By Donna Miles
July 29, 2008
Recently wounded combat troops are here getting advice and encouragement from those who understand best what they’re up against: other disabled veterans who have learned to live with their disabilities.
Veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including five current patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, are among about 500 participants in the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
The event is cosponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, and is open to all veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations and other conditions that impair mobility.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50625
Thursday, July 31, 2008
New GI Bill Provides Increased Educational Benefits
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
July 28, 2008
The latest GI Bill considerably improves the opportunity for today’s servicemembers to obtain their education, a senior Defense Department official said.
President Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 on June 30. The new law mirrors the tenets of the original GI Bill, which gave returning World War II veterans the opportunity to go to any school they wanted while receiving a living stipend, Bob Clark, the Pentagon’s assistant director of accessions policy, said.
“The original GI Bill was said to be one of the most significant social impacts of the 20th century,” Clark said. “We believe the new bill is going to have a similar impact.”
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50620
July 28, 2008
The latest GI Bill considerably improves the opportunity for today’s servicemembers to obtain their education, a senior Defense Department official said.
President Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 on June 30. The new law mirrors the tenets of the original GI Bill, which gave returning World War II veterans the opportunity to go to any school they wanted while receiving a living stipend, Bob Clark, the Pentagon’s assistant director of accessions policy, said.
“The original GI Bill was said to be one of the most significant social impacts of the 20th century,” Clark said. “We believe the new bill is going to have a similar impact.”
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50620
Appropriators worry VA isn't capitalizing on IT centralization
By Bob Brewin,
07/28/08
Senate appropriators are concerned that centralization of Veterans Affairs Department information technology operations has failed to improve efficiency, according to a report accompanying the fiscal 2009 VA spending bill.
Comment on this article in The Forum.VA restructured its IT operations in April 2007, giving the Office of Information and Technology central decision-making authority. The new structure replaced a highly decentralized system where VA organizations such as the Veterans Health Administration, and even individual medical centers, ran their own IT show.
But the report, released early last week, said members of the Senate Appropriations Committee have "repeatedly heard complaints that VA's Office of Information and Technology has not established standardized policies and procedures for requesting and receiving information technology services, equipment…and has not established a clear organizational structure."
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080728_3455.php
07/28/08
Senate appropriators are concerned that centralization of Veterans Affairs Department information technology operations has failed to improve efficiency, according to a report accompanying the fiscal 2009 VA spending bill.
Comment on this article in The Forum.VA restructured its IT operations in April 2007, giving the Office of Information and Technology central decision-making authority. The new structure replaced a highly decentralized system where VA organizations such as the Veterans Health Administration, and even individual medical centers, ran their own IT show.
But the report, released early last week, said members of the Senate Appropriations Committee have "repeatedly heard complaints that VA's Office of Information and Technology has not established standardized policies and procedures for requesting and receiving information technology services, equipment…and has not established a clear organizational structure."
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080728_3455.php
Disabled employees make up less than 1 percent of the federal workforce
By Alyssa Rosenberg
July 25, 2008
Disabled employees represent 0.92 percent of the federal workforce, a decrease of nearly 15 percent since 1997.
"There are laws and regulations [on] the need to go out and hire and recruit people with disabilities," said Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner Christine Griffin, who announced the new statistics on Wednesday at Two Percent by 2010, a conference in Washington. "We have more of a hook, frankly. Our hook is that we actually have laws and regulations that say to the federal government, you need to do a good job in this area. And frankly, despite these laws, we're doing a terrible job."
Griffin and other leaders called on the federal government to set a goal of increasing the representation of disabled people in the workforce to 2 percent by 2010. The three Cabinet-level departments with the highest number of disabled workers are Treasury with 1.73 percent, Veterans Affairs with 1.49 percent and Education with 1.36 percent. Those departments with the fewest disabled employees are Homeland Security with 0.42 percent, Justice with 0.39 percent and State with 0.36 percent.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072508ar1.htm
July 25, 2008
Disabled employees represent 0.92 percent of the federal workforce, a decrease of nearly 15 percent since 1997.
"There are laws and regulations [on] the need to go out and hire and recruit people with disabilities," said Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner Christine Griffin, who announced the new statistics on Wednesday at Two Percent by 2010, a conference in Washington. "We have more of a hook, frankly. Our hook is that we actually have laws and regulations that say to the federal government, you need to do a good job in this area. And frankly, despite these laws, we're doing a terrible job."
Griffin and other leaders called on the federal government to set a goal of increasing the representation of disabled people in the workforce to 2 percent by 2010. The three Cabinet-level departments with the highest number of disabled workers are Treasury with 1.73 percent, Veterans Affairs with 1.49 percent and Education with 1.36 percent. Those departments with the fewest disabled employees are Homeland Security with 0.42 percent, Justice with 0.39 percent and State with 0.36 percent.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072508ar1.htm
Vet care spending is at record leve
By Gregg Zoroya - USA Today
July 23, 2008
The federal government is spending more money on veterans than at any time in modern history, surpassing the tidal wave of spending following World War II and the demilitarizing of millions of troops.
Expenditures hit $82 billion in 2007 because of the rising cost of health care, the expense of caring for an aging population of mostly Vietnam veterans and a new crop of severely wounded troops from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That exceeds the $80 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars spent in 1947 after most of the 16.1 million Americans serving in World War II left the service, according to a Congressional Research Service report submitted to Congress last month.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/gns_va_budget_072308/
July 23, 2008
The federal government is spending more money on veterans than at any time in modern history, surpassing the tidal wave of spending following World War II and the demilitarizing of millions of troops.
Expenditures hit $82 billion in 2007 because of the rising cost of health care, the expense of caring for an aging population of mostly Vietnam veterans and a new crop of severely wounded troops from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That exceeds the $80 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars spent in 1947 after most of the 16.1 million Americans serving in World War II left the service, according to a Congressional Research Service report submitted to Congress last month.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/gns_va_budget_072308/
Where telework isn’t working
By Stephen Losey
July 20, 2008
Scheduling a small office with herself and three other employees is tricky business, says Tamara Adams of the General Services Administration.
The Chicago-based human resources manager has to navigate everybody’s vacations, alternative work schedules, flex days, sick days and — most recently — telework days to make sure someone is always around to help her on any given day. One of her specialists teleworks once a week; soon, the other two specialists in her office will begin teleworking regularly as well. “I may need one of those transparent overlays to track everybody,” she said.
Like Adams, many managers across government say they see the benefit of teleworking, but they question whether the effort to promote more teleworking is worth the trouble.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3634199
July 20, 2008
Scheduling a small office with herself and three other employees is tricky business, says Tamara Adams of the General Services Administration.
The Chicago-based human resources manager has to navigate everybody’s vacations, alternative work schedules, flex days, sick days and — most recently — telework days to make sure someone is always around to help her on any given day. One of her specialists teleworks once a week; soon, the other two specialists in her office will begin teleworking regularly as well. “I may need one of those transparent overlays to track everybody,” she said.
Like Adams, many managers across government say they see the benefit of teleworking, but they question whether the effort to promote more teleworking is worth the trouble.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3634199
At DoD, retired officers gaining edge in hiring
By STEPHEN LOSEY
The Defense Department is increasingly turning to retired military officers to fill its top civilian ranks. And some experts worry that career civil servants without military experience are falling behind.
Retired service members are often viewed as more qualified than career civilians because the military provides them more education, training and leadership opportunities, experts say.
