Subject: Military Report: DoD Has No Plans to Close Commissaries, TRICARE Update on Auto Payments
From: "Military.com" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 00:55:24 +0000

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

Monday, 10 FEBRUARY  2014

View The Newsletter Online at http://www.military.com/NL_MR/1,14852,11567,00.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:

> Article 32 Hearings on Sexual Assault
> Navy Honors Top Recruiters
> Navy Medical Commissioning Program
> Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention Video
> Sailors Access Personnel Records Online
> New AF Global Strike Blog
> Special Edition Marvel Comic for Military Families
> Golden Anchor Award Winners
> Navy Oceanographic Research Grant
> AF Looks at Nuke Exams
> Opportunities for AF Reserve
> Don't Waste Money on Rent: Own Your Home for $0 Down
> Life Insurance Policy for Valentine's Day?
> Spouse Experience on Feb 26th - Washington, DC
> Nominate a Dog for the 2014 Hero Dog Awards
> DoD Has No Plans to Close Commissaries
> Acing the Resume Opening Statement
> Navy Observes Black History Month
> Featured Discount: 20% Off Any Purchase at ProFlowers
> Bankers Committed to Hiring Veterans
> New Program Offers Credit Monitoring
> New Online GI Bill ComparisonTool
> Win a July 4 Cruise on USS Constitution
> Navy Seeking Sailors' Art
> Navy Tax Assistance Centers
> AF Voluntary Separation Pay
> TRICARE Update on Automatic Payments
> Filing Assistance During Tax Season

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Article 32 Hearings on Sexual Assault

<p>Rear Admiral Sean Buck, Director of the U.S. Navy's 21st Century Sailor Office, recently shared
some recent key improvements to the military justice system -- changes he feels make it safer and
easier for victims of sexual assault to report incidents, and hopefully, more likely that they
will remain in the investigative process, all the way to final resolution. Admiral Buck's comments
are available on the Navy LIVE website.</p><p>For other recent news related to sexual assault and
the military, see this Military.com news section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/article-32-hearings-on-sexual-assault?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Honors Top Recruiters

<p>The top 14 Navy recruiters of 2013 were recently recognized by Navy Recruiting Command (NRC)
during a Recruiter of the Year (ROY) awards ceremony. A list of awardees is available on the U.S.
Navy website at http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78894. For more information on the
Navy Recruiting Command, visit the Command, Navy Recruiting Command website at
http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrc/.</p><p>For more about joining the military, ASVAB and reenlistment
tips, and more, see Military.com's Joining the Military section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-honors-top-recruiters?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Medical Commissioning Program

<p>The U.S. Navy's Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) is an in-service procurement path
that gives qualified enlisted men and women a chance to earn an entry level degree in nursing and
be appointed as an ensign. The checklist for MECP includes having a commanding officer's
endorsement and/or recommendation, along with ACT or SAT scores completed within three years;
copies of college transcripts; copies of the least five years of observed evaluations or FITREPs;
three interviewer appraisal sheets; and a personal statement. For more information, visit the
Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program webpage at
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/Pages/MedicalEnlistedCommissioningProgram.aspx.</p><p>For
more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-medical-commissioning-program?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention Video

<p>The U.S. Navy's Keep What You've Earned campaign recently released its latest testimonial video
as part of a series featuring Sailors' personal stories about how alcohol incidents impacted their
careers, and the importance of drinking responsibly. The latest video features Personnel
Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn Cummings from Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC) Norfolk. She
shares how a personal hardship led to destructive drinking habits and excessive alcohol use.
Cumming's testimonial is part of the Keep What You've Earned video series, which reminds Sailors
of the importance of drinking responsibly and keeping what you have earned. You can watch all the
Keep What You've Earned videos at www.youtube.com/user/NavyNADAP. For more information, and to
help promote responsible drinking at your command, visit the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Prevention (NADAP) webpage at www.nadap.navy.mil.</p><p>For more military family support
resources, visit the Military.com Family Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-alcohol-abuse-prevention-video?ESRC=mr.nl

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Sailors Access Personnel Records Online

