The Military Community's
FREE Weekly Benefits & Quality of Life Newsletter
Monday, 27 SEPTEMBER 2010
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Welcome to Military Report, the largest weekly benefits and quality-of-life update for the militarycommunity. Start your own subscription to MilitaryReport.com today at: http://www.militaryreport.com
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IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
> Navy Revises Promotions Plan
> Deal of the Week: You Serve, You Save
> Navy Decision on Guam-Okinawa Relocation
> Bill to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Blocked
> Meet Other Military Spouses at Mountain Home AFB
> Don't Waste Your GI Bill Benefits
> Kit Up!'s Christian Lowe Spends time with New Tech
> Featured Job: Your Skills and Experience Put You in Demand
> New Montgomery GI Bill Rates Announced
> Army Program Whacks Coming
> Military.com Fantasy Football Touchdown
> Get Hired at Military.com's Patrick AFB Career Expo
> Navy Mutual Offers $1M of Coverage
> POW/MIA Exhibit Unveiled
> Air Force Members Reminded to Update Info
> Army Provides Emergency Preparation Tips
> Navy Seeks Award Nominations
> Air Force Fitness Challenge
> Exchanges Introduce New Logo
> New Navy Fleet Store
> Air Force Seeks Award Nominations
> Combined Federal Campaign Launches
> Eighth Army on Facebook and Twitter
> Get Screened for Prostate Cancer
> Navy Offers Flu Season Vaccinations
> Shop Around for Auto Loans
> Navy Requires Officers' Photos
> Submit Spouse Award Nominations
> TRICARE Recommends Flu Shots
> Navy School Relocating
> October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
> Sailors Can Register to Vote
> New Navy Course Available
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Navy Revises Promotions Plan
The Secretary of the Navy has approved a revised phasing plan for active duty officer promotions
beginning in fiscal year 2011. Effective Oct. 1, active duty officers selected for promotion to
the grades of captain, commander and lieutenant commander will be promoted at a three percent per month rate for 11 months, with the remaining officers to be promoted in Sept. 2011. All officers selected for promotion during fiscal year 2011 will be promoted in that fiscal year. This phasing
plan does not affect future selection board promotion rates. Unrestricted line and human resources
officers of the full-time support community will continue to promote at the same rate as their
active duty counterparts. For more information on line and staff officer promotion phasing plans,
visit the Navy Personnel Command website, http://www.npc.navy.mil/Boards/ActiveDutyOfficer
Find out how much you'd make with a promotion or at your next duty station. Calculate pay by rank, location or duty with the Military Pay Calculator.
http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay
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Deal of the Week: You Serve, You Save
Save up to 20 percent on all your calls with new reduced rates on AT&T Global PrePaid Cards. It's for you and all you. Click here to buy yours now.
http://clk.atdmt.com/CNT/go/210100523/direct/01/
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Navy Decision on Guam-Okinawa Relocation
The Department of Navy recently released of the record of decision (ROD) on the Guam and
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Military Relocation Final Environmental Impact Statement.
The ROD includes the Navy's decision to implement the preferred alternatives as identified in the
FEIS for the main base, aviation and waterfront operations for approximately 8,600 Marines and
their 9,000 family members who will relocate from Okinawa to Guam. The Army has decided to
implement its preferred alternative for placement of an air missile defense task force should it
be assigned this mission on Guam. The ROD is available on the Guam Buildup EIS website.
http://www.guambuildupeis.us/
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Bill to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Blocked
Senate Republicans last Tuesday blocked an effort to repeal the ban on gays from serving openly in the military, handing gay rights groups a defeat in their last chance any time soon to overturn
the law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Democrats fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance
the legislation, which authorized $726 billion in defense spending. The vote was 56-43. Read More.
http://www.military.com/news/article/senate-republicans-block-effort-to-end-dadt.html
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Meet Other Military Spouses at Mountain Home AFB
SpouseBuzz LIVE is coming to Mountain Home AFB, on Oct. 2. Register for free today. Not only will you connect with military spouses just like you, but you'll be able to participle in panel discussions, fellowship, raffles, and a Diamond Dig. Join us for the event to make connections
that last a lifetime. http://www.spousebuzzlive.com
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Don't Waste Your GI Bill Benefits
Your GI Bill benefits can be used for many certification programs -- programs that don't require
a two- or four-year commitment. Don't let your benefits go to waste simply because you didn't have the time to enroll in a higher-education program. Find certification programs near you now.
