Subject: Military Report: Congress Works to Fix COLA Cut, TRICARE Ends Walk-in Services and MORE
From: "Military.com" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 18:52:40 +0000

Military Report
The Military Community's
FREE Weekly Benefits & Quality of Life Newsletter

Monday, 20 JANUARY   2014

View The Newsletter Online at http://www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,11527,00.html

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Welcome to Military Report, the largest weekly
benefits and quality-of-life update for the military
community. Start your own subscription to
MilitaryReport.com today at http://www.militaryreport.com

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IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:

> Efforts to Fix Retiree COLA
> TRICARE Ends Walk-in Services
> Prepare Now For Tax Season
> AF Seeks Pararescue Airmen
> Use Your VA Loan Benefit: Own Your Home + Tax Write Off
> The Air Force Online Library
> Chenega Committed to Hiring Veterans
> Tips for Avoiding Landlord Hassles
> $1 Million Protection: Only $41 a Month
> Current Navy Tuition Assistance Policy
> AF Finalizing 2014 RIF Boards
> AAFES Homeward Bound Contest
> New Law Brings UCMJ Changes
> Veterans Sought for Career Training
> USAF Supplemental Promo List
> New Army OER System
> New Sesame Street Book for Military Kids
> AAFES Offers Hulu Plus
> NEX Has Lowered Prices
> Navy Defensive Driving Course
> AF Portraits in Courage
> New Electronic Toll Card in Japan

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Efforts to Fix Retiree COLA

<p>Congress passed a $1.1 trillion Continuing Resolution spending plan that would fund the
government through September. It is expected that the Senate will do the same. The CR could
protect disabled retirees and some surviving spouses from the one percent COLA reduction that was
signed into law last year and is planned to go into effect next year.</p><p>The rollback of the 1%
COLA reduction will only provide relief for medical retirees (those retired under chapter 61) and
surviving spouses who receive an annuity (SBP). Read more on this subject.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/efforts-to-fix-retiree-cola?ESRC=mr.nl

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TRICARE Ends Walk-in Services

<p>TRICARE military health plan service centers will end administrative walk-in services in the
U.S. on April 1. TRICARE service centers overseas are not affected. Customers who need the type of
assistance that was being done in these walk-in service centers can quickly and efficiently
receive help online or via phone. Beneficiaries can get more information and sign up for updates
at the TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil/tsc.</p><p>For more on TRICARE benefits, visit
Military.com's TRICARE section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/tricare-ends-walk-in-services?ESRC=mr.nl

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Prepare Now For Tax Season

<p>Tax season is approaching and servicemembers should begin gathering documentation to file their
2013 taxes. Visit Military.com and Military OneSource website for tax filing resources, and to
learn what will be necessary to file. You can also access much of the same information by calling
toll-free 800-342-9647. The program is designed to address the unique tax requirements and issues
affecting military personnel and their families. Reserve component members are eligible for the
free service regardless of their activation status, as are veterans within 180 days of being
discharged, retired or separated. Tax preparers at Military OneSource will do short-form tax
filing free of charge for servicemembers and their families. Installations also offer volunteer
income tax assistance to servicemembers and their families.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/prepare-now-for-tax-season?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Seeks Pararescue Airmen

<p>Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard pararescue Airmen may be eligible to apply for a
limited period recall to extended active duty. Extended active duty tours will be limited to one,
two or three years. The program is open to certified instructors in the grade of senior master
sergeant and below. Experienced 7-level pararescue Airmen are preferred, and a 5-level is the
minimum requirement. For guidance on preparing and submitting the application package, qualified
AFR or ANG pararescue instructors can contact their servicing military personnel section. For more
information about the recall and application procedures, visit myPers and enter "Limited Period
Recall Program (1T2X1 Pararescue)" in the search window.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the
Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-seeks-pararescue-airmen?ESRC=mr.nl

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Use Your VA Loan Benefit: Own Your Home + Tax Write Off

<p>Don't wait any longer to use your VA Loan Benefit. You've Earned it! Benefits include $0 Down,
No PMI payment required, and home ownership means you can write off closing costs and deduct your
interest for 2014. <u>Start using your VA Loan Benefit today</u>.</p><p>Want to learn more about
homeownership and your VA Loan benefit? Explore the VA Loan Center to get more information.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/use-your-va-loan-benefit-own-your-home-tax-write-off-012014?ESRC=mr.nl

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The Air Force Online Library

<p>The online Air Force library offers resources such as electronic books, audio books, digital
magazines, music, movies and much more. To access the online Air Force library click on the
library tab on the Air Force Portal's navigation bar at https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp
. To register and access the online programs available on the online library, visit the Air Force
Portal at https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp and click on the word "Library" in the
navigation bar, or visit your installation library. For more information about Air Force libraries
and other quality of life programs, visit the USAF Services website at www.usafservices.com or My
Air Force Life at www.myairforcelife.com. For information about other personnel issues, visit the
myPers website.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/air-force-online-library?ESRC=mr.nl

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Chenega Committed to Hiring Veterans