<p>U.S. Navy selection board season runs January through October. Taking the time to prepare in
advance can relieve a lot of stress when a Sailor's record goes before a board. Sailors can review
their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) online by selecting the "OMPF - My Record" link
under the BUPERS Online (BOL) Application Menu Log available online. It is still possible to
update your OMPF prior to the board commencing if you discover something is missing. The Navy
Personnel Command can scan images into OMPFs. Also, Sailors who have any missing, new, or
additional information, like recently obtained qualifications, degrees and awards to be considered
that are not in their OMPF may submit them to the board via a letter to the board. For more
information, visit the Naval Personnel Command's Boards tab and webpage.</p><p>For more Navy news,
visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/sailors-access-personnel-records-online?ESRC=mr.nl

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New AF Global Strike Blog

<p>Two photojournalists and a broadcaster from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency here are gearing
up for a 28-day trek to provide an inside and in depth look at the Air Force Global Strike mission
and the Airmen who make it happen. The team will chronicle their journey on AFGSC's official blog
and produce news features, broadcast video products and capture mission imagery for the Air Force.
The documentation team will produce daily blog posts and share links to photo galleries and videos
that will be made available on AFGSC Blog.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com
News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-af-global-strike-blog?ESRC=mr.nl

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Special Edition Marvel Comic for Military Families

<p>The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is offering a new, military-exclusive, free
comic book from Marvel Custom Solutions. The 32-page comic features Thor defending New York City
from the fearsome Frost Giant, Ymir. The new comic is free for all servicemembers and their
families at your local Exchange.</p><p>For more military-related entertainment news, visit the
Military.com Off-duty Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/special-edition-marvel-comic-for-military-families?ESRC=mr.nl

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Golden Anchor Award Winners

<p>The Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Award recipients for Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) were recently announced. Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Awards are
given to select commands by the Department of the Navy for sustaining superior levels of military
retention. The annual award recognizes accomplishments in executing programs and policies that
enable Sailors to have successful naval careers. A list of the award winners is available on the
U.S. Navy website.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/golden-anchor-award-winners?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Oceanographic Research Grant

<p>The Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global) has announced a grant to the University of
Melbourne that will provide new insights into ocean conditions -- crucial information for Navy
planners involved in tactical and strategic decision-making. The project is intended to improve
understanding of conditions in the Indian Ocean, including validating satellite data on salinity,
or salt, levels. Confirming satellite findings with actual field-level research is an area
scientists have deemed essential to improving the Navy's oceanographic models. ONR Global
scientists work around the world, and its personnel are often referred to as "scientific
ambassadors." To view a recently released video describing the ONR Global mission, see this video,
which details how the command works, and shows some of the many technologies developed with ONR
Global support.</p><p>For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-oceanographic-research-grant?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Looks at Nuke Exams

<p>Air Force officials have started to address aspects related to the on-going investigation of
cheating on proficiency exams by nuclear launch officers at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The
Air Force Global Strike Command has put together force improvement program teams as a way to get
solutions from front-line Airmen in this area. No enlisted personnel are part of the on-going
cheating investigation, but their concerns will be addressed.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit
the Military.com News Center.</p>

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

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Opportunities for AF Reserve

<p>Airmen who do not want to hang up their uniforms for good during the current period of force
management may find rewarding career opportunities in the Air Force Reserve. Service in the
Reserve provides a benefits package familiar to most Airmen. Enlistment bonuses are available for
some career fields at specific duty locations. Airmen who are ready to separate do not have to
wait until their original enlistment or commission obligation is complete. The Palace Chase
program enables Airmen to separate from their active enlistment or commission as long as they
continue their service with the Reserve component. For more information, visit the Air Force
Reserve website at www.afreserve.com.</p><p>For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News
Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/opportunities-for-af-reserve?ESRC=mr.nl

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Don't Waste Money on Rent: Own Your Home for $0 Down

<p>Stop throwing money away on rent. With the VA Loan, you don't need 20% down. Use your benefit
and start investing in yourself and future. $0 Down, No PMI, Now is the time to talk to lenders.
Get started now.</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/dont-waste-money-on-rent-own-your-home-for-0-down-021014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Life Insurance Policy for Valentine's Day?

