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Tricare Bulletin - How TRICARE Covers Durable Medical Equipment

Three years after Secretary Denis McDonough promised that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would begin covering gender-affirming surgery, that commitment has still not been met. And as anti-trans legislation continues to sweep the country, transgender veterans say they see the latest delays by VA as further evidence of politically motivated bias against their community. “The community has done our job, we have served our country, we have earned the benefits that we have through VA; it’s not our fault that Congress and Capitol Hill can’t stop fighting about whether or not we should even be alive,” said Lindsay Church, executive director of Minority Veterans of America. “All we want is access to care.”

The military’s approach to preventing fatigue is fragmented and requires greater oversight to prevent potentially fatal accidents and help sleep-deprived service members, a government watchdog agency said this week. Dedicated leadership at the Pentagon and in each service is needed to oversee progress combatting the issue, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-03-27/fatigue-crash-accountability-report-13438970.html Source - Stars and Stripes

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281442Z MAR 24 MID120000988535U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 063/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/FY-25 ACTIVE-DUTY NAVY NUCLEAR LIMITED DUTY OFFICER IN-SERVICE PROCUREMENT SELECTION BOARD RESULTS// REF/A/DOC/MANMED/20FEB19// AMPN/REF A IS NAVMED P 117, MANUAL OF MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.// RMKS/1. Congratulations to selectees of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Active- Duty Navy Nuclear Limited Duty Officer (LDO) In-Service Procurement (ISP) Selection Board. 2. For LDO selectees, read name, commissioning month/year. All appointments are effective on the first day of the commissioning month. Members are directed to verify their select status via BUPERS Online. LIMITED DUTY OFFICER ENSIGN NUCLEAR POWER - 620X Abbott Brennan A 0925 Abernathy Tabitha Maria 1224 Aponterosa Jon L 0825 Barrantes Thomas A 1124 Bradley Christopher E Jr 0525 Bradleymoore William A 1224 Brown Brent Daniel 1024 Bryson Ammon Lee 1124 Burkhart Kaitlynn Rae 0925 Campbell Timothy Scott 0525 Cassidy Taylor Joseph 0825 Collins Dominic R II 0825 Conwell Branden Michael 0525 Cook Jacob Lee 0825 Escobar Godofredo E 1124 Fitzgerald Jeremy Don 1224 Gathof Cory Alexander 0825 Gimmarro Nicolas Tyler 0825 Huber Cole Harrison 0425 Kaisi Zachary Ryan 0525 Lewis Beau David 1124 Lewis William M Jr 1024 Lord John Michael 0525 Mah Zachary James N 0325 Markel Christopher D 0225 Mather Scotie Lyn 1124 Metcalf Donald John 1124 Mitchell Tyler John 1224 Morrell Matthew R 0225 Oneil Tyler Michael 0425 Pierce Joseph W 0925 Raybon Noah Thomas Jr 1123 Ridgley Easton R 0325 Rios Marcus Anthony 1024 Ritter Travis Lane 1224 Sackmann Allan R 0225 Schauer James Joseph 0925 Schmitt Jamie Paul 0425 Shelton Jeffrey E Jr 1024 Sloan Stefan Bryan 1224 Thole Isaac James 0325 Williams Luke Gipson 0425 3. Each applicant should take pride in knowing that the superior performance documented in the evaluations reviewed by the board required the members to dedicate long hours in making hard choices to ensure only the best and fully qualified applicants were selected. I am confident that each selectee will justify their selection time and again in their new career as naval officers. Those not selected are highly encouraged to seek out an LDO/Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in your area for advice on ways to grow professionally and improve opportunity for future selection. Bravo Zulu to all who were willing to answer the call. 4. This message is not authority to issue appointments. Frocking is prohibited. COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-806) will deliver appointments to MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) Millington approximately 60 days prior to the commissioning date. MNCC will forward appointments to the Transaction Service Center (TSC) Great Lakes, who will distribute directly to the respective CPPAs. TSC Great Lakes will also process the conversion from enlisted to officer status for LDOs and CWOs, for all commands other than those who have the ability to process their own (CVN, SPECWAR, etc.). TSC Great Lakes can be contacted directly at the below email address. 5. Commanding Officers are directed to: a. Notify selectee. b. Notify PERS-803 via official correspondence no later than 10 days following release of this message of selectees who do not accept appointment. Selectees who decline their commission within this 10 day period will be considered by the FY-25 Enlisted Selection Boards. After the 10 day period, PERS-802 will invalidate all FY-25 Active-Duty Navy Nuclear LDO ISP Selection Board selectees eligibility for the FY-25 Active-Duty Enlisted Selection Boards. c. Per reference (a), ensure LDO selectees obtain a commissioning physical within 90 days preceding the appointment month. Notify the Nuclear LDO detailer (PERS-422B) upon completion. d. Hold execution of all permanent change of station orders in abeyance, if applicable, and immediately notify PERS-40 of member's selection. e. Administer an official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) within four months of commissioning date. Selectees must hand carry test results to Officer Indoctrination School, Newport, RI. If selectee fails to achieve satisfactory medium, notify Nuclear LDO detailer (PERS-422B). Hold commissioning in abeyance until successful completion of PFA. f. Hold appointment in abeyance if it is determined that a selectee is no longer mentally, physically, morally, or professionally qualified or if they fail to meet current PFA requirements. Immediately forward documentation citing reason to PERS-803. 6. If a Nuclear LDO selectee's enlistment (including any extensions) expires after the date of appointment, they are not reenlistment eligible unless appointment is declined. 7. Each selectee should contact the Nuclear LDO officer detailer (PERS-422B) for submission requirements in regards to personal information and history cards, and inform PERS-806 of address changes to facilitate appointment delivery. 8. Points of Contact a. PERS-422B point of contact for Nuclear LDO ISP Selection Board, issues/questions is LT Karl Martin at (901) 874 3938/DSN 882. b. PERS-806 point of contact for issuance of oath and commissioning documents issues/questions is Mrs. Alda Boster, at (901) 874 4374/DSN 882 or email at officer_appt.fct@navy.mil. c. MNCC point of contact for distribution of oath and commissioning documents is askmncc@navy.mil. d. TSC Great Lakes point of contact for oath of office distribution and conversion questions is M_GRLK_TSCEOPP@navy.mil. 9. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

