Military Report - Week of March 09, 2015

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Military Report - Week of March 09, 2015

AF Continues NASCAR Partnership
The Air Force has begun its 15th year of sponsorship in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, partnering with Richard Petty Motorsports for a seventh consecutive season in 2015. The Air Force Recruiting Service, which oversees the partnership with RPM, sees the continued association as an opportunity to reflect Air Force core values while generating public awareness about the Air Force. As an associate partner of the No. 43 car, the Air Force Racing Ford will be featured for the two most patriotic race weekends of the year: Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina; and the Fourth of July weekend race at Daytona International Speedway, Florida.
For more military-related entertainment news, visit the (http://www.military.com/off-duty) Military.com Off-duty Center.


Trucking Industry to Hire Vets
The Truckload Carriers Association has that it has committed the trucking industry to hiring 50,000 veterans in the next four years. The program, Operation Heroes to Highways, will help fill much sought-after jobs in the trucking industry, such as drivers and technicians. Carriers can participate by dedicating a minimum number of future hires to veterans and making a pledge to that number in the next 30 days. To learn more or to make a hiring pledge, visit the (https://app.fastport.com/land/tca.aspx) Operation Heroes to Highways webpage.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


AF Total Force Survey
Total-force Airmen will have an opportunity to express their opinions to Air Force leadership during the 2015 Total Force Climate Survey, slated for March 13-April 27. The purpose of the survey is to assess the opinions and perceptions of Airmen on a wide range of issues including job satisfaction, available resources and unit performance. The survey office will send individual email invitations in stages beginning March 13. For more information about the survey and to view the results of the previous survey, visit the (https://www.my.af.mil) Air Force Portal, enter "Air Force Survey Office" in the search window, select the survey office link and click on the "Total Force Climate Survey" link in the left hand column.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Scholarship Program for Wounded Warriors
Colorado Technical University has a Wounded Warrior Scholarship in collaboration with the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Inc. to help give back to those service members whose lives have been altered due to injury while serving in the armed forces. The scholarship annually provides full tuition coverage for a full degree program to fifty eligible wounded service members, their spouses, or their non-medical attendant. Changes for 2016 include eligibility for on-medical attendants/caregivers, and the scope of injury being expanded to include any injury (over 30%) while in service (including Reserves and National Guard). For more details on the scholarship, see (http://www.coloradotech.edu/admissions/ ... cholarship) this site.
For more on military education benefits, visit the (http://www.military.com/education) Military.com Education section.


Reserve Marine Warrant Bonus
The fiscal year 2016 enlisted to warrant officer Reserve selection board is offering a $20,000 bonus to qualified Marines. To qualify for the bonus Marines must be in specified military occupational specialties, must complete the Warrant Officer Basic Course convening in January 2016 and complete a follow-on MOS school. Selected Marines will be provided a statement of understanding to be returned with a letter of intent to accept the appointment and a request for orders to attend the Warrant Officer Basic School no later than Dec. 31, 2015. Marines will receive the $20,000 lump sum after completion of the required training.
For more on military bonuses, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... nuses.html) Military.com Bonus page.


Travel Reimbursement Policy Change
Due to recent changes to the Department of Defense's Joint Travel Regulations, miscellaneous and incidental travel expenses will now be paid at the standard rate of $5, regardless of the location and the amount paid. This incidental rate is payable to a traveler without expense itemization or receipts. These expenses were previously separate miscellaneous, reimbursable expenses incurred by an eligible traveler, when authorized. Incidental rates for locations outside the U.S. vary and can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/perdiemCalc.cfm) www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/perdiemCalc.cfm. For more on travel and per diem rates, visit the (http://www.military.com/benefits/milita ... rates.html) Military.com Per Diem page.


Use GI Bill for Business Loans?
A proposed change to the (http://www.military.com/education/gi-bill) post-9/11 G.I. Bill would allow veterans to use their education benefits as startup collateral to start their own businesses. Under the proposed legislation, a veteran could access their GI Bill funding for loan collateral. The program would include methods in which the veteran can receive mentorship and training to help the business succeed.
(http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... -loan.html) Read the full story on Military.com.


Wounded: The Battle Back Home
The Wounded Warrior Project (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/)%20) has released a 12-part series of videos on the ongoing struggles veterans face. Entitled "Wounded: The Battle Back Home," the videos are available on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKWYD7h ... h3lDWCTLFl) YouTube. First aired on MSNBC as part of its "Take the Hill" series, "Wounded: The Battle Back Home" was made available on Netflix in mid-February. The Wounded Warrior Project has 60,000 registered members and provides veterans services free-of-charge to members and their families. For more information on the organization, visit the Wounded Warrior Project website at (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org) www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For more wounded warrior news, visit the (http://www.military.com/topics/wounded-warriors) Military.com Wounded Warrior section.


