Print & Post: Week of February 19, 2007
2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts
If the President's budget is passed by congress the proposed 3 percent raise will go into effect on January 1, 2008. Although 3 percent may seem inadequate, it is larger than last years 2.2 percent pay raise, which was the smallest increase since 1994. To see the proposed pay raise, visit the (http://www.military.com/military/benefits/0,15465,2008-military-pay-charts,00.html) 2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts at Military.com.
Navy Exchange Program Rewards Students
The Navy Exchange's A-OK Student Reward Program will hold a drawing on Feb. 28 to help four students pay for a college education. The winners will receive a $5,000, $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 U.S. savings bond. Any eligible full-time student who has a "B" grade-point average equivalent or better, as determined by their school system, may enter the drawing. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card. To enter the drawings, visit a Navy Exchange with the student's current report card and have a Navy Exchange associate verify their minimum grade average. Fill out the entry card and obtain an A-OK ID.
Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do) Scholarship Finder.
New System Allows Offline Tracking of Sailors
Units with deployed Sailors can now keep track of these assignments through the new Individual Personnel TEMPO (ITEMPO) Offline Reporting System even if they have limited Internet access. Authorized users can download ITEMPO Offline by logging into (https://www.bol.navy.mil/) BupersOnLine, selecting the NAVPERS Legacy & ITEMPO link and clicking on the ITEMPO Offline files. Installation instructions are included in the user's guide, which is also available on the website. For further assistance with installation or other ITEMPO issues, contact the ITEMPO Data Team at (901) 874-4717/DSN 882 or email at (mailto:MILL_LegacyHelpDesk@BUPERS.NAVY.MIL) MILL_LegacyHelpDesk@BUPERS.NAVY.MIL.
Retail Pharmacy Use Targeted
Defense officials are weighing new initiatives to limit access to the TRICARE retail drug network, particularly for older beneficiaries who are using neighborhood drug outlets to get their maintenance medications. The Department of Defense wants to drive a larger proportion of 6.7 million TRICARE pharmacy users into the mail order program, which is far more efficient. Prescriptions filled by retail outlets cost TRICARE about 40 percent more than drugs obtained by mail. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,124563,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.
Virtual Army Experience Launched
The U.S. Army launched last week the Virtual Army Experience, a high-tech, team-based experience designed to immerse visitors in the operational roles of Soldiers in the U.S. Army. This 10,000 square-foot interactive traveling exhibit brings the Army's exceptionally popular computer game, America's Army: Special Forces (Overmatch), to a life-size networked world to provide visitors with a virtual test drive of Soldiering. The Virtual Army Experience debuts this week at Speedweeks in Daytona, Fla. and will visit 35 events around the nation during 2007. The Virtual Army Experience schedule is available at (http://www.americasarmy.com/) www.americasarmy.com and (http://www.goarmy.com/) www.goarmy.com.
Enroll in Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program
Top-Up is a program that allows GI Bill participants' to use the GI Bill to supplement the tuition and fees not covered by tuition assistance. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/tuition-top-up-program&code=MR_021907_TA) Click here to view more details and eligibility.
Next Step:
If you haven't found a school that has VA-approved programs, then the best way to get started is Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do&code=MR_021907_School_Finder) School Finder", which will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.
Outreach Program Seeks Sailor Nominations
"Why We Serve" is a Department of Defense outreach program that provides communities across America the opportunity to hear from servicemembers as they share their personal experiences while in the military. Under the program, servicemembers who have recently served in the CENTCOM area of responsibility spend about 90 days speaking to community groups, civic organizations, and schools to present a personal perspective as can only be seen through the uniform. Nominations are now being accepted for the second quarter of the calendar year 2007. Nominations of Sailors should be received by February 26, 2007 and mailed to: Navy Office of Information, 1200 Navy Pentagon, Room 4B463, Washington, DC 20350--1200.