http://edu.military.com/gibill
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Kit Up!'s Christian Lowe Spends time with New Tech
Last week Christian spent time with technology he's heard a lot about but hadn't gotten his hands
on. Christian got his hands on a new no joke crossbow -- a "tactical" weapon that borrows from AR platforms and firearm mechanics. See his write up and video at Kit Up!
http://kitup.military.com/2010/09/its-not-an-ar-but-it-sure-looks-like-one.html
Like new tech? Want to know what you should have beyond standard issue? Check out Kit Up! and voice your thoughts opinions and tips about what gear is working, what's not and what you'd like to have as standard issue.
http://kitup.military.com/
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Graphics for american Comments
Featured Job: Your Skills and Experience Put You in Demand
Looking for a career change? Military.com offers the largest veteran job board in the world.
Employers like USAA, Northrop Grumman, TSA and CB Richard Ellis. Find a new position today by checking out these military-friendly employers.
http://www.military.com/Careers/Content1?file=EmployerList.htm&area=Reference
Skills: Roger; Experience: Roger...Resume?
Military.com's Skills Translator takes the guess work out of transitioning your skills and experience into something that the corporate world can read and understand. Replace KSA's with plain English that will make a corporate recruiter call you. Get started today.
http://www.military.com/skills-translator/mos-translator
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New Montgomery GI Bill Rates Announced
The VA also released the FY2011 payment rates for the Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve, Reserve Education Assistance Program and Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program.
Read More.
http://military-education.military.com/2010/08/fy2011-montgomery-gi-bill-rates-announced/
Use Your GI Bill Benefits or Lose Them
Your benefits do expire. You only have a set amount of time to take advantage of them -- and they can be used for not only higher education military-friendly programs, http://edu.military.com/gibill/ but also for many short term certification programs, http://edu.military.com/gibill/certification-programs/ that may result in higher paying jobs, jobs that keep this country running. Start today!
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Army Program Whacks Coming
The Army Vice Chief of Staff said program terminations and trims loom as a result of the
portfolio reviews ordered earlier this year by the Army Secretary, John McHugh. Tactical wheeled
vehicles, with the plethora of programs -- MRAPs, M-ATVs, Humvees, JLTV etc. -- seems a logical place to whack. And Chiarelli said the modular force is "not as efficient as a division" and that he is looking at "adjustments" to it. Read More.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/09/23/army-program-whacks-coming
Want more Pentagon, Capitol Hill and Defense Industry insider information? Sign up for DoDBuzz, Military.com's weekly newsletter written by industry insider Colin Clark. The "Buzz" is a must read for corporate execs, program managers, requirements officers, staffers and anyone else who needs to stay informed about the defense industry.
http://www.military.com/Registration/DODBuzz
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Military.com Fantasy Football Touchdown
Army leads the pack! You can catch up on how your team is doing, make trades and come up with a playbook for next week. Not playing yet? There is still time to get in the league to win a 60"
flat screen TV and other great prizes. Check out Military.com Salary Cap Fantasy Football league, sponsored by Avis, now.
http://football.military.com/scm
How it works: You're the General Manager of your very own football team. We give you 20 million fantasy dollars to build your team who will score points for you based on how they play in real-life football games. And, even better, with Military.com's Salary Cap Football, along with competing for individual honors and great prizes, you get to pick the branch of service you want to play for. Want Navy to crush Army? Want the Marines to dominate the Air Force? Game on. Get more game details.
http://www.military.com/entertainment/sports/football/fantasy-football-military-style
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Get Hired at Military.com's Patrick AFB Career Expo
Military.com Career Expo is coming to Patrick AFB, in Florida, on Oct. 5, 2010. This event will
feature top employers seeking the valuable skills you learned in service to your country. You can
also attend employment workshops focused on helping you leverage your military experience in the civilian job market. Register to attend this free event.
http://www.military.com/career-expo/patrick-afb-career-fair-2/
Can't Join Us at Patrick AFB?
