According to SEC. 526, equal treatment will be given for individuals who graduate from a legally operating secondary school. I would think that would encompass state recognized charter schools, Home School, and other schools that don’t fit the old idea of a regular traditional public high school. It should take away the requirement for a 50QT minimum for Home School graduates. Gone should be the days when a recruiter would need to advise an applicant who graduated a non-traditional, state approved high school that their diploma wasn’t enough, and that they needed to go to college and obtain at least 15 college credits.

Well, hopefully.

As with just about all laws that are written, there are loopholes. Competing interests get involved, and those in congress try and make everybody as happy as they can be – a little give and take, as it were. This section mandates “Equal treatment“, but contradicts that mandate by allowing the services “[to] include the use of a noncognitive aptitude test, adaptive personality assessment, or other operational attrition screening tool to predict performance, behaviors, and attitudes of potential recruits that influence attrition and the ability to adapt to a regimented life in the Armed Forces.”

Tier Tweeners or Tier I½’ers. Whatever. We either trust the States or we don’t.

The Section in question (emphasis is mine);

SEC. 526. POLICY ON MILITARY RECRUITMENT AND ENLISTMENT OF GRADUATES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

• (a) Equal Treatment for Secondary School Graduates-
• (1) EQUAL TREATMENT- For the purposes of recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of a military department shall treat a graduate described in paragraph (2) in the same manner as a graduate of a secondary school (as defined in section 9101(38)) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(38))
• (2) COVERED GRADUATES- Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a person who–
• (A) receives a diploma from a secondary school that is legally operating;
• (B) otherwise completes a program of secondary education in compliance with the education laws of the State in which the person resides.
• (b) Policy on Recruitment and Enlistment- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy on recruitment and enlistment that incorporates the following:
• (1) Means for identifying persons described in subsection (a)(2) who are qualified for recruitment and enlistment in the Armed Forces, which may include the use of a noncognitive aptitude test, adaptive personality assessment, or other operational attrition screening tool to predict performance, behaviors, and attitudes of potential recruits that influence attrition and the ability to adapt to a regimented life in the Armed Forces.
• (2) Means for assessing how qualified persons fulfill their enlistment obligation.
• (3) Means for maintaining data, by each diploma source, which can be used to analyze attrition rates among qualified persons.
• (c) Recruitment Plan- As part of the policy required by subsection (b), the Secretary of each of the military departments shall develop a recruitment plan that includes a marketing strategy for targeting various segments of potential recruits with all types of secondary education credentials.
• (d) Communication Plan- The Secretary of each of the military departments shall develop a communication plan to ensure that the policy and recruitment plan are understood by military recruiters.

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

With a new college semester starting at the end of this month, it was time to follow-up with the VA to ensure they received all the paperwork required to ensure the book stipend, BAH and tuition gets paid on time. Before I made the call, I realized that my oldest son, who also is in college, was doing the same thing to ensure everything is in order. He informed me that although this is his last year of school, this coming semester was the last one he would receive his GI Bill benefit. As a matter of fact, he only has 16 days of benefit left, but after reading statements like, “If an individual’s entitlement exhausts during a term, benefits may be extended until the end of the term.” he thought this upcoming semester was taken care of… he was wrong.

When my oldest completed his time in the Navy, the 911GIBill had not yet been approved. As a matter of fact, he had already completed two years of college using the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) before the 911GIBill had become available.

Because Servicemembers like my son who qualified for the 911GIBill benefit before it became available had already used some or all of their MGIB benefit, members could finish their 36 month of MGIB entitlement and then get an additional 12 months of 911GIBill for a maximum college benefit of 48 months.

48 months is the key.

The most benefit one can receive by law is 48 months, not 36. Now, that doesn’t mean that everyone gets 48 months of benefit, really the only people that will max out are those who use two programs like my son, but everyone else could potentially end up with as much as 40 months of full GI Bill tuition and other payments.

The rule is, if you exhaust your benefit during a semester, you will get full benefit for the remainder of the semester EVEN IF you only have ONE DAY of benefit remaining when the semester starts, UNLESS you hit the maximum of 48 months.

Again, you will NOT receive greater than a total of 48 months of GI Bill benefit!