Legislation to Modernize GI Bill
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=292&lvl=C&chamber=S) Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and U.S. Representative (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=314&lvl=C&chamber=H) Vic Snyder (D-AR), along with original cosponsors Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=283&lvl=C&chamber=S) Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=48793&lvl=C&chamber=H) John Boozman (R-AR) and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=130756&lvl=C&chamber=H) Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), introduced legislation that seeks to make adequate and equitable benefits for the Guard and Reserve components of our Armed Forces. The "Total Force G.I. Bill" aims to better reflect a comprehensive "total force" concept that ensures members of the Selected Reserve receive educational benefits that match their increased service to the nation. To learn more about this legislation, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,125466,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.
How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9071766&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!
New Website for Blood Program
The Armed Services Blood Program website has been redesigned, offering updated content as well as a new look. The new website, (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/) www.militaryblood.dod.mil, features information on how to join a "Life Force" team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Topics include blood facts, donor eligibility criteria, donor center locations, and more. Convenient links direct users to online blood donation appointment scheduling and information links to access blood donor eligibility criteria and donation locations. The ASBP collects blood only from servicemembers, government civilians, retirees and their family members. Donors normally give about a pint of blood at a sitting, and blood is always needed.
Exchanges Encourage Students
Military children worldwide are participating the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "You Made the Grade" program, which is designed to recognize above-average academic achievement. Qualifying students receive a coupon booklet that includes free admission to an AAFES Reel Time Theater, a complimentary slice of Anthony's pizza with drink and a free magazine, as well as other coupons. Students simply present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall "B" or better average to their local exchange to receive their booklet. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card they receive. Military families can contact their local AAFES main store manager for more information.
March Brings Women's History Month
March 2007 marks the 20th annual observance of Women's History Month, which was declared by Congress in 1987. For more information about Women's History Month visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/ABOUTUS/BUPERS/WOMENSPOLICY/) Navy's Office of Women's Policy website, the (http://www.nwhp.org/) National Women's History Project website, the (http://www.nwhm.org/) National Women's History Museum website, and the (http://www.womensmemorial.org/) Women in Military Service for America Memorial website.
Navy Supply Officer Award Seeks Nominations
The Annual Vice-Admiral Batchelder Award recognized supply corps officers making significant personal contributions to the supply readiness of operating forces. Nominations for the calendar year 2006 awards are due April 16, 2007. Format and procedures are available for viewing and downloading via the Supply Corps Officer Community Page on (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/splash/index.jsp) Navy Knowledge Online. All Navy supply officers are eligible for nomination.
College Level Examinations Earn Credits
Ever feel like you do not have time for an eight to 12-week college course? College Level Examination Programs, or CLEP tests, are a series of subject tests that a person can take for college credits without taking a class. Different types of CLEP tests are worth different credit hours. Some colleges only accept some types of CLEP tests. It is important to check with the college you are getting a degree with to make sure they accept the CLEP test. However, even if the college does not accept the test, servicemembers can often use it toward their education points and future promotions. For more information, visit the DANTES College Credit-by-Examination Program webpage on the (http://education.military.com/timesaving-programs/dantes-college-credit-by-examination-program) Military.com website.
Visit the Military-Friendly School Finder and (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do) search our database of 4,000 schools and their military attributes. Find the right school for your education needs.
International Health Insurance a Necessity for Some
Stars and Stripes reports friends and family should have international health insurance when they visit servicemembers in Japan, Okinawa or South Korea. Without it, many regional hospitals in those countries want cash up front, and base hospitals will provide care only if it is an absolute emergency. Plans typically cost between $100-$200 and cover services that many U.S. insurance companies neglect in foreign countries, such as 24-hour care and extended evacuations. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's Medical Information for (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html) Americans Traveling Abroad website.
ACC Lodging Goes Wireless
All 16 bases in Air Combat Command now offer high-speed wireless Internet connections in lodging at no cost to the guest. The service is available to travelers who have a laptop computer with wireless capability. It also allows government travelers the option to connect to a virtual private network. While those traveling with a personal laptop will not likely have to make adjustments to access the service, individuals traveling with a government computer should talk with their workgroup manager prior to manipulating any settings. Additionally, connection to the World Wide Web is unrestricted, meaning lodging guests can access commercial e-mail sites to stay in touch with family and friends.
Marines Equipment, Clothes Survey Available
The program manager for the Marine Corps' infantry combat equipment is seeking troops' opinions on clothing and equipment in an online survey. The survey separates clothing and equipment into five categories: headwear and footwear systems, protective items, field living, clothing and packs and others. Each item is evaluated separately. To access the survey, visit the (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/feedback.asp) Combat Equipment Support Systems website, and click on the link titled "clothing and equipment survey."
