Subject: Military Report: How Proposed Benefit Changes Affect You, The Great Divide Over Benefit Reforms and MORE
From: "Military.com" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:55:20 -0400

Military Report The Military Community's FREE Weekly Benefits & Quality of Life Newsletter Monday, 30 MARCH     2015 View The Newsletter Online at http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=117&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- 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://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=118&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE: > How Proposed Benefit Changes Affect You > The Great Divide Over Benefit Reforms > Bergdahl Could Get Life > National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic > New Prescriptions Now Covered by TRICARE -- Save Now > Video: 5 Things You Don't Know About Abrams Tanks > Don't Waste Your VA Loan: $0 Down & No PMI > Navy Restructures Course > Navy Seeks Scholarship Applicants > Sponsored Discount: Nissan's Got Your Back with Exclusive Savings > Service Officials Testify on Funding > Heart Health Month > $200,000 Coverage as Low as $14 a Month > AF Taking Applications for Summer Work > Tips for Starting a Technology Business > Sound Off: Should We Ditch Veteran Preference and Military Discounts? > Deal of the Week: 15% Off at LifeLock > Updated GI Bill Transfer Instructions > Protect Your Personal TRICARE Information > Save up to 66% on Costs Not Covered by TRICARE > PepsiCo Hiring Veterans > AF Officer Selectees > Timeless Transition Advice > Veterans Fellowship Program in Iowa > Marine Corps Scholarships Available > Air Force COOL Program > AF Spring Into Shape Challenge > Veterans Asked to Share Their Stories > AF Reserve Fact Sheets > AF Reserve Teen Summit > AF Pay Office Open to Air Reservists > Camps for AF Teens -------------------------------------------------- How Proposed Benefit Changes Affect You 
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) breaks down the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) recommendations on pay and retirement, health care, and quality of life. The second in this series focuses on health care. To read more go to: www.moaa.org/MRMCRMCHealth/.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=119&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- The Great Divide Over Benefit Reforms 
The powerful Military Coalition -- which is made up of more than 30 military associations and veterans' service organizations in support of, or opposition to, legislation impacting military folks and veterans -- is now fractured over whether to support key recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. Some of these groups are turning thumbs up, others thumbs down and most still want to see more analysis on proposals to replace triple-option TRICARE and to phase in a new retirement system. Read this Military Update post to learn more.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=120&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Bergdahl Could Get Life 
The Army charged Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with "desertion with intent to shirk important or hazardous duty" under Article 85 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and "misbehavior before the enemy by endangering the safety of a command, unit or place" under Article 99. In addition to losing as much as $300,000 in back pay and benefits (including VA benefits like health care and the GI Bill) Bergdahl could get life in prison if he is found guilty. Read the full article on Military.com.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=121&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic 
Co-sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is a world-leader in adaptive winter sports instruction for U.S. military veterans, and active duty servicemen and women with disabilities. Read more.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=122&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- New Prescriptions Now Covered by TRICARE -- Save Now 
TRICARE Members: How much are you spending on your prescriptions? Save money on medications now covered by TRICARE.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=123&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Video: 5 Things You Don't Know About Abrams Tanks 
Tanks have served as the backbone of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps' armored forces for more than 30 years. But how much do you really know about the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tank. Watch and learn.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=124&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Don't Waste Your VA Loan: $0 Down & No PMI 
Now is the time to use your VA Loan. Rates are near historic lows and you don't have to pay PMI or have a large down payment. Plus you can get financing up to $417,000. Use your VA Loan Benefit today.

Want more information about this great benefit?
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=125&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Navy Restructures Course 
The U.S. Navy Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) announced the successful implementation of changes to the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Boarding Officer course. A new blended-learning aspect to the course keeps students actively engaged in the learning process and with instructors. Open to paygrades E-6 through O-4, the course consists of 12 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of laboratory instruction. Students are guided through the required procedures for boarding, the collection of biometrics, conduct while on board, and preparation of reports and evidence packaging. For more information on the Center for Security Forces, visit the Center for Security Forces website at www.navy.mil/local/csf/.

