What are the best resources for Veterans & Service Members? Without a doubt, there are truly some great resources available to active and Reserve component personnel and veterans. Of course, if folks don't know that they're out there, members and their families couldn't possibly benefit from some of these amazing offers and services. So, the idea here is to share those helpful tidbits of information, tips, links, lessons learned, processes, resources, wisdom and/or POCs to help members find the resources they need for their troops, their families, and to help themselves. Just a couple of quick admin notes, please make sure to share the source if known, and remember to post in accordance with RallyPoint guidelines. Well, I'm certain that will be a great way to get timely information, resources, and assistance to those who need it most, when they need it the most... so, if you have something useful, helpful, or good-to-know, please feel free to share. Alright folks, it's that time, so pull-up a keyboard and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

What are the best resources for Veterans & Service Members?

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Posted >1 y ago

***** Leadership topics *****

The military is the ultimate bureaucracy. It is the epitome of a broad, top-down organizational hierarchy with thousands of personnel across multiple locations and divisions as well as lots of room and experience between the generals and privates. Whether your workforce is the size of an army or is lean and flat, you can still benefit from emulating the best leadership principles of the US Armed Forces.

http://info.profilesinternational.com/profiles-employee-assessment-blog/bid/81641/11-Leadership-Principles-of-the-US-Armed-Forces

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Leadership Principles

These 11 principles form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Living by these principles will make you a better officer. Together, they form the traits and values that define your character as a leader.

http://www.marines.com/being-a-marine/leadership-principles

Leadership Principles

These 11 principles form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Together, they form the traits and values that define a Marine Corps Officer's character as a leader.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

s military leadership any different from that in other fields of human endeavour? Does it require a similar leadership philosophy, choice of leadership style and leadership values as leadership in civilian life?

http://www.learn-to-be-a-leader.com/military-leadership.html

Military Leadership. Is it different from civilian leadership?

I look at military leadership and quote the leadership philosophy and principles of a leading Commanding Officer.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Principles of Leadership

At the United States Naval Academy’s Forrestal Lecture Series, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England identified important principles of leadership based on his personal experiences as a business executive and as the 72nd Secretary of the Navy.

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/people/secnav/eng-principles.html

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Six Creative Leadership Lessons From The Military In An Era of VUCA And COIN

http://www.forbes.com/sites/berlinschoolofcreativeleadership/2013/10/08/six-creative-leadership-lessons-from-the-military-in-an-era-of-vuca-and-coin/

Six Creative Leadership Lessons From The Military In An Era of VUCA And COIN

By David Slocum As part of a long-term research project examining the guiding tenets of creative leadership,Doug Guthrieand I have interviewed dozens of leaders of creative businesses. Many of these leaders were previously or remain successful creatives. Besides illuminating the ways that effective creative leadership can be developed and sustained, one [...]

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Marriage issues *****

There is no question that military marriages certainly have their benefits. Housing allowance, health care, educational grants and a steady paycheck are only some of the perks that military members, their spouses, and their children receive. However, there are also various military marriage problems that don't usually get the spotlight, but are common in marriages in which one partner is a member of the armed forces. Below are some of the problems that can arise from a military marriage.

http://married.answers.com/counseling/five-common-military-marriage-problems

Five Common Military Marriage Problems

There is no question that military marriages certainly have their benefits. Housing allowance, health care, educational grants and a steady paycheck are only some of the perks that military members, their spouses, and their children receive. However, there are also various military marriage problems that don't usually get the spotlight,

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Things are not going well in your marriage, are they? You have stopped telling your husband about your day because something inevitably sets him off. You get the feeling your wife would rather be at work or at her violin lessons or talking to her sister than spending time with you. You picked up your servicemember’s phone and found dozens of text messages from another woman. Worst of all, somehow you suspect that your partner in life doesn’t really care about you anymore.

http://www.military.com/spouse/relationships/military-marriage/5-things-to-do-if-military-marriage-is-in-trouble.html

5 Things To Do if Military Marriage Is in Trouble

Getting help early can be the difference between staying married and considering divorce.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