<p>This isn't as crazy as it seems. Protecting your family's financial future is your duty. Could
they survive financially if something happened to you? Customize a life insurance plan for your
family. Get $100,000 quality coverage from $7 a month.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/life-insurance-policy-for-valentines-day-021014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Spouse Experience on Feb 26th - Washington, DC

<p>The Military.com Spouse Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive event presented by military
spouses for military spouses. This event is an opportunity for all military spouses to get
together, learn from each other, share the joys and challenges of military life, and laugh at the
inevitable and incredible "oops" moments that all milspouses have. Register today.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/spouse-experience-on-feb-26th-washington-dc-021014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Nominate a Dog for the 2014 Hero Dog Awards

<p>In order to promote the fact that dogs can make a difference, the Humane Association is taking
nominations for their 2014 Hero Dog Awards. If there's a dog in your life that you believe has
made an impact, nominating them may give them the adulation they deserve. There are multiple
categories including Emerging Hero, Guide Dog, Law Enforcement Dog, and Therapy Dog. Winners in
each category will receive a trip to Hollywood and up to $6,500 for a charity dedicated to dogs.
For more information, see this Miliary.com article.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/nominate-dog-for-2014-hero-dog-awards?ESRC=mr.nl

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DoD Has No Plans to Close Commissaries

<p>According to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there are no
plans to close military commissaries. The chairman first addressed this issue during his Facebook
town hall meeting last month (a transcript of the recent town hall meeting with General Dempsey is
available on DoD Live). Although the DoD officials are not planning to close commissaries, they
did ask the Defense Commissary Agency for a range of options, including how the system would
operate with reduced or no taxpayer subsidies. Military exchanges work on this system and that the
same potential exists with commissaries.</p><p>You can read the full story on Military.com.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/dod-has-no-plans-to-close-commissaries?ESRC=mr.nl

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Acing the Resume Opening Statement

<p>A recent Wall Street Journal front page essay highlighted the intense competition for jobs at
all levels. Companies received an average of 383 applications for every opening they advertised in
2013 according to data from the Corporate Executive Board. This is not surprising, since there are
at least 20 million people in some phase of transition between jobs or actively looking for a
better job. Learn how to gain an edge from Military Officers Association of America
(MOAA).</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/acing-resume-opening-statement?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Observes Black History Month

<p>The U.S. Navy joins our nation in celebrating the vibrant history and culture of
African-American and Black Sailors during African-American/Black History Month throughout the
month of February. African-American Sailors have served in every major armed conflict since the
Revolutionary War. For more information, including teaching materials, visit the Naval History and
Heritage Command website and the Navy Diversity Observances webpage. A full-color brochure on the
history of African-Americans in the United States Navy is also available for download through the
Naval History and Heritage Command link. A complete educational presentation, including a
downloadable educational poster on African American/Black History month, can be requested from the
Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at [email-masked].</p><p>For
more on Black History Month, visit the Military.com Black History Month section.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-observes-black-history-month?ESRC=mr.nl

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Featured Discount: 20% Off Any Purchase at ProFlowers

<p>Just in time for Valentine's Day, take 20% off any purchase at ProFlowers. All military
personnel are eligible.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/featured-discount-20-off-any-purchase-at-proflowers-021014?ESRC=mr.nl

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Bankers Committed to Hiring Veterans

<p>Start your civilian career with a company that 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/bankers-committed-to-hiring-veterans-021014?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Program Offers Credit Monitoring

<p>The National Foundation for Credit Counseling has launched a "Sharpen Your Financial Focus"
program, which includes a 12-month membership to Experian's freecreditscore.com product at no cost
for eligible program participants. Among other features, the product includes credit monitoring
and alerts to notify members about new activity on their credit report, a mobile app enabling
alerts and updates on the go, and access to fraud resolution agents if suspicious activity is
found on the person's report. To learn more about the Sharpen Your Financial Focus program, call
855-3-SHARPEN (855-374-2773), or go online to www.SharpenToday.org.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-program-offers-credit-monitoring?ESRC=mr.nl

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New Online GI Bill ComparisonTool

<p>The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an online GI Bill Comparison Tool to make it
easier for veterans, servicemembers and dependents to calculate their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
and learn more about VA's approved colleges, universities and other education and training
programs across the country. The GI Bill Comparison Tool provides key information about college
affordability and brings together information from more than 17 different online sources and three
federal agencies, including the number of students receiving VA education benefits at each school.
The GI Bill Comparison Tool can be found at: http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/new-online-gi-bill-comparisontool?ESRC=mr.nl

