Military Report - Week of January 19, 2015

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Military Report - Week of January 19, 2015

714 Air Force Officers to Make Captain
The U.S. Air Force has selected 714 first lieutenants for promotion to captain during the calendar year 2014C Line of the Air Force, LAF Judge Advocate, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps Quarterly Selection Process. The list is available in (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... tions.html) this Military.com article. For more information about promotions and other personnel issues, visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website.


Navy Careers Impacted by P-3 Transition
The U.S. Navy recently announced career guidance for Naval Aircrewmen (Mechanical) (AWF) and Naval Aircrewmen (Avionics) (AWV) affected by the shift from P-3C Orion to P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Active duty P-3 AWF/AWV Sailors in Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) Codes of 8251 and 9402 should contact their rating detailer either one year from their Projected Rotation Date or their squadron's transition conference, whichever happens first. Sailors will work with their detailer to determine open jobs among aircraft type and aircrew positions, along with lateral conversion choices to other ratings and options for separation from the service. Details on the conversion process can be found on the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/c ... uConv.aspx) www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/e ... uConv.aspx. Sailors may also contact Capt. Bruce "Des" Deshotel, Head Enlisted Community Manager (ECM) at (mailto:bruce.deshotel@navy.mil) bruce.deshotel@navy.mil, and Cmdr. Donald Gaines, Deputy ECM at (mailto:donald.l.gaines@navy.mil) donald.l.gaines@navy.mil.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Eliminate Out of Pocket Costs with MBA Tricare Supplement
Doctor and hospital bills are expensive even when you're covered by TRICARE. Help minimize or even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses with the (http://offers.military.com/v/tricare-mb ... rvr0119.nl) MBA-sponsored TRICARE Insurance Supplement Plan.


TRICARE Users Must Self Identify on 2014 Tax Forms
TRICARE users will need to identify themselves and their families on their 2014 tax forms as having healthcare coverage, Defense Department officials said, or risk paying a fine. The Affordable Care Act requires Americans to hold what is known as "minimum essential coverage," for their healthcare, either through their employer or purchased elsewhere. Those who did not have that coverage for 2014 could be charged a series of fees. But not every TRICARE user may meet those requirements, officials warned. Some dependent parents and parents-in-law receive TRICARE as part of the TRICARE Plus program, which allows them to use some military treatment facilities. That care does not meet the minimum coverage requirements, and those users could face fines if they do not purchase additional coverage, officials said. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... forms.html) this Military.com article.


Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services' is Hiring
Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services' 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. They 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 ... =mr0119.nl) Learn more.


Free Hotel Rooms for Vets in WV
Hilton Worldwide and WorkForce West Virginia announce "Operation Opportunity Initiative", which will provide hotel accommodations to assist veterans with job interviews, skills training, housing searches, and any employment testing that would make travel a necessity during a job search. The rooms will be provided at no charge to the veteran. The program is available for veterans, current military servicemen and women, National Guard, Reserve members, and eligible spouses. WorkForce West Virginia staff will verify eligibility, job search activity, and also assist veterans with the application process at local offices throughout the state. For more information, visit the WorkForce West Virginia website at (http://www.wvcommerce.org/business/work ... fault.aspx) www.wvcommerce.org/business/workforcewv/default.aspx or call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627) or TDD: 304-558-1549.
For more veteran job news, job postings and transition advice, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Why a VA Loan Isn't Really a VA Loan
In a recent (https://www.facebook.com/Militarydotcom ... 70/?type=1) post, Military.com linked to the 2015 loan limits for mortgages that are obtained through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program, leading to several comments that reveal how confusing VA loans can be if you don't understand how they work. For more details, see (http://paycheck-chronicles.military.com ... y-va-loan/) this Paycheck Chronicles post.


