Social Networking & OPSEC
View more presentations from Naval OPSEC.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
MyCAA Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts!!!
Program Update: MyCAA Program to Restart in October 2010.
The Department of Defense today announced that the popular MyCAA program will reopen to new participants in October 2010, with several key changes in eligibility and dollar amounts.
Here is a summary of the changes:
_________________________________________________________
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.
MyCAA Eligibility
Spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.
Note: The MyCAA program does not include Coast Guard spouses.
Click here to download the MyCAA FAQ booklet from Military OneSource. (pdf)
The MyCAA Benefit Details
MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays tuition for education and training courses, and licensing/ credentialing fees. This includes state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other occupations requiring recognized certifications; licensing exams and related prep courses; Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes including those offered through professional associations; and degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. MyCAA also pays for High School Completion courses, GED tests and
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
More Details:
Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once spouse Profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse DEERS benefit eligibility. Eligible spouses will be allowed to create their Career and Training Plan and request FA when they are within 30 days of course start dates. Additionally, spouses are responsible for applying to their selected school or program and enrolling in each course included in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan.
Military spouses can help themselves by:
The Department of Defense today announced that the popular MyCAA program will reopen to new participants in October 2010, with several key changes in eligibility and dollar amounts.
Here is a summary of the changes:
- Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2. including the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.
- Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000
- Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course
- Be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures
_________________________________________________________
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.
MyCAA Eligibility
Spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.
Note: The MyCAA program does not include Coast Guard spouses.
Click here to download the MyCAA FAQ booklet from Military OneSource. (pdf)
The MyCAA Benefit Details
MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays tuition for education and training courses, and licensing/ credentialing fees. This includes state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other occupations requiring recognized certifications; licensing exams and related prep courses; Continuing Education Unit (CEU) classes including those offered through professional associations; and degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. MyCAA also pays for High School Completion courses, GED tests and
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
More Details:
- MyCAA does not pay for education and training programs that include computers (CPUs or laptops); application, graduation or membership fees; student activity cards; child care; parking; transportation; or medical services.
- If a spouse enrolls in a course without an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) document, the spouse will be responsible for paying course costs.
- MyCAA does not provide reimbursements of any kind to spouses for any reason.
- MyCAA FA payments are made directly to schools using MyCAA’s electronic invoicing system. As A Second Language (ESL) Classes and GED Classes and Testing Programs.
- Unfortunately, Coast Guard spouses are not covered by the MyCAA Spouse Employment congressional mandate: PL 110-417 Sec 582. Coast Guard is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the Department of Defense.
Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once spouse Profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse DEERS benefit eligibility. Eligible spouses will be allowed to create their Career and Training Plan and request FA when they are within 30 days of course start dates. Additionally, spouses are responsible for applying to their selected school or program and enrolling in each course included in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan.
Military spouses can help themselves by:
- Visiting www.careeronestop.org to explore Portable Career Fields and find schools that have programs of study leading to licenses, certificates and degrees.
- Finding their school in the MyCAA website using the School Search function. If the desired school is not listed, follow the directions shown at the end of the School Search.
- Establishing and managing their MyCAA Account at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa, use MyCAA resources to create a Career and Training Plan, and apply for FA.
- Select a school, program of study, and sources of licensing and certification exams.
- Select classes for their MyCAA Career and Training Plan. School officials need to validate school and course information to avoid billing problems.
- Develop and implement their Career and Training Plans successfully.
Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion...
2012 Military Pay Raise or Pay Freeze?
The president’s 2012 budget request includes a proposal for a 1.6% military pay raise for 2012. While larger than last year’s military pay increase, the 2012 proposed military pay increase is the second smallest since 1962 and given the current budget environment many suspect that congress is considering a freeze.
As reported here, a recent Congressional Budget Office report says that military pay is higher than most federal employees, and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) has signaled a desire to freeze military salaries at the 2011 rate.
Check out the 2012 proposed military pay charts to see what a 1.6% raise would mean to your military paycheck.
As reported here, a recent Congressional Budget Office report says that military pay is higher than most federal employees, and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) has signaled a desire to freeze military salaries at the 2011 rate.
Check out the 2012 proposed military pay charts to see what a 1.6% raise would mean to your military paycheck.
Military Children and PCS!!!
There is one thing you can count on as a military family. One of the many challenges that you will be faced with on your journey is a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Moving is a necessary and inevitable part of military life. It is also a very large emotional and physical challenge not only for you but for your entire family.
