Military Report
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:20 pm
Military Report - Week of November 20, 2006
Operation First Response
When wounded servicemembers are evacuated from the battlefield they often arrive for treatment with no personal items or suitable clothing. Operation First Response Backpacks are filled with clothing, hygiene items, and comfort items that include a handmade cot size quilt. OFR Backpacks are packed and sent to combat support hospitals (CHS) in Iraq, Landstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Germany, and other locations. Operation First Response is asking for monetary donations to fund the purchase of empty packs along with the items used to fill the pack. Operation First Response also asks for donations of the individual items used in the pack including empty backpacks. Visit (http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/) www.operationfirstresponse.org to learn how you can help.
Featured Job: Assistant Facility Security Officer
The main duty of the Facility Security Officer is to ensure that the company abides by the terms of the Security Agreement(s) it has, with one or more US government customers, to safeguard classified information entrusted to it at its facility under the terms of the National Industrial Security Program. This duty involves the oversight of security practices at the facility and cooperation with the Department of Defense and other Cognizant Security Agencies in maintaining a viable security program. The FSO is based at the home office and supported by one or more Assistant FSOs at that location and other sites. To find out more and apply, visit the official (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 112006_Job) job posting.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Eligibility
At some point in your life, you or a family member may need skilled nursing care, long-term care or both For skilled nursing care and long-term care issues, contact your (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricareservi ... efault.cfm) TRICARE Service Center or your (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/Factsheets/v ... .cfm?id=92) regional contractor. One option is the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). All active duty and National Guard members activated for more than 30 days, retired uniformed servicemembers and members of the Selected Reserve are eligible to apply for FLTCIP. For more information, visit (http://www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.htm) www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.htm or call 1-800-582-3337.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Get The Military Benefit Guide
Save time and money -- this guide will tell you everything you need to know about your benefits including the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Military Pay, VA Loans, TRICARE and more. Supplies are limited -- (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Book) order one today.
Women, Infants, and Children Overseas Program
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas, a Department of Defense special supplemental food program, provides several important benefits including the following redeemable food coupons for food. If you are a member of the armed forces, a civilian employee of a military department or a contractor for the Department of Defense living overseas, you and your family members may be eligible to participate in the WIC Overseas program. The WIC Overseas program offices are located in Germany, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Portugal, Central America and Iceland. For more information about the WIC Overseas program and program contacts, please visit the Website at: (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/wic/default.cfm) http://www.tricare.osd.mil/wic/default.cfm.
Learn more about the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... as-program) Women, Infants and Children Overseas Program at Military.com.
Air Force Adopting New News-Delivery Method
The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be published at most bases, but responsibility will move to civilian publishers. Public Affairs staffers and other news producers will instantly post stories, photographs and artwork to their unit's public Website rather than waiting for a weekly publication to hit the streets. The new policy is being put into place over the next month.
Command Joins Air Force Public Web Format
By the end of January 2007, all Air Education and Training Command bases will standardize Web delivery of news and information. The development of this Air Force public Web program will steadily control and regulate how the Air Force will publish their Web content for the general public and conform to the same standard look and feel without the worry of inappropriate content being displayed. AETC began the migration last month with the command's Website. Several AETC bases went online recently with the remaining bases finishing up early next year.
Physical Health Assessments Replace Physicals
Annual physical health assessments (PHAs) are replacing physicals for Marines. According to health professionals, an annual exam will help to make sure a Marine knows his health risks. PHA's are conducted by the Marines' primary care manager at the battalion aid station or medical facility where they normally seek medical attention. Full physicals will still be required in two instances: once during induction into the military and the other upon discharge. A PHA differs from an annual physical, because it can be tailored to fit the individual. The PHA system is still being tested to ensure it is a solid mechanism to keep servicemembers out of sick call as much as possible.
Introducing Kit Up!
Military.com just launched Kit Up! Members list all the stuff you weren't issued but couldn't have done without during your military life. Kit Up! can be a device, software, book, DVD, or a resource like a website, chat room, or blog. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 2006_KitUp) Take a look now.
Navy Offers Advancement Points
Sailors serving in designated combat areas around the world are now eligible for points toward advancement as part of the initiatives recently announced aimed at rewarding Individual Augmentees (IA). The incentive awards two points towards advancement to eligible Sailors serving in designated combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. To be eligible for the award points, Sailors must serve for 179 consecutive days in the designated areas during a period after Oct. 24, 2001. For more information on this and other initiatives, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/Augmentation) Augmentation Management Division Webpage.
