U. S. Army Warrant Officers Association

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USAWOA News

 

Additional USAWOA Annual Meeting information and AMM website now available - see more. 7/3/09

 

USAWOA Scholarship Foundation announces Scholarship Winners for the 2009-2010 school year - see more. 7/3/09

 

USAWOA Annual Fund Raiser Early Bird Drawing - On June 29th the second Early Bird drawing for a $500 U.S. Savings Bond was held and the winner was Sylvester Saunders of Augusta, GA. The ticket was sold by Willie Battle. On April 25th the first Early Bird drawing for a $500 U.S. Saving Bond was held.  The winner was Stephen Tucker, the spouse of WO1 Linda Tucker and they live in Mississippi.  This tickets were returned to the drum to possibly be drawn again during the final drawing.  This is a large part of how we can go without raising our dues.  All sales end July 13th with the final drawing on July 25th. All members are encouraged to participate. See the mailing you received for more information. Updated 6/30/09

 

Preliminary 2009 Annual Meeting information available - online registration and more coming soon! Business, General, Professional Development, and Board of Directors Agendas posted. Information on Pre-AMM Golf Match and Tours available also posted - see more. Website for online registration and more will be available soon! Updated 6/11/09

 

Updated National Awards Manual (M900-1) Approved by the Board of Directors - view/download the manual. 6/4/09

 

Don Stivers’ Warrant Officer Print “LET GO!” - USAWOA offers the unique Warrant Officer art by contemporary military artist Don Stivers. One thousand prints commissioned. Each will show the USAWOA logo, serial number, & the signature of the artist. The artwork commemorates the birth of the Army Warrant Officer Corps: that being the July 1918 act of Congress founding the Army Mine Planter Service as part of the Coast Artillery Corps.  The act designated warrant officers to serve as masters, mates, chief engineers & assistant engineers of mine-planting vessels - see more.

 

For stories & pictures featuring Members, Chapters, & fellow Warrant Officers - see People in the News.

For issues and legislation supported by USAWOA - see Legislative Activities. See also Warrant Officer Pay Compression Chronology.

 

For Member Benefits and Services - see Member Services.

 

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Army, Defense, Government, and MWR News

 (See also Warrant Officer Recruiting and Retention)

| America Supports You | Support Our Troops | In Memoriam | Stories of Valor | Warrant Officer Net | USA.gov |

 

Army Referral Bonus Program Suspended - Effective July 1, 2009, the $2K Referral Bonus Program ($2K) is suspended. Referrals submitted after COB 1 July 2009 will not qualify for the referral bonus. All referrals submitted prior to 1 July, 2009 must enlist into the Army or Army Reserve not later than 30 September, 2009 in order for the sponsor to qualify for the referral bonus. 6/30/09

 

DoD Announces Transferability Options For “Post 9/11 GI Bill” - On June 23, 2009 the Defense Department announced its policy for transferring educational benefits to the spouses and children of service members under the “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009. In a nutshell, any enlisted or commissioned member of the armed forces serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve on or after Aug. 1 will be eligible to transfer their benefits -- as long as they qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet specific service requirements.  See also Army Rules spelled out for G.I. Bill transferability. 6/30/09

 

Privatization of U.S. Army Lodging to Raise Quality of Life for Soldiers on the Move - The U.S. Army today announced that it will transfer the first 10 installations under the Army's Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program on August 15, 2009.  The transfer is a reinforcement of the U.S. Army's commitment to improving its transient lodging to enhance the quality of life of soldiers and their families.  Actus Lend Lease will perform the redevelopment of the lodging facilities and lodging operations will be assumed by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). See more at www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12746.  6/16/09

 

