Army Community Relations

ACADEMIES
How can I learn more about the military service academies?

We encourage you to contact them directly, or visit their interactive websites.

United States Military Academy
ATTN: Public Affairs Office
Taylor Hall, Bldg 600
West Point, NY 10996-1788
Phone (845) 938-2006
http://www.usma.edu/

United States Naval Academy
ATTN: Public Affairs Officer
121 Blake Road Annapolis, MD 21402-5000
Phone (410)267-2291
http://www.usna.edu/

United States Air Force Academy
ATTN: Public Affairs Officer
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 320
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-5016
Phone (719)472-2990
http://www.usafa.af.mil

United States Coast Guard Academy*
ATTN: Public Affairs Officer
15 Mohegan Avenue New London, CT 06320-4195
Phone (203)444-8270
http://www.cga.edu/

* The Coast Guard reports directly to the Department of Homeland Security.

United States Merchant Marine Academy**
ATTN: Public Affairs Officer
300 Steamboat Rd Kings Point, NY 11024
Phone (516) 773-5000
http://www.usmma.edu/

**The Merchant Marine Academy has a close relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, as noted in its web site, but is not part of the Defense Department.

ACRONYMS AND TERMS top
Do you have a listing of frequently used DoD acronyms?
A ready, searchable reference to joint military acronyms and abbreviations is available online at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/acronym_index.html.

Where can I find the Dictionary of Military Terms?
The DOD Dictionary of Military Terms is a fully searchable site on the web at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/

AUCTIONS top
How can I get information on surplus auctions?

Please contact the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service at 1-877-352-2255. That organization also has a web site which you may reach at http://www.drms.dla.mil/.

We are having an auction at our organization to help raise money for a worthy cause and would love to have a photo signed by the Secretary of Defense. Can you help?

We regret to say that, as Secretary of Defense, Mr. Rumsfeld may not provide an item for auction. Rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Department of Defense employees prohibit the use of our names--including the Secretary of Defense--on any collectible item. This policy, which is government-wide, simply reflects the practical limitations on the U.S. Government's ability to extend official support to every local, regional, national, or international charity. It carries no direct or indirect judgment on the worthiness of those charities or your event.

BANDS top
How do I obtain the services of an Army or military band?

Citizens can request military participation, such as a military band or color guard, with a DD Form 2536, Request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation) which can be downloaded here

NOTE : Instructions on the back of the DD 2536 form are currently being updated. Please do not mail or fax the form to the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Please submit your completed request for Army support to the U.S. Army Public Affairs Office at the installation closest to the event.

For information about military bands and to find a band located close to the event, refer to the Army Bands Online Website: http://bands.army.mil/search/activearmy.asp

U.S. Army Field Band: http://www.army.mil/fieldband
U.S. Army Band: http://www.usarmyband.com
U.S. Army Bands Link: http://bands.army.mil
U.S. Army Reserve Bands: http://www.army.mil/usar

U.S. Navy: http://www.navyband.navy.mil

U.S. Air Force: http://www.af.mil/accband

U.S. Marine Corps: http://marineband.usmc.mil

U.S. Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/band

BIRTH CERTIFICATES top
I was born overseas at a military installation. How do I obtain my birth certificate?

The Department of Defense periodically receives requests for a certificate or record of a birth or death that occurred overseas. To provide timely assistance to individuals writing to DOD for such records, we have compiled the following information:

A child born overseas is automatically a United States citizen if both parents are U.S. citizens. In most cases the child is a citizen if one parent is a U.S. citizen. (The parent who is a citizen must have been a U.S. citizen living in the United States for at least 10 years, five of which were after the age of 14.) Years of military service count as years living in the United States regardless of where served. In each case, the State Department determines citizenship.

To establish a child’s citizenship, the birth is reported to the nearest American consular office on the “Consular Report of Birth” (Form FS-240, only one copy may be requested at the cost of $40.00) as soon after the birth as possible. This report is prepared and filed by the parents; however, the physician or midwife attending the birth (or any other person having knowledge of the facts) can prepare the report.

The original document is filed with the Department of State, and the parents are given a copy of the report along with a short form showing the name and sex of the child and the date and place of birth. (This is called “Certificate of Birth,” Form FS-545.)

Individuals who have lost a birth record may obtain another copy by writing to:

Passport Correspondence Branch, U.S. Department of State,
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510,
Washington, DC 20524.