Featured Job: Field Support Engineer
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. is the worldwide leader in ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation and is currently looking for a Field Support Engineer who can independently schedule and perform on-site installation, servicing and repair of complex equipment and systems. To find out more and to apply, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.monster.com/getjob.asp%3FJobID%3D53855749&code=MR_021907_Job) view the official job posting.
The Semi Annual Military Job Fair of Virginia
The Military Affairs Council of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in our semi-annual Military Job Fair scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2007. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hampton Roads convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Virginia.
We are now in our 20th year of conducting semi-annual job fairs. In excess of 2,500 job seekers and 135 companies from throughout the nation attended our October 2006 Job Fair enabling these companies to identify and recruit outstanding people.
The Armed Forces Job Fair is open to active-duty & retired military members, reserves, DOD civilians, those recently separated from the military and their dependents.
To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.
Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) is a TRICARE Prime option available to active-duty dependents, retirees and retiree family members through not-for-profit health-care systems in six areas of the United States. By using USFHP you get the TRICARE Prime program benefits, plus premium advantages and features at no extra cost. For information about eligibility, visit the (http://www.usfhp.com/portal/faq.asp?s=76) USFHP website and the (http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/) TRICARE website. You may enroll in the USFHP at any time during the year by completing an application for the provider in your area. To download an application and learn more, please visit the (http://www.usfamilyhealthplan.org/) USFHP website.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.
Military Saves Week
The Defense Department has designated February 25 through March 4, 2007, as Military Saves Week to encourage Soldiers and their families to establish positive fiscal management habits through savings and financial planning. The Department of Defense has teamed with the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) to provide tools, resources and financial counseling to servicemembers through the (http://www.militarysaves.org/) Military Saves Website. You can also find more information about Military Saves and financial planning online at (http://www.armymwr.com/) www.armymwr.com, at your local Army Community Service Center, in your post newspaper, and at your local banks and credit unions.
To learn more about personal finances, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/) Finance Center.
Tax Centers Available in Europe
Tax Assistance Centers are located throughout the Army in Europe to assist Soldiers with the preparation of their income tax returns. For a listing of tax center locations and telephone numbers, visit the (http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/htmlinks/Press_Releases/2007/Feb2007/tax_center_locations_and_contact.htm) Tax Center Locations and Contacts webpage.
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
Reservists Urged to Establish Virtual Accounts
Air Force Reserve Command officials want officers, senior NCOs and supervisors to establish virtual Personnel Center - Guard/Reserve, or vPC-GR, accounts by April 2 by logging on to the (http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR) vPC-GR Website. As part of the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation, the Web-based system allows reservists to monitor their duty histories, request changes and updates, and apply for retirement online. Actions still available at local MPFs are testing, casualty assistance, passports, contingency exercises, leave accrual and personnel support for contingency operations.
Wear Policy for Airman Battle Uniform
Air Force officials at the Pentagon have released the wear policy for the new Airman Battle Uniform. Generally, the policy indicates that the uniform should be wash and wear - the ABU is not to be starched or "hot pressed" in a commercial laundry. Airmen will wear "sand colored" T-shirts under their ABU coat. The T-shirts may be v-neck, crew neck or "athletic style." "Moisture wicking fabrics" and "cotton/poly blends" are authorized as long as they are sand colored and the manufacturer's logo is not visible. Tan combat boots are authorized with the ABU until the "foliage green" boots become available. The mandatory wear date for the ABU is Oct. 1, 2011.
Deal of the Week: Talk in Style Free
For a limited time, get a free ultra slim Motorola L6 quad-band world phone. Comes with digital camera, 4x zoom, Bluetooth speakerphone. Plus get $25 for accessories. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//www.military.com/cingular141&code=MR_021907_Deal) Shop Cingular 24/7.
If the President's budget is passed by congress the proposed 3 percent raise will go into effect on January 1, 2008. Although 3 percent may seem inadequate, it is larger than last years 2.2 percent pay raise, which was the smallest increase since 1994. To see the proposed pay raise, visit the (http://www.military.com/military/benefits/0,15465,2008-military-pay-charts,00.html) 2008 Proposed Military Pay Charts at Military.com.