NDAA 2010: On 11 June several subcommittees of the House Armed Forces Committee met to markup their respective portions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) H.R. 2647.  One of them, the Military Personnel Subcommittee, headed by Chairwoman Susan Davis (D-CA), had a brief 10-minute meeting.   Chairwoman Davis and Ranking Member Joe Wilson (R-SC), announced that their subcommittee had approved a 3.4% pay raise for active duty troops; authorized an increase of 30,000 in active duty end strength for the Army; expanded chiropractic care to all active duty service members; extended Tricare Reserve Select to “Grey Area” retirees who have not reached age 60; requiring a medical exam prior to the involuntary separation of service members with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury. A notable exclusion that Chairwoman Davis addressed was that they were unable to include a disability compensation provision for Chapter 61 retirees that President Obama had requested in his budget submission.  She stated the subcommittee was unable to find the mandatory offsets to pay for the $5.1 billion proposal, but that the Democratic leadership is working with the committee and a resolution to the issue is expected. Earlier veterans organizations were briefed by the minority staff of the House Armed Service Committee on an amendment they intend to offer when consideration by the full Committee begins on the 16 JUN.  The entire Republican membership of the Committee signed a letter asking the Chairman of the Budget Committee, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC), to permit use of the reserve fund set aside by section 324 of the budget resolution.  These funds could, in a deficit neutral way, allow the completion of the process of full concurrent receipt for all disabled military retirees, eliminate the SBP/DIC offset, and improve healthcare for reserve component members. [Source: NAUS Weekly Update 12 Jun 09 ++] 6/16/09

 

Army Reverses Policy to Allow Troops to Use Social Networking Sites - American soldiers can now tweet, send friend requests and share photos and personal news just like the rest of the free world. The U.S. Army is reversing a years-long policy of blocking the Web hotspots on military networks, ordering its network managers to allow access to social media sites - see more. (Courtesy FoxNews.com) 9/16/09

 

Quadrennial Defense Review Fact Sheet Available - People who are interested in learning more about the Defense Department's Quadrennial Defense Review process can do so by just accessing the QDR fact sheet. The QDR takes a long-term, strategic view of the Department of Defense and will explore ways to balance achieving success in current conflicts with preparing for long-term challenges. The QDR is performed every four years; previous QDRs were conducted in 1997, 2001, and 2006. 6/9/09

 

In June 2009 a Warrant Officer Leader Development Overview Briefing was released by the Army Leader Development Office, Fort Leavenworth, KS. The briefing provides updates on the status of the five active WO-specific leader development initiatives included in the program:  Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course Redesign; Transform Warrant Officer Education; Include Warrant Officers in Army Research Institute (ARI) Survey of Officer Careers; Warrant Officer Professional Military Education (PME) Course Completion Requirement; and WO1 Commissioning.  The ALDP is now the Army's process for moving forward leader development initiatives across all components, cohorts, and domains - see briefing. 6/9/2009

 

Defense Department Launches Official Military Blogging Platform - The Defense Department has unveiled "DoDLive," a centrally linked and unified platform from which services can create and maintain blogs. This blogging tool allows all branches of the military an opportunity to establish an official blog about their command, organization or unit. Having a central blogging capability means that not only can readers know they're receiving reliable content, but it enables conversations through which the Department of Defense can learn and grow. Beta testing of the platform began in January. Since its soft launch, the Air Force and Army added service-specific blogs, and the Coast Guard is expected to join in soon. The department's official blog is at http://DoDLive.mil. The Official Army Blog can be found at http://armylive.dodlive.mil - see full story. 6/2/2009

 

2009 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors - Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. This booklet contains a summary of these benefits effective Jan. 1, 2009. For additional information se the booklet. 6/2/2009

 

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Awards, Decorations, Uniforms and Insignia

 

NEW CAMPAIGN STREAMERS FOR OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM AND OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM - On April 16, 2008, the Undersecretary of Defense approved four named campaigns for OIF and three named campaigns for OEF.  Of these seven campaigns, five are closed and two are ongoing.  On 9 Dec 08, the Institute of Heraldry (TIOH) approved streamers for the five closed campaigns.  Streamers for the two ongoing campaigns, and any campaigns named thereafter, will be created and produced when those campaigns are closed.  Manufacture of streamers has been authorized  for the five closed campaigns.  Units that have received campaign participation credit (CPC) and the "Afghanistan" or "Iraq" campaign streamers for service in the OIF/OEF theaters of operation are eligible to receive and display the appropriate new streamer(s).  The previously issued "Afghanistan" and "Iraq" streamers will be removed from the unit colors prior to adding the new streamer(s).  Units that have received a Global War on Terrorism streamer will retain that streamer.  Separate campaigns have not been named for the Global War on Terrorism areas of operation.  See the message for more information, and instructions on how to obtain the new streamer(s). 6/4/09

 

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Pay, Allowances, and Insurance