The Navy is leading salvage efforts to clear and re-open the channel leading to the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, service officials told USNI News on Thursday. Naval Sea Systems Command supervisor of salvage and diving is supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Unified Command, led by the Coast Guard, reads a statement provided to USNI News. The Coast Guard and its multiple Maryland and federal partners established the Unified Command Wednesday after cargo ship MV Dali, struck Baltimore’s Key Bridge Tuesday morning, causing the bridge to collapse. Six construction workers who were on the bridge died.

VetResources - New Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Program

The U.S. Navy plans to mount a high-powered microwave prototype system on one of its vessels as early as 2026, according to the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget documents. The system will come from the Navy’s Project METEOR, which is developing a directed energy weapon system prototype that the service plans to integrate on ships in 2026. METEOR will “provide capability with low cost-per-shot, deep magazine, tactically significant range, short time engagement for multi-target approach, dual deception and defeat capability,” according to the budget documents.

What GAO Found Many service members are not getting the Department of Defense (DOD) recommended 7 or more hours of sleep each day. The department’s overarching fatigue-related guidance emphasizes service members obtain at least 7 hours of sleep for optimal performance and readiness. For over a decade, DOD surveys have found that the majority of service members report sleeping 6 or fewer hours per night. Respondents to GAO’s nongeneralizable survey cited similar issues. For example, many respondents are sleeping too little, and roughly half of respondents have poor sleep quality regardless of quantity. Survey respondents provided examples of how sleep deprivation has affected their work, from nearly colliding with another aircraft to falling asleep on the job.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271610Z MAR 24 MID120000985745U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 062/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/NOTICE OF CONVENING FY25-2 TEST PILOT SCHOOL SELECTION BOARD// REF/A/DOC/BUPERS/06JAN21// AMPF/REF A IS BUPERSINST 1500.62E, TEST PILOT SCHOOLS.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces convening of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) Selection Board on 20 June 2024. This board will select highly qualified Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers (NFO) for USNTPS and Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS). Test Pilot School (TPS) graduates have significant and long-lasting influence on platforms and systems that directly impact the future warfighting capability of the Fleet. Request command and Fleet community assistance to identify candidates with strong operational performance and ideally, strong academic backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic fields of study. 2. To be eligible for board consideration, a command-endorsed application in line with reference (a), must be received by MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) no later than 9 May 2024. Additional documentation (including Wing/CAG endorsements, letters of recommendation, Fitness Reports (FITREPs), etc.) will be accepted until 6 June 2024, but must be submitted by the applicant, as a letter to the board, in line with subparagraph 4a. The e-mail address(es), phone number(s), college transcripts, Anthropometric Data Measurement Record, a current Body Composition Assessment report from Physical Readiness Information Management System, last FITREP, and post-TPS test squadron assignment preferences of the applicant must be included with the application. Current ashore and afloat contact information of the applicant's Commanding Officer must also be included to expedite notification, if selected. 3. The command endorsement shall explicitly state whether the applicant, if selected, will be allowed and available to report for pre-arrival training by the following dates: a. 1 October 2024 for Fixed Wing pilots b. 28 October 2024 for Rotary Wing pilots c. 2 December 2024 for NFOs Endorsements with availability dates after these respective dates may be removed from consideration and not reviewed by the board. Inability for the applicant to meet the above date may be mitigated by conducting initial training in a Temporary Additional Duty (TEMADD) status at the expense of the endorsing command. If this is required, it must be explicitly stated in the command endorsement that the endorsing command will provide TEMADD funds until the applicant can officially detach. If the applicant has official Permanent Change of Station orders and is projected to be on board the gaining command prior to the board convening date of 20 June 2024, a gaining command endorsement is required in addition to the endorsement from the applicant's current command. 4. Application package submissions: a. The preferred method of application submission is electronic. E-mail encrypted PDF submissions to cscselboard@navy.mil and carbon copy ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil and brandy.l.dempster- theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil. If required, please visit https://dod411.gds.disa.mil/ to download the required mailbox certificates to encrypt the email. If unable to send encrypted, please contact ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil and brandy.l.dempster- theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil for assistance. b. If unable to send electronically, applications may be sent via U.S. Postal Service to the following address: MyNavy Career Center FY25-2 Test Pilot School Selection Board (Board #380) 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055 c. Applications sent via FEDEX/UPS/DHL should use the following address: MyNavy Career Center FY25-2 Test Pilot School Selection Board (Board #380) 5640 Ticonderoga Loop, BLDG 768, RM E302 Millington, TN 38055-6300 5. Applicants should confirm receipt of their application package and all correspondence by calling the MNCC at 1-833-330-MNCC or DSN 882-6622. 