Subject: Military Report: Air Force Uniform Changes, COLA Cuts and MORE
From: "Military.com" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:27:12 +0000

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

Monday, 27 JANUARY   2014

View The Newsletter Online at http://www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,11540,00.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:

> AF Okays Squadron T-Shirts on Fridays
> Why Worry About the COLA Cuts?
> Naval Artifacts at Symposium
> Get $1 Million Coverage: Only $41 a Month
> Some to See TRICARE Prime Restored
> A New Bionic Arm
> MCPON Outlines Future Force Concerns
> Naval Personnel Update
> DoD Religious Accommodations Policy
> Navy Honors Religious Program Specialists
> 2014 CCME Symposium in Savannah
> Navy Looks at Suicide Prevention
> Update Your Emergency Data
> Sailors to Get DITY Payments Faster
> AF Looks at Recruiting
> AF Safety Campaign Ends
> MOAA's Spouse Professional Symposium Heads to San Antonio
> Navy Conserving Energy
> Bristol Meyers Committed to Hiring Veterans
> Legion Opposes Threat to Commissaries
> AF Selects Test Pilot Candidates
> Program Helps Veterans' Transition
> Navy Housing Wins Awards
> VA Loan Benefit: Own Your Home + Tax Write Off
> MOAA Fights to Restore Full COLA
> Website Offers Free Tax Services
> Army Education Initiative Seeking Volunteers
> DoD Addresses Human Trafficking

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AF Okays Squadron T-Shirts on Fridays

<p>The Air Force recently updated the policy governing uniform wear January 17, 2014, Air Force
Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Dress and Appearance. Morale T-shirts/patches representing
individual squadrons that were worn in the past are now authorized to wear on Fridays. Squadron
color T-shirts may be worn with the ABU or flight suit when in-garrison or on-station during unit
temporary duty assignments and contingency deployments. Earned Air Force and other
services'<strong> </strong>badges are authorized to wear, but only the command insignia pin is
mandatory. Airmen can expect to find the optional badges on the Army and Air Force Exchange
Service (AAFES) website by mid-July to early August. The commander's insignia pin will be
mandatory once the cloth pins go on sale at AAFES. For more information, visit the Air Force
Personnel Center Dress and Appearance webpage.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the
Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-okays-squadron-t-shirts-on-fridays?ESRC=mr.nl

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Why Worry About the COLA Cuts?

<p>The last minute 2014 budget deal (the so-called Ryan-Murray Budget) calls for cutting the annual
retirement cost of living adjustment for working age retirees (under age 62) by one full
percentage point -- setting the rate at one percent below the actual rate of inflation. Congress
passed a law reinstating full COLA for a select group of Chapter 61 retirees, but this still
leaves many retirees without a full annual COLA. The Military Officers Association of America is
one of the more powerful groups to step into the fray over the one percent cut in military retiree
COLA. In an effort to help servicemembers and retirees understand the full impact, MOAA has put
together the 5 top reasons to be concerned about COLA reductions.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/why-worry-about-cola-cuts?ESRC=mr.nl

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Naval Artifacts at Symposium

<p>Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) archivists, 
curators, scientists and historians
recently brought naval artifacts and
 interactive learning to the Surface Naval Association (SNA)
Symposium. 
Using such diverse learning methods as pamphlets, videos, 
three-dimensional
interactive maps, presentations and artifact displays,
 NHHC continued the conversation on the
impact history plays on Navy 
missions and provide a touchstone to the public and military
personnel. 
Attendees were educated about the Sunken Military Craft Act, a law which
 provides
protection of sunken U.S. military ships and aircraft wherever
 located, protection for the
graves of lost military personnel and 
protection of sensitive archaeological artifacts and
historical 
information. For more information on the Naval History and Heritage 
Command, visit
the NHHC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/navalhistory and the NHHC 
website at
www.history.navy.mil.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/naval-artifacts-at-symposium?ESRC=mr.nl

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Get $1 Million Coverage: 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/get-1-million-coverage-only-41-month-012714?ESRC=mr.nl

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Some to See TRICARE Prime Restored

<p>The Fiscal 2014 Defense Authorizations Act contains a provision (Sec. 711) that authorizes the
Defense Health Agency to allow beneficiaries who lost TRICARE Prime coverage after September 30,
2013, when their network disappeared, a new chance to enroll in Prime, the military's managed care
health benefit. TRICARE had viewed their previous networks as too costly to maintain so far from
military bases, and therefore forced 171,000 beneficiaries to begin to use TRICARE Standard, the
military's fee-for-service option, instead. Congress, however, stepped in to offer some relief at
least for those beneficiaries who live within 100 miles of an MTF.  They will be given a one-time
opportunity to rejoin a Prime network and stay covered as long as they remain in the zip code
where they re-enroll.</p><p>Read more at the Military Advantage blog.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/some-to-see-tricare-prime-restored?ESRC=mr.nl