Military.com's Career Expos happen throughout the calendar year, and all over the U.S. Check the schedule for an upcoming event near you. Our Career Expos are the most powerful recruiting event or veterans.
http://www.military.com/career-expo/
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Navy Mutual Offers $1M of Coverage
Did you know we now offer up to $1 million of coverage to our members? We understand our members' needs and provide the coverage levels you want to meet those needs. Consider your family's overall insurance need. Get details.
http://www.military.com/nmaa/nmaaform
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american Comments
POW/MIA Exhibit Unveiled
Defense Department officials recently dedicated a portion of the Pentagon to military prisoners of
war and troops missing in action. The hallway is lined with information, artifacts and photographs
underscoring the service and sacrifice of more than 80,000 MIAs and POWs from the present conflict in Afghanistan and dating back to World War II. For more information on POWs/MIAs, visit the DPMO website, http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command website, http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/ the Library of Congress' POW/MIA Databases
and Documents website, http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/powmia-home.html, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars' POW/MIA Awareness brochure, http://www.vfw.org/legislative/POWMIAawareness.pdf.
Find ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom. Visit the Military.com Support our Troops web page.
http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/support-our-troops
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Air Force Members Reminded to Update Info
The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, https://afpaas.af.mil/, to account for all personnel after a disaster. All total force members should log into AFPAAS occasionally to make sure their information is accurate. If something cannot be corrected within the system, they should contact their local installation personnel readiness office or the Air Force Personnel Readiness Cell at (800) 435-9941. To use the AFPAAS system, log into the AFPAAS website, https://afpaas.af.mil/ or call (800) 435-9941 to report individual and family member status. The AFPAAS link is also found on the AFPC website, http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ , and Air Force Portal, https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp.
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Army Provides Emergency Preparation Tips
September is National Preparedness Month and the Ready Army campaign wants to increase knowledge about preparedness. The campaign's main message is "Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed." When making a kit, pack enough supplies for a minimum of three days. Develop a Family Emergency Plan including a communication plan. Get the whole family involved in planning. Be aware of the types of emergencies that threaten your area. Preparedness tips and information can be found on the
Ready Army website, http://www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy , and the Ready.gov website, http://www.ready.gov/.
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Navy Seeks Award Nominations
The U.S. Navy is currently seeking nominations for the 2010 Language Professional of the Year and the Command Language Program of the Year sponsored by the Department of Defense and the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. Period of consideration for both programs is Oct. 1, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010. All nomination packages must be received by OPNAV N13F Nov. 16, 2010.
Nomination packages may be submitted via e-mail (preferred method-- XAG_N13F1@NAVY.MIL to the followingpoints-of-contact: (1) Mr. Duane Beaudoin, OPNAV N13F1, at (703)693-7210/DSN 223, or via e-mail;and (2) CTICM Brendan Hiers, OPNAV N13F12, at (703)695-1976/DSN 225, or via e-mail -- NXAG_N13F1@NAVY.MIL .
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Air Force Fitness Challenge
Uniformed and civilian Air Force members are encouraged to participate in "Leap Into Fall," a
fitness challenge for all uniformed and civilian military members that runs through Oct. 31.
Participants may compete as individuals or as part of a group. Participants should log onto the
DoD wellness website, http://www.cpms.osd.mil/wellness/wellness, and follow the quick links to build a profile and to log their physical activity. Individuals who want to be included in the DoD participation rates should use the password "wellness" when registering, and submit their usernames to wellness@cpms.osd.mil Organized PT time for Airmen can also be counted toward the challenge.