6. Eligibility: a. Designated Naval Aviators and NFOs through the grade of lieutenant commander (O4) who are qualified for flight duties and have not been terminated from flying status are eligible for selection. b. The preferred Unrestricted Line (URL, 13X0) Aviators are lieutenant (O3) and O4 Aviators with detailer-forecasted career timing to complete the selected TPS program and a minimum 24 month follow-on test tour prior to their next career milestone (e.g. Department Head, etc.). c. Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (1510) aviators through the grade of O4 may be selected if they are able to serve a 36-month follow-on test tour and still meet career milestones. d. Applicants determined to have insufficient career timing to meet the minimum test tour of 24 months may have their application removed from consideration. e. Applicants should ensure they have a valid government passport that will not expire prior to completion of the class. 7. Applicants should periodically check for updates and additional information via MyNavy HR at https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career- Management/Boards/Administrative/Test-Pilot/. 8. Points of contact are CDR Ernesto R. Villalba, PERS-434B, via e- mail at ernesto.r.villalba.mil@us.navy.mil or Ms. Brandy Theisen, PERS-434B1, via e- mail at brandy.l.dempster-theisen.ctr@us.navy.mil. 9. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271604Z MAR 24 MID120000985728U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 061/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/FY25 SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// REF/B/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/171350ZJUL17// REF/C/DOC/BUPERS/02MAY19// REF/D/DOC/COMNAVCRUITCOM/20JUL22// NARR/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL. REF B IS NAVADMIN 177/17, NUCLEAR TRAINED SAILOR APPLICATIONS TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS. REF C IS PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION 150A, SEAMAN TO ADMIRAL-21 NUCLEAR OPTION COMMISSIONING PROGRAM. REF D IS COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8M, NAVY RECRUITING MANUAL.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN solicits applications and provides guidance for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) Commissioning Program. Applicants stationed outside the United States at any time between 1 February 2023 and 30 June 2024 or those who were deployed at any time between 1 February 2023 and 30 June 2024 may apply without a valid Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT), if they meet the requirements detailed in paragraph 8h of this NAVADMIN. The SAT or ACT application requirement is also waived for all STA-21 Nuclear option (STA-21(N)) applicants. Supplemental information for applicant submission is provided in paragraphs 8g and 8h of this NAVADMIN. 2. STA-21 is a full-time undergraduate education and commissioning program open to enlisted personnel of all pay grades and ratings who meet the eligibility requirements specified in reference (a). 3. Deadline for submission of applications for the FY25 STA-21 Program is 1 July 2024. Application packages must be postmarked on or before the deadline date. Applications should be submitted prior to the deadline as early submission allows timely feedback to the Sailor for submission of missing or illegible documents. The additional documentation submitted must be postmarked on or before 24 July 2024. No additional documents may be submitted after this date. The selection board is scheduled to convene in August 2024 and the selectees will be announced via NAVADMIN message. 4. The core program and the following target options are open for application for the FY25 Selection Board: Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), SWO Engineering Duty Option (ED), Nuclear (Surface and Sub), Special Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Flight Officer, Aviator, Civil Engineering Corps, Nurse Corps, and Information Professional. 5. The following target options have zero select opportunities for FY25: Human Resources, Intelligence, Information Warfare, Medical Corps, Supply Corps, SWO Information Professional (IP), Oceanography Officer (OCEANO), and SWO (OCEANO). 6. The Nuclear (Surface and Submarine) target option is now open to Sailors who are serving in the Fleet and hold an active nuclear Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) (N1XO, N1XS, N2XO, N2XS) and to those Sailors who are in the nuclear training pipeline with the N91T NEC. Applicants holding a nuclear NEC must receive a conditional release from the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager (OPNAV N133D), in line with reference (b), if applying for an option outside the nuclear community. All applicants for STA-21(N) must be able to begin their first day of class in the first semester of their coursework prior to reaching 8 years of service. See paragraph 9 of this NAVADMIN for additional requirements for non-nuclear trained Sailors applying for the Nuclear (Surface and Submarine) target options. Reference (c) provides specific information and all other requirements to apply for the STA-21(N) program. 7. Additional information applicable to FY25 STA-21 applications is as follows: a. If a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) was not performed within the last year, Commanding Officers (CO) will provide an affirmative statement in their endorsement certifying the applicant is within height and weight requirements as required by paragraph 7 of this NAVADMIN. b. See paragraph 8h of this NAVADMIN for standardized test scores requirements. Candidates are advised to verify school admission requirements, as the STA-21(N) SAT or ACT waiver does not supersede university admission requirements. c. The Joint Service Transcript (JST), in line with reference (a), enclosure (1), chapter 8, paragraph 6b(9), is not required to be submitted for this application. A future revision of reference (a) will remove this requirement. d. The applicant's photograph, in line with reference (a), is no longer required for this application. A future revision of reference (a) will remove this requirement. 