceremony at a cemetery or veterans' memorial in your town; (3) Start a Fundraising Group; (4) Volunteer to place wreaths; (5) Donate via the Combined Federal Campaign # 66860.
For a complete list of participating locations and to learn how you can help visit (http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/) WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.


Access MilConnect Expanded
(http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE sponsors, spouses, and their dependent children 18 years and older have access to their personal information, health care enrollments, eligibility and other information through MilConnect, an online resource provided by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). A new initiative gives separating service members and their families more time to access this important information. (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ilconnect/) Read more on the Military Advantage blog.
(http://www.military.com/military-transition/) Take control of your transition -- visit the Military.com Transition Center to learn how.


Starting Your Own Business
There are two sources of information that help veterans to start their own businesses. The Small Business Administration offers assistance on how to write your business plan and calculate start-up cost. They also offer assistance when you are ready to grow your business or if you need to find a business mentor. The SBA also publishes an informational brochure titled " (http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/ ... ackbus.pdf) Getting Veterans Back to Business: Veteran's Small Business Resource Guide". Also, the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at (http://www.va.gov/OSDBU/) www.va.gov/OSDBU/ has partnered with Business USA to optimize small business services for veterans. They have developed the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP) to help veteran business owners get connected to the help they need.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


American Legion Sponsors Christmas Special
"The American Legion Christmas Special" with The Oak Ridge Boys and other performers has added air dates on individual stations across the country through Christmas. The schedule of airdates is available on the (http://www.legion.org/media/225266/oak- ... e-expanded) American Legion website. DVDs of the Christmas special are available at (https://store.mybernard.com/theamericanlegion/) The American Legion Christmas Special website or by calling (888) 982-2256.
For more on military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Get $200k Coverage from just $14 a Month
Protection for less. Get $200,000 coverage from only $14 a month. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr1208.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Still Time to Use Your 2014 VA Loan Benefit
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. Rates are near historic lows and 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 ... rvr1208.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr1208.nl) Want more information about this great benefit?


Beware of Tech Support Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued several phony tech support companies that often lure people to their websites with pop-up ads or web searches. Here are some tips to avoid these scams: (1) do not give control of your computer to someone who says they need to activate software or to someone who calls you out of the blue claiming to be from tech support; (2) never provide your credit card information, financial information, or passwords to someone who claims to be from tech support; and (3) learn how to protect your computer from malware. If you think you may be a victim of a tech support scam, let the FTC know at its (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1) website.
For more personal finance tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


Holiday Shopping Safety Reminder
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) is offering shoppers the following tips to shop safely this holiday season: (1) have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in; (2) park in well-lit areas and as close to the store as possible; (3) do not purchase more than you can safely carry; (4) take a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car. Ask security to walk you to your car if you feel threatened; (5) wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to "shoulder surf" to get your account information; (6) do not leave packages visible in your car windows; (7) deter pickpockets. Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket; (8) tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package; (9) if you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated; and (10) always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Do not blindly walk in public areas focused on your phone.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Paw4Vets
Some veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have specially-trained Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers to rely on. The nonprofit organization Paws4Pets provides these dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. The dogs are trained to push elevator buttons and turn on and off light switches. The dog can even fetch a beverage from the refrigerator. The dogs are trained to recognize the onset of a panic attack and warn the veteran. The dogs are also trained to go and find someone to help the veteran. For more information, visit the (http://paws4people.org/our-programs/paw ... t-program/) Paws4Vets webpage and follow (https://www.facebook.com/paws4vets) Paws4Vets on Facebook.
For more articles related to PTSD, visit (http://www.military.com/topics/ptsd) Military.com's PTSD section.


Small Pay Cuts Now Big Cuts in 2016
Military folks will see compensation packages pinched in 2015 under a deal struck this week by House and Senate negotiators finalizing pay and benefit changes in the fiscal 2015 defense authorization bill. But the compensation pinch in 2015 could become a more hurtful punch starting in 2016, the armed services committees warn, if the new Congress fails to rollback defense spending cuts of $50 billion a year still mandated by the Budget Control Act with its "sequestration" cutting tool.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... ot-lifted/) Read more in this week's edition of the Military Update.