“No doubt there are some very fine retired military doing a great job,” said Carol Bonosaro, president of the Senior Executives Association. “But they certainly have a leg up. In the military, as you move up through the ranks, it’s pretty clear what you do to be successful. That’s not been clear on the civilian side, nor has it been fair.”
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3644792
The Defense Department is increasingly turning to retired military officers to fill its top civilian ranks. And some experts worry that career civil servants without military experience are falling behind.
Retired service members are often viewed as more qualified than career civilians because the military provides them more education, training and leadership opportunities, experts say.
“No doubt there are some very fine retired military doing a great job,” said Carol Bonosaro, president of the Senior Executives Association. “But they certainly have a leg up. In the military, as you move up through the ranks, it’s pretty clear what you do to be successful. That’s not been clear on the civilian side, nor has it been fair.”
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3644792
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
President Truman Championed Military Integration
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008
The idea that President Harry S. Truman would integrate the armed forces in 1948 was counterintuitive.
Truman, after all, was the product of a segregated society in Missouri. He served as an artillery captain in the segregated World War I Army. He had a reputation as a machine politician who didn’t rock the boat.
There was really nothing in his biography to suggest he would champion integration.
Yet less than four months before the 1948 presidential election, Truman signed Executive Order 9981.
“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin,” the July 26, 1948, executive order read in part.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50561
July 23, 2008
The idea that President Harry S. Truman would integrate the armed forces in 1948 was counterintuitive.
Truman, after all, was the product of a segregated society in Missouri. He served as an artillery captain in the segregated World War I Army. He had a reputation as a machine politician who didn’t rock the boat.
There was really nothing in his biography to suggest he would champion integration.
Yet less than four months before the 1948 presidential election, Truman signed Executive Order 9981.
“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin,” the July 26, 1948, executive order read in part.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50561
Historian Charts Six Decades of Racial Integration in U.S. Military
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
July 23, 2008
July 26 marks the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s executive order that integrated the U.S. armed forces.
Conrad Crane, director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., said the order recognized a basic tenet of warfare.
“When your life depends on your buddy, the color of their skin tends to become less important; it’s how good they are,” he said.
The order came five years before the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that struck down the idea of “separate, but equal” and ushered in integration of American schools.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50560
July 23, 2008
July 26 marks the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s executive order that integrated the U.S. armed forces.
Conrad Crane, director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., said the order recognized a basic tenet of warfare.
“When your life depends on your buddy, the color of their skin tends to become less important; it’s how good they are,” he said.
The order came five years before the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that struck down the idea of “separate, but equal” and ushered in integration of American schools.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50560
Pentagon Official Calls Integrated Military ‘Model of Diversity’
By John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service
July 22, 2008
The U.S. armed forces have exemplified racial diversity since integrating 60 years ago, but further efforts are necessary to diversify military leadership, a Pentagon official said today.
On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order that led to racial equality among servicemembers. Six decades later, the Defense Department now boasts a diverse work force of roughly 3 million employees.
“The military has been a model for the nation,” Clarence Johnson, DoD’s principal director and director of civilian equal employment opportunity, said in an interview. “Other institutions look at us and see what programs that we’re putting in place.”
Johnson, a former Air Force colonel, said diversity of the services creates a wider talent pool to recruit from, and allows for a more productive and prepared force.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50571
July 22, 2008
The U.S. armed forces have exemplified racial diversity since integrating 60 years ago, but further efforts are necessary to diversify military leadership, a Pentagon official said today.
On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order that led to racial equality among servicemembers. Six decades later, the Defense Department now boasts a diverse work force of roughly 3 million employees.
“The military has been a model for the nation,” Clarence Johnson, DoD’s principal director and director of civilian equal employment opportunity, said in an interview. “Other institutions look at us and see what programs that we’re putting in place.”
Johnson, a former Air Force colonel, said diversity of the services creates a wider talent pool to recruit from, and allows for a more productive and prepared force.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50571
Agencies to boost efforts to hire more disabled employees, report says
By Alyssa Rosenberg arosenberg@govexec.com
July 22, 2008
The federal government is missing an opportunity by not reaching out more aggressively to people with disabilities to replace retiring employees, according to a report released on Monday by TMP Worldwide, a recruitment advertising firm.
"Public sector agencies lag seriously behind in recruiting and retaining people with disabilities," wrote report authors Mark Harvard and John Bersentes. "To call this result perplexing is -- at the least -- an understatement....Research has demonstrated that the typical individual with a disability is a more engaged, more loyal and more technologically adept employee than the average worker in the general population."
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found in 2006 that the number of disabled federal employees fell from 1.18 percent in 1996 to 0.94 percent 19 years later. Disabled employees often are not found in senior leadership positions: only 0.46 percent of the Senior Executive Service was disabled in 2006.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072208ar1.htm
July 22, 2008
The federal government is missing an opportunity by not reaching out more aggressively to people with disabilities to replace retiring employees, according to a report released on Monday by TMP Worldwide, a recruitment advertising firm.
"Public sector agencies lag seriously behind in recruiting and retaining people with disabilities," wrote report authors Mark Harvard and John Bersentes. "To call this result perplexing is -- at the least -- an understatement....Research has demonstrated that the typical individual with a disability is a more engaged, more loyal and more technologically adept employee than the average worker in the general population."
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found in 2006 that the number of disabled federal employees fell from 1.18 percent in 1996 to 0.94 percent 19 years later. Disabled employees often are not found in senior leadership positions: only 0.46 percent of the Senior Executive Service was disabled in 2006.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072208ar1.htm
Military Health System plans to 'evolve' electronic record system
By: Bob Brewin
07/22/08
Although its electronic health record systems has significant limitations, the Military Health System does not plan to replace it, according to the head of the Defense Department's health affairs.
Comment on this article in The Forum. Instead, MHS plans to work toward "converged evolution" of the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) electronic health record system and VistA, the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture, said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of Defense for health affairs said in an interview with NextGov.
VA Secretary Dr. James Peake is personally involved in the effort to converge the electronic health record systems of the two agencies. Casscells did not provide any details on how the systems would be combined or on a timeline. But he expects a decision to be made within a week. An MHS spokesman said Congress would be briefed on the plan by the end of the month. A VA spokeswoman did not return calls for comment by deadline.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080722_6559.php
07/22/08
Although its electronic health record systems has significant limitations, the Military Health System does not plan to replace it, according to the head of the Defense Department's health affairs.
Comment on this article in The Forum. Instead, MHS plans to work toward "converged evolution" of the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) electronic health record system and VistA, the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture, said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of Defense for health affairs said in an interview with NextGov.
VA Secretary Dr. James Peake is personally involved in the effort to converge the electronic health record systems of the two agencies. Casscells did not provide any details on how the systems would be combined or on a timeline. But he expects a decision to be made within a week. An MHS spokesman said Congress would be briefed on the plan by the end of the month. A VA spokeswoman did not return calls for comment by deadline.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080722_6559.php
Democratic leaders weigh defense bill as vehicle for continuing resolution
By Christian Bourge, CongressDaily
July 21, 2008
House Democratic leaders are considering using the stalled fiscal 2009 Defense appropriations bill as a vehicle for a continuing resolution to fund the federal government into the next administration, according to senior Democratic sources.
"It is a real possibility," said one Democratic leadership aide.
Democratic staffers stressed that a final decision has yet to be made, but they noted President Bush would not be able to veto the defense measure, making it an attractive vehicle.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40514&dcn=todaysnews
July 21, 2008
House Democratic leaders are considering using the stalled fiscal 2009 Defense appropriations bill as a vehicle for a continuing resolution to fund the federal government into the next administration, according to senior Democratic sources.