8. The following information addresses lessons learned from the FY24 STA-21 selection process and board. This information is provided to preclude common errors: a. Of the 462 applications received for FY24, 436 were board eligible. A total of 79 were selected to participate in the FY24 STA-21 Program. b. Each year, packages are not considered due to non-qualifying SAT or ACT scores, missing CO endorsement or recommendations, recent Non-Judicial Punishment, missing PFA cycles, missing or illegible submission of documents, and not meeting program age or PFA requirements. c. Minimum eligibility requirements must be met before submitting an application. Applications should be mailed only when fully completed. Officer interview boards will consist of three officers. The applicant's CO may not be a board member and should not submit an interview appraisal sheet. The CO's personal interview should be conducted only after the application is complete and the officer interview board has submitted their appraisals. The full picture of an applicant's academic and officer potential can only be determined by reviewing the SAT or ACT scores (if required), high school or college transcripts, and a completed application package. d. The CO's endorsement is extremely important, especially the ranking of the individual among their peers. The endorsement should contain specifics about the individual's academic potential, commitment, leadership, service above self, and potential as a naval officer. CO comments should specify the primary option to which the individual is applying and address how the individual meets the qualifications for that option. For junior Sailors with only schoolhouse evaluations, the CO must address this issue in their endorsement. e. An interview board and nomination review board will be conducted in line with reference (a). It is recommended officers of the applicant's designator of choice, if available, be asked to participate in the interview and nomination review board to assess the applicant for their community. Officer appraisals provide important insight into the applicant. The appraisal from the board should be a frank and honest assessment of the applicant's leadership and academic potential. Appraisal forms should be typed in 10 or 12-point font. f. The applicant's personal statement should address why the Sailor wants to become an officer, how the Sailor's selection would improve the Navy, and why the Sailor is applying for a specific option. Sailors must also address any hardships or unique experiences that shaped their character. Junior Sailors should provide information on high school experiences as high school transcripts rarely provide in-depth information on involvement in sports, clubs, volunteer hours, work, etc. Additionally, applicants should address any anomalies in the package (e.g., poor high school grades, college grades, service school grades, or poor performance evaluation). The explanation should include details of the situation, how the applicant has overcome these issues, and why the applicant will be successful in the future. g. The application is a reflection of the applicant. Applicants must review their packages in their entirety before submitting them. Check for misspelled words and improper grammar. Ensure all high school and college transcripts are enclosed. Applicants must submit results from the last PFA completed including their overall score. Applicants who have not taken the PFA within the past year and meet the exception criteria must have a CO's endorsement including a statement verifying the applicant is currently within height and weight standards. h. Qualifying SAT or ACT scores are required for all non- nuclear officer candidates except as noted in paragraph 1 of this NAVADMIN. Qualifying SAT or ACT scores are not required for all nuclear officer candidates. Applications can still be submitted pending receipt of SAT or ACT scores or with a command statement indicating non-availability for overseas locations and deployed units. SAT or ACT scores can be from exams taken between 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2024. Applicants without a SAT or ACT score and who meet the exception criteria should ensure their high school cumulative grade point average (minimum 2.5 GPA) is within the last 5 years or have a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA on a 4.0 scale with 12 or more semester hours. It is recommended the command retain a copy of the entire application package. The command portion of the application (such as command endorsement and interview appraisal sheets) should not be given to the applicant. 9. The following modifications to application requirements apply only to FY25 STA-21(N) applicants in an effort to reduce administrative requirements for applicants. These modifications will be incorporated into a future revision of reference (a). All waivers will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. All waivers are required to be clearly identified and formally endorsed by the Sailor's CO as part of the Sailor's STA-21(N) application. a. JST transcripts are not required for STA-21(N) applicants. b. Applicants are required to apply to 3 STA-21(N) program approved universities. c. The following universities have zero select opportunities for FY25: Columbia University and Southern University and A&M College. d. Interviews (command and nominative boards) are not required for STA- 21(N) applicants. STA-21(N) applicants are not required to submit officer interview sheets. e. Non-nuclear trained Sailors are welcome to apply to STA- 21(N). Non- nuclear trained Sailors must be released by their community manager prior to submitting an application package. Non- nuclear trained Sailors application packages are required to be screened by the Nuclear Accessions Director of Commander Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC). If applicants have any questions about this process contact OPNAV N133 at bullnuke@navy.mil. Non-nuclear trained Sailors are required to meet the requirements of nuclear field duty as specified in Chapter 5 of reference (d). Those requirements not met for nuclear field duty require a waiver with CNRC concurrence. These requirements include, but are not limited to, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, foreign citizenship, and security clearance. f. CO Letter of Recommendation. A CO's letter of recommendation must be included in an applicant's package. CO's letters of recommendation are encouraged to endorse a Sailor based upon their mental aptitude, leadership, and ability to manage adversity. CO's are encouraged to provide supplemental context into their ranking methodology and ranking philosophy. Commands with "one of one" Sailors are reviewed with the same regard as commands with multiple Sailors applying. CO's are recommended to