A PCS is a "moving" experience in more ways than one. No matter how often families change residence, moving brings with it a variety of emotions and situations. It is often times very easy to get caught up in the moving checklist of boxes, cleaning, packing and moving and overlook the emotions that are tied to the transition to a new location. When it comes to your children it is very important that you take the time to allow them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the impending move and once you have arrived at your new location.
While children may understand that you’re family is moving their reactions may vary depending on their personality and developmental age. Some children are inquisitive and will want to know “why” every step of the way, some are outgoing and will naturally find friends immediately while others will become nervous, worried, or depressed. Roller coaster emotions are not uncommon. Your child may be thrilled and excited one day, then blue and depressed the next.
Generally speaking, the younger the child, the easier the move. It is important for you to know that most children’s sense of identity is formed by their peer groups and social belonging. The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they will make new friends and fit in easily at their new school. Cater to satisfy this worry by painting the move in a positive light. If you see your move as an exciting adventure your children will most likely follow your lead.
Moving Tips for Military Children
It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye to the family members and friends they're leaving behind. Encourage them to exchange contact information.
Allow your children to help with separating and packing.
Explain the process of how the move will work and where the military is sending you, how long it will take to get there, and how/when you will find a new home. Keep in mind that small children may have difficulty differentiating a PCS from a parent's deployment. Most questions and fears can be eased when you sit down and have a “moving” conversation with your child. Let children be present on moving day as the boxes are packed and movers take away your belongings.
Make sure children have an opportunity to pick out favorite things to take along on your trip to your new duty station.
Give children a special job on moving “out” and moving “in” day so they feel a valuable part of the process.
Allow children to decide how their new room should be decorated and/or arranged.
Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for fun and exciting things. Allow them to use a map to explore or write down a list of their favorite things/places and go seek them out.
Make a concerted effort to locate after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.
Teach your children you’re new address and phone number as soon as you arrive at your new location.
Military Children’s Booklist – Moving
We’re Moving!, by Heather Maisner and Kristina Stephenson When Amy and her family move into a new house, it takes some effort to make it feel like home. Great book for infants and toddlers.
The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day,by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain The Bear family tells their story of when they moved to their tree house in Bear County.
I'm Not Moving, Mama, by Nancy White Carlstrom and Thor Wickstrom When moving day comes, Little Mouse refuses to leave his room.
Who Will Be My Friends?, by Syd Hoff Freddy moves to a new neighborhood and spends the entire book looking for new friends - until he finally finds them.
Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move, by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser Angry Alexander refuses to move away if it means having to leave his favorite friends and special places.
Let's Move Together, by Carol M. Schubeck This book was written to help children and parents communicate about their feelings surrounding moving and ways to adjust to the big transition.
A New House: Activity book for 4 - 10 year olds, by Jill Wenzel The games and activities in this book are designed to help children adjust to living in a new house.
The Moving Book: A Kids' Survival Guide, by Gabriel Davis This practical handbook is divided into three sections: before the move, during the move, and after the relocation. It contains useful tools for children to stay in touch with their friends, such as an address book and change-of-address postcards.
Footsteps around the World: Relocation Tips for Teens, 2nd edition, by Beverly D. Roman, Dalene R Bickel (Editor) This workbook style text is written for teenagers facing a relocation. It offers organizational checklists, recommends journaling, and gives communication advice. Some of the information, specifically websites, is dated (published in 2001).
Additional Online Resources:
www.defenselink.mil/mtom/ MTOM (for Kids & Teens) was developed by military kids, for military kids with real stories and good advice on how to make a move a good thing.
www.JustMoved.org Their “Mooving Family” is a huge hit with children.
www.militarychild.org An excellent resource for military children resources.
A PCS is a "moving" experience in more ways than one. No matter how often families change residence, moving brings with it a variety of emotions and situations. It is often times very easy to get caught up in the moving checklist of boxes, cleaning, packing and moving and overlook the emotions that are tied to the transition to a new location. When it comes to your children it is very important that you take the time to allow them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the impending move and once you have arrived at your new location.
While children may understand that you’re family is moving their reactions may vary depending on their personality and developmental age. Some children are inquisitive and will want to know “why” every step of the way, some are outgoing and will naturally find friends immediately while others will become nervous, worried, or depressed. Roller coaster emotions are not uncommon. Your child may be thrilled and excited one day, then blue and depressed the next.