Commander Takes on Government Travel Cards
The Air Education and Training Command Commander Gen. William R. Looney III has challenged his commanders and their Airmen to "break" the traditional rise in government travel card delinquencies during this time of year. "The easiest way to avoid this is for travelers to pay their bills when they're due," said Maj. Eric Bradshaw, AETC Chief of the Finance Branch. "They must also file their travel vouchers within five days of returning from a TDY and use split disbursement for all outstanding GTC charges (mandatory)." For additional information, contact your unit agency program coordinator or the base GTC representative in the comptroller squadron.
Survey Seeks Input on Overseas Voting
Stars and Stripes reports that the Overseas Vote Foundation, a non-partisan group, wants to hear from military members stationed outside the States regarding what problems they may have encountered when casting their vote this year. To participate, in the survey, visit (http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/) www.overseasvotefoundation.org. The results will be forwarded to governmental agencies such as the Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Election Assistance Commission.
Exchanges Announce Recall of Tires
Stars and Stripes reports that the Army and Air Force Exchange service has announced the recall of two lines of tires because of a possible hazard. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is voluntarily recalling its Lifeliner Touring SLE H- and T-rated tires sold after Sept. 1, 2006 because belt separation could occur when moisture reaches the tires' steel belt. Tires can be returned to AAFES facilities for free replacement.
Committee Chairman Vows More Oversight
Greater congressional oversight of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and more open discussions of rising recruiting and retention challenges are two likely outcomes of Democrats taking control in January. Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=354&lvl=C&chamber=H) Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), who will chair the House Armed Services Committee, said wartime declines in recruit quality will be examined as well as worrisome trends in retention. Skelton is particularly concerned about an exodus of Army senior captains and junior majors with 10 or more years. The armed services committee will bolster its supervisory role by reestablishing the subcommittee on oversight and investigations. Republicans dismantled the panel on gaining control of the House in 1995.
TRICARE Catastrophic Cap
The TRICARE catastrophic cap limits the amount of out-of-pocket expenses a family will have to pay for TRICARE-covered medical services. The cap applies to all covered services and applies to the fiscal/enrollment year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) and is a total amount per family. The catastrophic cap is $1,000 total for active duty families and $3,000 per family for all other beneficiaries. For more information about the TRICARE catastrophic cap, you may call your regional contractor, visit or call or visit a local beneficiary counseling assistance coordinator (BCAC) or TRICARE service center. A BCAC directory is available online at (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/BCACDirectory.htm) www.tricare.osd.mil/BCACDirectory.htm.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Tuition Assistance Program Overview
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _112006_TA) Click here to see service breakdown.
In addition to the benefits from the government, you can also get scholarships (free money). We have over $300 million worth of scholarship in our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.
Army Navy Game -- December 2nd
Get ready for the Army/Navy Game on December 2nd. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... -Navy_Game) Check out special events planned for the weekend, get your gear before the game, learn about the rivalry and more.
Pizza Takes Top Lunch Honors
A recently completed study by the School Nutrition Association suggests that the favorite school lunch of children attending school overseas includes pizza or chicken. Feeding up to 22,000 students each day, AAFES school meals are analyzed by a Registered Dietitian to ensure that they meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional guidelines, which specify that school lunches meet 1/3 of the calories needed by school-age children. AAFES provides school lunch to K-12 students on Army and Air Force installations in 99 schools throughout Europe and the Pacific. Additional information about AAFES' school lunch program is available online at (http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/Default.asp) http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/Default.asp.
Time to Talk About Medicare Part D
Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare, including TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. However, for nearly all TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries, there is no added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage. The exception to this general rule may be for those with limited incomes and assets who qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug plan costs. A tip sheet for TRICARE-Medicare eligible beneficiaries is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... aretip.pdf) www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/tricaretip.pdf. A comparison chart of Medicare, TRICARE and VA Prescription Drug Coverage available on the (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/medicarepart ... _Chart.pdf) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Website. A new tip sheet for partners on the Medicare Part D 2007 Formulary Changes is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... hanges.pdf) www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/ ... hanges.pdf.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Blue to Green Allows Transfer to Army
A program called "Operation Blue to Green" gives Airmen and Sailors chosen for separation the chance to transfer to the Army and remain on active duty. This year, there is a $10,000 bonus for those accepted into the program. Enlisted personnel in grades E-1 to E-5 retain their ranks and time in grade when they transfer. Officers retain their rank and date of rank. All who transfer go through the four-week Army's Warrior Transition Course. For more information, visit the (http://www.goarmy.com/btg/index.jsp) Operation Blue to Green Program's Website.