rank their STA-21(N) applicants in a separate group than the applicants for non-nuclear STA-21 applicants within their command. g. Applicants will submit three personal statements in response to the following three questions. Each statement must not exceed 300 words. (1) What actions have you taken to prepare for the STA-21(N) program, and how do these actions set you apart from other applicants (Provide specific endeavors/activities that you assess make you competitive.) (2) How do you assess your readiness to academically manage a technically rigorous and compressed college level course load (Highlight academic success, but also explain any previous academic shortfalls and evidence that you've overcome them). (3) STA-21(N) is an education and commissioning opportunity that will challenge you morally, mentally, and physically. How do you assess your resiliency in successfully navigating the adversity and mental stresses expected in this program? (Explain your Warrior Ethos and provide any personal challenges or shortcomings that have made you more resilient?) 10. The following lessons learned are provided to STA-21(N) applicants based FY24 STA-21(N) selection process and board. This information is provided to ensure applicants highlight their accomplishments in a competitive package: a. The most competitive applicants have strong academic performance in high school, college, or the nuclear training pipeline. If an applicant does not have a history of strong academic performance, they should provide evidence of improved technical rigor and academic readiness through some other means, i.e., SAT, ACT, or additional college level courses in technical subjects (calculus, physics, etc). b. Sailors are encouraged to address forthright reasons of poor academic performance or disenrollment from an academic institution. This is best accomplished with an explanation of lessons learned or actions taken since the event to address the weaknesses. c. Letters of recommendation are encouraged and should provide further evidence of a Sailor's ability to complete a rigorous technical degree or efforts a Sailor has taken to strengthen their application. 11. The preferred method of delivery for applications is through mail. If mail delivery is not possible, contact the Naval Service Training Command STA-21 Program Office (N92 STA-21) at grlk_sta21@us.navy.mil for alternative delivery methods. Mail completed applications to: Naval Service Training Command ATTN: N92 STA-21 320A Dewey Ave Building 3, Room 106 Great Lakes, IL 60088-2845 12. For questions, specific details, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection procedures, refer to reference (a), contact your Command Career Counselor, or visit the STA-21 website at: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/STA-21/ for the most up-to-date information. 13. [Points of contact for STA-21 is Naval Service Training Command, N92 STA-21, and can be reached at (847) 688-5454 ext 242/DSN 792 or via e-mail at grlk_sta21@us.navy.mil.] (The point of contact for the STA-21(N) Program Office is the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager, OPNAV N133D, and can be reached at (703) 604- 5491/DSN 664 or via e-mail at bullnuke@us.navy.mil.) 14. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271557Z MAR 24 MID120000985699U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 060/24 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAR// SUBJ/ACADEMIC YEAR 2025 NURSE CORPS MEDICAL ENLISTED COMMISSIONING PROGRAM SELECTION BOARD// REF/A/DOC/OPNAV/14DEC09// AMPN/REF A IS OPNAVINST 1420.1B, ENLISTED TO OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS APPLICATION ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN message solicits applications for the Academic Year (AY) 2025 Nurse Corps Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (NC MECP) selection board. The AY25 NC MECP Selection Board will convene in the Fall of 2024. NC MECP provides a path for Active Duty (AD) and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) enlisted Sailors and Marines in any rating or military occupational specialty who already have some college credit to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a commission in the NC. Reserve Component enlisted Sailors in any status other than TAR are not eligible. 2. Applications must be postmarked by 3 September 2024 and mailed to: Commanding Officer Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command Attn: HMDT, 16th Floor 8955 Wood Road Bethesda MD 20889-5611 Any additional required documentation not yet available for the original application package must be received no later than 16 September 2024. Incomplete packages will not be reviewed by the board. 3. Reference (a), chapters 1, 2, and 5 provide application procedures and requirements which should be read in their entirety. Additional application information can be found via MyNavy Portal (MNP) at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/group/career-planning/commissioning-programs on the NC MECP link. Applicants must not have reached their 42nd birthday by the time of initial commission. Age waivers will not be granted. A Marine administrative message will outline conditional release procedures for AD Marines who are selected to participate in the program. 4. Amplifying information for the AY25 NC MECP selection board. a. Applicants assigned to a nuclear training command or who hold a nuclear Navy Enlisted Classification and are applying for the AY25 NC MECP selection board must obtain conditional release from nuclear- field duty prior to submitting their application for consideration. To obtain a conditional release, an applicant must submit an Enlisted Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7) form to the Nuclear Propulsion Program Management Office (OPNAV N133) via their detailer. b. Applicants not assigned to nuclear programs must submit a NAVPERS 1306/7 to their enlisted community manager to obtain the conditional release. 5. Once approved, selection board results will be released and posted via MNP at the NC MECP link. 6. Point of contact is Beverly D. Kemp, NMLPDC, who can be reached at (301) 319-4520/DSN 285 or via e-mail at beverly.d.kemp.civ@health.mil. 7. This NAVADMIN message will remain in effect until superseded or 30 September 2025, whichever occurs first. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Military OneSource - Got Your Orders? You've Got Backup 3-27-2024