Generally speaking, the younger the child, the easier the move. It is important for you to know that most children’s sense of identity is formed by their peer groups and social belonging. The biggest worry that school age children endure is whether they will make new friends and fit in easily at their new school. Cater to satisfy this worry by painting the move in a positive light. If you see your move as an exciting adventure your children will most likely follow your lead.
Moving Tips for Military Children
It is critical that your children have the enough time to say good-bye to the family members and friends they're leaving behind. Encourage them to exchange contact information.
Allow your children to help with separating and packing.
Explain the process of how the move will work and where the military is sending you, how long it will take to get there, and how/when you will find a new home. Keep in mind that small children may have difficulty differentiating a PCS from a parent's deployment. Most questions and fears can be eased when you sit down and have a “moving” conversation with your child. Let children be present on moving day as the boxes are packed and movers take away your belongings.
Make sure children have an opportunity to pick out favorite things to take along on your trip to your new duty station.
Give children a special job on moving “out” and moving “in” day so they feel a valuable part of the process.
Allow children to decide how their new room should be decorated and/or arranged.
Investigate and explore your new neighborhood together. Look for fun and exciting things. Allow them to use a map to explore or write down a list of their favorite things/places and go seek them out.
Make a concerted effort to locate after-school activities where your children can make new friends with similar interests.
Teach your children you’re new address and phone number as soon as you arrive at your new location.
Military Children’s Booklist – Moving
We’re Moving!, by Heather Maisner and Kristina Stephenson When Amy and her family move into a new house, it takes some effort to make it feel like home. Great book for infants and toddlers.
The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day,by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain The Bear family tells their story of when they moved to their tree house in Bear County.
I'm Not Moving, Mama, by Nancy White Carlstrom and Thor Wickstrom When moving day comes, Little Mouse refuses to leave his room.
Who Will Be My Friends?, by Syd Hoff Freddy moves to a new neighborhood and spends the entire book looking for new friends - until he finally finds them.
Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move, by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser Angry Alexander refuses to move away if it means having to leave his favorite friends and special places.
Let's Move Together, by Carol M. Schubeck This book was written to help children and parents communicate about their feelings surrounding moving and ways to adjust to the big transition.
A New House: Activity book for 4 - 10 year olds, by Jill Wenzel The games and activities in this book are designed to help children adjust to living in a new house.
The Moving Book: A Kids' Survival Guide, by Gabriel Davis This practical handbook is divided into three sections: before the move, during the move, and after the relocation. It contains useful tools for children to stay in touch with their friends, such as an address book and change-of-address postcards.
Footsteps around the World: Relocation Tips for Teens, 2nd edition, by Beverly D. Roman, Dalene R Bickel (Editor) This workbook style text is written for teenagers facing a relocation. It offers organizational checklists, recommends journaling, and gives communication advice. Some of the information, specifically websites, is dated (published in 2001).
Additional Online Resources:
www.defenselink.mil/mtom/ MTOM (for Kids & Teens) was developed by military kids, for military kids with real stories and good advice on how to make a move a good thing.
www.JustMoved.org Their “Mooving Family” is a huge hit with children.
www.militarychild.org An excellent resource for military children resources.
Military OneSource Tax Filing Services
The Military OneSource Tax Program has begun! The program provides free access to a customized version of the basic H&R Block at Home® electronic tax- filing product. This customized product allows for free federal filing and free state filing (up to three states). In addition, free telephonic tax consultations are available to help with tax- related issues. Please see our list of Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the program and filing your 2010 taxes.
Tax consultants are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. ET by calling the
Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802.
*An important note: Please do not create a user account on the public H&R Block Web site. You will incur a fee if you file using the public H&R Block Web site/product. If you create an account on the public H&R Block Web site, regardless of how you access the account in the future, the H&R Block system will view you as a public user (the system tags the account when it is created, according to the version of the product being used at that time).
Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802.
Pets for Patriots!!!
Just found out about this incredible not for profit organization that brings our military or veterans together with a shelter dog or cat;
it's a heroic act when you save the life of an animal~it's just as heroic that these animals can save your life as well.
Please go to the website below, choose your state for a local shelter; if there is not one in your area just contact Pets for Patriots and they will assist in connecting you with one.
They even have volunteer opportunities/donations, etc. that your FRG might find intriguing;
Just think of how many animals lives we could save and how many smiles could be put on our military/veterans faces~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)