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A New Bionic Arm

<p>The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has developed an artificial arm and hand with
human-like function. The robotic arm pivots and flexes like a real hand and could be very valuable
to veteran amputees. For more information, read the article on Military.com.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-bionic-arm?ESRC=mr.nl

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MCPON Outlines Future Force Concerns

<p>Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens outlined his key concerns about the future
force of the Navy during a speech Jan. 16 at the 26th Annual Surface Navy Association (SNA)
National Symposium. Stevens said the future force he envisions includes opening more combat roles
to women. The Navy has had a 48-percent reduction over the last three years in the number of
Sailors in individual augmentee billets. Stevens says there is no plan right now to draw the Navy
down any smaller. He also said the number of suicides in the Navy has dropped from last year
(2012) to this year (2013) by 18. He is also optimistic about the steps leaders are taking to
correct sexual assault in the ranks. For more information, visit the Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy website and the SNA website.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/mcpon-outlines-future-force-concerns?ESRC=mr.nl

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Naval Personnel Update

<p>Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Bill Moran recently spoke to Sailors about the latest on
manning, the budget and uniform changes, among other topics. In his All Hands Call, Moran told
Sailors that he was expecting a budget for fiscal year 2014 which should provide more certainty
regarding, pay and benefits, training and operations any day now. He also assured them that,
despite any rumors, there will be no changes to the current retirement system and no cuts planned
to base pay. Moran emphasized improvements in fleet manning, which lead to improved predictability
in Sailors' deployment schedules. He also added that they are also working on changes to the E6
and below service dress blue uniform for both male and female Sailors. For more information, visit
the Chief of Naval Personnel website.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/naval-personnel-update?ESRC=mr.nl

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DoD Religious Accommodations Policy

<p>The Department of Defense has released a new instruction Jan. 22 that details its updated policy
on making religious accommodations requested by servicemembers. The new policy states that
military departments will accommodate religious requests of servicemembers unless it is determined
that mission accomplishment needs outweigh the need of the servicemember. Each request must be
considered based on its unique facts, the nature of the requested religious accommodation, the
effect of approval or denial on the servicemember's exercise of religion, and the effect of
approval or denial on mission accomplishment, including unit cohesion. The DoD Instruction Number
1300.17 updated January 22, 2014 is available in .pdf format.</p><p>For more military news, visit
the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/dod-religious-accommodations-policy?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Honors Religious Program Specialists

<p>More than 100 Religious Program Specialists (RPs), past and present, gathered with the chief of
Navy chaplains and deputy chief of Navy chaplains/chaplain of the Marine Corps recently to
celebrate the 35th anniversary of the RP rating. The ceremony included an anniversary video
highlighting the legacy of the rating. Many retired religious program specialists were present
including retired Master Chief James H. Graham who was instrumental in the establishment of the RP
rating back in 1979. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael Stevens was the
evening's guest speaker. To find photo highlights and a recording of Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy Mike Steven's remarks visit the Religious Program Specialist Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/religiousprogramspecialist. </p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com
News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-honors-religious-program-specialists?ESRC=mr.nl

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2014 CCME Symposium in Savannah

<p>Attendees of this year's Council of College and Military Educators will have the opportunity to
choose between 60 different sessions beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, and ending on
Thursday, Feb. 13. Topics include a wide range of issues that educators who work closely with
military and veteran students will be able to apply in their daily life following the symposium.
To learn more about the 2014 CCME Professional Development Symposium, "Crossroads in Military
Education: Looking Back, Moving Forward," please visit ccmeonline.org/annualsymposium.</p><p>For
more military education news and benefits information, visit the Military.com Education
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/2014-ccme-symposium-in-savannah?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Looks at Suicide Prevention

<p>Navy Rear Admiral Sean Buck, Director, 21st Century Sailor Office, recently talked about the
U.S. Navy's progress in suicide prevention. "The biggest change to me: we are seeing positive
signs that our Navy's comprehensive strategy to prevent suicide is working," he said. In calendar
year 2013, we reduced suicides by 26 percent from the year before. He said the Navy can now point
toward a multi-pronged approach, at every echelon of command. For more information, read Admiral
Buck's comments on Navy LIVE and visit the Navy Suicide Prevention website. If you are in crisis,
or know a servicemember or veteran who is, call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and
press 1.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-looks-at-suicide-prevention?ESRC=mr.nl