The U.S. Navy, working with the Coast Guard, has been operating seven surface drones off of the northern coast of Haiti to monitor illegal human smuggling by sea, an increasingly deadly practice that claims hundreds of lives per year. But the sea drones are doing more than helping the Navy keep watch over the Caribbean, Rear Adm. James Aiken, the commander of U.S. 4th Fleet, told Defense One.

The server move and major security enhancement is complete. There will be some small tweaks (server restarts) but for the most part everything is done. Meanwhile, if you do encounter an issue please use the contact form or post in this forum if you can't email.

A $6 billion settlement involving roughly 250,000 veterans will move forward in a lawsuit that argued faulty earplugs were sold to the military for use during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For the settlement, 98% of service members and veterans with claims had to agree to it. 3M, the Minnesota-based company that made the earplugs, announced Tuesday that 99% of claimants are on board. Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2024-03-26/military-troops-veterans-earplugs-3m-settlement-13433653.html Source - Stars and Stripes

The US Navy is asking for $3.7 billion from Congress in its recently issued unfunded priority list. This year’s request is centered around investments for the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) and infrastructure improvements in Hawaii and Guam.

Two Navy sailors who were assigned to deployed warships died over the past week – one in the Red Sea and one in the Indian Ocean.

Chinese ships blasted water cannons at ships on Manila’s latest resupply mission to the South China Sea outpost on Second Thomas Shoal today, resulting in an unspecified number of injuries and heavy damage onboard one of the Philippine vessels. The resupply mission was publicly revealed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as soon as the civilian-contracted on Friday, Philippine Navy-operated resupply boat Unaizah Mae 4 sortied from Palawan in a move to provide transparency on the upcoming Chinese harassment.

The Navy identified a sailor who died Wednesday, following reports he had gone missing at sea while underway in the Red Sea aboard the destroyer Mason. Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, 34, died on March 20 due to a non-combat related incident that is now under investigation, the Navy announced Saturday.

The nation’s largest credit union said this week that an external review found it hadn’t considered race in mortgage underwriting, responding to CNN’s previous reporting about racial gaps in its mortgage approval rates. Navy Federal Credit Union, which has more than 13 million members and lends to military servicemembers, Department of Defense personnel, veterans and their families, said a review it commissioned from a civil rights lawyer “found no race-based decision making in our mortgage underwriting” and that “legitimate, non-race factors” had largely explained racial differences in approval rates.

Key West Police Department officers arrested a 28-year-old visiting U.S. Navy diver on a felony battery charge and misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure and resisting police after he reportedly exposed himself outside of a Duval Street bar on Thursday, March 21.

CAMDEN, N.J., – A crowd of several thousand well-wishers and veterans joined state and local dignitaries to send off battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) from its berthing on the Delaware River to a dry dock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on Thursday.

It has been four years since Vice Admiral John Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, first released the Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions. NRFI 2020 was an action plan for transforming the Reserve Force. NRFI 2022 challenged the force to adapt with urgency. In 2024, that mission continues with an even greater sense of importance as world events and a dynamic global security environment puts a greater demand on Reserve Sailor readiness than ever before.

Washington, D.C. – Navy Legalman 1st Class Ebony Steward – who is assigned to Carrier Strike Group Eight – has been named the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) 2023 Service Member of the Year. Navy Legalman 1st Class Ronald Forster – who is assigned to Defense Service Office (DSO) Pacific – is the Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) 2023 Service Member of the Year. The awardees were recognized during a March 21 ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard in D.C. The Navy JAG, Vice Adm. Del Crandall, was joined at the event by Rear Adm. David Wilson, commander of NLSC; Master Chief Legalman Lourdie B. Powell, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the JAG, and Master Chief Legalman Tiffany George, Senior Enlisted Leader to NLSC. “These six finalists selflessly poured themselves into this organization, and we noticed - we brought them here, because we want to meet and celebrate them,” said Wilson. “You all are the examples of sailors we need, not just to prepare for the fight, but to win.” Steward and Forster were chosen from among six finalists for these prestigious awards. The finalists included Legalman 1st Class Ashley De Leon and Legalman 1st Class David Schneider, who were nominated for the JAG Service Member of the Year award; they also included Legalman 1st Class Mikhail G. Franco and Legalman 1st Class Erin Transue, who were nominated for the NLSC Service Member of the Year award. “The winners, finalists, and those nominated are truly exemplary service members – making indelible marks on the JAG Corps and the Navy,” said Crandall. Steward – who hails from Elizabeth City, N.C. – serves as Carrier Strike Group Eight’s flag Legalman. She joined the Navy in 2006 as an Operations Specialist, converting to the Legalman rating in 2014. During the past year, she processed more than 80 administrative separation packages, 17 nonjudicial punishment appeals, 30 investigations, 25 command managed equal opportunity cases, five detachment for cause requests, and one exception to policy request. She served as an assistant recorder for two administrative separation boards. “Receiving this honor is more than just a nomination for me because it means that my peers, my command, and my JAG continue to believe in me,” said Steward. “That is enough to further prove to me that persistence is the key to the success and development of my command, my Sailors, and myself.” Steward’s commanding officer, Capt. Thomas R. Lovett, chief of staff at Carrier Strike Group Eight, called Steward the complete package. “Steward's second consecutive nomination as the JAG Service Member of the Year reflects her long-standing and far-reaching impact across Carrier Strike Group Eight and the naval enterprise,” said Lovett. “She is able to balance the demands of the legal portfolio with collateral duties, while still creating and seizing leadership opportunities. She is more than worthy of this honor!” Forster – who hails from Tampa, Fla. – serves at DSO Pacific, Detachment Hawaii, where he has filled the roles of both Command Leading Chief Petty Officer and Leading Petty Officer. He enlisted in the Navy in 2012 and converted to the Legalman rating in 2015. During the past year, he supported the Hawaii detachment’s five defense attorneys, and also trained and led five Legalmen, four legal clerks, and two civilian paralegals across four geographic areas. He was actively involved in 12 courts-martial, six crucial motions, four plea agreements, and seven affidavits. “This is a profound honor that resonates deeply with me,” said Forster. “I've witnessed incredible individuals receive this recognition, and to be considered among such esteemed company is genuinely humbling. My growth as a paralegal, leader, and Sailor has been sculpted by the unwavering support and guidance of my mentors. This recognition is not just an accolade; it's a testament to the ethos of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It validates my commitment to doing the job right and echoes a powerful message to my mentees: integrity, dedication to duty and commitment to taking care of your people - clients and Sailors alike - paves the path to recognition and success." Forster’s commanding officer, Capt. Matthew J. Sklerov, who leads DSO Pacific, called him a true leader. “Forster exemplifies leadership, compassion, energy, and resilience,” Sklerov said. “No matter the OPTEMPO or pressure the powerful example that he sets for our team inspires others to follow. His ability to thrive in challenging situations and extend himself to take care of shipmates, while flawlessly balancing duty and family commitments, sets him apart from his peers and makes him a deserving recipient of this award.” The six finalists arrived in D.C. on March 18, and, throughout the week, they met with Navy leaders; toured significant D.C. and military sites; and took part in interviews with a selection board.