Find all of the military fitness information you need, from news to workouts, at the Fitness Center on Military.com.
http://www.military.com/military-fitness
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Exchanges Introduce New Logo
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently launched its new 'X' logo. The new logo will
appear on 'X' AAFES advertisements, tabloids and catalogs as well as on the Shop My Exchange
website, http://www.shopmyexchange.com/default_s.aspx The AAFES hopes the new 'X' logo will simplify the many terms Army and Air Force Exchanges have been known as throughout the years. Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the Military.com Discount Center.
http://www.military.com/discounts
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New Navy Fleet Store
Final inspections have been completed for the new NEX Fleet Store and Morale, Welfare, and
Recreation ticketing and recreation facility aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Once the tenants are in place, this new NEX Fleet Store will house a NEX Mini Mart, barbershop, uniform and tailor shop with dry cleaning and laundry amenities, food court, and rental car outlet. In
addition, shipboard Sailors will also benefit from having an MWR Information Tickets & Travel office and Outdoor Adventure Center for gear rental. After the facility's businesses move in, a grand opening is planned for November, 2010. Read More.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56008
Find great discounts on products for military servicemembers only in the Military.com Discount Center.
http://www.military.com/discounts
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Myspace Comments
Air Force Seeks Award Nominations
The Air Force is seeking nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award, which is awarded annually to a wing commander and spouse team. Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their MAJCOM, FOA or DRU for applicable suspense dates and additional information regarding nomination procedures. Completed nomination packages must be sent to the Air Force
Personnel Center by March 15, 2011. For more information on this and other Air Force recognition
programs, visit the AFPC personnel services website, http://gum.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or call the Total Force Service Center toll-free at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
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Combined Federal Campaign Launches
The Defense Department recently kicked off its 2010 Combined Federal Campaign, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000
pre-screened charities. The campaign will continue through Dec. 15. CFC administrators and
volunteers reach potential donors through more than 200 local organizations, and givers may
contribute via cash, check, or payroll deduction. Pledge forms are available through local
coordinators and online at regional CFC websites. For more information, visit the Combined Federal Campaign website, http://www.opm.gov/cfc/
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Eighth Army on Facebook and Twitter
The 8th Army recently launched its own organizational Facebook and Twitter pages to better communicate with servicemembers, families and civilians. The 8th Army Facebook page can be located by searching for 8th Army-Korea or by going directly to the 8th Army-Korea Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/8th-Army-Korea/158991944114487 To receive tweets from 8th Army, visit the 8th Army-Korea Twitter page, http://twitter.com/8thArmyKorea and sign up to receive the latest information.
Follow Military.com and all of our Blogs -- get the lastest information delivered right to your Facebook or Twitter Feed.
http://www.military.com/socialmedia
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Get Screened for Prostate Cancer
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Recently, the American Urology Association changed its guidelines, and now advises talking to your doctor about getting a screening to establish a Prostate-Specific Antigen, or PSA baseline, at age 40. Establishing a healthy baseline PSA value early will give a number to compare to future PSA tests. Screenings also include the Digital Rectal Exam and blood test, and can be part of a routine regular physical. The DRE is part of the Ranger and Special Forces physical. For more information on prostate cancer and screening, visit the National Cancer Institute website, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/prostate/Patient/page2
For more information on military medical programs, visit the Military.com Benefits Channel.
http://www.military.com/benefits
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Navy Offers Flu Season Vaccinations
U.S. Navy flu season vaccinations are in full swing, with specific medical guidelines as to who can receive influenza vaccines. Patients from ages 2-49 can receive the Flumist, which is administered much like a nasal spray. Anyone older than 49 must receive injectable vaccine. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu virus types: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness during the 2009 flu season. For more information on the flu, visit the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or the Navy Medicine website, http://www.med.navy.mil/Pages/Flu_H1N1_Info.aspx.
For more information on military medical programs, visit the Military.com Benefits Channel.
http://www.military.com/benefits
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Shop Around for Auto Loans
Car dealers earn a substantial profit on the money they lend you to enable you to purchase the car. Dealers attempt to lend you money at a high interest rate. After you sign the car contract, they sell your financing to a financial institution who gives them a lower interest rate based on your credit score. Consumers make two, common pitfalls when purchasing a car: (1) consumers do not shop for the best auto loan interest rates because they do not know the difference between APR and simple interest rates, and (2) consumers negotiate monthly payments, not total price. For more car buying tips, visit Edmunds.com, http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/index.html and CarBuyingTips.com, http://www.carbuyingtips.com/
For more auto discounts and tips, visit the Military.com Auto Center.