Legislation to Boost Vet Employment
Legislation to boost (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) veteran employment and offer a financial break to small businesses will give military retirees, reservists and some disabled veterans an advantage in hiring -- against civilians and other fellow veterans. Under the (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr22/text) Hire More Heroes Act, a small business not offering a health plan could hire someone covered by (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Tricare or receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs and not have to pay the employer mandate stipulated in the Affordable Care Act. (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... -jobs.html) Read more about the bill on Military.com.
For more on legislations that affects service members and veterans, visit the (http://capwiz.com/military) Military.com Legislative Center.


One Association, One Voice, Yours. Join MOAA Now
Join MOAA as a Basic member, you'll not only lend your voice to a greater cause, but you'll also gain access to (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... rvr0119.nl) extensive benefits tailored to the needs and lifestyles of military officers.


VA Care for C-123 Crews Due to AO Exposure
Retired Air Force Reserve Maj. Wes Carter almost didn't travel to Washington D.C. last week where, to his surprise, he heard an independent panel of scientists verify what he had dogged the Air Force and Department of Veterans Affairs about for almost four years. The Institute of Medicine said Carter and up to 2100 other former reserve air crewmen and maintainers of C-123 aircraft, flown for a decade after the Vietnam War, were indeed exposed to toxic residue from Agent Orange herbicide sprayed from some of the same aircraft during the war.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... 3-crewmen/) Read this week's Military Update to get the full story.


Navy Pilots New No-Haircut Requirement
In an effort to standardize training and education across the military services, the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command (RTC) and Officer Training Command (OTC) is running a pilot program that will no longer require female accessions to cut their hair. The pilot program runs through March, 2015. Female Sailors now have the ability to choose any hairstyle that meets uniform regulations. Females requesting a haircut may still receive one. The Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) is considering a similar pilot program change regarding male recruits, following the pilot of the new female haircut program.
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


$500k Military Family Coverage from Less than $2 a Day
Family Protection for less. Get $500,000 Coverage from less than $2 a day. (http://www.military.com/insurance/?lpid ... rvr0119.nl) Could your family survive if something happened to you?


Bill to Allow Taking Back VA Bonus Cash
Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, recently introduced legislation that would give the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary the authority to recoup for cause bonuses paid to VA employees. (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati ... /12159243/) VA paid more than $380,000 in cash bonuses to top executives at 38 hospitals that are under investigation for falsifying wait times for medical care. The legislation is also intended to eliminate confusion among VA officials who have made (http://washingtonexaminer.com/veterans- ... le/2550764) contradictory statements about the department's authority to recoup bonuses. Read the bill (http://veterans.house.gov/sites/republi ... es_xml.pdf) online.
For more veterans benefits info and updates, visit the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com) Military Advantage blog.


AF Assistance Fund Campaign Kick Off
The annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicks off Feb. 2 at 78 Air Force and joint bases worldwide. The campaign will be conducted for six-week periods through May 1. Contributions, which are tax deductible, go to support four different charities. For more information about the affiliated charitable organizations, visit the Air Force Assistance Fund website at (http://www.afassistancefund.org) www.afassistancefund.org. For more information about other personnel issues visit the (https://mypers.af.mil) myPers website. Air Force retirees who do not have a myPers account can request one at (http://www.retirees.af.mil/shared/media ... 10-068.pdf) www.retirees.af.mil/shared/media/docume ... 10-068.pdf.
For more Air Force news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Travel Cards Receive Chip and PIN Upgrade
Citibank is issuing chip and PIN-enabled government travel cards (GTC) to new card applicants, individuals whose cards will expire in 2015 and individuals who have reported lost or stolen cards. This is the first phase in a multi-phased rollout. The new cards are embedded with a microchip that provides for transaction encryption and an elevated level of authentication. All cardholders should log into (https://home.cards.citidirect.com/Comme ... ?classic=2) CitiManager and review mailing and email addresses and contact information under "My Card Account/Card Maintenance." For more information about chip and PIN cards, contact local APCs.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE Home Delivery in San Diego
Beginning in January 2015, the Naval Medical Center San Diego Pharmacy Department will be transitioning to the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program managed by Express Scripts. With the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery program, NMCSD will now be able to offer more medications eligible for home delivery and even be able to ship outside San Diego County. Features of the TRICARE program involve a personalized online account allowing the patient to monitor their medications and read up on drug information, request refills, track shipments, make a payment, and update personal information. Patients can also download the app available on both iPhone and android devices. The program will see a 100 percent transition to the TRICARE/Express Scripts team by June 1, 2015 for all NMCSD and branch health clinic patients.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Free Tax Preparation
The Defense Department, through (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/) Military OneSource, is teaming up again this year with H&R Block to offer no-cost tax preparation to the military community with a promise of guaranteed accuracy. Military OneSource offers no-cost tax consultation and no-cost tax preparation and filing to service and family members, as well as to reservists regardless of activation status, survivors, and separated servicemembers until 180 days after their retirement, discharge or end-of-tour date. Since it is online, the service is available to eligible tax-filers regardless of where they are. For more information, visit the Military OneSource website at (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/taxes) www.militaryonesource.mil/taxes or call toll-free 800-342-9647.
For tax guides for the military, and other tax season tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes) Military.com Tax Center.