RTTUZYUW RHOIAAA0018 0812022-UUUU--RHSSSUU. ZNR UUUUU R 211300Z MAR 24 MID120000971574U FM COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA TO NAVOSO NAVRESFOR INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC COMNAVRESFORCOM NORFOLK VA COMNAVAIRFORES SAN DIEGO CA COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA BT UNCLAS ALNAVRESFOR 015/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/COMNAVRESFOR NORFOLK VA// SUBJ/NAVY RESERVE FORCE GUIDANCE IN THE EVENT OF A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS ON 22 MAR 2024// POC/EDMONDS/CAPT/COMNAVRESFORCOM/TEL (757) 322-5600/ E-MAIL: GARETT.E.EDMONDS.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// POC/BOOKEY/CAPT/COMNAVAIRFORES/TEL: (757) 322-5600/E-MAIL: MARY.G.BOOKEY(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// POC/MADSON/CAPT/COMNAVIFORES/TEL: (817) 782-5022/E-MAIL: PETER.N.MADSON.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// POC/BAILEY/CAPT/COMNAVRESFOR/TEL: (571) 256-8587/E-MAIL: WILLIAM.J.BAILEY.MIL(AT)US.NAVY.MIL// RMKS/1. The current continuing resolution expires at 2359 on 22 March 2024. This is not an order to shutdown and as part of our effort to keep you apprised of planning efforts, we are providing further information on how a potential government shutdown will affect the Navy Reserve Force. In the event of a lapse of funding, the Navy Reserve Force will execute an orderly shutdown of operations unless a particular operation or duty supports an excepted activity. Navy Reserve Activities (NRAs) should continue proceeding with operations and executing established schedules, presuming that appropriations will be available after 22 March 2024. In the event of a lapse of appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown) Commanders shall implement the following guidance. 2. Excepted Mission Authority: Per the Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Guidance for Continuation of Operations During a Lapse of Appropriations," dated 27 September 2023, the responsibility for determining which activities meet the criteria for being excepted from shutdown resides with the Secretaries of the Military Departments and Heads of the DoD Components, including the combatant commanders with respect to activities undertaken by their immediate headquarters and subordinate Joint headquarters. 2.a. Delegation of Excepted Mission Authority: Those with excepted activity determination authority listed above may delegate this authority as they deem appropriate, but Navy Reserve senior officials are unable to make any excepted activity determinations, for the activities identified in Paragraph 3 below, until properly delegated such authority (which has not occurred at the time of message release). Authorized delegation will be communicated SEPCOR. 3. Excepted Activities. With the approval of an excepted activity determination authority, the following activities may continue in case of a lapse of appropriation: 3.a. Mobilization/Deployment: Reserve Component (RC) personnel identified for mobilization and/or deployment in support of contingency operations and who are fulfilling requirements in preparation for those duties may continue those preparation activities despite a lapse in appropriations. 3.b. Military Operations: As part of providing expeditionary ready forces across the Naval service, excepted activities include those scheduled military operations or exercises which are (1) in direct support and coordination with the Active Component (AC) force; (2) in direct support of an identified military operation or activity, as decreed by the President, the Secretary of Defense or other cognizant authority, for the safety of life or the protection of property in the interest of national security; and/or (3) determined to be operationally necessary in order to maintain mobilization and warfighting readiness. 4. Inactive Duty execution. 4.a. During a lapse in appropriations, RC personnel will not perform inactive duty, including Inactive Duty Training (IDT) drills and Additional IDT drills [e.g., RMPs, ATPs etc.], resulting in the obligation of funds (including for points only), except where such training directly supports an excepted activity. 4.b. Should a lapse in appropriations occur less than twenty-four hours before the start of a scheduled drill period, RC personnel, whose IDT drills do not directly support excepted activities, may perform an orderly shutdown of unit operations, which includes concluding previously-scheduled operational training requirements and taking action to ensure continuity, mobilization readiness and unit sustainability. RC personnel, who are on-site at a drill location during a lapse in appropriations and whose IDT drills do not support an excepted activity, must return to their primary residence within a reasonable period of time after completing an orderly shutdown of unit operations. An orderly shutdown for those members performing on-site IDT drills, which involve non-expected activities, typically should not exceed one drill period. 4.c. Should a lapse in appropriations continue for an extended period beyond the weekend of 23 and 24 March 2024, future IDT drill weekends will only be conducted as necessary to support excepted activities until appropriations are authorized. Consult your Reserve Program Director (RPD) or Immediate Superior In Command (ISIC) to verify if you are performing an approved excepted activity. Sailors or units not part of an excepted activity are not authorized to complete IDT of any type (paid, non-paid, additional [ATP, AFTP, RMP], telework, IDT Travel, etc.) during a lapse in appropriations. 