If you exhaust your benefit mid way through a semester while hitting the maximum 48 months entitlement, your tuition, book stipend and BAH payment will be prorated, day for day.

If I left you with more questions than answers, ask!

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

I think there are modifications we can make in the areas of pay, retirement and education, some painful, yes, but should save dollars.

Military Pay

Can we cut the “personnel” expenditures without cutting the pay? I thing so.

SECDEF implied that those in “high demand and dangerous specialties” should be compensated more than those who are not – I have no disagreement, as a matter of fact, via special pays such as hazardous duty, flight pay, special duty assignment pay, etc., we already do. Maybe he is looking toward how those in the British military are paid. In the UK, as an example, an Electronics Tech would start at a higher level than a Culinary Specialist of the same rank – both could have the same amount of years in, they would hold the same rank, but paid differently. I am not a fan of this approach.

Military pay for our active and Reserve forces should remain as is with yearly adjustments based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI). SECDEF seems to believe that the services’ continuous ability to meet recruiting and retention targets stems from the fact our Armed Forces may be overcompensated. Our military recruiters have unprecedented numbers of applicants seeking enlistment, not because of the compensation package, but because the unemployment picture of the United States is so bleak. Also, to imply our Armed Forces may be overcompensated so soon after the Government Accounting Office’s report showed the pay gap has finally closed is a little off kilter. The 2011 pay raise of 1.4% was inline with the private sector ECI just as is the 1.4% proposal for 2012. Theoretically, any move away from ECI would produce a gap – a gap that congress spent ten years closing with half percent raises added to each ECI presidential budget pay proposal.

What would I change? I would eliminate the E-2 pay grade and phase out the E-8 pay grade. Keep the current pay structure and level (E-1 thru E-9) for the remaining pay grades to remain in-line with NATO designation (OR-1 thru OR-9).

Enlistees would ship to boot-camp as an E-1 and would be advanced to the next rank at the graduation of their initial school (A school for the Navy) or at 15 weeks post boot-camp graduation, whichever is soonest. The new E-3 would have a time in rate requirement of nine months before being eligible for E-4.

The E-7 time in rate would increase to five years with longevity raises increased for “Over 20″ and beyond. The new E-7 high year tenure would increase to 26 years and the current E-9 cap mandated by United States Code Title 10 Section 517(a). Section 517 would be increased to 3%.

Retirement

Keep the retirement system as is for both active duty and the Reserve, with a couple of changes.

Change One: Once a member retires, the member will receive their percentage of base pay as the current policy dictates; however, the member not realize yearly raises that are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until age 65.

An example, if a member retires and has earned $1000 a month, the $1000 a month is what the member will receive until age 65 – at age 65, the member will start receiving the pay the member would have received as if the CPI adjustments had occurred each year with all future years adjusted by CPI until the members death.

Change Two: Eliminate all issues with concurrent receipt (CR). Provide Concurrent Receipt for all members, including those retired under chapter 61, who earned retired pay and have a service connected disability rating.

Concurrent Receipt is when a member who has retired from the military draws both the earned retired pay and “service connected” disability compensation from the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Currently, CR is not authorized for those who are given a disability rating less than 50% – for the members who’s retired pay is less than 50%, the VA disability amount is deducted from the members retired pay.

Education

Eliminate Tuition Assistance (T/A). With the Post 9/11 GI Bill in place, once earned, members should have to draw from their GI Bill account for the pursuit of any non-service trade school certificates or college degree programs.

Get the Armed Forces out of the four-year college business; close our service academies. Expand Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and increase Officer Candidate School (OCS) selections to buffer the Academies losses. For the Navy, close and move OCS, Naval War College in New Port, RI, and Naval Post Graduate School is Monterey, CA, to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD – if room permits – also move Navy Education and Training to the vacated facilities in Annapolis. The other services would follow suit.

Miscellaneous

The member’s primary vehicle’s registration for base access would remain free, each additional vehicle would require a fee.

I don’t know how much each suggestion would cut, nor do I pretend to know the long term affects some of these changes may cause, but the conversation needs to happen because with a $15 trillion deficit, somethings gotta give.