NOTE: Allow four to eight weeks for processing. Requests for a duplicate copy of a birth certificate should, of course, be signed and should include: (1) any available information about the passport on which the child’s name was first included; (2) the relationship to the person whose record is being requested; and , (3) the reason for the request. The fee as of February 1998 is $20.00 (additional copies are $10.00 each), and a check or money order in this amount should also be included with the request, payable to the U.S. Department of State.

Birth Records of Alien Children Adopted by U.S. Citizens who are lawfully admitted to the United States may be obtained from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20536. The certification may be issued in the new name of an adopted child, if proof of the adoption is submitted with the request. The charge as of February is $40.00. A check or money order should be made payable to the Department of Justice.

Death Records of U.S. Citizens Who Die Overseas. Reports of deaths of service members are made only to the person’s service. Requests for copies of death records for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are sent to the director for the individual’s service.

Requests for copies of deaths of civilian citizens should be submitted to:

Passport Correspondence Branch
U.S. Department of State,
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510,
Washington, DC 20524.

A copy of a death record costs $40.00. A check or money order in this amount, made payable to the Department of State, should be included with a request.

Births and Deaths on the High Seas. When a birth or death occurs on the high seas, whether in an aircraft or on a vessel, the determination of where the record is filed is decided by where the vessel or aircraft was headed at the time the event occurred.

If the vessel or aircraft was headed for, or docked at, a foreign port, requests for copies of the record should be submitted to:

U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520.

If the first port of entry of the vessel or aircraft was in the United States, write to the registration authority in the city where the vessel or aircraft docked or landed.

Records Maintained by Foreign Countries. Most, but not all, foreign countries record births and deaths and will provide certification of such events. (Normally a fee will be charged.) U.S. citizens who need a copy of a foreign birth or death record may obtain help by writing to:

Office of Special Consular Services
U.S. Department of State,
Washington, DC 20520.

NOTE: Aliens residing in the United States who seek records of these events should contact their nearest consular office.

CEMETERIES top
Where can I find information on Arlington National Cemetery?

Detailed information about Arlington National Cemetery is readily available online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/.

How do I find the location of national VA cemeteries across the country?

Go to the following website:
http://www.appc1.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?divisionId4

Simply click on map or Memorial Service Network links to get contact information for National Cemeteries.

CHILD SUPPORT top
How may I get help in obtaining court-ordered child support?

Here is the Defense Finance and Accounting Services web page pertaining to garnishment of wages for child support, or alimony: http://www.dod.mil/dfas. We would also encourage you to seek legal council from a civilian lawyer or your military staff judge advocate's office.

COMMISSARY top
How can I learn about food safety and the Defense Commissary Agency?

Food customers can get more information about product recalls at a new Web site provided by the Defense Commissary Agency or DeCA at http://www.commissaries.com/.

The Food Safety Information button at the right side of the DeCA homepage takes visitors to a section that publicizes pertinent food safety alerts and product recalls, and links to other Web sites offering a wealth of food safety information.

What DeCA does to ensure food safety goes mostly unnoticed by customers, said Col. Mark Wolken, the DeCA chief of public health, safety and security. Recalls are part of the safety chain that can involve customer action and can be confusing at times. So DeCA is harnessing the power of the Internet to ensure the broadest dissemination of accurate information. DeCA is integral to the DoD food safety network, which includes monitoring acquisition and transportation processes to ensure service members have the best and safest food products.

The DeCA Web site offers information on significant food safety alerts and the recalls that may affect commissary shoppers. Most times, recalled products are removed from supply systems before they are sold. Customers can return recalled products to their commissary for a refund.

CONTRACTS top
Where am I able to find DoD contracts or information regarding contracts?

At the following link you can view a listing of our most recently announced contracts: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/contracts.html

Federal Business Opportunities web site lists U.S. Government contracts, including the Defense Department, that are up for bid. Please see: http://www.fedbizopps.gov/.

How do I get information on aspects of federal contracting and procurement activities?

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) recommends the following steps for those wishing to do business with the government:

Contact your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

Read the daily Federal Business Opportunities, which is published every business day and lists procurement opportunities for more than $25,000. You can access the FBO online at http://www.fedbizopps.gov.

Visit your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office or go online to www.sba.gov. Here you will find resources, reports, and educational programs to provide you with the necessary information to bid successfully on government contracts.

Visit the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), which can be found at www.ccr.gov. This is the product of the integration of PRO-Net and DOD's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) databases, and has resulted in one portal for entering and searching small business sources. This integration assists small businesses with marketing their goods and services to the federal government.