5. Orders. 5.a. Mobilization, Definite Recall and Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS). While under a lapse of appropriations, drilling Selected Reserve (SELRES) members executing mobilization, definite recall or ADOS orders, which were initiated prior to a lapse in appropriations, will continue to report for duty on those orders and carry out assigned duties; however, no extensions to those orders will be allowed unless it is expressly determined that such orders involve the performance of an excepted activity. All orders with a start date of 23 March 2024 or later shall not be executed unless cognizant authority determines that such orders are in support of an excepted activity. Prior to cancellation of orders, it is essential that the Navy Reserve Readiness Unit (NRRU), the NRA, and the Gaining Command RPD are in constant contact regarding status of impacted orders. 5.b. Active Duty for Training (ADT) and Annual Training (AT) Orders initiated before a Lapse in Appropriations. For members performing ADT or AT prior to a lapse in appropriations, members may continue performing ADT or AT orders when cognizant authority determines either those members are engaged in an excepted activity or those members are engaged in non-excepted activities which may be performed without incurring new obligations. If the activity being performed during AT or ADT is not excepted or involves non-excepted activities which incur new obligations, then cognizant authority should, in an orderly fashion, modify orders to direct members to return to their primary residence within a reasonable period. 5.c. ADT and AT Orders scheduled to begin on 23 March 2024 for members scheduled to perform ADT or AT with a start date of 23 March 2024 or later, those members shall not execute such orders during a lapse in appropriations unless the ADT or AT directly involves an excepted activity (as determined by competent authority). 5.d. Order modifications [e.g., extension of the orders beyond the original expiration date] not in support of excepted activities will not be approved unless modification reduces cost of original obligation. 5.e. All personnel are advised that pay and compensation will be deferred. Military personnel in an active status will serve without pay until such time as Congress makes appropriated funds available. No new obligation may be incurred to support a non-excepted activity during a lapse in appropriations, as that is a violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act. 5.f. eMuster in NSIPS must take place to record check-in and ensure accountability. This muster will ensure payment of the member when funding is approved. 5.g. AT/ADT/IDTT/ATP will not be used to back-fill non-excepted civilian positions. 6. Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel and Conference Participation: 6.a. TAR and SELRES TDY travel and conference participation scheduled to begin on or after 22 March 2024 will be cancelled and shall not be executed during a lapse in appropriation unless such participation involves excepted activities (as determined by cognizant authority) identified in paragraphs 2 and 3 and any SECDEF guidance or DON guidance. Any TDY travel or conference participation, which does not involve an excepted activity and that began prior to the shutdown will, except as noted below, be terminated (i.e., return to official duty station) as quickly as possible, in an orderly fashion. This includes TDY travel and conference participation associated with professional military education training. 6.b. Local TDY orders may be authorized if no additional cost to the government is incurred. 7. Follow Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) guidance on Military Funeral Honors (MFH). If MFH is determined to be an excepted activity, SELRES utilization ISO MFH will be minimized. AC or TAR assets will be utilized first and coordinated with CNIC or designated regional MFH representatives prior to authorizing performance of MFH by SELRES personnel. 8. TAR personnel on active duty and SELRES members executing mobilization, definite recall or ADOS orders are expected to report to duty as ordered. TAR personnel and SELRES members executing mobilization, definite recall or ADOS orders will serve without pay until such time as Congress makes appropriated funds available. Speak to your chain of command about monetary relief and resources available to you during any prolonged lapse in appropriations. 9. Civilian personnel: ECH III and IV Commanders will enforce confirmed excepted employee lists provided by originator. Civilian personnel who are not necessary to carry out or support excepted activities shall be furloughed using lapse in appropriation procedures. Published guidance will be provided from separate DON authorities and may be potentially supplemented by the Navy Reserve. 10. Good judgment and communication are essential at all levels of Force leadership. When in doubt, consult with your ISIC and assigned legal counsel. 11. Further guidance and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) updates on excepted activities will be promulgated via RPD Mailbags and ForceConnect. 12. Released by RADM Michael Steffen Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Force.// BT #0018 NNNN