<p>Start your civilian career with Chenega. As a Government and Commercial services provider they
can provide endless opportunity and a career path that lets you choose where you want to be. Read
More.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/chenega-committed-to-hiring-veterans-012014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Tips for Avoiding Landlord Hassles

<p>There are several steps tenants can take to ensure tenancy is as dispute-free as possible: (1)
before signing a lease, read it thoroughly and ask questions when needed. Never assume the
landlord will allow tenants to do things not in the lease; (2) when reading the lease, look for
military clauses that conform to the servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This clause protects
military members from possibly forfeiting their security deposit and owing future rent upon
receipt of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Temporary Duty (TDY) orders during tenancy; (3)
when making changes to the lease, ask the landlord to revise the lease or create an addendum; (4)
when signing a lease, the military member's name must be on the lease to obtain full protection
under SCRA; (5) during move-in and again when moving out, take photos of the property before
bringing in furniture. Seek legal advice anytime you are concerned about a lease, or if a dispute
arises during your tenancy.</p><p>For more tips on moving into a new home and PCS, visit the
Military.com PCS section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/tips-for-avoiding-landlord-hassles?ESRC=mr.nl

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$1 Million Protection: Only $41 a Month

<p>Protect Your family's future with Life Insurance from partners that serve military families.
Customize a plan for your family. Get up to $1 million quality coverage from $41 a month.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/1-million-protection-only-41-month-012014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Current Navy Tuition Assistance Policy

<p>The U.S. Navy recently outlined its current tuition assistance (TA) policy. Sailors will no
longer be able to start classes before their TA applications are approved. Tuition Assistance will
continue to offer coverage on 100 percent of tuition costs, not to exceed $250 per semester hour.
Sailors must be at their first command for a full year before applying. In return, Sailors should
turn in their TA paperwork in with plenty of time to have it approved. For more information, visit
the Navy College website.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/current-navy-tuition-assistance-policy?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Finalizing 2014 RIF Boards

<p>Details for implementation of two fiscal 2014 officer force management programs announced in
December are being finalized to allow Air Force officials to release eligibility criteria. Details
regarding the reduction in force board, coupled with voluntary separation pay, and the force
shaping board are expected to be released within the next two weeks. This still allows an eligible
officer a three-month window to apply for voluntary separation programs. The application window
for other force management programs already announced, such as officer and enlisted Temporary
Early Retirement Authority and enlisted voluntary separation pay, remain the same. To see all
available FY14 force management programs, visit the myPers website and enter FY14 Force Management
Program in the search window.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-finalizing-2014-rif-boards?ESRC=mr.nl

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AAFES Homeward Bound Contest

<p>In 2014, the Army &amp; Air Force Exchange Service will be hosting a yearlong "Homeward Bound"
campaign to honor those who serve. To kick off the year, shoppers can enter the Ashley Furniture
giveaway from, Jan. 10 --Feb. 6. Three winners will receive a room of furniture valued at $1,500
each. To enter, shoppers can "like" the Exchange on Facebook and follow the contest rules. In
addition to the contest, Ashley furniture will take 15% off any in-store and online item during
the contest period.</p><p>For more discounts for servicemembers, military families, and veterans,
visit the Military.com Discount Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/aafes-homeward-bound-contest?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Law Brings UCMJ Changes

<p>The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed recently requires sweeping changes to the
Uniform Code of Military Justice, particularly in cases of rape and sexual assault. "These are the
most changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial that we've seen since a full committee studied it
decades ago," said Lt. Col. John L. Kiel Jr., the policy branch chief at the Army's Criminal Law
Division in the Office of the Judge Advocate General. Key provisions of the UCMJ that were
rewritten under the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2014 -- signed Dec. 26, 2013, by President Barack Obama
-- are Articles 32, 60, 120 and 125. Details on the changes to each article are available on the
Marine Corps website. Congress could make even more changes that address sexual assaults in the
military as early as this month (January, 2014). </p><p>For other related news on sexual assault,
visit Military.com's sexual assault section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-law-brings-ucmj-changes?ESRC=mr.nl

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Veterans Sought for Career Training

<p>A new Maryland-based nonprofit is recruiting for post-9/11 veterans to join a world-class I.T.
training and career placement program. Up to 20 training slots are available for a three-month
course that begins in Potomac, Maryland on March 3. Applications are due by close of business on
Friday, January 31. The course is open to post-9/11 veterans of US military service, as well as
civilians who served in war zones and qualified spouses. Preference will be given to those who are
recently returned from war zones and are seeking their first post-separation opportunity. For more
information and instructions on how to apply, visit the NS2 Serves website at
www.NS2Serves.org.</p><p>For more veteran job news, national job and job fair listings, and tips,
visit the Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/veterans-sought-for-career-training?ESRC=mr.nl

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USAF Supplemental Promo List

<p>One hundred enlisted Airmen have been selected for promotion via the supplemental promotion
process. Airmen on the supplemental list tested outside of their required cycle because of an
extended temporary duty assignment or deployment in support of a contingency. To see the list,
visit the Air Force Portal and select the promotion news link, or visit myPers, enter "Active
Duty: Enlisted Promotions Home Page" in the search window, select the page and scroll down to the
supplemental promotion section.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/usaf-supplemental-promo-list?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Army OER System