"It is a real possibility," said one Democratic leadership aide.
Democratic staffers stressed that a final decision has yet to be made, but they noted President Bush would not be able to veto the defense measure, making it an attractive vehicle.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40514&dcn=todaysnews
Defense Department to Deliver More, Improved Child Care
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2008
Last week’s ribbon-cutting at the largest military child care center underscores the Defense Department’s commitment to providing more and better child-care for military families, a senior defense official said.
A July 15 ribbon-cutting at Fort Myer, Va., marked the official opening of a new 50,831-square-foot facility that serves children from birth to age 12. The space can serve up to 438 children, with an atrium, activity rooms, computer labs, multipurpose room, kitchen, laundry and space for outdoor activity, post officials reported.
The new center represents another step toward the Defense Department’s goal of opening 20 new child-care centers this fiscal year, Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy’s children and youth directorate, told American Forces Press Service. Over the next few years, this will provide 5,025 additional child-care spaces, she said.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50552
July 21, 2008
Last week’s ribbon-cutting at the largest military child care center underscores the Defense Department’s commitment to providing more and better child-care for military families, a senior defense official said.
A July 15 ribbon-cutting at Fort Myer, Va., marked the official opening of a new 50,831-square-foot facility that serves children from birth to age 12. The space can serve up to 438 children, with an atrium, activity rooms, computer labs, multipurpose room, kitchen, laundry and space for outdoor activity, post officials reported.
The new center represents another step toward the Defense Department’s goal of opening 20 new child-care centers this fiscal year, Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy’s children and youth directorate, told American Forces Press Service. Over the next few years, this will provide 5,025 additional child-care spaces, she said.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50552
Officials Seek Enlisted Medical Community’s Input for Web Portal
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2008
The Defense Department is looking for input from the enlisted medical community as it sets up a new Web portal that will enable medics and corpsmen to share lessons learned and suggest ways to improve patient care.
The portal will provide a forum for the estimated 80,000 enlisted medical professionals to exchange insights as they share experience and expertise, Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick, director of strategic communications for the Military Health System, said today during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service. The site will serve enlisted active-duty and reserve-component members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Navy corpsmen serve the Marine Corps.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50551
July 21, 2008
The Defense Department is looking for input from the enlisted medical community as it sets up a new Web portal that will enable medics and corpsmen to share lessons learned and suggest ways to improve patient care.
The portal will provide a forum for the estimated 80,000 enlisted medical professionals to exchange insights as they share experience and expertise, Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick, director of strategic communications for the Military Health System, said today during an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service. The site will serve enlisted active-duty and reserve-component members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Navy corpsmen serve the Marine Corps.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50551
More injured vets could get insurance payouts
By Rick Maze
Friday Jul 18, 2008
More than 1,600 severely disabled veterans could receive retroactive traumatic injury insurance payments as a result of a newly released review of how benefits have been paid under the 3½-year-old supplemental benefits program.
The payments, ranging between $25,000 and $100,000, could be paid as early as this fall as a result of discussions between the Department of Veterans Affairs, which runs the program, and doctors who are treating severely wounded combat veterans. The average retroactive payment would be $32,000, according to the review, dated July 2008.
About 4,400 people have received traumatic injury insurance payments since the program was created in 2005. The estimated 1,640 people who would receive retroactive benefits as a result of the review include some who did not previously qualify and some who received payments but would now get more, according to VA officials.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_traumaticinjury_insurance_071708w/
Friday Jul 18, 2008
More than 1,600 severely disabled veterans could receive retroactive traumatic injury insurance payments as a result of a newly released review of how benefits have been paid under the 3½-year-old supplemental benefits program.
The payments, ranging between $25,000 and $100,000, could be paid as early as this fall as a result of discussions between the Department of Veterans Affairs, which runs the program, and doctors who are treating severely wounded combat veterans. The average retroactive payment would be $32,000, according to the review, dated July 2008.
About 4,400 people have received traumatic injury insurance payments since the program was created in 2005. The estimated 1,640 people who would receive retroactive benefits as a result of the review include some who did not previously qualify and some who received payments but would now get more, according to VA officials.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_traumaticinjury_insurance_071708w/
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Military assault victims face tough recovery
By Kimberly Hefling - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 22, 2008 10:59:27 EDT
YORK, Pa. — It took Diane Pickel Plappert six months to tell a counselor that she had been raped while on duty in Iraq. While time passed, the former Navy nurse disconnected from her children and her life slowly unraveled.
Carolyn Schapper says she was harassed in Iraq by a fellow Army National Guard soldier to the extent that she began changing clothes in the shower for fear he’d barge into her room unannounced — as he already had on several occasions.
Even as women distinguish themselves in battle alongside men, they’re fighting off sexual assault and harassment. It’s not a new consequence of war. But the sheer number of women serving today — more than 190,000 so far in Iraq and Afghanistan — is forcing the military and Department of Veterans Affairs to more aggressively address it.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_sexualassault_072108/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 22, 2008 10:59:27 EDT
YORK, Pa. — It took Diane Pickel Plappert six months to tell a counselor that she had been raped while on duty in Iraq. While time passed, the former Navy nurse disconnected from her children and her life slowly unraveled.
Carolyn Schapper says she was harassed in Iraq by a fellow Army National Guard soldier to the extent that she began changing clothes in the shower for fear he’d barge into her room unannounced — as he already had on several occasions.
Even as women distinguish themselves in battle alongside men, they’re fighting off sexual assault and harassment. It’s not a new consequence of war. But the sheer number of women serving today — more than 190,000 so far in Iraq and Afghanistan — is forcing the military and Department of Veterans Affairs to more aggressively address it.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_sexualassault_072108/
Time running out to vote absentee
Register soon to receive and return ballot on time
By Jim Tice - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 22, 2008 11:28:46 EDT
It’s getting to be prime time for service members and families who are stationed overseas and who want to vote in the Nov. 4 election for president, congressional seats and state and local offices.
Members of the U.S. military community overseas should register as soon as possible to vote by absentee ballot if they haven’t already, say officials at the Military Postal Service Agency.
State-by-state guide
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_voting_072108w/
By Jim Tice - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 22, 2008 11:28:46 EDT
It’s getting to be prime time for service members and families who are stationed overseas and who want to vote in the Nov. 4 election for president, congressional seats and state and local offices.
Members of the U.S. military community overseas should register as soon as possible to vote by absentee ballot if they haven’t already, say officials at the Military Postal Service Agency.
State-by-state guide
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_voting_072108w/
Pilot program may overhaul treatment of veterans
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., National Journal
The influx of wounded troops from Afghanistan and Iraq has burst the seams of the military health care system. The much-publicized scandal in 2007 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which kick-started reforms, has proved to be only the tip of a large and ugly iceberg.
The problem is not just about organizations and processes, but about mind-sets. Although most people in the Defense Department go above and beyond to take care of their wounded, others can still lapse into an attitude of "shut up, shape up, and soldier on"--especially toward those troops who suffer subtle but deeply disabling mental problems rather than obvious physical wounds. Yet it is precisely the hard-to-diagnosis cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and "mild" traumatic brain injury that have become the distinctive injuries of this war.
This fall, however, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs will decide whether to expand a pilot program that has the potential to dramatically change the treatment of those disabled in the line of duty. Started in November and currently limited to the Washington metropolitan area, the program takes aim at a bureaucratic redundancy that has long bedeviled injured troops leaving the armed forces.