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

Note for those attending school utilizing the Post 9/11 GI Bill: According to the Veteran’s Administration, if your housing rate decreased for 2012, you will continue to receive the higher 2011 rate unless you change schools or have more than a six month break in school attendance.

14 Feb 2011, President Obama released his “Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2012.” I have taken the liberty to extract the portion within the Defense budget overview that related to our members and families.

Also in the budget, it is projected that Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will increase an average of 4.2 percent, and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) will increase 3.4 percent.

DoD schools and child care are to receive roughly $3.6billion.

Today’s servicemembers make up the most elite and proficient fighting force in
the world, and their strength depends on the strength and stability of their families. Overall,
the Budget provides $8.3 billion to support military families, including $1.2 billion to expand
availability of affordable, high-quality child care; $4.7 billion to improve servicemembers’ quality
of life; and $2.4 billion to sustain and build DOD schools, supporting quality education for military
dependents. The Budget also includes funding for a 1.6 percent pay raise for military service
members, as well as a variety of monthly special skill-based payments, enlistment and
reenlistment bonuses, and other benefits. In addition, included in the $8.3 billion, the Budget shifts $73 million from the OCO budget to the base budget to support stability and adequate resources for important family support programs over the long-term.

Cares for Wounded, Ill, and Injured Servicemembers.

The Administration sustains ongoing efforts to provide high-quality medical care
to the over 9.6 million servicemembers, retirees, and their families. This includes support for
wounded warrior transition units and centers of excellence in vision, hearing, traumatic brain
injury (TBI), and other areas to continuously improve the care provided to wounded, ill, and
injured servicemembers.
The Budget provides:

• • $52.5 billion for the overall Military Health System, which includes construction of military
  hospitals and clinics, pay for military medical staff, as well as accrual contributions for future
  Medicare-eligible beneficiaries;
• • A projected $677 million to provide care for TBI and psychological health; and
• • $415 million for continued support of wounded, ill, and injured medical research, to
  include psychological health and TBI/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

To ensure that beneficiaries receive treatment in state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics, the Budget
plans for completion of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and funds construction
of the Fort Bliss hospital replacement, and ambulatory care centers at Andrews Air
Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base.

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

I guess there is one aspect of the debate that concerns me more than the others. It seems to be all or nothing. What level of gay is OK?

Regulations have kept, for the most part, the flamboyant, uber-gay person from successfully processing for military service. Currently, the argument is that the DADT gays have been serving honorably, secretly, since the beginning of time so why not let them serve openly?

I am not against that, but, again, what level of gay is OK?

DADT gay?
Liberace gay?
Cross-dresser gay?

Currently, medically, any history of psychosexual conditions, including but not limited to, transsexualism, exhibitionism, transvestism, voyeurism, and other paraphilias, is disqualifying. Would a repeal of the DADT affect any of those conditions?

Will there have to be changes to the uniform regulations (as they relate to civilian clothing) to make them more gender neutral?

We have standards for the content and position of tattoos, piercings and brandings – will we have to better define what is allowable sexual behavior? Adjust the wording, or outright remove, article 125 of the UCMJ?

With the feedback I have received so far, I can tell I haven’t articulated my position and question very well. So I will post an exchange I had on Facebook that may do a better job than my first attempt;

Kevin: Um, What level of Black is ok? Or level of women is ok? Or level of Irish is ok?

Me: I am questioning behavior, not the fact that someone may be gay. In the military, you can have tattoos, but the content and location is regulated. I do not see a time where a man could cross the brow of a ship in a dress, that type of behavior would have to be considered – would our uniform regulations have to be modified? Kevin, did you read my post?

Kevin: I did. I guess I just don’t get what you’re concerned about? Also, I assume this is all just rhetorical anyways.

Me: Take this instruction as an example http://www.unl.edu/nrotc/reference/UniformReg/Chapter7.pdf If DADT is repealed, then gays can be open about who they may be, but some regulations may keep some of them from “being” who they may be. What changes would affect good order and discipline?

Kevin: So, we’re talking about stereotypes then?

Me: Stereotyping, I don’t think I am. If I was doing that, I wouldn’t think there are various degrees of associated behavior that range from society normal to taking actions on feelings of being trapped in the body of the opposite sex. If DADT was to be repealed, what current regulations in place would need to be examined, and to what degree would changes have to be made?