AF Reserve to Travel Cards
In January, the Department of Defense began an upgrade to all Citibank Government Travel Charge Cards. The new travel cards will include chip and personal identification number technology; a more secure means of processing credit card transactions. To receive the new cards, Reservists should log-in to their (https://home.cards.citidirect.com/Comme ... ?classic=2) Citibank account and ensure their mailing address is up-to-date. They should also update their contact information in the (http://www.defensetravel.osd.mil/dts/site/index.jsp) Defense Travel System. Once the new card arrives, members must sign the block on the back and call to activate and confirm receipt. Accounts with cards that expire after 2015 will have a new card issued between July and October.
For more Air Force news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Navy Releases CNO Video
The Navy's top admiral and personnel chief released another installment March 2 of the Internet video series, "Conversation with a Shipmate." Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Bill Moran tackled salient manning issues: modernizing Navy's outdated personnel system, maximizing career-long technical training, moving away from year-group management, and reassessing the Body Composition Assessment (BCA) standards for the biannual Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). For the full-length interview, tune into Conversation with a Shipmate on your Direct-to-Sailor network or visit the Chief of Naval Operations website at (http://www.navy.mil/viewLdrVideo.asp?id=130&v=20251) www.navy.mil/viewLdrVideo.asp?id=130&v=20251.
For more military videos, from footage in war zones to the lighter side of military life, visit the (http://www.military.com/video) Military.com Video Center.


Navy Updates Special Liberty Policy
Recently announced Navy liberty policy revisions provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements. The revised policy expands descriptions of when special liberty may be appropriate, including for compassionate reasons. Those examples include granting special liberty after extended deployments or time away from homeport, to reward exceptional performance, allow for Sailors to attend a funeral of a family member or assist one dealing with serious illness or injury, or any special occasion or circumstance determined by the commanding officer. Leaders will also be able to establish their own "out of bounds" for liberty and special liberty. Special liberty may still not exceed four days, or be combined with normal liberty or special holidays to allow for an absence exceeding four days. Sailors combining regular leave with special liberty still must start and finish leave at their home station or port.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


It's Your Duty to Protect Your Family: $300k Coverage from $21 a Month
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Get the FAQs on VA Home Loans
We've answered 16 of the most frequently asked VA Loan Benefit questions. (http://www.military.com/money/va-loans/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) View them now to get a quick understanding of your benefit.
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K9 Soldiers Matches Dogs with Wounded Warriors
The nonprofit organization K9 Soldiers, Inc. trains service dogs and matches them with wounded warriors. The organization provides ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant dogs to critically injured, returning warriors in need of a canine to help them with everyday challenges. For more information and to donate, visit the K9 Soldiers, Inc. website at (http://k9soldiers.org) k9soldiers.org.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Women's History Month
March is Women' History Month, which honors the hard work and contributions made by women in the past and present. Today, in the U.S. Military, there are not many jobs women cannot volunteer for. For more information about Women's History Month and the role of women in the U.S. military, visit the Library of Congress' Women's History Month website at (http://womenshistorymonth.gov) womenshistorymonth.gov, the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/o ... Month.aspx) www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/organiza ... Month.aspx, the Women in the U.S. Army webpage at (http://www.army.mil/women/) www.army.mil/women/, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force website at (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/resear ... ymonth.asp) www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/research/wome ... ymonth.asp, the Soldiers Magazine website at (http://soldiers.dodlive.mil/tag/womens-history-month/) soldiers.dodlive.mil/tag/womens-history-month/, the Women in Army History webpage at (http://www.history.army.mil/html/topics ... index.html) www.history.army.mil/html/topics/women/index.html, and the National Women's History Project website at (http://www.nwhp.org) www.nwhp.org.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Vietnam War Commemoration
The 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program is a multi-year campaign that aims to thank and honor the veterans of the Vietnam War for their sacrifice and service and pay tribute to the contributions of their families. The program is designed for federal, state and local communities, veterans' organizations and other nongovernmental organizations to thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families. Commemorative Partners must commit to conduct at least two events each year during the period of 2015 - 2017 that will recognize, thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families. To apply, organizations will need to fill out an application and a Statement of Understanding. For more information on how to become a commemorative partner, visit the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration website at (http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemora ... r_program/) www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemorative_pa ... r_program/.
For more military news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Free Tax Preparation for Military
Tax season is here again. And while filing for tax returns can be tricky for the average family, it can get even more complicated for military families. Thankfully, military personnel and their families have access to a variety of tax preparation and filing services for free -- (http://www.military.com/discounts/free- ... RC=mrvr.nl) get the list.
(http://www.military.com/discounts?ESRC=mrvr.nl) Find hundreds of military deals and discounts -- travel, cell phone plans, Disney, freebies and more.


NMCRS Begins Fund Drive
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) recently kicked off its annual active duty fund drive in Delaware, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This year's theme is "Stand up for your fellow Sailors and Marines." The drive, designed to raise funds necessary to financially assist Navy and Marine Corps personnel and NMCRS programs, is scheduled to run for six weeks until April 6. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial assistance to Sailors and Marines through a variety of life challenges from simple car repairs to funeral support, emergency travel leave, household shortcomings and realignments. For more information on the society and how to donate, visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website at (http://www.nmcrsfunddrive.org) www.nmcrsfunddrive.org.
For more veteran and family support resources, see (http://www.military.com/spouse/military ... vices.html) this Military.com Spouse Channel article.