This is the double take in which--before discharge--the Army, Navy, or Air Force first conducts an exit exam of a departing service member to assess any conditions that might trigger military disability benefits, and then--after discharge--the VA conducts its own entry exam of the same individual for the same conditions to determine eligibility for VA benefits.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40506&dcn=e_gvet
The influx of wounded troops from Afghanistan and Iraq has burst the seams of the military health care system. The much-publicized scandal in 2007 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which kick-started reforms, has proved to be only the tip of a large and ugly iceberg.
The problem is not just about organizations and processes, but about mind-sets. Although most people in the Defense Department go above and beyond to take care of their wounded, others can still lapse into an attitude of "shut up, shape up, and soldier on"--especially toward those troops who suffer subtle but deeply disabling mental problems rather than obvious physical wounds. Yet it is precisely the hard-to-diagnosis cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and "mild" traumatic brain injury that have become the distinctive injuries of this war.
This fall, however, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs will decide whether to expand a pilot program that has the potential to dramatically change the treatment of those disabled in the line of duty. Started in November and currently limited to the Washington metropolitan area, the program takes aim at a bureaucratic redundancy that has long bedeviled injured troops leaving the armed forces.
This is the double take in which--before discharge--the Army, Navy, or Air Force first conducts an exit exam of a departing service member to assess any conditions that might trigger military disability benefits, and then--after discharge--the VA conducts its own entry exam of the same individual for the same conditions to determine eligibility for VA benefits.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40506&dcn=e_gvet
A New VistA for AHLTA?
The Military Health System is on a quest to replace its aging e-records system.
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072108wb.htm
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/072108wb.htm
Crew confusion for LCS
Questions remain as Navy unveils surface warfare module
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 9:34:20 EDT
DAHLGREN, Va. — In a ceremony here July 11, with all the trappings of a trade show — exhibit booths, computer demos and take-home tchotchkes — the Navy unveiled the surface warfare package for its littoral combat ship, the second of three "plug-in" modules for the new generation of multi-purpose vessels.
But even as acquisition officials and defense contractors reeled off details about how the advanced new sensors and weapons will work, they had little new information about another key component of the warship: its crew. This is despite the fact that both LCS 1 and 2 could be commissioned as early as this year.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_lcs_manning_072008w/
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 9:34:20 EDT
DAHLGREN, Va. — In a ceremony here July 11, with all the trappings of a trade show — exhibit booths, computer demos and take-home tchotchkes — the Navy unveiled the surface warfare package for its littoral combat ship, the second of three "plug-in" modules for the new generation of multi-purpose vessels.
But even as acquisition officials and defense contractors reeled off details about how the advanced new sensors and weapons will work, they had little new information about another key component of the warship: its crew. This is despite the fact that both LCS 1 and 2 could be commissioned as early as this year.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_lcs_manning_072008w/
SWOs to get training before hitting the water
New course to focus on fundamentals, self-assessment
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 11:06:15 EDT
After years of sending brand-new surface warfare ensigns straight to ships after graduation — rather than sending them to school first — the Navy is set to bring the schoolhouse to the waterfront.
Starting Aug. 4, the first ensigns are scheduled to report for a new introductory course after top commanders deemed ensigns were not "adequately prepared" to join the fleet after commissioning.
The new four-week course, managed by the Atlantic and Pacific afloat training groups, adds formal training for surface warfare officers who had been going straight to their first ships.
Naval Surface Force commander Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis called for the introductory course in early June, in a message that said "a large percentage of our newly reporting ensigns are not adequately prepared" to do their jobs when they report aboard their first ships.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_swos_071808w/
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 11:06:15 EDT
After years of sending brand-new surface warfare ensigns straight to ships after graduation — rather than sending them to school first — the Navy is set to bring the schoolhouse to the waterfront.
Starting Aug. 4, the first ensigns are scheduled to report for a new introductory course after top commanders deemed ensigns were not "adequately prepared" to join the fleet after commissioning.
The new four-week course, managed by the Atlantic and Pacific afloat training groups, adds formal training for surface warfare officers who had been going straight to their first ships.
Naval Surface Force commander Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis called for the introductory course in early June, in a message that said "a large percentage of our newly reporting ensigns are not adequately prepared" to do their jobs when they report aboard their first ships.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_swos_071808w/
DoD: Waiver system will not affect recruiting
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 9:58:31 EDT
The Defense Department is going to implement standardized enlistment criteria and a simpler, more uniform way of reporting the types of waivers, including those for past bad behavior, given to new recruits across all the services.
Despite the new guidelines, each service may determine how it wants to apply waivers to new recruits, said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. The new guidelines are designed to give the Pentagon a better way to report and analyze the number and types of waivers given to new service members and how those recruits perform during their careers.
In the past, each service categorized offenses differently, making it almost impossible to conduct reliable research with the data, Carr said.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/airforce_recruitwaivers_072008w/
Posted : Sunday Jul 20, 2008 9:58:31 EDT
The Defense Department is going to implement standardized enlistment criteria and a simpler, more uniform way of reporting the types of waivers, including those for past bad behavior, given to new recruits across all the services.
Despite the new guidelines, each service may determine how it wants to apply waivers to new recruits, said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. The new guidelines are designed to give the Pentagon a better way to report and analyze the number and types of waivers given to new service members and how those recruits perform during their careers.
In the past, each service categorized offenses differently, making it almost impossible to conduct reliable research with the data, Carr said.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/airforce_recruitwaivers_072008w/
HR leaders have transition on their minds
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
Federal human resources leaders face somewhat different challenges than they did one year ago, a change that is attributed largely to a pending change in administration, an authority on the federal workforce said on Wednesday.
Katie Malague, senior program manager for the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, said chief human capital officers across government are thinking ahead to the HR changes that could come with new national leadership. She spoke to an audience at the Government HR Innovations 2008 conference hosted by the Performance Institute, an Arlington, Va.-based think tank.
The Partnership is halfway through conducting interviews for its new chief human capital officer survey, to be released in December or January. The 2007 report cited pay reform and recruiting among the top issues.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40505&dcn=e_wfw
Federal human resources leaders face somewhat different challenges than they did one year ago, a change that is attributed largely to a pending change in administration, an authority on the federal workforce said on Wednesday.
Katie Malague, senior program manager for the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, said chief human capital officers across government are thinking ahead to the HR changes that could come with new national leadership. She spoke to an audience at the Government HR Innovations 2008 conference hosted by the Performance Institute, an Arlington, Va.-based think tank.
The Partnership is halfway through conducting interviews for its new chief human capital officer survey, to be released in December or January. The 2007 report cited pay reform and recruiting among the top issues.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40505&dcn=e_wfw
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hearing next week on don’t ask
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 18, 2008 6:41:38 EDT
The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing next week on the impact of the controversial "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy that bans military service by people who are openly gay.
This will be the first formal hearing on the issue since Congress enacted the law 15 years ago.
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a gay-rights advocacy group in Washington, praised Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., "for her leadership in reviewing this obsolete law."
Davis chairs the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee.
Sarvis said the hearing will launch "a conversation about the national security impact of losing qualified, capable service members."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_dontask_hearing_071708w/
Posted : Friday Jul 18, 2008 6:41:38 EDT
The House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing next week on the impact of the controversial "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy that bans military service by people who are openly gay.
This will be the first formal hearing on the issue since Congress enacted the law 15 years ago.
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a gay-rights advocacy group in Washington, praised Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., "for her leadership in reviewing this obsolete law."
Davis chairs the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee.