Military Pay Raise Set at 1 Percent
The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act that will soon go before the full Senate and House includes a roll back in the statutory 1.8 percent troop pay raise to (http://www.military.com/military/benefi ... ay,00.html) 1 percent, higher co-pays for prescriptions filled at off-base pharmacies, and a curb on (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... rates.html) basic allowances for housing -- BAH -- by 1 percent next year. The pay and benefit cuts are included in the overall $521 billion budget package. In addition, the NDAA includes $64 billion for the overseas contingency fund -- the budget for U.S. combat operations. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... omise.html) Read the full article on Military.com.


8 Selected for Air Force Nuke Command
Eight Air Force lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects were recently selected for nuclear and missile operations squadron commander and chief of safety positions. Candidates who are not on the selection list will remain eligible for additional vacancies throughout calendar year 2015. To see the commander selection list, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers. Select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "Nuclear and Missile Operations (13N) CY15 Squadron Command and Chief of Safety Selection Results" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Exchanges (NEXCOM) Reward Program
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced its customer reward program for its web store, (http://www.mynavyexchange.com/) myNavyExchange.com, which rewards customers for shopping online. To participate in the My Navy Blue Rewards program, customers must be signed up for the myNavyExchange.com e-mail list. Once enrolled in the program, customer online purchases will be tracked over a specific time period and for every $500 spent, the customer will receive a $10 electronic reward that can be redeemed in a NEX or online. Customers can opt out of the rewards program by unchecking the My Navy Blue Rewards option in their e-mail preference profile. The first rewards period where purchases will be tracked is Nov. 1, 2014 - Jan. 31, 2015. For more information, (http://www.mynavyexchange.com/nex/customer-service) visit the Customer Service section on myNavyExchange.com.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


NORAD Preparing to Track Santa
The North American Aerospace Defense Command's NORAD Tracks Santa website, (http://www.noradsanta.org) www.noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1, featuring a mobile version, a holiday countdown, new games and daily activities and more. The website is available in eight languages. Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores. Starting at 12:01 a.m. MST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight. NORAD's "Santa Cams" will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations. Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa's whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to (mailto:noradtrackssanta@outlook.com) noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.
For more on military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty section.


Changes Planned for AF Officer Boards
Changes are coming to the advanced academic degree and developmental education information visible on officer selection briefs for Air Force promotion boards. Advanced academic degree information for line officers will be masked for promotion selection boards below the grade of colonel. Another change will limit the visibility of how and when developmental education was completed. These changes affect both active duty and Reserve members and the first Reserve board impacted will be the February 2015 Air Force Reserve Line and Non-line Major Promotion Selection Boards. Non-line officers, such as chaplains and those in the medical and nurses' corps, are unaffected by the changes to the advanced academic degree information. Officers with questions regarding these changes should contact the Total Force Service Center at 210-565-0102, press option 3 and follow the prompt.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


161 Airmen Selected for OTS
161 applicants were selected to serve as Air Force officers as part of the Officer Training School non-rated selection board 14OT04. Candidates selected can expect to attend basic officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in 2015. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should visit the basic officer training website on the Air Force Portal; civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter. A list of selectees is available on (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014 ... sults.html) Military.com.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