I am sure I am still out somewhere in right field here, but I hope this sheds a little more light on my question.

This is not something that can be done with the stroke of a pen. Time and careful consideration must be taken to ensure enforceable and fair policies are written.

So many regulations, so many instructions…

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

Countless heroes have died while in the service of this great country, we should be honoring them everyday, but Memorial Day does provide a focus. At 1500, your local time (3pm), take a moment to remember the supreme sacrifice of our fallen heroes. During that moment, take the time to tell the stories of men like;

HM3 Wayne M. Caron, “…HM3 Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HM3. Caron then ran toward the second wounded marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HM3. Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HM3. Caron continued his attempt to reach the third marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round.”

and

Hospitalman Richard De Wert, “…HC Dewert rushed to the assistance of 1 of the more seriously wounded and, despite a painful leg wound sustained while dragging the stricken marine to safety, steadfastly refused medical treatment for himself and immediately dashed back through the fireswept area to carry a second wounded man out of the line of fire. Undaunted by the mounting hail of devastating enemy fire, he bravely moved forward a third time and received another serious wound in the shoulder after discovering that a wounded marine had already died. Still persistent in his refusal to submit to first aid, he resolutely answered the call of a fourth stricken comrade and, while rendering medical assistance, was himself mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire…”

and

MA2(SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, “…an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country…”

and the many other Medal of Honor Recipients and fallen heroes of our nation.

Then go back to your grill, friends and family, and truly enjoy your day. After all, it was for the freedoms we enjoy that they gave their all, and I don’t think they would want it any other way.

Let us not forget.

(excerpts taken from citations)

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

My wife, Bonnie, and I, look forward to these events for a multitude of reasons, but none more important than meeting up with folks who are becoming closer friends with each visit …even if I still don’t know some of their real names (CDR Salamander)!

The Navy was pretty well represented this year – Navy Bloggers Boston Maggie; Steel Jaw Scribe; a slew of folks from the USNI Blog; Wendy of Navy Wife Radio; one of the coolest Airdales on the planet, AW1 Tim; and Taylor Kiland and CAPT USN(ret) McCandless of the Navy Log Blog (sponsored by the United States Navy Memorial) were all in attendance. Also, after months and months of twitter banter, I got to meet @NavyNews – he is a bit shorter than I imagined with a lot less hair.

We had the privilege of hearing from some pretty influential and interesting people. The event was kicked off with an entertaining, taped message by General Petraeus. We participated in a live feed, question and answer period, with Major General Hogg, Deputy Commander – Army, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan. This may be surprising to those who know me, but it turns out I mumble – when I asked the General about recruiting the Afghan forces most of my question was inaudible to those here in the states but was well understood halfway around the world – the text of the interview is [here] – I am the “Tom — (name and affiliation inaudible)” guy. Had a chance to let off a little steam when I asked a question to the legislative panel concerning military pay and the GAO’s latest report that wonders if a gap exists with the civilian sector – I kept it relatively clean, I only yelled the word crap once. I had one other question that I posed to Admiral Harvey after his panel was completed. I was curious if we, the Navy, have learned lessons from the numerous humanitarian missions that may change the training pipeline for Sailors, like additional first aid training or something we may never have thought of before Katrina, Haiti, the Tsunami, and the other tragic events. He assured me that before our forces make it to the affected zone, they are trained and ready to meet the challenges they may face.

Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury

Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury fame was also in attendance – funny(ish) story – Taco Bell and I walked up to a gentleman thinking he was Garry – in our defense the two could be twins – and I asked him if I could get a picture of him with me… turns out that the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Director of National Intelligence has a great sense of humor – who knew? When I found the real Garry, I took this picture. Someday, I may just Photoshop myself into it.

I was surprised at the number of bloggers who were authors of books. If I had a topic, any skill at writing, and umm, time – I would love to join that distinguished group.

Jake Rademacher, Brothers at War

Finally, I would like to mention the movie, Brothers at War. I am very impressed with Jake Rademacher’s ability to tell such a difficult story with dignity and honor. If you haven’t done so already, go and watch the trailer to the movie via the link I provided – if you don’t have a couple tears starting to form in the corner of your eyes when it’s over, then you are not human.