As service members and their spouses face the stressors of multiple deployments, seeking marital counseling both pre- and post-deployment is becoming increasingly common. Separation from a spouse or loved one, coupled with the uncertainties of deployments, may result in additional stress for military families. However, DoD is taking steps to improve access to a continuum of counseling support for married service members and their families, and to inform service members and military families that seeking marital support is a sign of strength.

http://www.realwarriors.net/family/care/maritalcounseling.php

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

When a military service member is deployed, the profound impact on a marriage is not just during the deployment period. The busy time before a deployment and the reunion time after a deployment are just as stressful. Here's help in dealing with the emotional cycle of deployment in your marriage.

http://marriage.about.com/od/deploymentsandmarriage/

Deployments and Marriage -- Impact and Coping Tips

When a military service member is deployed, the profound impact on a marriage is not just during the deployment period. The busy time before a deployment and the reunion time after a deployment are just as stressful. Here's help in dealing with the emotional cycle of deployment in your marriage.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

The resources listed below are in alignment with Focus on the Family’s philosophy and mission. We trust you will find them helpful.

http://media.focusonthefamily.com/topicinfo/military_issues.pdf

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Transition books & Resources *****

Several paperback books available on multiple outlets that cover the difficulties of transition:

Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition
Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide: A Career Transition Guide for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard.
Networking For Veterans: A Guidebook for a Successful Military Transition into the Civilian Workforce
Expert Resumes for Military-To-Civilian Transitions 2nd Ed
Navy Life - How to Make the Transition from Civilian Life to Military Service!
Success in Your New Mission: A Guide for Senior Military Leaders in Transition
Business Networking for Veterans: A Guidebook for a Successful Military Transition into the Civilian Workforce..
Your Next Mission: A Personal Branding Guide for the Military-To-Civilian Transition.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

It's never too early to start thinking about your transition plan, whether you're a senior officer with 30 years or junior enlisted with less than four. Early transition (career and financial) planning can help ensure a smooth transition from servicemember to civilian.

http://www.military.com/military-transition

Military.com Transition Center

Our Transition Center tool offers a self-guided approach for members of Military.com to plan their separation. It delivers timely, personalized and relevant information before and after their self-identified transition date.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

USAA

This content is provided courtesy of USAA.

The term "life event" often conjures up images of wedding dresses, binkies and diapers or even sailboats that will carry you through the golden years to exotic locales. But here's another life event that may not be as obvious: swapping military boots for civilian shoes. That's a big change no matter when it happens but one that's manageable and full of exciting prospects. Being prepared is critical though, especially in this era of high unemployment.

Here are some things to think about.

http://www.military.com/military-transition/personal-finances/6-financial-tips-for-military-transition.html

6 Financial Tips for Military Transition

The term "life event" often conjures up images of wedding dresses, binkies and diapers or even sailboats that will carry you through the golden years to exotic locales. But here's another life event that may not be as obvious: swapping military boots for civilian shoes.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

With so much career advice out there, how do you know what to follow? Read these tips straight from the source – fellow vets.

http://news.clearancejobs.com/2012/10/28/top-military-transition-tips-from-veterans/

Top Military Transition Tips from Veterans - ClearanceJobs

With so much career advice out there, how do you know what to follow? Read these tips straight from the source - fellow vets.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Who better to pick the brain of than Pete Johnson of Northeast Florida’s “WorkSource” for advice on veterans’ employment matters and insight into the Navy’s Transition Assistance Program (aka “TAP”). Regarding military transitions, Johnson says, “I’m living them daily!” His average day consists of a barrage of calls and emails from transitioning service members and veterans seeking either transition or employment assistance. Counseling these clients one-on-one is his true passion.

http://www.militarytransition.com/2011/08/military-transition-assistance-programs-advice-from-the-trenches/

Military Transition | For Military to Civilian Job Seekers

This article discusses military transition advice and veterans' employment matters.

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Military Finances & issues *****

Ran into a well laid out article/discussion about your final paycheck from active service authored by MSG Scott McBride that contains many valuable tidbits of information and can be found here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/your-final-paycheck-in-audit

Your final paycheck in Audit? | RallyPoint

ALL, PLAN FOR YOUR FINAL PAY ACCORDINGLY. I have read comments on RP from others on this subject and they are misinformed. People, here is the deal: If you are soon to retire or separate from the service, The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) WILL hold your final paycheck for an audit period of 30 to 45 days AFTER your final day of active duty. Period. Yes, you have cleared all agencies to include finance prior to your "final out"...