Sarvis said the hearing will launch "a conversation about the national security impact of losing qualified, capable service members."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_dontask_hearing_071708w/
Officials call for dramatic boost in State Department staff
By Alyssa Rosenberg
The State Department needs funding for more staff to fill job vacancies overseas and to provide current employees with language and diplomacy training, said lawmakers and witnesses at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
"Although I've often said we need to do more with less, there comes a time when our priorities must be reset," said Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Federal Workforce Subcommittee. "We should consider ourselves lucky that the men and women of the State Department have answered the call to serve….These dedicated public servants must no longer be taken for granted."
Voinovich said he and the other members of the American Academy of Diplomacy Advisory Council planned to recommend a 16 percent increase in State's workforce during a formal presentation to Congress in September.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40494&dcn=e_gvet
The State Department needs funding for more staff to fill job vacancies overseas and to provide current employees with language and diplomacy training, said lawmakers and witnesses at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
"Although I've often said we need to do more with less, there comes a time when our priorities must be reset," said Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Federal Workforce Subcommittee. "We should consider ourselves lucky that the men and women of the State Department have answered the call to serve….These dedicated public servants must no longer be taken for granted."
Voinovich said he and the other members of the American Academy of Diplomacy Advisory Council planned to recommend a 16 percent increase in State's workforce during a formal presentation to Congress in September.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40494&dcn=e_gvet
Former Clinton Navy secretary discusses post-Bush defense policy
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr., National Journal
After Richard Danzig served as a Pentagon civilian from 1977 to 1981, President Bill Clinton named him undersecretary of the Navy and then Navy secretary. Since 2001, he has acted as a consultant to the Defense Department on biological warfare. He is now one of Barack Obama's top advisers on defense policy.
NJ: If Senator Obama is elected, won't his promise to pull combat forces out of Iraq put tremendous pressure on him to cut defense, especially by doing away with supplemental spending bills?
Danzig: Withdrawal from Iraq generates some savings, but it also generates some costs, [for example] the refurbishment of equipment -- the so-called reset of the Army and Marine Corps. Supplementals have not only been used to deal with unexpected contingencies in the operating budget, like the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq; they've also been used to smuggle in items that should be part of the base budget. One of the problems any new administration is going to have to deal with is this bad budgeting technique.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40497&dcn=e_gvet
After Richard Danzig served as a Pentagon civilian from 1977 to 1981, President Bill Clinton named him undersecretary of the Navy and then Navy secretary. Since 2001, he has acted as a consultant to the Defense Department on biological warfare. He is now one of Barack Obama's top advisers on defense policy.
NJ: If Senator Obama is elected, won't his promise to pull combat forces out of Iraq put tremendous pressure on him to cut defense, especially by doing away with supplemental spending bills?
Danzig: Withdrawal from Iraq generates some savings, but it also generates some costs, [for example] the refurbishment of equipment -- the so-called reset of the Army and Marine Corps. Supplementals have not only been used to deal with unexpected contingencies in the operating budget, like the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq; they've also been used to smuggle in items that should be part of the base budget. One of the problems any new administration is going to have to deal with is this bad budgeting technique.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40497&dcn=e_gvet
Bill seeks to ease disruptions caused by military service
By Elaine S. Povich, CongressDaily
With family and job disruptions among the biggest concerns of military service members, the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a bill Wednesday designed to ease some of the problems they face when they leave active duty and return home.
The bill would require colleges and universities to refund tuition for service members who could not complete their course work because they were called to active duty. It would allow service members to cancel without penalty contracts such as those with cell phone companies.
Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y., said the bill allows a veteran to obtain his or her old telephone number when they return from duty.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40493&dcn=e_gvet
With family and job disruptions among the biggest concerns of military service members, the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a bill Wednesday designed to ease some of the problems they face when they leave active duty and return home.
The bill would require colleges and universities to refund tuition for service members who could not complete their course work because they were called to active duty. It would allow service members to cancel without penalty contracts such as those with cell phone companies.
Rep. John Hall, D-N.Y., said the bill allows a veteran to obtain his or her old telephone number when they return from duty.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40493&dcn=e_gvet
Panel votes to allow veterans to seek care closer to home
By Elaine S. Povich, CongressDaily
A pilot program approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday may make it easier for veterans who live far away from the nearest hospital to receive the care they need. The bill would allow some veterans who live more than 60 miles away from a VA hospital to receive services at a local health facility.
"I'm glad to see we are inching our way forward for our veterans from rural areas," said Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
Several members of the committee pointed out the difficulty rural veterans have in reaching health care, whether they live on farms or in other remote areas.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40492&dcn=e_gvet
A pilot program approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday may make it easier for veterans who live far away from the nearest hospital to receive the care they need. The bill would allow some veterans who live more than 60 miles away from a VA hospital to receive services at a local health facility.
"I'm glad to see we are inching our way forward for our veterans from rural areas," said Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
Several members of the committee pointed out the difficulty rural veterans have in reaching health care, whether they live on farms or in other remote areas.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40492&dcn=e_gvet
Fedblog: Deploying Civilians
Outside the bureaucracy, looking in.
By Tom Shoop
Thursday, July 17, 2:10 p.m. ET:
Military service members aren't the only ones stepping up to deploy to hot spots around the world at a moment's notice. With the launch of the Civilian Response Corps <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaC-taqmt6LyuE-buwuqOc> yesterday, civilian federal employees such as diplomats, development specialists, public health officials, law enforcement and corrections officers, engineers, economists, lawyers, public administrators and agronomists are officially volunteering to go to countries in crisis.
Full column: http://blogs.govexec.com/fedblog/2008/07/deploying_civilians_1.php
By Tom Shoop
Thursday, July 17, 2:10 p.m. ET:
Military service members aren't the only ones stepping up to deploy to hot spots around the world at a moment's notice. With the launch of the Civilian Response Corps <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaC-taqmt6LyuE-buwuqOc> yesterday, civilian federal employees such as diplomats, development specialists, public health officials, law enforcement and corrections officers, engineers, economists, lawyers, public administrators and agronomists are officially volunteering to go to countries in crisis.
Full column: http://blogs.govexec.com/fedblog/2008/07/deploying_civilians_1.php
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Nonprofit tapping social networking to help ex-soldiers nab civilian jobs
Hire a Hero uses open source data integration tools job search effort
By John Fontana , Network World , 07/14/2008
In the face of astonishingly high unemployment rates among enlisted military personnel returning to post-war life, a nonprofit group is empowering soldiers with social networking savvy to help them transition to the civilian workforce.
Using the community and social networking features of YourMembership.com and online relationship management services donated by Salesforce.com, Hire a Hero is combating a 22% unemployment rate among junior enlisted personnel looking for post-military employment.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/071408-hire-a-hero.html?hpg1=bn
By John Fontana , Network World , 07/14/2008
In the face of astonishingly high unemployment rates among enlisted military personnel returning to post-war life, a nonprofit group is empowering soldiers with social networking savvy to help them transition to the civilian workforce.
Using the community and social networking features of YourMembership.com and online relationship management services donated by Salesforce.com, Hire a Hero is combating a 22% unemployment rate among junior enlisted personnel looking for post-military employment.
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/071408-hire-a-hero.html?hpg1=bn
Reps question military role in Africa Command
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 16, 2008 10:46:52 EDT
Lawmakers grilled the military leaders of Africa Command on Capitol Hill today questioning if the Defense Department was living up to its promise to integrate interagency civilians into the organization.