5 Things You Don't Know About B-2 Bombers
Did you know a typical combat mission lasts more than 30 hours? (http://www.military.com/video/aircraft/ ... RC=mrvr.nl) Watch the full video to learn more.


Careers for Veterans at Dell
We're actively recruiting the next generation of movers, shakers and innovators and we think your military experience fits the bill. We invite you to bring your drive for dedication and precision for problem-solving to a world of enabling affordable and accessible technology to millions of users globally. (http://www.military.com/veteran-employe ... ESRC=mr.nl) Learn more & apply.


Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Promotions Announced
The Air Force has selected 1,257 of its Master Sergeants for promotion to Senior Master Sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center officials have announced. The selection rate was 8.75 percent, with an average selectee overall score of 680.90. Selectees' average time-in-grade was 4.34 years and time-in-service was 18.79 years. For more details and the full list of promotions, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... tions.html) this Military.com article.


How to Write an Effective Resume
Here are tips to writing an effective resume: (1) start by putting the "easy" information at the bottom. This usually includes education, certifications, honors, awards, and affiliations; (2) put the oldest positions first -- you do not have to say much about them; (3) next, write recent job descriptions. Include more detail about responsibilities and achievements as they relate to your objectives; and (4) Finish by writing the all-important summary. Use this section to instantly communicate who you are and the value you bring.
For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the (http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs) Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.


Senator Seeks to Fix VA Choice Card
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), new chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, promises to push for two critical changes to soften a restrictive 40-mile rule on user eligibility under the (http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... -get-care/) VA Choice Card program. If Isakson succeeds, thousands more veterans would gain routine access to government-paid healthcare in the private sector. His challenge is that the changes sought could drive up health care costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs by billions of dollars annually.
(http://militaryadvantage.military.com/2 ... oice-card/) Read the latest Military Update to get the full story.


House Bill Blocks Cuts to Temporary Duty Per Diem
House lawmakers introduced a bill this week that would block the Defense Department from slashing per diem allowances for long-term temporary duty. The DoD is looking at a 25 percent reduction in the allowances for TDY longer than a month, and a 45 percent cut for assignments longer than 180 days -- a move that could require troops and civilian workers to cover about $22 million in travel expenses annually. The move is a cost-saving measure in a time of tight budgets. But Federal unions called the proposal "wrongheaded" and have persuaded a group of 26 lawmakers to oppose it and the new legislation co-sponsored by congressmen Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., and Walter Jones, R-N.C. For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... -diem.html) this Military.com article.


Navy Self-Serve Personnel Procedures
The U.S. Navy's Pay and Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) program has created more than 30 standard operating procedures (SOP) to help Sailors perform their day-to-day personnel activities like travel claims and updating records. The SOPs are accessed through the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) intranet on any command access card-enabled computer. A fact sheet is available to show Sailors how to access the SOPs as part of Navy Personnel Command's Plain Talk series at (http://www.npc.navy.mil/career/toolbox/ ... alk(series).aspx) www.npc.navy.mil/career/toolbox/Pages/PlainTalk(series).aspx. Travel claims are just one of the many things covered by the SOPs, other subjects include special pays, basic housing allowance, fleet reserve and retirement requests, updating emergency data and transfers. For more information on other pay and personnel issues, visit the Navy Personnel Command website at (http://www.npc.navy.mil/) www.npc.navy.mil.
For more Navy news, visit the (http://www.military.com/daily-news) Military.com News Center.


Military Saves
The year-long Military Saves campaign stresses the importance of good financial habits and encourages servicemembers to save, reduce debt and build wealth. Financial health also is key to force readiness because accumulating debt can jeopardize a servicemember's security clearance. Services available to servicemembers include counseling that is available on military bases and upcoming financial awareness events. Also, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's Investor Education Foundation has a website at (http://www.saveandinvest.org) www.saveandinvest.org that includes a financial management readiness program designed for servicemembers. For more information about Military Saves and to read about success stories related by people who have used the program to achieve their financial goals, visit the Military Saves website at (http://www.militarysaves.org) www.militarysaves.org.
For more personal finance guides and tips, visit the (http://www.military.com/money) Military.com Money section.


Rising Cost of Care for Younger Veterans?
Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald told lawmakers last week that the department is on track to meet two lofty goals set by his predecessor: End the disability claims backlog and veteran homelessness. But McDonald, in testimony before the veterans' affairs panel of the House Appropriations Committee, offered a laundry list of figures and some projections indicating that whatever victories the VA may achieve in the next year or so, the pieces already are set for the making of another one. "The cost of fulfilling our obligations to veterans grows over time because veterans demand for service and (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits) benefits continues to grow as wars end," he said. "While it's true that the total number of veterans is declining, the number of those seeking care and benefits is increasing dramatically."
For more details, see (http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015 ... erans.html) this Military.com article.