(Military, Civil Service, Retirees, & Veterans)

Millions Face Reduced Social Security Checks in 2010 - It's not any new nefarious plot, but a combination of circumstances that have never happened before could cause millions to see a reduction in their Social Security benefit. The likelihood that Social Security annuitants won’t receive a COLA increase in 2009, coupled with Medicare Part B increases for some eligible (but not others) likely will cause many Medicare-eligible folks to see a net reduction in their 2010 Social Security checks. (Courtesy MOAA 6/2/09)

 

Army to fund foreclosure-driven local moves - Government-funded local moves are now authorized for soldiers and Army families forced to leave rental housing because of foreclosure actions against owners and landlords. The authorization announced May 5 by the Army applies to soldiers of all components on active duty, including those in Title 10 and Title 32 status with the Active Guard and Reserve program. [ Read More Courtesy ArmyTimes.com ] 5/12/09

 

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Warrant Officer Recruiting and Retention

(Includes Bonus Information and Incentive Programs - Read top to bottom)

| Human Resource Command Officer Incentive Pay Webpage |

 

Army Warrant Officers Needed - The Army is looking for highly motivated soldiers, marines, sailors, and airman to fill its Warrant Officer ranks. Positions are open in all 45 specialties if you qualify. Soldiers with less than 12 years active federal service (AFS) are encouraged to apply. For active Army information, contact the Warrant Officer Recruiting Team at <www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/Warrant.htm> or DSN 536-0484, 0458. 0488, 0478, 0271, 1860. For Army National Guard Warrant Officer information see the website at  <www.1800goguard.com/warrant> and for Army Reserve Warrant Officer information and applications see the  website at <www.usarc.army.mil/retn/RTD/wo_oview.htm>.

 

Army Warrant Officer Recruiting Team Upcoming Visits - go to the USAREC WO Team Site, click on 'Warrant Officer Recruiting Site Quick Links' and select 'Briefing Schedule'. USAWOA encourages all serving Warrant Officers to support the effort to recruit the warrant officers of the future. Take time out to attend a briefing when it is in your area!

 

The Army officer/warrant officer Call to Active Duty (CAD) program  - This program is used to fill active component branch/functional area shortages (Army Competitive Category only) and is an opportunity for reserve component (RC) officers and warrant officers to serve in the active component.  The current CAD program includes RC LTs assigned to the IRR.  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 MILITARY INTELLIGENCE WARRANT OFFICER CRITICAL SKILLS ACCESSION BONUS (CSAB) PROGRAM Announced - The message extends the Military Intelligence Warrant Officer Critical Skills Accession Bonus (MI CSAB) Program through 30 Sep 09 and reduces the number of associated eligible military occupational specialties.  This message is for active duty enlisted Soldiers and officers only.  AGR and mobilized reserve / national guard Soldiers are not authorized to participate in this program.  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 AVIATOR CONTINUATION PAY (ACP) PROGRAM FOR 152F/152H AND 154C/154F AVIATORS WITH TARGETED BASIC ACTIVE SERVICE DATE (BASD) - 19 TO 24 YEARS - AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATION IDENTIFIERS (SQI - C, F, H, G, L) announced: This program applies to active Army aviation warrant officers only.  AGR and mobilized reserve warrant officers are not authorized to participate in this program.  The Army is offering a 152F/152H, 154C/154F BASD (1 Oct 85 to 30 Sep 90) ACP program to aviators within warrant officer primary military occupational specialties (PMOS WO) 152F/152H and 154C/154F who are fully eligible for continued service.  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 AVIATOR CONTINUATION PAY (ACP) PROGRAM (154C/F - 7 TO 14 YEAR BASD - INSTRUCTOR PILOT (IP); SENIOR INSTRUCTOR PILOT AND INSTRUMENT FLIGHT EXAMINER (IFE); AND STANDARDIZATION INSTRUCTOR PILOT (SIP)) announced.  This program applies to active Army aviation warrant officers in PMOS WO 154C/154F with SQI C/F/H and BASD 1 Oct 95 to 30 Sep 02 (must have completed initial six years ADSO from initial flight school).  Army reserve, including AGR and mobilized reserve warrant officers are not authorized to participate in this program.  The Army is offering an ACP "IP" program for 154C/154F in FY09.  The purpose of this program is to stabilize the active duty 154C/154F warrant officer instructor pilot - (IP - SQI C); senior instructor pilot/instrument flight examiner (IFE - SQI F); and standardization instructor pilot (SIP - SQI H) inventory by encouraging these aviators to extend their active duty service obligations (ADSO).  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 AVIATION CONTINUATION PAY (ACP) PROGRAM (MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (MTP) AND MAINTENANCE TEST FLIGHT EVALUATORS (MTFE)) announced.  This program applies to active Army aviation warrant officers only.  Army reserve, including AGR and mobilized reserve warrant officers are not authorized to participate in this program.   The Army is again offering the ACP program to include most aviation warrant officer, rotary wing, primary military occupational specialties in FY09.  The purpose of this management program is to stabilize the active duty warrant maintenance test pilot - (MTP - SQI G) and maintenance test flight evaluator (MTFE - SQI L) inventory by encouraging these aviators to extend their active duty service obligations (ADSO).  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 AVIATION CONTINUATION PAY (ACP) PROGRAM (SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATORS (SOAR)) announced.  This program applies to active Army warrant officer aviators only.  Mobilized reserve and national guard aviators are not eligible to participate in the FY 09 ACP program.  Active guard and reserve (AGR) warrant officers are not eligible to participate in the FY 09 ACP program.  The Army continues to offer the ACP program to include most aviation warrant officer primary military occupational specialties assigned to the special operations force in FY09.  The purpose of this management program is to stabilize the SOAR warrant officer active duty aviation inventory by encouraging the aviators to extend their active duty service obligations (ADSO).  See the message for specifics.