Rep. John Tierney, D-Mass., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on national security and foreign affairs — which held the hearing — said he wasn’t even sure if Africa Command should be led by the military considering how few traditional military missions exist.
"I’m just not comfortable that the military is the one leading all these civilian agencies," Tierney said.
Less that 80 days before Africa Command officially stands up Oct. 1, John Pendleton, director of force structure and defense planning at the Government Accountability Office, criticized how few interagency positions are projected to man headquarters.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/airforce_africa_hearing_071508w/
Posted : Wednesday Jul 16, 2008 10:46:52 EDT
Lawmakers grilled the military leaders of Africa Command on Capitol Hill today questioning if the Defense Department was living up to its promise to integrate interagency civilians into the organization.
Rep. John Tierney, D-Mass., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on national security and foreign affairs — which held the hearing — said he wasn’t even sure if Africa Command should be led by the military considering how few traditional military missions exist.
"I’m just not comfortable that the military is the one leading all these civilian agencies," Tierney said.
Less that 80 days before Africa Command officially stands up Oct. 1, John Pendleton, director of force structure and defense planning at the Government Accountability Office, criticized how few interagency positions are projected to man headquarters.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/airforce_africa_hearing_071508w/
Ruling expands veterans' access to federal jobs
By Brittany Ballenstedt
A recent decision from the Merit Systems Protection Board could open hundreds of law enforcement and other jobs to veterans who previously bumped up against age restrictions during the application process.
MSPB ruled on July 2 that the State Department must waive maximum entry age requirements for veterans applying to become special agents at the Diplomatic Security Service.
The case, Isabella v. Department of State, stems from a claim filed by Robert Isabella, a preference-eligible veteran who applied for a special agent position at the department. The job description called for someone 37 or younger; Isabella was 36 when he applied and when he turned 37, the agency stopped processing his application. The reasoning was that he was too close to the cutoff age.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40470&dcn=e_gvet
A recent decision from the Merit Systems Protection Board could open hundreds of law enforcement and other jobs to veterans who previously bumped up against age restrictions during the application process.
MSPB ruled on July 2 that the State Department must waive maximum entry age requirements for veterans applying to become special agents at the Diplomatic Security Service.
The case, Isabella v. Department of State, stems from a claim filed by Robert Isabella, a preference-eligible veteran who applied for a special agent position at the department. The job description called for someone 37 or younger; Isabella was 36 when he applied and when he turned 37, the agency stopped processing his application. The reasoning was that he was too close to the cutoff age.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40470&dcn=e_gvet
Navy puts brakes on NASCAR sponsorship
By Mark D. Faram - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 11, 2008 15:18:12 EDT
Navy officials have decided to pull the plug on their support for a NASCAR racing team after seven seasons and concentrate instead on other types of advertising products.
The decision on whether to go ahead with another year of the $7.5 million sponsorship was due on July 1.
"This won’t impact the remaining portion of this season; we’ll see it through," said Capt. Jack Hanzlik, spokesman for the Navy’s chief of personnel in Arlington, Va. "It is also no reflection on JR Motorsports as we have been very pleased with our relationship and the team’s performance — we just think it’s time to look at other advertising options."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_nascar_recruiting_071108w/
Posted : Friday Jul 11, 2008 15:18:12 EDT
Navy officials have decided to pull the plug on their support for a NASCAR racing team after seven seasons and concentrate instead on other types of advertising products.
The decision on whether to go ahead with another year of the $7.5 million sponsorship was due on July 1.
"This won’t impact the remaining portion of this season; we’ll see it through," said Capt. Jack Hanzlik, spokesman for the Navy’s chief of personnel in Arlington, Va. "It is also no reflection on JR Motorsports as we have been very pleased with our relationship and the team’s performance — we just think it’s time to look at other advertising options."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/navy_nascar_recruiting_071108w/
Commentary: Recruiting for acquisition
By HUGH J. HURWITZ
July 13, 2008
Across government, the acquisition community faces a common challenge: How do we recruit skilled contracting specialists?
Departments and agencies compete for the same candidates. Often, when the Education Department announces a job, our top applicants have already accepted other positions before we can schedule them for interviews. At Education, we have implemented several strategies to improve this situation.
Recruiting midlevel candidates presents a real challenge. At most agencies, contracting specialists progress fairly quickly to the GS-13 level and stay within the same agency. Consequently, the best candidates are often GS-7 or -9s without significant contracting experience.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3622648
July 13, 2008
Across government, the acquisition community faces a common challenge: How do we recruit skilled contracting specialists?
Departments and agencies compete for the same candidates. Often, when the Education Department announces a job, our top applicants have already accepted other positions before we can schedule them for interviews. At Education, we have implemented several strategies to improve this situation.
Recruiting midlevel candidates presents a real challenge. At most agencies, contracting specialists progress fairly quickly to the GS-13 level and stay within the same agency. Consequently, the best candidates are often GS-7 or -9s without significant contracting experience.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3622648
Management Matters: The Manager's Golden Rule
Develop others as you would have others develop you.
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/071608mm.htm
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/071608mm.htm
Friday, July 11, 2008
Troops need more language skills, experts say
By Cristian Hernandez - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 11, 2008 13:09:55
Every service member needs some minimum foreign language skills before deploying — but that capability could require an extensive change in language and cultural training that would have to start long before they enter the military, a House subcommittee was told Wednesday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_foreignlanguages_071008w/
Posted : Friday Jul 11, 2008 13:09:55
Every service member needs some minimum foreign language skills before deploying — but that capability could require an extensive change in language and cultural training that would have to start long before they enter the military, a House subcommittee was told Wednesday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_foreignlanguages_071008w/
House panel basses bill aiding severely disabled veterans
From CongressDaily
The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee Thursday approved by voice vote a measure that would protect the most severely disabled veterans from making insurance co-payments.
Noting 25,000 "catastrophically disabled" veterans would be affected, bill sponsor, Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., said oftentimes the most disabled veterans are "some of the poorest of the poor." The bill would prohibit the collection of co-payments for hospital or nursing home care from catastrophically disabled veterans and even those with disabilities that are not service-connected.
Cazayoux said the category "catastrophically disabled" would cover veterans who are paralyzed and have other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. "At a time when the veteran is in need of specialized assistance to regain some independence and quality of life, the financial burden of medical bills should be lifted," said Paralyzed Veterans of America
Legislative Director Carl Blake at a June 26 Health Subcommittee hearing. Blake also said other factors, such as essential medicines and equipment that is needed for disabled veterans, placed an increased financial strain on the more severely disabled veterans.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40431&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCqRaqkCEawywEbtgfn0e>
The House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee Thursday approved by voice vote a measure that would protect the most severely disabled veterans from making insurance co-payments.
Noting 25,000 "catastrophically disabled" veterans would be affected, bill sponsor, Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., said oftentimes the most disabled veterans are "some of the poorest of the poor." The bill would prohibit the collection of co-payments for hospital or nursing home care from catastrophically disabled veterans and even those with disabilities that are not service-connected.
Cazayoux said the category "catastrophically disabled" would cover veterans who are paralyzed and have other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. "At a time when the veteran is in need of specialized assistance to regain some independence and quality of life, the financial burden of medical bills should be lifted," said Paralyzed Veterans of America
Legislative Director Carl Blake at a June 26 Health Subcommittee hearing. Blake also said other factors, such as essential medicines and equipment that is needed for disabled veterans, placed an increased financial strain on the more severely disabled veterans.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40431&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCqRaqkCEawywEbtgfn0e>
Misinformation clouds new GI Bill
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 11:34:09 EDT
Full-tuition educational benefits included in a new veterans’ program signed into law on June 30 will not take effect until Aug. 1, 2009, unless Congress approves a change in the new law.
