Pentagon officials want troops to know that the change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn will not affect combat and other hazardous duty entitlements they receive.
Servicemembers will still be able to receive hardship duty pay, hostile fire/imminent danger pay and other incidental expenses related to their deployment with the transition to Operation New Dawn.
Imminent danger or hostile fire pay is paid when servicemembers serve in a location designated as a combat zone or direct support area. While deployed all pay for warrant officers and enlisted members is tax exempt, while officers are exempt from taxes for up to $7,611.30 each month they serve in an eligible area.
The President designates combat zones through an executive order.
For more information on Combat Zone Entitlements visit, click here.
When I returned from Iraq, I thought the scariest moments in my life would be those I survived while deployed. Boy was I wrong. It was when I found myself face-down in a mud pit, in the middle of a pigpen in State College, Penn., running from insurgents that I thought were chasing me. This was the realization for me that I hadn’t survived.
I realized I needed help and when I reached out, it came in abundance. I was surprised to discover how supportive my Army Reserve unit was through this process. In fact, it became a bonding experience between my first sergeant and I, who said he was also seeking help. He told me it was the best decision he could have made.
I discovered there is no shame in admitting I was in trouble and needing help. In fact, I earned more respect from seeking treatment and facing my problems head on than I ever had while failing to be the non-commissioned officer (NCO) I wanted to be. Never once was I disciplined for my actions. Instead, my company asked what they could do to help and commended me for being open and honest about my experiences.
By Col. Mike Miller, program director, Joint Program Management Office Household Goods Systems, US Transportation Command.
It’s hard to believe the summer is almost over! As summer draws to an end, we’ve passed the “peak of the peak” of the DoD move season, and many of you are unpacking and preparing for life in your new communities.
As you settle your children into their new schools and put the final touches on your new homes, please don’t forget to fill out your Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) to give feedback for your move. (more…)
By Maj. Scott Hodges, chief, Air Force Legal Assistance
If your credit card has been stolen the first step you need to take is to call the police. If you also suspect that someone has illegally used your account number, send a letter to the card issuer that includes your name, account numbers and the challenged charges to the “billing error address” on your monthly statement.
In this letter you should explain why you believe the charge is fraudulent and include any evidence you have, such as a police report.
The letter must reach the creditor 60 days after the first bill containing the error was mailed to you. It is also recommended to send your letter by certified mail with a return receipt requested so that you have proof that the letter was received by the company.
If you decide to call the card issuer for faster action, use the special numbers that many card issuers list on their billing statements, but follow up your phone call with a letter. Only a written letter protects your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
What rights does the FCBA provide? The card issuer must acknowledge receipt of your letter or correct the error within 30 days. If they don’t initially make the change, they must investigate and either correct the mistake or justify the charges within two billing cycles or 90 days, whichever is less. You may also be asked to sign a statement under oath that you did not make the purchases in question.
For more information about your credit rights visit the AF Legal Assistance website, https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil and then contact your nearest legal assistance office.
Pentagon officials want troops to know that the change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn will not affect combat and other hazardous duty entitlements they receive.
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