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Update Your Emergency Data

<p>Sailors often do not take the time to update their record of emergency data (NAVPERS 1070/602,
or Page 2), or their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) elections. Sailors are encouraged
to review their current documents in the Electronic Service Record (ESR), and check their Leave
and Earning Statement (LES) to ensure the deductions for SGLI premiums match their intent. Contact
the Personnel Support Detachment or personnel office if changes to beneficiary data are needed.
For more information on death benefits, Sailors should contact the Navy Casualty Assistance office
at 1-800-368-3202/(901) 874-2501/DSN 882-2501 or call the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Customer
Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC, e-mail [email-masked] or visit NPC's website at
www.npc.navy.mil.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/update-your-emergency-data?ESRC=mr.nl

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Sailors to Get DITY Payments Faster

<p>Payments to servicemembers for Personally Procured Moves (PPMs), formerly known as
"Do-it-Yourself" or DITY moves, will be received sooner via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to
servicemembers' checking or savings accounts. The Navy PPM checklist is being updated to include
instructions along with a form that allows servicemembers to safely and securely provide their
electronic funds payment information as part of the PPM process. Payment by EFT is currently
voluntary and will remain so until April 1 when it becomes mandatory for all Navy members
performing a full or partial PPM. The new capability was developed by NAVSUP in partnership with
the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.</p><p>For more on PITY moves and relocation guides and
advice, visit the Military.com PCS section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/sailors-to-get-dity-payments-faster?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Looks at Recruiting

<p>Military recruiting is going well today, but economic and demographic changes will make the
environment more difficult in the future, according to Vee Penrod, the deputy assistant secretary
of defense for military personnel policy. To attract the best recruits, the Air Force continues to
concentrate on three main areas: (1) an appropriately trained recruiting service, (2) robust
marketing and advertising campaign strategies and (3) adequate initial enlistment bonus programs.
Fiscal realities also impact recruiting, requiring the services to continuously adjust recruiting
programs. For more information on Air Force recruiting, visit the Air Force Recruiting Service
website. To find an Air Force recruiter, visit the Air Force website.</p><p>For more on joining
the military and recruiting news, visit Military.com's Join the Military section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-looks-at-recruiting?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Safety Campaign Ends

<p>The Air Force Holiday/Winter Safety Campaign, which ran Nov. 22, 2013, through Jan. 2, ended
with four Class A fatalities. Of those, one involved a private motor vehicle, one involved a
motorcycle, and two were sports and recreation-related. Overall, there was a decrease in reported
mishaps resulting in injuries. During the campaign period, there were 122 Class C mishaps (42 on
duty and 80 off duty), representing a decrease of more than 31 percent from the same time last
year. For more information on safety, visit the Air Force Safety Center website at
www.afsec.af.mil.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-safety-campaign-ends?ESRC=mr.nl

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MOAA's Spouse Professional Symposium Heads to San Antonio

<p>Military spouses are invited to attend MOAA's Military Spouse Networking Event sponsored by La
Quinta Inns &amp; Suites from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the La Quinta Inns &amp;
Suites in San Antonio and the MOAA Military Spouse Symposium "Keeping a Career on the Move(R),"
sponsored by JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the
Pearl in San Antonio. The keynote address will be delivered by Julian Castro, Mayor of San
Antonio. Both events are free and open to all active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree,
veteran, and surviving military spouses, servicemembers, and veterans. Military.com is the media
sponsor. Read more about the event and how to register online.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/moaas-spouse-professional-symposium-heads-to-san-antonio?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Conserving Energy

<p>Navy Captain Pat Rios, Director, CNIC Facilities and Environmental, recently commented on the
U.S. Navy's attempts to conserve energy. Captain Rios talked about the Navy Shore Energy Program
and the Navy's Planning for the Great Green Fleet in 2016. For more information, ready Captain
Rios' comments on Navy Live and visit the U.S. Navy's Great Green Fleet webpage and the Navy Shore
Energy Program webpage.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-conserving-energy?ESRC=mr.nl

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Bristol Meyers Committed to Hiring Veterans

<p>Start your civilian career with Bristol Meyers. Military and veteran candidates can be among
the best providers of talent to support Bristol Meyers' mission ? helping doctors and patients
fight disease. Read More.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/bristol-meyers-committed-to-hiring-veterans-012714?ESRC=mr.nl