Navy Exchange Program Rewards Students
The Navy Exchange's A-OK Student Reward Program will hold a drawing on Feb. 28 to help four students pay for a college education. The winners will receive a $5,000, $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 U.S. savings bond. Any eligible full-time student who has a "B" grade-point average equivalent or better, as determined by their school system, may enter the drawing. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card. To enter the drawings, visit a Navy Exchange with the student's current report card and have a Navy Exchange associate verify their minimum grade average. Fill out the entry card and obtain an A-OK ID.
Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today - visit the Military.com (http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do) Scholarship Finder.
New System Allows Offline Tracking of Sailors
Units with deployed Sailors can now keep track of these assignments through the new Individual Personnel TEMPO (ITEMPO) Offline Reporting System even if they have limited Internet access. Authorized users can download ITEMPO Offline by logging into (https://www.bol.navy.mil/) BupersOnLine, selecting the NAVPERS Legacy & ITEMPO link and clicking on the ITEMPO Offline files. Installation instructions are included in the user's guide, which is also available on the website. For further assistance with installation or other ITEMPO issues, contact the ITEMPO Data Team at (901) 874-4717/DSN 882 or email at (mailto:MILL_LegacyHelpDesk@BUPERS.NAVY.MIL) MILL_LegacyHelpDesk@BUPERS.NAVY.MIL.
Retail Pharmacy Use Targeted
Defense officials are weighing new initiatives to limit access to the TRICARE retail drug network, particularly for older beneficiaries who are using neighborhood drug outlets to get their maintenance medications. The Department of Defense wants to drive a larger proportion of 6.7 million TRICARE pharmacy users into the mail order program, which is far more efficient. Prescriptions filled by retail outlets cost TRICARE about 40 percent more than drugs obtained by mail. For more information, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,124563,00.html) read the article on the Military.com website.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.
Virtual Army Experience Launched
The U.S. Army launched last week the Virtual Army Experience, a high-tech, team-based experience designed to immerse visitors in the operational roles of Soldiers in the U.S. Army. This 10,000 square-foot interactive traveling exhibit brings the Army's exceptionally popular computer game, America's Army: Special Forces (Overmatch), to a life-size networked world to provide visitors with a virtual test drive of Soldiering. The Virtual Army Experience debuts this week at Speedweeks in Daytona, Fla. and will visit 35 events around the nation during 2007. The Virtual Army Experience schedule is available at (http://www.americasarmy.com/) www.americasarmy.com and (http://www.goarmy.com/) www.goarmy.com.
Enroll in Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program
Top-Up is a program that allows GI Bill participants' to use the GI Bill to supplement the tuition and fees not covered by tuition assistance. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/tuition-top-up-program&code=MR_021907_TA) Click here to view more details and eligibility.
Next Step:
If you haven't found a school that has VA-approved programs, then the best way to get started is Military.com's " (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do&code=MR_021907_School_Finder) School Finder", which will help you get information from fully accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities that are VA-approved and experienced with the VA process.
Outreach Program Seeks Sailor Nominations
"Why We Serve" is a Department of Defense outreach program that provides communities across America the opportunity to hear from servicemembers as they share their personal experiences while in the military. Under the program, servicemembers who have recently served in the CENTCOM area of responsibility spend about 90 days speaking to community groups, civic organizations, and schools to present a personal perspective as can only be seen through the uniform. Nominations are now being accepted for the second quarter of the calendar year 2007. Nominations of Sailors should be received by February 26, 2007 and mailed to: Navy Office of Information, 1200 Navy Pentagon, Room 4B463, Washington, DC 20350--1200.
Legislation to Modernize GI Bill
U.S. Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=292&lvl=C&chamber=S) Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and U.S. Representative (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=314&lvl=C&chamber=H) Vic Snyder (D-AR), along with original cosponsors Senator (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=283&lvl=C&chamber=S) Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representatives (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=48793&lvl=C&chamber=H) John Boozman (R-AR) and (http://capwiz.com/military/bio/?id=130756&lvl=C&chamber=H) Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), introduced legislation that seeks to make adequate and equitable benefits for the Guard and Reserve components of our Armed Forces. The "Total Force G.I. Bill" aims to better reflect a comprehensive "total force" concept that ensures members of the Selected Reserve receive educational benefits that match their increased service to the nation. To learn more about this legislation, (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,125466,00.html) read the full article at Military.com.