There will be a 20 percent increase, effective this Aug. 1, in Montgomery GI Bill benefits for active-duty veterans and veterans who have served two or more years of active duty, raising the maximum benefit to $1,321 for a full-time student who has three or more years of active service, under terms of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
Full tuition benefits, plus stipends for living expenses and books, will not take effect under the law until Aug. 1, 2009, despite earlier claims by aides to the bill’s chief sponsor that those payments would be retroactive to when the bill is signed.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_gibill_benefits_070708w/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 11:34:09 EDT
Full-tuition educational benefits included in a new veterans’ program signed into law on June 30 will not take effect until Aug. 1, 2009, unless Congress approves a change in the new law.
There will be a 20 percent increase, effective this Aug. 1, in Montgomery GI Bill benefits for active-duty veterans and veterans who have served two or more years of active duty, raising the maximum benefit to $1,321 for a full-time student who has three or more years of active service, under terms of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
Full tuition benefits, plus stipends for living expenses and books, will not take effect under the law until Aug. 1, 2009, despite earlier claims by aides to the bill’s chief sponsor that those payments would be retroactive to when the bill is signed.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_gibill_benefits_070708w/
Study: Gays don’t undermine unit cohesion
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 10:19:03 EDT
WASHINGTON — Congress should repeal the "don’t ask, don’t tell" law because the presence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability to fight and win, according to a new study released by a California-based research center.
The study was conducted by four retired military officers, including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 was tasked with implementing President Clinton’s policy that the military stop questioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_gays_military_070708/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 10:19:03 EDT
WASHINGTON — Congress should repeal the "don’t ask, don’t tell" law because the presence of gays in the military is unlikely to undermine the ability to fight and win, according to a new study released by a California-based research center.
The study was conducted by four retired military officers, including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who in early 1993 was tasked with implementing President Clinton’s policy that the military stop questioning recruits on their sexual orientation.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_gays_military_070708/
Management Matters: Better Choices
Recruiting the next generation of public servants requires the right message and the right approach.
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/070908mm.htm <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCeSaqk-7qwrBwbsyC2rk>
Full column: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0708/070908mm.htm <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCeSaqk-7qwrBwbsyC2rk>
Program aims to help sex assault victims
The Associated Press - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 5:32:25 EDT
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — In a women’s restroom at Sheppard Air Force Base, a pink poster features two wine glasses and a sobering message.
"You may not be the only one looking to have a good time. Watch your glass; you never know what someone might put in it."
The poster gives information about date-rape drugs and a phone number for the base’s sexual assault hotline. The program includes training classes and is similar to those at all military academies and Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine bases worldwide.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_sexualassault_program_070708/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 8, 2008 5:32:25 EDT
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — In a women’s restroom at Sheppard Air Force Base, a pink poster features two wine glasses and a sobering message.
"You may not be the only one looking to have a good time. Watch your glass; you never know what someone might put in it."
The poster gives information about date-rape drugs and a phone number for the base’s sexual assault hotline. The program includes training classes and is similar to those at all military academies and Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine bases worldwide.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_sexualassault_program_070708/
Legislation extends residency rights to military spouses
By Andy Leonatti, CongressDaily
The House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee unanimously approved a bill in late June extending residency rights to spouses of service members.
Sponsored by Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, the bill was approved by voice vote. The bill affects spouses of service members who accompany his or her military spouse to temporarily live in another state for military duties.
The bill amends the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, a law that allows soldiers to keep one state of residency regardless of where military orders send them. It is intended to prevent soldiers from having to re-register to vote, obtain new driver's licenses, maintain property titles and simply state income tax filings. Currently spouses are not covered.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40399&dcn=e_ndw <http://ndw.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCk-aqkByLwu8ybsByu9f>
The House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee unanimously approved a bill in late June extending residency rights to spouses of service members.
Sponsored by Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, the bill was approved by voice vote. The bill affects spouses of service members who accompany his or her military spouse to temporarily live in another state for military duties.
The bill amends the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, a law that allows soldiers to keep one state of residency regardless of where military orders send them. It is intended to prevent soldiers from having to re-register to vote, obtain new driver's licenses, maintain property titles and simply state income tax filings. Currently spouses are not covered.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40399&dcn=e_ndw <http://ndw.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaCk-aqkByLwu8ybsByu9f>
CDC's human capital plan overlooks contractors, GAO says
By Alyssa Rosenberg
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has improved workforce planning in the face of a changing mission and shortages of candidates for key positions, but more strategic planning is needed to manage its growing contractor workforce effectively, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released on Friday.
"Contractors have been the fastest growing segment of CDC's workforce, increasing 139 percent from fiscal year 2000 through fiscal year 2006, and now represent more than one-third of the agency's workforce," the report said. "Without addressing [management of contractors], the CDC plan will not give the agency a strategic view of its governmental and contractor workforce and thus may not be as useful as it could be in assisting the agency with strategic human capital planning for its entire workforce."
Vincent Ventimiglia, assistant secretary for legislation at the Health and Human Services Department, wrote in response that after reviewing other human capital plans the Office of Personnel Management had identified as best practices, CDC did not include contractors in its workforce plan because "the agency does not control their hiring, diversity, compensation, training and other key human capital factors."
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40389&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaBAAaqk84awfuwbrFDyAf>
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has improved workforce planning in the face of a changing mission and shortages of candidates for key positions, but more strategic planning is needed to manage its growing contractor workforce effectively, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released on Friday.
"Contractors have been the fastest growing segment of CDC's workforce, increasing 139 percent from fiscal year 2000 through fiscal year 2006, and now represent more than one-third of the agency's workforce," the report said. "Without addressing [management of contractors], the CDC plan will not give the agency a strategic view of its governmental and contractor workforce and thus may not be as useful as it could be in assisting the agency with strategic human capital planning for its entire workforce."
Vincent Ventimiglia, assistant secretary for legislation at the Health and Human Services Department, wrote in response that after reviewing other human capital plans the Office of Personnel Management had identified as best practices, CDC did not include contractors in its workforce plan because "the agency does not control their hiring, diversity, compensation, training and other key human capital factors."
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40389&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaBAAaqk84awfuwbrFDyAf>
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025 (new)
"The purpose of the vision and strategy document is to inform all Marines where we intend to take our Corps to give combatant commanders a concept of how we might best be employed, and to provide our civilian leadership a reference point as to how we see Marine Corps contributions to national defense in the coming years and decades. This document is grounded in the Marine Corps’ identity, ethos, values, and competencies. It serves as the principal strategic planning document for our Corps and reflects our legislated roles, functions, and composition. Derived from strategic guidance at the national and departmental level, it illustrates our utility and value within the joint warfighting community."http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/cmc/Documents/MCVS2025%2030%20June.pdf
For summary and more, see our friends at Small Wars Journal:
http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2008/06/marine-corps-vision-and-strate/
DoD News Briefing with Deputy Undersecretary Carr from the Pentagon
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:25:00 -0500
Presenter: Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy Bill Carr July 02, 2008
Topics: 35th Anniversary of All Volunteer Force and waiver rules
Transcript: http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4257
Presenter: Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy Bill Carr July 02, 2008
Topics: 35th Anniversary of All Volunteer Force and waiver rules
Transcript: http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4257
Bush administration streamlines security clearance process
By Robert Brodsky
The Bush administration has issued a new executive order that could streamline the onerous and often lengthy background checks performed on federal employees and contractors who need special security clearance to access classified information.