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Legion Opposes Threat to Commissaries

<p>American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger is incensed by a threat to the survival
of military commissaries -- the U.S. military's grocery stores. The Department of Defense
reportedly is discussing a $1 billion cut over the next three years to the Defense Commissary
Agency (DeCA) budget. As a consequence, all but a handful of servicemembers' and military
retirees' grocery stores could be closed. For more details, see this American Legion
article.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/legion-opposes-threat-to-commissaries?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Selects Test Pilot Candidates

<p>Forty-four Air Force captains and first lieutenants were recently selected as primary or
alternate test pilot school program attendees. The program exists to develop specially trained
pilots, combat systems officers, flight test engineers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots to
monitor, manage, and perform flight tests on research, experimental or production-type aerospace
vehicles and weapon systems. The list of selectees is available on the myPers website -- enter
"Test Pilot School" in the search window.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-selects-test-pilot-candidates?ESRC=mr.nl

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Program Helps Veterans' Transition

<p>Transition Goals Plans Success is a comprehensive, mandatory program that helps separating and
retiring military members, deactivating reservists, and their families. Known as Transition GPS,
the outcome-based program provides opportunities and aids a successful transition into a
career-ready civilian. It bolsters and standardizes the transition services that servicemembers
receive prior to separating from the military to make them employment ready as well as prepared to
enter into higher education, attend career technical training or start their own business. The
last part of Transition GPS covers Veterans Affairs benefits briefing and it includes what your
entitlements are. For more information, contact your base Family Readiness Center.</p><p>To create
a customized transition plan for yourself and get more mililtary transition tips, visit the
Military.com Transition Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/program-helps-veterans-transition?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Housing Wins Awards

<p>Navy Housing is pleased to congratulate several installations recognized by their customers for their exemplary customer service in 2013 through the recent announcement of the A List Awards For Customer Service Excellence. Each year CEL &amp; Associates, Inc. compiles customer satisfaction survey data from thousands of properties. Navy Housing received a total of 34 A List Awards for Navy-managed properties, including eleven "Platinum" A List Awards for achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction. A complete list of both A List and Platinum A List awardees can be found on the official Navy Housing blog at www.navyhousinginsider.com.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-housing-wins-awards?ESRC=mr.nl

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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. Start using your VA Loan Benefit today.</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/va-loan-benefit-own-your-home-+-tax-write-off-012714?ESRC=mr.nl

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MOAA Fights to Restore Full COLA

<p>Veterans groups, like Military Officers Association of America, are taking on Congress to fight to restore the full cost of living adjustment for working age military retirees. According to MOAA, the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) was rushed through both the House and Senate and bypassed the committees of jurisdiction, which highlights a growing military/civilian divide that fails to recognize the necessary sacrifice that comes with two decades of service.</p><p>Read the full article at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) website.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/moaa-fights-to-restore-full-cola?ESRC=mr.nl

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Website Offers Free Tax Services

<p>As preparations begin for the upcoming tax season, Military OneSource, partnering with H&amp;R Block, is offering all active duty, Guard and reserve forces help in preparing their taxes and in filing their federal and state returns, in addition to the variety of other financial planning services it already provides free of charge. No matter where you are, when you call 800-342-9647 or visit the Military OneSource website at http://www.militaryonesource.mil, you can access the programs and services. 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. The program's tax experts are able to help military families navigate changes in tax laws that may have a particular impact on or benefit for members of the military -- as well as any tax implications related to military benefits.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/website-offers-free-tax-services?ESRC=mr.nl

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Army Education Initiative Seeking Volunteers

<p>eCYBERMISSION is one of several science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives offered by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The U.S. Army is committed to answering the nation's need for increased national STEM literacy and expanding STEM education opportunities across the country to open doors to new career paths for America's students that lead to a brighter tomorrow. eCYBERMISSION is currently seeking volunteers to help in this program -- to see what positions are needed, visit the eCYBERMISSION website.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/army-education-initiative-seeking-volunteers?ESRC=mr.nl

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DoD Addresses Human Trafficking

<p>The Department of Defense has stepped up awareness and education efforts to curb the crime of human trafficking overseas. DoD defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport or obtain a person for commercial sex or labor services. DoD is broadening its training for those who work in contracting, acquisition and law enforcement. A yearly general course on how to recognize human trafficking is already mandatory for DoD civilians. For more information, visit the Department of Defense Combating Trafficking in Persons website. </p><p>For more military news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/dod-addresses-human-trafficking?ESRC=mr.nl

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