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Housing information & Issues *****

You probably heard the news on Military.com last week that military leaders are working with privatized housing for two major changes. First, they are no longer going to be covering renters insurance as part of your lease. Next, the entire cost of your on-base housing will no longer be covered by BAH

The article can be found here: http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2015/01/bah-changes-base-housing-means.html?ESRC=spbuzz.sm

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

The new head of Naval Installations Command is starting a free program to help resolve issues with on- and off-base housing.

http://wtkr.com/2012/09/17/naval-installations-command-starts-free-program-to-help-with-military-housing-issues/

Naval Installations Command starts free program to help with military housing issues

NewsChannel 3 is getting even more results when it comes to mold and maintenance issues in military housing.The new head of Naval Installations Command is starting a free program to help resolve is...

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Veterans' Housing Issues and Home Loan Guarantees

http://oklaw.org/issues/veterans-military/veterans-housing-issues-and-home-loan-guarant-1

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

We’ve been talking quite a bit lately about off-base military housing. Today, we’re getting back to the basics and discussing the most important step anyone can take when they’re up against a housing crisis: asking for help. When you start to fall behind on your mortgage, rent or any other financial obligation, it’s important to know where to turn and to be willing to admit that there is a problem. Here are some additional recommendations and resources based on episodes three and five of the Hope Now podcast series.

http://www.clearpointcreditcounselingsolutions.org/where-to-find-help-with-military-housing-issues/

Where to Find Help with Military Housing Issues | ClearPoint Credit Counseling (CCCS)

One of the most important things anyone can do when facing a housing crisis is ask for help. Here are our tips and resources for finding help near you.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Military Housing:
Management Issues Require Attention as the Privatization Program Matures

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-06-438

Military Housing: Management Issues Require Attention as the Privatization Program Matures

The Department of Defense (DOD) intends to privatize about 87 percent of the military-owned housing in the United States by 2010. As of December 2005, it had awarded 52 projects to privatize over 112,000 family housing units and had plans to award 57 more projects to privatize over 76,000 more units over the next 4 years. The program, begun in 1996, has become DOD's primary means to improve family housing and to meet its housing needs when...

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Military Tax information & Assistance *****

+++DISCLAIMER+++ all the links and information here is available on the internet and is in no way intended to be authoritative or legal advice

Tax Information for Members of the Military
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Military

Tax Information for Members of the Military

Publication 3, Armed Forces' Tax Guide This publication covers the special tax situations of active members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Filing Assistance Available for Veterans, Servicemembers During Tax Season
Start your engines, folks: The 2014 tax filing season’s green flag waves for taxpayers on Jan. 31. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s and any cancelled checks or receipts you might need, take a deep breath, and dive into tax filing fun!

OK, maybe it’s not always fun, but it can be made easier if you’re able to get assistance when you need it. Being a Veteran or an active-duty Servicemember means you have options for assistance, too.

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/12123/filing-assistance-available-for-veterans-servicemembers-during-tax-season/

Filing Assistance Available for Veterans, Servicemembers During Tax Season - VAntage Point

Start your engines, folks: The 2014 tax filing season’s green flag waves for taxpayers on Jan. 31. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, 1098s and any cancelled checks or receipts you might need, take a deep breath, and dive into tax filing fun! OK, maybe it’s not always fun, but it can be made easier if you’re able to get assistance when you need it. Being a Veteran or an active-duty Servicemember means you have options for assistance, too. First,...