The order, issued on June 30, requires federal agencies to establish "consistent standards" for all individuals who require access to classified national security information or who are applying for a sensitive government position.
"The aligned system shall employ updated and consistent standards and methods, enable innovations with enterprise information technology capabilities and end-to-end automation to the extent practicable, and ensure that relevant information maintained by agencies can be accessed and shared rapidly across the executive branch," the order stated.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40375&dcn=e_gvet
The Bush administration has issued a new executive order that could streamline the onerous and often lengthy background checks performed on federal employees and contractors who need special security clearance to access classified information.
The order, issued on June 30, requires federal agencies to establish "consistent standards" for all individuals who require access to classified national security information or who are applying for a sensitive government position.
"The aligned system shall employ updated and consistent standards and methods, enable innovations with enterprise information technology capabilities and end-to-end automation to the extent practicable, and ensure that relevant information maintained by agencies can be accessed and shared rapidly across the executive branch," the order stated.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40375&dcn=e_gvet
13 Americans have been electrocuted in Iraq
Contractor ordered to do barracks inspections
By Ramesh Santanam - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 2, 2008 6:00:30
PITTSBURGH — Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, says 13 Americans have died of accidental electrocution there since September 2003 and a contractor has been ordered to inspect facilities for electrical safety hazards, a Pennsylvania senator said.
The military has acknowledged that 12 Americans died in Iraq from accidental electrocution. Sen. Bob Casey said he learned last week from Petraeus that 10 soldiers, one Marine and two private contractors died. Casey said he was not given details on the 13th fatality.
"At least one death is on the record that wasn’t on the record before," Casey told The Associated Press on Monday. "It’s also very troubling that it takes this long to get this type of information from the Department of Defense."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_iraq_electrocutions_070108/
By Ramesh Santanam - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jul 2, 2008 6:00:30
PITTSBURGH — Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, says 13 Americans have died of accidental electrocution there since September 2003 and a contractor has been ordered to inspect facilities for electrical safety hazards, a Pennsylvania senator said.
The military has acknowledged that 12 Americans died in Iraq from accidental electrocution. Sen. Bob Casey said he learned last week from Petraeus that 10 soldiers, one Marine and two private contractors died. Casey said he was not given details on the 13th fatality.
"At least one death is on the record that wasn’t on the record before," Casey told The Associated Press on Monday. "It’s also very troubling that it takes this long to get this type of information from the Department of Defense."
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/07/ap_iraq_electrocutions_070108/
Lowe’s, Home Depot offer July 4 discount
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 1, 2008 10:23:07
For several days during the July Fourth holiday period, two national home-improvement retailers will again offer 10 percent discounts to active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and their immediate families.
Be prepared to show your military ID or other proof of service.
Lowe’s Companies Inc. is offering the 10 percent discount from now through Monday, July 7.
The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases up to $5,000.
Home Depot will offer the 10 percent discount from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, for purchases up to $2,000.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_july4_discounts_062708w/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 1, 2008 10:23:07
For several days during the July Fourth holiday period, two national home-improvement retailers will again offer 10 percent discounts to active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and their immediate families.
Be prepared to show your military ID or other proof of service.
Lowe’s Companies Inc. is offering the 10 percent discount from now through Monday, July 7.
The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases up to $5,000.
Home Depot will offer the 10 percent discount from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, for purchases up to $2,000.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_july4_discounts_062708w/
Surgical teams bring care closer to front
By Chris Amos - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jul 1, 2008 8:43:32 EDT
More and more surgical units — doctors, nurses and corpsmen — will be deploying to the front lines in the coming months after trials showed dramatic decreases in combat deaths since the units were first fielded four years ago, according to the Navy’s top doctor.
Since the Korean War, the Navy has not normally placed doctors in front-line units. Instead, corpsmen have stabilized troops, who were then evacuated to mobile hospitals farther from the action to receive care from physicians.
That system, based on getting patients to a trauma surgeon within the "golden hour," led to dramatic decreases in mortality within a generation. Shock-trauma platoons on the front lines are the next step in the evolution of military trauma care, said Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/06/navy_shocktrauma_063008w/
Posted : Tuesday Jul 1, 2008 8:43:32 EDT
More and more surgical units — doctors, nurses and corpsmen — will be deploying to the front lines in the coming months after trials showed dramatic decreases in combat deaths since the units were first fielded four years ago, according to the Navy’s top doctor.
Since the Korean War, the Navy has not normally placed doctors in front-line units. Instead, corpsmen have stabilized troops, who were then evacuated to mobile hospitals farther from the action to receive care from physicians.
That system, based on getting patients to a trauma surgeon within the "golden hour," led to dramatic decreases in mortality within a generation. Shock-trauma platoons on the front lines are the next step in the evolution of military trauma care, said Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/06/navy_shocktrauma_063008w/
Defense financial managers cite human capital issues as top concern
By Elizabeth Newell
Workforce issues again dominate the concerns of Defense Department accounting and finance personnel, according to the 2008 American Society of Military Comptrollers survey.
The annual study, conducted with accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP, surveyed 575 members of the Defense financial workforce, including 61 executives from within the department and its component services. As in 2007, human capital issues "dominate the list of risks that keep executives and workforce alike awake at night."
Specifically, respondents named proper recognition and pay for individual performance, quality of work life, training, career management and succession planning, as areas of concern. The most frequently mentioned human capital risk, however, was the implementation of the department's National Security Personnel System. The rollout of NSPS, the system designed to manage more than 700,000 civilian Defense employees, has been not been smooth, and the ASMC survey showed it has mixed support. While executives overall were positive, the general workforce was far less so, but both groups acknowledged executing NSPS was a major challenge.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40331&dcn=e_tma <http://tma.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaB3Eaqk0rLvSiybrswvzb>
Workforce issues again dominate the concerns of Defense Department accounting and finance personnel, according to the 2008 American Society of Military Comptrollers survey.
The annual study, conducted with accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP, surveyed 575 members of the Defense financial workforce, including 61 executives from within the department and its component services. As in 2007, human capital issues "dominate the list of risks that keep executives and workforce alike awake at night."
Specifically, respondents named proper recognition and pay for individual performance, quality of work life, training, career management and succession planning, as areas of concern. The most frequently mentioned human capital risk, however, was the implementation of the department's National Security Personnel System. The rollout of NSPS, the system designed to manage more than 700,000 civilian Defense employees, has been not been smooth, and the ASMC survey showed it has mixed support. While executives overall were positive, the general workforce was far less so, but both groups acknowledged executing NSPS was a major challenge.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40331&dcn=e_tma <http://tma.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaB3Eaqk0rLvSiybrswvzb>
Sun sheds light on telework savings
NetworkWorld (6/30/08)
Sun has been expanding its telecommuting ranks through its Open Work program for a decade, and today nearly 19,000 employees (56 percent of Sun's population) work from home or in a flexible office. With that experience comes plenty of knowledge -- about which jobs are best suited for teleworking, which technologies make it work, and how to train home-based employees and their managers.
<http://gove-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaB-Caqk8k6wd8dbrAzj0c>
Sun has been expanding its telecommuting ranks through its Open Work program for a decade, and today nearly 19,000 employees (56 percent of Sun's population) work from home or in a flexible office. With that experience comes plenty of knowledge -- about which jobs are best suited for teleworking, which technologies make it work, and how to train home-based employees and their managers.
<http://gove-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOaB-Caqk8k6wd8dbrAzj0c>
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