 

FY09 AVIATOR CONTINUATION PAY (ACP) PROGRAM (TACTICAL OPERATIONS WARRANT OFFICERS (TACOPS - SQI I) announced.  This program applies to active Army aviation warrant officers only.  Army reserve, including AGR and mobilized reserve warrant officers are not authorized to participate in this program.  The Army is offering a new ACP program to include most aviation warrant officer rotary wing primary military occupational specialties in FY 09.  The purpose of this management program is to stabilize the active duty warrant tactical operations warrant officer pilots - (TACOPS Off - SQI I) inventory by encouraging these aviators to extend their active duty service obligations (ADSO).  See the message for specifics.

 

Other Recruiting and Retention Resources:

 

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Commissary, Exchange, & MWR News

| AAFES | Exchange Online Mall | USMC Exchange | USN Exchange | USCG Exchange |

| DeCA Commissary | Virtual Commissary | Army Moral, Welfare and Recreation |

 

AAFES Revs Up Service with Firestone Care Car Centers - The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is teaming up with Firestone Complete Auto Care to provide services at 30 Army posts and Air Force bases throughout the continental United States. The partnership has already brought Firestone Care Centers’ tire and battery, oil, brake, alignment, steering/suspension and general automotive repair services onto several installations, including Ft. Hood, Scott AFB and Ft. Sill. Firestone’s repair prices at AAFES locations will be discounted 10 percent while lubrication costs will be 5 percent cheaper than off-post prices. Firestone will also include free tire rotation, balancing and repair for authorized shoppers who purchase tire service agreements from AAFES. 6/30/09

 

Deployed or TDY patrons have until 2010 to redeem CertifiChecks - Authorized patrons who were deployed or away on temporary duty from Mar. 6 - Jul. 31, 2009, will have more time to redeem their commissary CertifiCheck gift certificates. These customers now have until July 31, 2010, to redeem gift certificates in a military commissary. The 2010 date applies only to individuals who qualify for the deployment and TDY extension. To take advantage of the extension, customers who were deployed or on temporary duty for the entire period from March 6 to July 31, 2009, must complete a form and have it signed by a supervisor, certifying that the duty took place from Mar. 6-Jul. 31, 2009. The necessary form can be downloaded from the DeCA Web site by accessing the following link www.commissaries.com/CertificheckForm.pdf. It also will be available in store customer service areas and cash offices. The customer must present the signed form along with the gift certificate to a cashier at the point of purchase. Units, organizations and other customers who did not deploy or travel on official duty during the period noted must still redeem their commissary gift certificates by July 31, 2009. 6/30/09

 

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For Current News in additional topic areas see index above.

 

 

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USAWOA Online 7/3/2009