For more Navy news, visit the Military.com News Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=126&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Navy Seeks Scholarship Applicants 
Unrestricted line, U. S. Navy Information Dominance Corps and Supply Corps officers interested in developing language skills and regional cultural knowledge are encouraged to apply for the Fiscal Year (FY-17) Olmsted Scholar Program. The Olmsted program is a unique scholarship opportunity offering two years of graduate study using a foreign language while providing overseas cultural and travel opportunities and often leads to a graduate degree at a foreign university. Applicants are required to meet a list of qualifications and prerequisites and submit a command-endorsed nomination package that must be received by the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC), Code N2A2-Olmsted no later than Aug. 28. For more information, visit the Olmsted Foundation website at www.olmstedfoundation.org.

For more on military education benefits, visit the Military.com Education section.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=127&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Sponsored Discount: Nissan's Got Your Back with Exclusive Savings 
You watch our back. Now we've got yours. Nissan is proud to provide eligible military personnel with the best savings program in the country. It's the same pricing we give our family & friends. Read more.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=128&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Service Officials Testify on Funding 
Service officials responsible for infrastructure recently described for Congress a need throughout the Defense Department for infrastructure reduction and improved funding for military construction. Representatives from all four military services told the Senate Appropriations Committee's military construction and Veterans Affairs subcommittee that budget cuts have harmed mission readiness by delaying repairs and improvements to infrastructure. And each cited a deep need for a new base realignment and closure process (BRAC) to eliminate excess infrastructure. A summary of the testimonies is available on the U.S. Air Force website. A video of the hearing and statements by witnesses are available on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations website.

For more military and budget news, visit the Military.com News Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=129&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Heart Health Month 
March is Heart Health Month, but maintaining a healthy heart should be a daily priority. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. The causes of a diseased heart are not just physical, but psychological as well. Common military stressors may include wear and tear of the daily operational demands, threat of injury or loss of a friend in combat, worry over passing an advancement exam and making rank, the demands of parenthood, or the responsibilities of caring for a patient or loved one while also coping with your own personal stress and additional job demands. When stress devolves into depression, the risk of heart disease goes up. In a study featured in the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies' Journal of Traumatic Stress, researchers found individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had an elevated heart rate during sleep, putting them at higher risk for heart disease. An abstract of the study is available online.

For more on military health benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=130&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- $200,000 Coverage as Low as $14 a Month 
Protection for less. Get $200,000 Coverage from only $14 a Month. Could your family survive if something happened to you?
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=131&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Taking Applications for Summer Work 
The Air Force is currently hiring hundreds of students and others through the summer hire program. Participation in the program varies from base to base, but all listings are posted at USAJobs.gov. The summer hire program will end Sept. 25. Clerical, lifeguard, recreation aid, computer clerk, general laborer positions and more are available. Most summer hire positions are open to people eligible for the Pathways Summer Intern Program, but some may be open to Veteran Recruitment Appointment, 30 percent or more disabled veterans, reinstatement, military spouse and disability-eligible applicants, or to the general public. Job seekers should call 800-525-0102 (if hearing impaired, call TTY/TTD 800-382-0893) for more information. For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit myPers.

For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.  
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=132&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Tips for Starting a Technology Business 
Here are some tips for veterans starting a technology business: (1) focus on execution; take advantage of every opportunity to speak about your concept with others, especially those who can add value and assist in putting your idea in motion; (2) seek out mentors who have diverse business and technology expertise in areas such as engineering, product management, marketing and finance; (3) grow your network by attending local meetup groups, hackathons, startup weekends, technology incubators and boot camps; (4) surround yourself with experts; and (5) focus on the steps needed to get started today. The next Patriot Boot Camp takes place in April, 2015. For more information, visit the Patriot Boot Camp website at www.patriotbootcamp.org.