Navy Hotline Assists Individual Augmentation Families
The Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command (ECRC) headquartered at Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va., has established a hotline for active duty and reserve Sailor's families on Individual Augmentee (IA) orders. The toll free phone number is 877-364-4302. This phone number allows IA family members a way to find the information or resources they may need while their Sailors are deployed and aims to alleviate the stress IA family members may experience. The ECRC also plans to establish a Website designed specifically for IAs and their families.
Deal of the Week: 15% Off at 1-800-Flowers
Send the freshest flowers and thoughtful gifts this fall to show your friends, family and colleagues you care! Shop (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Deal) 1-800-FLOWERS.COM this fall and SAVE 15%*. Simply use Promotion Code MAC42 at check out.
Get a Copy of 'The War Tapes'
Military.com has partnered up with The War Tapes to provide our members with the opportunity to purchase the DVD before it is released. All the profits will be donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _War_Tapes) Click here to view the website and buy the DVD.
Navy Knowledge Online at Fort Jackson, S.C.
The Individual Augmentation Community of Practice (CoP) on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) provides Sailors with links to information supporting the Navy's Individual Augmentee (IA) effort. The Individual Augmentation CoP is equipped with several informational links that can be helpful to Sailors attending IA training at Fort Jackson, S.C. For example, one link provides information on what is required to get orders to Fort Jackson. Another section offers a pre-deployment checklist and still another gives cultural information about the countries where IAs are deployed. For more information click on the Individual Augmentation CoP, visit (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/page?p ... co40220014) Navy Knowledge Online.
Health Care for Reservists Highlights Defense Bill
Air Force reservists can look forward to better health care options in 2007. Beginning Oct. 1, 2007, drilling reservists can enroll in the new TRICARE Standard for Selected Reserve health plan. Another new benefit helps reservists without dependents who were mobilized for 139 or more days in support of a contingency operation. It permits a second housing allowance in lieu of per diem if reservists are ordered to serve at a location too far from home to commute. Another provision of the authorization bill extends the maximum number of days reservists can be called to active duty to 365 days. The authorization act also extended or expanded other allowances for reservists.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Operation First Response
When wounded servicemembers are evacuated from the battlefield they often arrive for treatment with no personal items or suitable clothing. Operation First Response Backpacks are filled with clothing, hygiene items, and comfort items that include a handmade cot size quilt. OFR Backpacks are packed and sent to combat support hospitals (CHS) in Iraq, Landstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Germany, and other locations. Operation First Response is asking for monetary donations to fund the purchase of empty packs along with the items used to fill the pack. Operation First Response also asks for donations of the individual items used in the pack including empty backpacks. Visit (http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/) www.operationfirstresponse.org to learn how you can help.
Featured Job: Assistant Facility Security Officer
The main duty of the Facility Security Officer is to ensure that the company abides by the terms of the Security Agreement(s) it has, with one or more US government customers, to safeguard classified information entrusted to it at its facility under the terms of the National Industrial Security Program. This duty involves the oversight of security practices at the facility and cooperation with the Department of Defense and other Cognizant Security Agencies in maintaining a viable security program. The FSO is based at the home office and supported by one or more Assistant FSOs at that location and other sites. To find out more and apply, visit the official (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 112006_Job) job posting.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Eligibility
At some point in your life, you or a family member may need skilled nursing care, long-term care or both For skilled nursing care and long-term care issues, contact your (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricareservi ... efault.cfm) TRICARE Service Center or your (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/Factsheets/v ... .cfm?id=92) regional contractor. One option is the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). All active duty and National Guard members activated for more than 30 days, retired uniformed servicemembers and members of the Selected Reserve are eligible to apply for FLTCIP. For more information, visit (http://www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.htm) www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.htm or call 1-800-582-3337.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Get The Military Benefit Guide
Save time and money -- this guide will tell you everything you need to know about your benefits including the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Military Pay, VA Loans, TRICARE and more. Supplies are limited -- (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Book) order one today.
Women, Infants, and Children Overseas Program
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas, a Department of Defense special supplemental food program, provides several important benefits including the following redeemable food coupons for food. If you are a member of the armed forces, a civilian employee of a military department or a contractor for the Department of Defense living overseas, you and your family members may be eligible to participate in the WIC Overseas program. The WIC Overseas program offices are located in Germany, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Japan, Korea, Turkey, Portugal, Central America and Iceland. For more information about the WIC Overseas program and program contacts, please visit the Website at: (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/wic/default.cfm) http://www.tricare.osd.mil/wic/default.cfm.
Learn more about the (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricar ... as-program) Women, Infants and Children Overseas Program at Military.com.