NEX to Offer Help at the Pump
Gas customers with a physical disability can now get assistance pumping their gas due to a partnership between the Navy Exchange Service Command and Inclusion Solutions. The program known as FUEL CALL(R) enables NEX customers to get assistance at the gas pump through the use of a call button accessible from their car. The call button wirelessly connects to a receiver placed inside the NEX gas station where an associate can respond and provide assistance by pumping the customer's gas. Gas pumps with the call button installed will have a "FUEL CALL(R) Refuel Here" sign posted along with the day and times the service is available. Only NEX gas stations that have an associate working on-site will participate in the FUEL CALL(R) program. NEXCOM expects to have the program rolled out to all its staffed NEX gas stations by Spring 2015.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


Navy Launches Healthy Weight Initiative
The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) has announced the launch of its weight management initiative as part of "Healthy Weight" month in January. The initiative encourages Sailors, Marines, their families, and health educators to access relevant healthy eating, active living, and psychological and emotional well-being resources that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Sailors and Marines can achieve weight management goals with the ShipShape Program. The ShipShape Program is highly recommended for active duty personnel who have failed or are at risk of failing their BCA standards. For more information and resources on weight management, visit (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/he ... nuary.aspx) NMCPHC's website and (http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/he ... shape.aspx) the ShipShape Program webpage.
For military-grade fitness tips and workouts, visit the (http://www.military.com/military-fitness) Military.com Fitness Center.


Navy Seeks Rapid Innovation Cell Applications
Have a radical idea to solve a naval problem? The Chief of Naval Operations and the Navy Warfare Development Command invite junior officer and enlisted leaders to apply for the CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) for 2015. Applications are being accepted until Jan. 31. Successful applicants will develop innovative technology or processes as part of the CRIC. Volunteers from a cross-section of Navy communities are sought to participate as a collateral duty without a geographic relocation or release from present duty assignment. Project duration is normally not to exceed 24 months. For more information, visit the CHIPS website at (http://www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/Articl ... px?id=5896) www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=5896 or contact Lt. Jackie Kvinsland ( (mailto:jackie.kvinsland@navy.mil) jackie.kvinsland@navy.mil, 757-341-4687) or Cameron Cooper ( (mailto:cameron.cooper@navy.mil) cameron.cooper@navy.mil, 757-341-4731).
For more Navy news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Army Improves Training Management Tool
Improvements to the Army's premier training management tool make it easier for commanders to plan exercises and keep track of their Soldiers' training records. The new version of the Digital Training Management System (DTMS) launched at the end of 2014. The improved DTMS is on the (https://dtms.army.mil/) Army Training Network. To familiarize Soldiers with the improvements, links to videos and manuals are available (https://atn.army.mil/dsp_template.aspx?dpID=405) online. You can also call the help desk at 913-684-2700 or DSN 552-2700.
For more Army news updates, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