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Win a July 4 Cruise on USS Constitution

<p>The USS Constitution recently opened the lottery for its 2014 Independence Day turnaround cruise. The lottery will select 150 winners from the general public to ride aboard Constitution for its annual Fourth of July cruise in Boston Harbor, which will be the ship's final Independence Day voyage until 2018. Each winner will be allowed to bring one guest. All lottery entries must be received by noon on April 15, with the drawing scheduled for April 30. Lottery entries are limited to one per household. To download the official 2014 lottery entry form, visit the USS Constitution website.</p><p>For more military-related entertainment news, visit the Military.com Off-duty Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/win-july-4-cruise-on-uss-constitution?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Seeking Sailors' Art

<p>The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) art curators are eager to add talented Sailors' illustrations, paintings and, yes, comics to the Navy's art collection. They will consider any type of art done by a Sailor including an illustration on a piece of notebook paper. If someone you know is regularly doodling, sketching or painting, let them know they could be a part of history. Tell them to submit their artwork to the Navy's art collection by sending an email with their contact information and a photo of their work to [email-masked]. Who knows? Maybe you will see their work in a gallery near you. For more information about the Navy Art Collection, visit the Navy Art Collection webpage.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-seeking-sailors-art?ESRC=mr.nl

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Navy Tax Assistance Centers

<p>U.S. Navy Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Centers are opening for business soon at various bases worldwide and are ready to assist servicemembers and their families with their tax preparation at no cost. The VITA program provides free tax-filing assistance to active duty servicemembers and their dependents, retirees and their dependents with adjusted gross incomes of less than $58,000, DoD civilians overseas or deployed with the U.S. Armed Forces, and, in limited cases Reservists. All qualifying active duty servicemembers and their dependents will be able to file both federal and state tax returns for free. Additionally, all of the centers are staffed with certified volunteers, who can assist with questions. For more information, visit the Navy JAG Corps website. A list of U.S. Navy Tax Assistance Centers by CNIC Region is available online.</p><p>For more tax preparation options and discounts for the military, see this Military.com article. For more tips and guides 
 for tax season, visit the Military.com Tax Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/navy-tax-assistance-centers?ESRC=mr.nl

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AF Voluntary Separation Pay

<p> The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 16 to evaluate eligible officers for retention. Prior to convening the board, the Air Force will accept applications from RIF-eligible officers for the voluntary separation pay (VSP) and Temporary Early Retirement Authority programs. RIF-eligible officers may apply for voluntary separation pay between Feb. 6 and May 1. Those approved will receive 1.25 times the standard full separation pay and may apply for separation effective Sept. 29. To review VSP eligibility and application instructions, visit myPers and enter PSDM 14-08 in the search window. For more information about the reduction in force and voluntary separation pay, including application instructions, visit myPers and enter "PSDM 13-130" in the search window.</p><p>For more on pay benefits, visit the Military.com Pay Center.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/af-voluntary-separation-pay?ESRC=mr.nl

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TRICARE Update on Automatic Payments

<p>An electronic fund transfer (EFT) is an easy, low-maintenance option for managing TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) payments. While TRS beneficiaries are required to setup an EFT to pay their premiums, it is not foolproof and missed payments can result in a loss of health care coverage. One major reason for missed payments is an expired credit card. Check the expiration date on the credit card used for TRS EFTs, and update the regional contractor with any new or pending account information. Failure to pay any overdue premium amounts will result in suspension of coverage. Learn more about TRS premiums and EFT options at www.tricare.mil/Welcome/Enroll/TRS/Premiums.</p><p>For more on TRICARE, visit the Military.com TRICARE Overview.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/tricare-update-on-automatic-payments?ESRC=mr.nl

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Filing Assistance During Tax Season

<p>The 2014 tax filing season for taxpayers began Jan. 31. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s and any cancelled checks or receipts you might need, take a deep breath, and dive into tax filing fun by reading VA's VAntage Point Blog at http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/12123/filing-assistance-available-for-veterans-servicemembers-during-tax-season/.</p><p>For more tax preparation options and discounts for the military, see this Military.com article.</p>

http://www.military.com/military-report/filing-assistance-during-tax-season?ESRC=mr.nl

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