For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=133&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Sound Off: Should We Ditch Veteran Preference and Military Discounts? 
A recent piece in the Washington Post asserts that, when military folks ask for discounts, they're damaging civilian-veteran relations. The author, retired Army lieutenant colonel Dave Duffy, argues that military service, or being a member of the same family as someone who served, should not warrant special treatment in the civilian world. SpouseBuzz editor Amy Bushatz weighed in with a counter to Duffy: Most veteran and military discounts are usually offered for business reasons, not entirely as a benevolent gesture. She suggests that a simple, polite inquiry about veteran discounts is okay. Where do you stand on the issue? Let your opinion be known on this post.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=134&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Deal of the Week: 15% Off at LifeLock 
LifeLock is offering service members, guard, retirees, veterans and their families 15% off Standard Membership with 3 Layers of Protection. Live freely knowing every day LifeLock is searching for potential threats. Learn more and save 15%.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=135&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Updated GI Bill Transfer Instructions 
The U.S. Navy has announced an update to the instruction governing the Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Assistance Program that outlines specific steps for Sailors to follow to properly transfer their benefits to family members. Qualified active duty and Reserve Sailors may elect to transfer benefits to a spouse or children, with some or all benefits allocated to those named. The instruction includes the Transfer of Benefits (TEB) steps in order to create a simple checklist that Sailors can follow to ensure they successfully complete the process. The updated instruction is available at http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=136&e=1&x=2457478.0

For more on the GI Bill and other military education benefits, visit the Military.com Education section.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=137&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Protect Your Personal TRICARE Information 
TRICARE wants to remind you that it will never call beneficiaries and ask you for your personal information, and if you receive this type of call it is fraud. You should never give out personal information, like your social security number, to anyone over the phone. In more sophisticated telephone scams, the caller may have specific information that makes the call seem official, typically your address, phone numbers or doctor's name. If you receive a call like this, DO NOT give any of your personal identifiable information, such as birth date, social security number or banking information. TRICARE never asks beneficiaries for this information when calling for an official Department of Defense survey. For more information, visit the Report Fraud or Abuse webpage on the TRICARE website.

For more on TRICARE, visit the Military.com TRICARE section.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=138&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Save up to 66% on Costs Not Covered by TRICARE 
Save money and time by covering doctor co-pays, prescriptions and more. Protect your family against unnecessary costs with the TRICARE Supplement Plan for military retirees and families.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=139&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- PepsiCo Hiring Veterans 
PepsiCo has a long legacy of military hiring and remains committed to veteran hiring across all lines of business and roles. The company believes in providing opportunity for military hires, not just in the name of service, but because they help the business win. Search and apply now.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=140&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Officer Selectees 
The Air Force has announced the results of Officer Training School Rated Selection Board 15OT01. 228 applicants were selected to serve as Air Force officers including 50 enlisted members. The full list of selectees is available online. For more information concerning OTS and the application process, active-duty members should visit the officer training website on the Air Force Portal at http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=141&e=1&x=2457478.0 civilians should contact the nearest Air Force recruiter.

For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=142&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Timeless Transition Advice 
The Military Officers Association of America has a team of advisors who focus career transition. The MOAA transition team was privileged to have recently attended a graduate business school event sponsored by a well-known university and featuring hiring managers, serial entrepreneurs and human resources team leaders. Together they provided excellent counsel for professionals in transition. To read the highlights of the discussion go to www.moaa.org/MRTransitionAdvice/.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=143&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Veterans Fellowship Program in Iowa 
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa announced Tuesday an extended deadline, now April 15, for a new fellowship program in his state offices for Iowans with recent military service. Veterans are encouraged to apply for the program. Grassley would like to have two fellows in his Veterans Fellowship Program, one in Des Moines and one in Cedar Rapids. The candidates can expect to meet with veterans and service organizations on Grassley's behalf. The fellows also will have the opportunity to learn more about working in Grassley's state offices, as they will assist with constituent correspondence and casework. An application is available on Senator Grassley's website at www.grassley.senate.gov.

For more veteran job news, listings and resources, visit the Military.com Veteran Jobs Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=144&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Marine Corps Scholarships Available 
The northern VA-based Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides need-based scholarships to military children. With over 90,000 scholarships awarded, the Foundation aims to supply the front lines of America's future with honor, courage and commitment. To qualify, an applicant should be the child of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, a veteran U.S. Marine who has received an honorable discharge or who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, an active duty or reserve U.S. Navy Corpsman who is serving or has served with a U.S. Marine unit, or a veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman who served with a U.S. Marine unit and has received an honorable discharge, or was killed while serving in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman attached to a Marine unit. For more details on the program and scholarships available, visit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation website.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=145&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Air Force COOL Program 
The Community College of the Air Force recently launched the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program. Air Force COOL is a pathway for enlisted Airmen to earn industry recognized professional certifications and licenses. Found on the Air Force Portal, Air Force COOL has a credential mapping of 642 professional certifications and licenses for 190 enlisted Air Force specialty codes. The credentials are at the national and state levels and from industry. Complete Air Force COOL program details, application procedures, eligibility requirements and AFSC listings are located on the Air Force Portal or on the Air Force COOL website.