TRICARE to End Coverage Certificates
TRICARE will no longer send beneficiaries certificates of creditable coverage when they lose TRICARE eligibility. These certificates are no longer needed when beneficiaries transition off TRICARE. Beneficiaries will instead receive notice that their TRICARE coverage is ending. With the new Affordable Care Act (ACA), you do not need a certificate to prove you had coverage when go to a new health plan. If you are looking for other health insurance, you are encouraged to explore your options through the Market Place at (http://www.healthcare.gov/) www.healthcare.gov. The current open season runs from November 15 through February 15, 2015. Beneficiaries who do not purchase TRICARE premium based plans may qualify for premium assistance or state Medicaid. Visit (http://www.healthcare.gov/) www.healthcare.gov or contact your state marketplace for assistance.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


Sponsored Discount: Military Families Save Extra 10% on Select PCs & Tablets
Because Dell appreciates everything you do for us, they would like to invite you to take advantage of exclusive military discounts on Dell PCs featuring 4th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) processors, electronics and so much more. (http://adfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12309 ... 51-27?mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]) Whether you're at home or abroad, Soldiers save big with Dell.


Don't Waste Your VA Loan Benefit -- Use it Now
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 ... rvr0119.nl) Use your VA Loan Benefit today.
(http://www.military.com/money/va-loans?ESRC=mrvr0119.nl) Want more information about this great benefit?


AF Offers Online Housing Search
Air Force members now have access to (https://www.homes.mil/homes/DispatchSer ... Redir=true) HOMES.mil, a new official Defense Department website designed to modernize the way all servicemembers search for housing when relocating. Air Force members may create an account in HOMES.mil using the "create account" link on the home page. Once registration is completed, the member will receive an automatic welcome email to HOMES.mil and can begin using the system. The (http://www.housing.af.mil/home/) Air Force housing public website is also still available. For questions or more information, members and their families should contact or visit their local military housing office.
For more guides and tips on home buying and relocation, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


TRICARE's E-Prescribing Coming Soon
The Military Health System has deployed electronic prescribing in military pharmacies across its system of clinics and hospitals in the United States (and in Guam and Puerto Rico). This capability will allow civilian providers to send prescriptions electronically to military pharmacies, reducing the need for handwritten prescriptions. Beneficiaries can ask their doctor to look for their local military pharmacies in the e-prescribing database/networks. Beneficiaries will still need a hand written prescription for controlled substances. To learn more about TRICARE's pharmacy benefits, visit the (http://www.tricare.mil/pharmacy) TRICARE website.
For more on TRICARE, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) Military.com TRICARE section.


AAFES "Because of You" Contest
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is hosting a yearlong "Because of You" program, with new prizes each month. The program kicks off with a chance to win a $10,000, $5,000 or $2,000 Exchange gift card. Authorized Exchange shoppers can enter the Proud to Serve essay contest between Jan. 9 and Jan. 31 by writing an essay of 300 words or less detailing why they are proud to serve. Essays can be submitted to (mailto:BecauseOfYou@aafes.com) BecauseOfYou@aafes.com with "Why I Serve" in the subject line. Winners will be notified no later than Feb. 19. Complete rules can be found on the Exchange website at (http://www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes) www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes or on the Exchange Facebook page at (http://www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX) www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX.
For more discounts and shopping tips for military families, visit the (http://www.military.com/discounts/) Military.com Discount Center.


National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) is encouraging all servicemembers to make a resolution to give blood regularly in 2015. Individuals of all blood types are needed. All blood collected by the ASBP directly supports ill or injured servicemembers, retirees and their families worldwide. For more information, visit the Armed Services Blood Program website at (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/) www.militaryblood.dod.mil. Follow the Armed Services Blood Program on (https://www.facebook.com/militaryblood) Facebook.
For more veteran and family support resources, see this (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) Military.com Spouse Channel article.


Military.com Spouse Experience: San Antonio
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 ... rvr0119.nl) Register today.