Air Force Adopting New News-Delivery Method
The ongoing reduction in the number of Air Force people will mean changes in the way people get Air Force news. Public affairs staff members who produce newspapers at most Air Force installations are shifting their focus for news delivery to the World Wide Web. Printed newspapers will still be published at most bases, but responsibility will move to civilian publishers. Public Affairs staffers and other news producers will instantly post stories, photographs and artwork to their unit's public Website rather than waiting for a weekly publication to hit the streets. The new policy is being put into place over the next month.
Command Joins Air Force Public Web Format
By the end of January 2007, all Air Education and Training Command bases will standardize Web delivery of news and information. The development of this Air Force public Web program will steadily control and regulate how the Air Force will publish their Web content for the general public and conform to the same standard look and feel without the worry of inappropriate content being displayed. AETC began the migration last month with the command's Website. Several AETC bases went online recently with the remaining bases finishing up early next year.
Physical Health Assessments Replace Physicals
Annual physical health assessments (PHAs) are replacing physicals for Marines. According to health professionals, an annual exam will help to make sure a Marine knows his health risks. PHA's are conducted by the Marines' primary care manager at the battalion aid station or medical facility where they normally seek medical attention. Full physicals will still be required in two instances: once during induction into the military and the other upon discharge. A PHA differs from an annual physical, because it can be tailored to fit the individual. The PHA system is still being tested to ensure it is a solid mechanism to keep servicemembers out of sick call as much as possible.
Introducing Kit Up!
Military.com just launched Kit Up! Members list all the stuff you weren't issued but couldn't have done without during your military life. Kit Up! can be a device, software, book, DVD, or a resource like a website, chat room, or blog. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 2006_KitUp) Take a look now.
Navy Offers Advancement Points
Sailors serving in designated combat areas around the world are now eligible for points toward advancement as part of the initiatives recently announced aimed at rewarding Individual Augmentees (IA). The incentive awards two points towards advancement to eligible Sailors serving in designated combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. To be eligible for the award points, Sailors must serve for 179 consecutive days in the designated areas during a period after Oct. 24, 2001. For more information on this and other initiatives, visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/CareerInfo/Augmentation) Augmentation Management Division Webpage.
Commander Takes on Government Travel Cards
The Air Education and Training Command Commander Gen. William R. Looney III has challenged his commanders and their Airmen to "break" the traditional rise in government travel card delinquencies during this time of year. "The easiest way to avoid this is for travelers to pay their bills when they're due," said Maj. Eric Bradshaw, AETC Chief of the Finance Branch. "They must also file their travel vouchers within five days of returning from a TDY and use split disbursement for all outstanding GTC charges (mandatory)." For additional information, contact your unit agency program coordinator or the base GTC representative in the comptroller squadron.
Survey Seeks Input on Overseas Voting
Stars and Stripes reports that the Overseas Vote Foundation, a non-partisan group, wants to hear from military members stationed outside the States regarding what problems they may have encountered when casting their vote this year. To participate, in the survey, visit (http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/) www.overseasvotefoundation.org. The results will be forwarded to governmental agencies such as the Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Election Assistance Commission.
Exchanges Announce Recall of Tires
Stars and Stripes reports that the Army and Air Force Exchange service has announced the recall of two lines of tires because of a possible hazard. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is voluntarily recalling its Lifeliner Touring SLE H- and T-rated tires sold after Sept. 1, 2006 because belt separation could occur when moisture reaches the tires' steel belt. Tires can be returned to AAFES facilities for free replacement.
Committee Chairman Vows More Oversight
Greater congressional oversight of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and more open discussions of rising recruiting and retention challenges are two likely outcomes of Democrats taking control in January. Rep. (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=354&lvl=C&chamber=H) Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), who will chair the House Armed Services Committee, said wartime declines in recruit quality will be examined as well as worrisome trends in retention. Skelton is particularly concerned about an exodus of Army senior captains and junior majors with 10 or more years. The armed services committee will bolster its supervisory role by reestablishing the subcommittee on oversight and investigations. Republicans dismantled the panel on gaining control of the House in 1995.
TRICARE Catastrophic Cap
The TRICARE catastrophic cap limits the amount of out-of-pocket expenses a family will have to pay for TRICARE-covered medical services. The cap applies to all covered services and applies to the fiscal/enrollment year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) and is a total amount per family. The catastrophic cap is $1,000 total for active duty families and $3,000 per family for all other beneficiaries. For more information about the TRICARE catastrophic cap, you may call your regional contractor, visit or call or visit a local beneficiary counseling assistance coordinator (BCAC) or TRICARE service center. A BCAC directory is available online at (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/BCACDirectory.htm) www.tricare.osd.mil/BCACDirectory.htm.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Tuition Assistance Program Overview
Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _112006_TA) Click here to see service breakdown.