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members

One of the little known benefits of being in the military is access to free tax filing and preparation services. There are several options for military personnel to file their taxes for free, including free tax preparation assistance on base, and free tax prep software you can use online to file your taxes. Some local communities may also offer free tax preparation. We can’t cover each of the local opportunities, but we can let you know about how military members can get free tax preparation on their military installation or through many online tax software programs.

http://themilitarywallet.com/free-tax-preparation-for-military-members/

Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members

Updated 2015: Military members are eligible for free tax filing and preparation services including free tax software, individual tax preparation, and more.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Your taxes are the last thing that you need to worry about while serving your country. Not only does Liberty Tax thank our military members and their families, but we are committed to providing a worry and stress-free tax experience. Let us answer all of your questions concerning your tax return.

http://www.libertytax.com/tax-resources/occupation/tax-guide-for-military/

Tax Guide for Military | Liberty Tax Service

Your taxes are the last thing that you need to worry about while serving your country. Not only does Liberty Tax thank our military members and their families, but we are committed to providing a worry and stress-free tax experience. Let us answer all of your questions concerning your tax return.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

An article from Forbes with tax guidance ...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2015/01/22/10-surprising-items-irs-says-to-report-on-your-taxes/?partner=yahootix

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

*** Job & slot opportunities in Medical ***
Medical command opportunities sharply increase

Command opportunities are being sharply increased for health services officers under a professional development initiative prompted by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.

Under the implementation plan approved by Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho in mid-November, Army Medical Department lieutenant colonel- and colonel-level commands will be commanded by officers designated for such duties by Centralized Selection List boards.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/officer/2014/12/07/amedd-command-opportunities-sharply-increase/19742799/?sf34434276=1

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Just ran across an article in Army Times for Health Service Officers. May be worth looking into for those that qualify. HEALTH SERVICES OFFICERS: Here's a look at professional development programs you can apply for, and application details: Health services officers can get specialized training
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/officer/2014/12/23/long-term-health-training/20768207/

Health services officers can get specialized training

Application guidance issued for long-term health services training program

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Employment *****

Courtesy of MAJ (Join to see) Tesla Motors on a mission to hire American veterans.

Tesla Motors, which is on a mission to bring electric cars to the masses, now has another goal -- to become a leading employer of America's military veterans.

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_26086136/tesla-motors-mission-hire-american-veterans

Can also be found on this thread ... https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/tesla-motors-on-a-mission-to-hire-american-veterans

2014: Tesla Motors on a mission to hire American veterans

Tesla Motors seeks to become a leading employer of America’s military veterans.

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Retirement info *****

This section is a good place to look for all things retirement. All added knowledge and info is welcome.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

A terrific bunch of information found on RP's Command Post courtesy of RallyPoint Team and can be found in total here: https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/are-you-taking-advantage-of-military-retirement-benefits

Are you taking advantage of military retirement benefits? | RallyPoint

Financial institutions recommend saving at least 8 times your ending annual salary for 25 years of retirement. Are you on track? The military's retirement systems can help make preparing for retirement less stressful financially, but fewer service members are putting in over 20 years of service. Are the benefits worth sticking it out for 20 years? The DoD covered nearly $50 billion in retirement pay in FY2013. Are the budget cuts and...

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CPT Richard Riley

Posted >1 y ago

***** Business Opportunities *****

As we run across them, we can place the reference or link to a veteran business opportunity under this thread for members who desire to look into a particular offer more closely.

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CPT Richard Riley

>1 y

Courtesy of SrA (Join to see)
Business opportunities for vets

Baskin-Robbins is offering an incentive program to veterans who want to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise. It will waive the franchise fee of $25,000 and offer a 0% royalty rate for the first two years for five qualified veterans: http://news.baskinrobbins.com/Press-Releases/BASKIN-ROBBINS-TO-DONATE-PORTION-OF-PROCEEDS-FROM-ICE-CREAM-SCOOPS-SOLD-ON-VETERANS-DAY-TO-THE-USO-I-4de.aspx

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a beverage chain that serves Hawaiian coffee and smoothies, is providing a 20% discount off its franchise fee for qualifying military veterans through December 31, 2014: http://www.prweb.com/releases/maui-wowi-hawaiian/military-veteran-discount/prweb12295850.htm

BASKIN-ROBBINS TO DONATE PORTION OF PROCEEDS FROM ICE CREAM SCOOPS SOLD ON VETERANS DAY TO THE...

CANTON, Mass. (November 3, 2014)– On Veterans Day,Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, will donate 10 cents from each ice cream scoop sold in its U.S. locations to the United Service Organizations (USO), in honor of U.S troops, military families and veterans.* Baskin-Robbins’ support is part of the USO’s “Every Moment Counts” campaign, which calls on Americans to honor and create special moments for troops...

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What are the best resources for Veterans & Service Members?

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