How do you feel about this action? (http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9071766&type=CO) Let your public officials know how you feel!
New Website for Blood Program
The Armed Services Blood Program website has been redesigned, offering updated content as well as a new look. The new website, (http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/) www.militaryblood.dod.mil, features information on how to join a "Life Force" team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Topics include blood facts, donor eligibility criteria, donor center locations, and more. Convenient links direct users to online blood donation appointment scheduling and information links to access blood donor eligibility criteria and donation locations. The ASBP collects blood only from servicemembers, government civilians, retirees and their family members. Donors normally give about a pint of blood at a sitting, and blood is always needed.
Exchanges Encourage Students
Military children worldwide are participating the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "You Made the Grade" program, which is designed to recognize above-average academic achievement. Qualifying students receive a coupon booklet that includes free admission to an AAFES Reel Time Theater, a complimentary slice of Anthony's pizza with drink and a free magazine, as well as other coupons. Students simply present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall "B" or better average to their local exchange to receive their booklet. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card they receive. Military families can contact their local AAFES main store manager for more information.
March Brings Women's History Month
March 2007 marks the 20th annual observance of Women's History Month, which was declared by Congress in 1987. For more information about Women's History Month visit the (http://www.npc.navy.mil/ABOUTUS/BUPERS/WOMENSPOLICY/) Navy's Office of Women's Policy website, the (http://www.nwhp.org/) National Women's History Project website, the (http://www.nwhm.org/) National Women's History Museum website, and the (http://www.womensmemorial.org/) Women in Military Service for America Memorial website.
Navy Supply Officer Award Seeks Nominations
The Annual Vice-Admiral Batchelder Award recognized supply corps officers making significant personal contributions to the supply readiness of operating forces. Nominations for the calendar year 2006 awards are due April 16, 2007. Format and procedures are available for viewing and downloading via the Supply Corps Officer Community Page on (https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/splash/index.jsp) Navy Knowledge Online. All Navy supply officers are eligible for nomination.
College Level Examinations Earn Credits
Ever feel like you do not have time for an eight to 12-week college course? College Level Examination Programs, or CLEP tests, are a series of subject tests that a person can take for college credits without taking a class. Different types of CLEP tests are worth different credit hours. Some colleges only accept some types of CLEP tests. It is important to check with the college you are getting a degree with to make sure they accept the CLEP test. However, even if the college does not accept the test, servicemembers can often use it toward their education points and future promotions. For more information, visit the DANTES College Credit-by-Examination Program webpage on the (http://education.military.com/timesaving-programs/dantes-college-credit-by-examination-program) Military.com website.
Visit the Military-Friendly School Finder and (http://schools.military.com/schoolfinder/search-for-schools.do) search our database of 4,000 schools and their military attributes. Find the right school for your education needs.
International Health Insurance a Necessity for Some
Stars and Stripes reports friends and family should have international health insurance when they visit servicemembers in Japan, Okinawa or South Korea. Without it, many regional hospitals in those countries want cash up front, and base hospitals will provide care only if it is an absolute emergency. Plans typically cost between $100-$200 and cover services that many U.S. insurance companies neglect in foreign countries, such as 24-hour care and extended evacuations. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's Medical Information for (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html) Americans Traveling Abroad website.
ACC Lodging Goes Wireless
All 16 bases in Air Combat Command now offer high-speed wireless Internet connections in lodging at no cost to the guest. The service is available to travelers who have a laptop computer with wireless capability. It also allows government travelers the option to connect to a virtual private network. While those traveling with a personal laptop will not likely have to make adjustments to access the service, individuals traveling with a government computer should talk with their workgroup manager prior to manipulating any settings. Additionally, connection to the World Wide Web is unrestricted, meaning lodging guests can access commercial e-mail sites to stay in touch with family and friends.