<p>Beginning April 1, officers from across the Army will be subject to a new officer evaluation
report system (OER). The new system will increase rater accountability and reflect current Army
leadership doctrine. One of the changes in the new system is the inclusion of three different
forms, or "grade plates," with each being aimed a different subset of the officer corps. The
company-grade plate will be used to evaluate company-grade officers, warrant officers and chief
warrant officers two. The field-grade plate will be for field-grade officers and chief warrant
officers three through five, while the strategic leader plate will include colonels and brigadier
generals. Also, raters will now use check boxes marked "excels," "proficient," "capable" and
"unsatisfactory." For more information on the new OER process, visit the U.S. Army Human Resources
Command website at www.hrc.army.mil .</p><p>For more Army news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-army-oer-system?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Sesame Street Book for Military Kids

<p>The Department of Defense and Sesame Street have unveiled a book and DVD to develop resilience
in young children. The new book "Little Children, BIG Challenges" lets military children know that
challenges are a part of life. Whether a child struggles with sitting quietly at the dinner table,
or faces a bully at school, the beloved Sesame Street characters can help. Also, a free Sesame
Street phone app was recently launched on relocating. The app "The Big Moving Adventure," is in
the top-five of apps for children younger than 5 years old. For more information, visit the Sesame
Workshop and the App Store on iTunes.</p><p>For more news and reviews of military-related apps,
visit the Military.com App page.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-sesame-street-book-for-military-kids?ESRC=mr.nl

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AAFES Offers Hulu Plus

<p>Servicemembers can now enjoy instant access to current hit TV shows like <em>Modern Family,
Sleepy Hollow,</em> <em>Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. </em>and more with an exclusive discounted
subscription to Hulu Plus through the Army &amp; Air Force Exchange Service. To get the Exchange's
exclusive Hulu Plus offer and a 10% savings for the first year of service, authorized shoppers can
subscribe through www.shopmyexchange.com/hulu. In the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska,
Puerto Rico and Guam, this program is available to on- and off-base subscribers. Hulu Plus is an
online video subscription service that offers current hit TV shows, classic series, award-winning
movies and more. For more information, contact your local exchange.</p><p>For more discounts for
servicemembers, military families, and veterans, visit the Military.com Discount Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/aafes-offers-hulu-plus?ESRC=mr.nl

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NEX Has Lowered Prices

<p>The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has announced that it has lowered prices on nearly
240 everyday household items to better serve its Sailors and their families. Customers will see
new lower prices on items such as laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softeners, paper towels and
bath tissue. Customers can expect to see lower prices on additional household items in the future.
To make it easier for customers to find the merchandise with the new lower prices, yellow "New
Lower Price" stickers will be placed on the shelves next to the products. As always, if customers
find a lower price on a product at another retailer, the NEX will match the price. For more
information on the price matching policy, visit
www.mynavyexchange.com/command/customer_service/price_match.html or speak with an NEX
associate.</p><p>For more discounts for servicemembers, military families, and veterans, visit the
Military.com Discount Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/nex-has-lowered-prices?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Defensive Driving Course

<p>Naval District Washington (NDW) will offer "Alive at 25," a defensive driving course created by
the National Safety Council to help young drivers adopt safer driving practices. The course is for
drivers ages 15 to 24. The course is also accepted for either the initial or annual training
requirement for military personnel under the age of 26 in OPNAVINST 5100.12J. The dates of the
course are (1) 12 Feb NSA Annapolis and (2) 13 Feb JBAB. Students may register at the Navy
Motorcycle Rider Training Registration webpage at www.navymotorcyclerider.com, click
"Search/Enroll in Traffic Training," select "Traffic Safety" and "National Safety Council Alive at
25" from the drop down boxes, then search within NDW for February to enroll.</p><p>For more auto
safety and maintenance tips, visit the Military.com Auto Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-defensive-driving-course?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Portraits in Courage

<p>The latest edition of an annual collection of heroic Airmen stories is slated to be released the
first week of February. <em>Portraits in Courage</em> was designed to tell Airmen's stories of
courage, valor and heroism. The new Volume 8 will be published on the Portraits in Courage
website. There will also be a limited print edition. Prior to the public release on Feb. 5, the
selected Airmen featured in the new edition will be notified through their chain of command. To
view previous editions of Portraits in Courage, visit the Portraits in Courage website at
http://static.dma.mil/usaf/courage/.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-portraits-in-courage?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Electronic Toll Card in Japan

<p>U.S. servicemembers and civilian status of forces agreement personnel stationed in Japan are now
eligible to use the electronic toll collection (ETC) card program on toll roads in Japan. The ETC
program provides a measure of convenience and savings based on location when compared to paying
normal toll charges during peak commuting periods. Recently, a Japanese company made the ETC
program available to SOFA personnel and their families. The new system has a secure,
direct-billing process for a SOFA member's credit card.</p><p>For more military family support
resources, visit the Military.com Family Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-electronic-toll-card-in-japan?ESRC=mr.nl

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