http://www.military.com/off-duty/autos?ESRC --------------------------------------------------
Navy Requires Officers' Photos
Officers are still required to have a full-length photo in their military records. The photograph must be in color and display and include a full-length, three-quarter view of the member, left shoulder forward. The photo must be four inches in width and six inches in height. Save the picture to a hard drive, then copy and paste it into the submission form, which is NAVPERS form 1070/884 that is available on the Navy Personnel Command website, http://www.npc.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/Forms/NAVPERS/ . Type in the requested information, print the form with the picture and sign the form. Mail the completed, signed form to: Navy Personnel Command, Pers-312C, 5720 Integrity Dr., Millington, TN 38055-3120. Board schedules can be viewed on the NPC website, http://www.npc.navy.mil/channels
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Submit Spouse Award Nominations
The Air Force is soliciting nominations for both the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year and the 2011 Verne Orr awards, which are sponsored annually by the Air Force Association. Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their MAJCOM, FOA or DRU for applicable suspense dates and additional information regarding nomination procedures. Completed nomination packages must be sent to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 1, 2011. For more information, visit the AFPC personnel services website, http://gum.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or call the Total Force Service Center toll-free at (800) 525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.
For more spouse support services and resources, visit the Military Spouse Network.
http://www.military.com/military-spouse-network/page/home.html
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TRICARE Recommends Flu Shots
TRICARE and the Centers for Disease Control are encouraging all pregnant women to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. This year's influenza vaccine provides protection from three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 virus. TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines recommended by the CDC. Beneficiaries can visit participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu vaccines at no cost. To find a participating pharmacy, go to http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303. TRICARE regularly adds coverage for new vaccinations based on CDC recommendations. For more information about the vaccines recommended by CDC, visit the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
For more information on military medical programs, visit the Military.com Benefits Channel.
http://www.military.com/benefits
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Navy School Relocating
The Center for Security Forces is scheduled to relocate the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, NH on Sept. 30. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled that day featuring distinguished guests. The course is required for personnel who are designated as high risk of capture due to the nature of their military duties. SERE training is a 12-day Code of Conduct course designed to give students the skills necessary to survive and evade capture, and if captured, resist interrogation and escape. For more information about SERE school, visit the SERE Course Information Web page, https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/Courses.aspx
For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the Military.com Education Channel.
http://www.military.com/education
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
It is not too early to prepare to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed during October. Find out what your local community and installation are doing to observe DVAM by contacting your Family Advocacy Program, http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/ and Victim Advocates. To locate military-specific domestic abuse resources and public service announcements, visit Military OneSource, http://www.militaryonesource.com/home.aspx?MRole=&Branch=&Component= and MilitaryHOMEFRONT, http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/sp/fap Links to DVAM resources are available on the Military Community and Family Policy Web page, http://cs.mhf.dod.mil/content/dav/mhf/QOL-Library/MHF/257445.html To speak with a DoD Victim Advocate, contact Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453).
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Sailors Can Register to Vote
Sailors and their families can register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website and using the online registration and absentee ballot assistant to submit an absentee ballot request to their state. The states will begin mailing ballots out 45 days before the general election, which is on Nov. 2. If they have not received their ballots by Oct. 2, Sailors can use the federal write-in absentee ballot as a back-up by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program website and using the automated assistance to complete the FWAB. For more information, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, http://www.fvap.gov/ or a command voting assistance officer.
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New Navy Course Available
The Navy's new Damage Control Petty Officer course is now available through Navy eLearning on Navy Knowledge Online. This upgrade to the retired Damage Control Shipboard Training Enhancement Program course offers Sailors significant improvements including current technology, equipment, functionality and tracking. Moving the DCPO course from compact disk to Navy eLearning allows instant updates to course materials, enables progress and completion monitoring and maintains a permanent record of transcripts. The DCPO course can be accessed from virtually anywhere a computer is available. For more information on the DCPO course (catalog code A-495-0400-V2), visit the NKO website, http://www.nko.navy.mil/ For more on military education programs and benefits, visit the Military.com Education Channel.
http://www.military.com/education
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www.MilitaryReport.com
Published by Military.com
Editors: Terry Howell & John Harper
Editorial Questions: http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1?file=FAQ
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Posted for you with thanks from a grateful nation.
With Love in Christ
Rev. Barb Sexton
"The Biblical Bichemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
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