For more on military education benefits, visit the Military.com Education section.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=146&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Spring Into Shape Challenge 
During April and May, the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) will promote its Spring Into Shape wellness challenge. To participate, (1) enroll online at AFMCwellness.com between March 24 and April 11; (2) print your SIS confirmation email to turn in at the initial check-in with CHPS staff between March 30 and April 16; (3) perform physical activity and log your minutes on the AFMC Wellness Support Center website at www.AFMCwellness.com Activity Log from April 9 to May 20; and (4) attend the CHPS education class, "Exercise Across the Lifespan." For more information, visit the AFMC Wellness Support Center website at www.AFMCwellness.com or contact your local CHPS team.

For more military-grade fitness tips and workouts, visit the Military.com Fitness Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=147&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Veterans Asked to Share Their Stories 
The nonprofit organization Historical Outreach Foundation has launched the Legacies Project, which is a database dedicated to the preservation and sharing of our veterans' stories. Any active duty, veteran or family member is encouraged to help to tell these stories. The goal is to ensure that future generations never forget these incredible histories. There is no charge to participate. To start preserving history or to donate, visit the Veterans Legacies website at www.veteranslegacies.com. Read more about the Legacies Project.
      http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=148&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Reserve Fact Sheets 
The 2015 Guard & Reserve Factsheets are now available online. A list of the topics available is on the Air Reserve Personnel Center website.

For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=149&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Reserve Teen Summit 
The 2015 Air Force Reserve (AFR) Teen Leadership Summit will give AFR dependents, ages 14-18, the opportunity to explore and develop leadership skills, build self-confidence and form lasting friendships. The Classic Teen Leadership Summit is scheduled for July 12-17, Dahlonega, Georgia. Adventure Teen Leadership Summit is scheduled for August 11-16, Estes Park, Colorado. Teens interested in applying must complete an online application. Completed forms are due by May 15. Final selections will be announced by June 12. Adult chaperones with military affiliation are also needed to support these camps and applications are due by May 1. Both the youth application and the Adult Leader Application Packages are available at the Georgia 4-H website.

For more veteran and family support resources, see this  Military.com Spouse Channel article.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=150&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- AF Pay Office Open to Air Reservists 
Beginning April 1, all Individual Reservists (individual mobilization augmentees and participating individual ready reservists) will begin utilizing the HQ RIO Reserve Pay Office. Members who are on orders that extend beyond April 1 will remain with their current RPO until their orders end and then begin using the HQ RIO RPO afterward. The HQ RIO RPO can be reached at 720-847-3711 or [email-masked]. Their fax number is 720-847-3960. To switch to the HQ RIO RPO, some IRs may need to change their RPO assignment in AROWS-R. To do this, log-in to AROWS-R and select MY ACCOUNT. On the MY ACCOUNT page, use the Reserve Pay Office drop down menu and select IMA RPO. Click Save Changes before logging out. If this action is locked out on the individual's account, it has been updated automatically.

For more Air Force news, visit the Military.com News Center.
http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=151&e=1&x=2457478.0 -------------------------------------------------- Camps for AF Teens 
Applications are now being accepted for Air Force youth interested in applying for Teen Aviation Camp, Teen Leadership Camp, and Space Camp. Lodging, meals, and program cost will be centrally funded at no cost to participants or units. However, travel costs to each camp are the responsibility of the attendee or their unit. Interested youth should review the Air Force Youth Programs website and application process at http://content.e0.email.military.com/emessageIRS/servlet/IRSL?v=5&a=10250&r=303824&m=677053&l=152&e=1&x=2457478.0

For more veteran and family support resources, see this  Military.com Spouse Channel article.
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