AF Investigators to Get Accreditation
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) Board recently granted initial accreditation status to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations' Sex Crimes Investigator Training Program (SCITP). SCITP is an eight-day, advanced course held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. The SCITP was designed to meet the needs of AFOSI agents conducting, supervising and reviewing sexual-assault investigations. The course covers a variety of topics to include investigative planning and management, crime-scene processing, cognitive biases in sexual-assault cases, and psychology of victims and sexual offenders. Students are also trained in cognitive interviewing during the course. For more information on the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, visit its (http://www.osi.af.mil/library/factsheet ... sp?id=4848) website.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Air Force Attache Applications Due Soon
The Air Force Personnel Center is accepting applications for senior defense official/defense attache, air attache and assistant air attache duty at a dozen locations, with accompanied tour lengths ranging from 24 to 36 months. Attache applicants must be active duty senior captains, majors or lieutenant colonels. Applicants and all immediate family members must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by Jan. 30. For more information about the attache program including complete eligibility and application instructions, visit the (https://my.af.mil) Air Force Portal and enter "Attache Program" in the search window, or visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers, select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "Attache Duty" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Get Your AAFES Gift Cards
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is offering gift cards that can be redeemed at Exchanges worldwide. While only authorized military shoppers can redeem Exchange gift cards, any American can send one by simply calling 800-527-2345 or logging on to (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/) www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking (https://www.shopmyexchange.com/gift-phone-cards) "Purchase Gift and Phone Cards" at the bottom of the page. Exchange gift cards, ranging in values from $10 to $500, can be addressed to a specific Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine or sent to "any service member." The gift cards can be redeemed at Exchanges in all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Secure Your Next Career at Tyco
Tyco is a leading provider of security products and services, and fire protection and detection products and services. Each day, Tyco's 69,000 employees help make the world safer, more secure and more productive. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... =mr1208.nl) Learn more.


Legion Launches New Employment Center
The American Legion has launched a new web platform to help those who served in uniform translate military skills to job skills, find employment, start businesses and make successful transitions. Among the key features of The American Legion's Veteran Employment Center are: (1) a Military Skills Translator and Veteran Job Search tool, powered by Military.com; (2) ten custom-produced videos to help veterans start and succeed in business; (3) a listing of American Legion-sponsored or produced veteran career fairs nationwide, with links to registration sites; and (4) links to important forms, sites and agency platforms that help veterans in the career search. For more information, visit the American Legion's Veteran Employment Center webpage at (http://www.legion.org/careers) www.legion.org/careers.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Selects 67 for Cyber Ops Command
67 officers have been selected for command assignments by the calendar year 2015 Cyberspace Operations Officer Command Pane. Candidates who were not on the selection list will remain eligible for additional vacancies throughout calendar year 2015, as they occur. To see the commander selection list, visit (https://mypers.af.mil/) myPers. Select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "CY15 Cyberspace Operations Officer (17D) Command Selection Results" in the search window.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Beware of Carjacking Scam
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) is warning service members about a new carjacking scam targeting unsuspecting holiday shoppers. Criminals will place a $100 bill, usually on an individual's windshield under the wiper blade, and while the victim is distracted and gets out to retrieve the cash, the criminals use the element of surprise to approach the vehicle and rob the victim of their belongings and car. Should anyone discover money on their vehicle, they should quickly move to a safe, public location and notify law enforcement or security personnel immediately. Lock your doors, and do not get out of the vehicle to retrieve the bill. For more information on CID or to report a felony-level crime or provide information concerning a crime, contact your local CID Office or the Military Police, or visit the U.S. Army CID website at (http://www.cid.army.mil) www.cid.army.mil.
For more personal finance tips and guides, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money Center.


Alaska Sea Services Scholarship
Eligibility requirements have been announced for the Alaska Sea Services Scholarship for academic year 2015-16. The program awards up to six $1000 scholarships annually for undergraduate education to dependent children and spouses of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard active duty, reserve or retired personnel. It includes those who were serving at their time of death or missing-in-action status and are legal residents of Alaska. Applications will be accepted through February 27, 2015. More information and an application are (http://navyleague.org/aboutus/scholarship.html) online. Interested students and families may also contact Stacy McFarland at (703) 528-1775, email: (mailto:smcfarland@navyleague.org) smcfarland@navyleague.org or Dr. Cheral Cook at (850) 452-3671 (DSN 922-3671), email: (mailto:cheral.cook@navy.mil) cheral.cook@navy.mil .
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.