Whew, this is a long post, and I am sure I am missing a ton of information and people who made the trip educational and fun. So, when is the Vegas Milblog?! We are ready!

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

I do like Popeye’s chicken, but my favorite fast food? Nope, maybe third. Micky D’s gets my vote! What is your favorite?

Oh, speaking of some of the best fast food, feed the brain with some Midrats.

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

Today I received my answer via snail mail. It states, “This certifies that you are entitled to benefits for an approved program of education or training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill beginning August 1, 2009.”

Well, I’ll be danged. I never thought this day would come. As I discussed before, I joined under the VEAP program which I opted out of. I did not think an opportunity for college benefits after retirement from the Navy would ever present itself.

My Certificate of Eligibility continues, “You must take this letter to your school. Your school must certify your enrollment before you can get paid.”

No problem!

“You have 36 months and 0 days of full time benefits. Your remaining entitlement may be adjusted based on your entitlement used after your election date. You have until January 1, 2022 to use your benefits under this program which is fifteen years from the date of your last separation from active duty.”

If it takes me until 2022 to finish… well, procrastination can kill a sky diver – I am pulling my ripcord on this long before I hit the ground :)

The Yellow Ribbon Program

Because you are eligible at the 100% benefit rate, you may also be eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows schools to enter into an agreement with the VA to provide additional financial assistance to individuals who are charged tuition and fees that exceed the in-State maximum amount payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program. This benefit is only payable if the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fee payment does not cover the full cost of your school’s tuition and fees.

Note: Individuals on active duty are not eligible for this program.

The letter goes on but those were the highlights.

I planned on blogging about my adventure the 911GIBill affords me via another domain 911gibill.com but then came to my senses, two blogs can be a pain in the butt – I will stick with one blog portal, Navy Cyberspace.

Next step? I will be going to the University on Memphis next week to acquaint myself with the surroundings and see what sport I want to tryout for, I hear Memphis may need a quarterback :)

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.

FREE GOLF at Disney World!! I am not talking about a buy one get one free thingy, no no – FREE as in show up and play because you’ve already earned it FREE.

Walt Disney World, amongst its PGA golf courses, has a little known 9 hole executive course available for play. What most people don’t know, even those currently staying here at the Shades of Green, if you have your Disney’s Armed Forces Salute complementary ticket one of the additional benefits is FREE GOLF on the 9 hole course. You do not have to be staying at the Shades of Green or any of Disney’s resorts to participate – the ticket is all you need.

Wild Turkey at Disney

Today was the first day of the discounted tee times for the PGA courses here at Disney World as I mentioned in a previous post about the military discounts. Our tee time was 1009 – I learned you want to show up at least an hour before. The rate includes a bucket of balls to use on the driving range and there is also a lot of space set aside for practicing your short game and putting before hitting the course. Just be careful of all the turkeys running around, they seem to be everywhere.

I have played many courses over the years from Keflavik, Iceland to Scottsdale, Arizona and today was the first time I have had the benefit of a GPS equipped golf cart. The screen is mounted between the driver and passenger above the console. It not only showed the holes layout with distances to the hole and all its dangers and traps. It also allowed you to input your scores and displayed how far out the group in front of you is! The use of a golf cart is included in the fee, there is no additional cost.

GPS Golf Cart Display

Back quite a few years ago, just before graduating high school, I had to make a decision about what I was going to do for a living. One of the choices I had was to play golf professionally but, I had absolutely no skill or talent for the game – nothing has changed. My score today, as usual, was higher than the temperature of someone’s body with the worst case of swine flu and just short of a NASCARs speed in the far turn. I guess you can say I got my monies worth?

My Dad, however, was up to the challenge. The Magnolia course was his music and his clubs his instrument, he played like a man possessed! Here is a video of him driving with his 3 wood for about 240 yards down the center of the fairway;

We had a great time and as I usually do when I play my father in golf I say, “I’ll get you next time” and he responds with no words and what can only be described as a devilish grin, that grin scares me…

Thank you Disney for the years of support to our Military!

The approved 2012 Military Pay Chart for basic pay, effective January 1, 2012.
The 2013 Military Pay raise estimation based on ECI - Title 37, US Code.