Marines Equipment, Clothes Survey Available
The program manager for the Marine Corps' infantry combat equipment is seeking troops' opinions on clothing and equipment in an online survey. The survey separates clothing and equipment into five categories: headwear and footwear systems, protective items, field living, clothing and packs and others. Each item is evaluated separately. To access the survey, visit the (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/pmice/feedback.asp) Combat Equipment Support Systems website, and click on the link titled "clothing and equipment survey."
Featured Job: Field Support Engineer
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. is the worldwide leader in ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation and is currently looking for a Field Support Engineer who can independently schedule and perform on-site installation, servicing and repair of complex equipment and systems. To find out more and to apply, (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//jobsearch.military.monster.com/getjob.asp%3FJobID%3D53855749&code=MR_021907_Job) view the official job posting.
The Semi Annual Military Job Fair of Virginia
The Military Affairs Council of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in our semi-annual Military Job Fair scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2007. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hampton Roads convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Virginia.
We are now in our 20th year of conducting semi-annual job fairs. In excess of 2,500 job seekers and 135 companies from throughout the nation attended our October 2006 Job Fair enabling these companies to identify and recruit outstanding people.
The Armed Forces Job Fair is open to active-duty & retired military members, reserves, DOD civilians, those recently separated from the military and their dependents.
To access the largest veteran job board in the world, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm) Career Center.
Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) is a TRICARE Prime option available to active-duty dependents, retirees and retiree family members through not-for-profit health-care systems in six areas of the United States. By using USFHP you get the TRICARE Prime program benefits, plus premium advantages and features at no extra cost. For information about eligibility, visit the (http://www.usfhp.com/portal/faq.asp?s=76) USFHP website and the (http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/) TRICARE website. You may enroll in the USFHP at any time during the year by completing an application for the provider in your area. To download an application and learn more, please visit the (http://www.usfamilyhealthplan.org/) USFHP website.
To learn more about TRICARE, visit (http://www.military.com/benefits/tricare) www.military.com/benefits/tricare.
Military Saves Week
The Defense Department has designated February 25 through March 4, 2007, as Military Saves Week to encourage Soldiers and their families to establish positive fiscal management habits through savings and financial planning. The Department of Defense has teamed with the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) to provide tools, resources and financial counseling to servicemembers through the (http://www.militarysaves.org/) Military Saves Website. You can also find more information about Military Saves and financial planning online at (http://www.armymwr.com/) www.armymwr.com, at your local Army Community Service Center, in your post newspaper, and at your local banks and credit unions.
To learn more about personal finances, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/) Finance Center.
Tax Centers Available in Europe
Tax Assistance Centers are located throughout the Army in Europe to assist Soldiers with the preparation of their income tax returns. For a listing of tax center locations and telephone numbers, visit the (http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/htmlinks/Press_Releases/2007/Feb2007/tax_center_locations_and_contact.htm) Tax Center Locations and Contacts webpage.
To learn more about military taxes, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/Finance/Taxes/0,13397,82,00.html) Tax Center.
Reservists Urged to Establish Virtual Accounts
Air Force Reserve Command officials want officers, senior NCOs and supervisors to establish virtual Personnel Center - Guard/Reserve, or vPC-GR, accounts by April 2 by logging on to the (http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR) vPC-GR Website. As part of the Personnel Services Delivery Transformation, the Web-based system allows reservists to monitor their duty histories, request changes and updates, and apply for retirement online. Actions still available at local MPFs are testing, casualty assistance, passports, contingency exercises, leave accrual and personnel support for contingency operations.
Wear Policy for Airman Battle Uniform
Air Force officials at the Pentagon have released the wear policy for the new Airman Battle Uniform. Generally, the policy indicates that the uniform should be wash and wear - the ABU is not to be starched or "hot pressed" in a commercial laundry. Airmen will wear "sand colored" T-shirts under their ABU coat. The T-shirts may be v-neck, crew neck or "athletic style." "Moisture wicking fabrics" and "cotton/poly blends" are authorized as long as they are sand colored and the manufacturer's logo is not visible. Tan combat boots are authorized with the ABU until the "foliage green" boots become available. The mandatory wear date for the ABU is Oct. 1, 2011.
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