In addition to the benefits from the government, you can also get scholarships (free money). We have over $300 million worth of scholarship in our (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... holarships) database geared specifically for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Take a look and find the right scholarships for you.
Army Navy Game -- December 2nd
Get ready for the Army/Navy Game on December 2nd. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... -Navy_Game) Check out special events planned for the weekend, get your gear before the game, learn about the rivalry and more.
Pizza Takes Top Lunch Honors
A recently completed study by the School Nutrition Association suggests that the favorite school lunch of children attending school overseas includes pizza or chicken. Feeding up to 22,000 students each day, AAFES school meals are analyzed by a Registered Dietitian to ensure that they meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional guidelines, which specify that school lunches meet 1/3 of the calories needed by school-age children. AAFES provides school lunch to K-12 students on Army and Air Force installations in 99 schools throughout Europe and the Pacific. Additional information about AAFES' school lunch program is available online at (http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/Default.asp) http://odin.aafes.com/nutrition/Default.asp.
Time to Talk About Medicare Part D
Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare, including TRICARE for Life beneficiaries. However, for nearly all TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries, there is no added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage. The exception to this general rule may be for those with limited incomes and assets who qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug plan costs. A tip sheet for TRICARE-Medicare eligible beneficiaries is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... aretip.pdf) www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/tricaretip.pdf. A comparison chart of Medicare, TRICARE and VA Prescription Drug Coverage available on the (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/medicarepart ... _Chart.pdf) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Website. A new tip sheet for partners on the Medicare Part D 2007 Formulary Changes is available at (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/dow ... hanges.pdf) www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/ ... hanges.pdf.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.
Blue to Green Allows Transfer to Army
A program called "Operation Blue to Green" gives Airmen and Sailors chosen for separation the chance to transfer to the Army and remain on active duty. This year, there is a $10,000 bonus for those accepted into the program. Enlisted personnel in grades E-1 to E-5 retain their ranks and time in grade when they transfer. Officers retain their rank and date of rank. All who transfer go through the four-week Army's Warrior Transition Course. For more information, visit the (http://www.goarmy.com/btg/index.jsp) Operation Blue to Green Program's Website.
Navy Hotline Assists Individual Augmentation Families
The Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command (ECRC) headquartered at Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va., has established a hotline for active duty and reserve Sailor's families on Individual Augmentee (IA) orders. The toll free phone number is 877-364-4302. This phone number allows IA family members a way to find the information or resources they may need while their Sailors are deployed and aims to alleviate the stress IA family members may experience. The ECRC also plans to establish a Website designed specifically for IAs and their families.
Deal of the Week: 15% Off at 1-800-Flowers
Send the freshest flowers and thoughtful gifts this fall to show your friends, family and colleagues you care! Shop (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... 12006_Deal) 1-800-FLOWERS.COM this fall and SAVE 15%*. Simply use Promotion Code MAC42 at check out.
Get a Copy of 'The War Tapes'
Military.com has partnered up with The War Tapes to provide our members with the opportunity to purchase the DVD before it is released. All the profits will be donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/ou ... _War_Tapes) Click here to view the website and buy the DVD.
Navy Knowledge Online at Fort Jackson, S.C.
The Individual Augmentation Community of Practice (CoP) on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) provides Sailors with links to information supporting the Navy's Individual Augmentee (IA) effort. The Individual Augmentation CoP is equipped with several informational links that can be helpful to Sailors attending IA training at Fort Jackson, S.C. For example, one link provides information on what is required to get orders to Fort Jackson. Another section offers a pre-deployment checklist and still another gives cultural information about the countries where IAs are deployed. For more information click on the Individual Augmentation CoP, visit (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/page?p ... co40220014) Navy Knowledge Online.
Health Care for Reservists Highlights Defense Bill
Air Force reservists can look forward to better health care options in 2007. Beginning Oct. 1, 2007, drilling reservists can enroll in the new TRICARE Standard for Selected Reserve health plan. Another new benefit helps reservists without dependents who were mobilized for 139 or more days in support of a contingency operation. It permits a second housing allowance in lieu of per diem if reservists are ordered to serve at a location too far from home to commute. Another provision of the authorization bill extends the maximum number of days reservists can be called to active duty to 365 days. The authorization act also extended or expanded other allowances for reservists.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) TRICARE webpage.