Remain open to subcontracting opportunities. This is especially beneficial when starting out. It is a great way to gain government experience and earn credibility for your business.

DISABILITIES top
What is the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3)?

DS3 stands for Disabled Soldier Support System. The Army will provide severely Disabled Soldiers and their families with a focused system that recognizes their unique sacrifices in support of national defense as well as their individual requirements as they transition from active military service to contributing members of their civilian communities. The Disabled Soldier Support System is an Army program that provides that personal support, advocacy, and follow-up. This program reflects The Army's commitment to our Severely Disabled Soldiers, their families, and their communities.

Who is eligible for DS3?

Severely Disabled is a new term and definition consistent with existing Army policies and standards. To be classified as Severely Disabled, a Soldier must have been classified as Special Category (SPECAT) as a result of injuries or illness incurred on or after September 10, 2001 and been awarded an Army disability rating of 30 percent or greater. The DS3 population will, at any given time, include Soldiers awaiting Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)/ Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) results. Although board evaluations may subsequently result in DS3 ineligibility, all Soldiers in the program will, on a case by case basis, continue to have access to DS3 resources and advocacy at least until board decisions are rendered and appeals (if initiated) are adjudicated.

How do I get in touch with the DS3?

You can call the DS3 toll free number, 1-800-833-6622, Monday through Friday (except Federal Holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. You will reach a Constituent Liaison who will be able to answer your questions and provide further information. If you call at other times, please leave your name, telephone number (including area code) and a message, and a Constituent Liaison will return your call during the hours shown above. Or you may send us an e-mail at ArmyDS3@hoffman.army.mil.

What types of help can I expect to receive from the DS3?

The DS3 can facilitate assistance with and provide information about family travel to VSI/SI Soldier's bedside (Invitational Travel Orders - ITOs), pay issues, options for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD), The Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) process, federal government and private sector employment opportunities upon retirement and many other topics as well.

DIVORCE top
I am divorced. My former spouse now seeks more money and property. What are my rights, obligations, and protections?

Here are web sites pertaining to the Former Spouses Protection Act that I hope you find helpful. Defense Finance & Accounting Service

http://www.dfas.mil/money/garnish.

For more on DoD-recommended amendments to the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act, visit the following website:

http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/ja/usfspa1.htm

DOD MISSION top
I'm interested in finding out about the missions and personnel in the Department of Defense. Where can I get that information?

The DOD mission is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country. DOD is a Cabinet-level organization. Reporting to DOD are the three military departments (Army, Navy and Air Force) and 14 defense agencies. The four armed services are subordinate to their military departments. The Marine Corps is a second armed service in the Department of the Navy. The military departments are responsible for recruiting, training and equipping their forces, but operational control of those forces is assigned to one of the unified combatant commands.

For more information, refer to the Defense Almanac website at: http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/almanac/

For more information about the Army, refer to the Army Homepage at: http://www.army.mil/

DRAFT top
What does DoD think about bringing back the draft?

We oppose a draft. As the Secretary of Defense has said repeatedly, including in an October 5 letter to a Member of Congress, "... A draft simply is not needed. We have 295 million people in the United States of America and there are some 2.6 million active and reserve forces serving. We are capable of attracting and retaining the people we need, through the proper use of pay and other incentives."

For the full text of the letter, please click on the following link http://www.dod.mil/home/features/documents/20041006rumsfeld.html

DRMO top
Where can I get old Army stuff?

Equipment that is old, has been replaced or is no longer needed is turned in to the Defense Re-utilization and Marketing Service (DRMS). There are numerous DRMS facilities located around the country. To find out more about how to get equipment from these sites you can visit their web site at www.drms.dla.mil, or check with a local military installation that has a DRMS office. Equipment is "demilitarized", if required, to ensure that it is safe prior to sale.

EDUCATION top
What educational benefits are available for Veterans?

In recognition of their service, American Veterans are entitled to educational assistance through the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Montgomery GI Bill. You will need to contact the VA for further information and assistance.

For general information about the GI bill and application procedures, you may visit the VA's GI Bill website located at www.gibill.va.gov. You may also speak to a VA representative by contacting, 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

How do I find money to send my kids to college?

There are several resources you may want to consult to determine what assistance may be available to pay for a college education. If you have a particular college in mind, contact that college's financial aid office. The financial aid office can provide information on loans, grants, and scholarships specific to that college, as well as general information on state and Federal programs and application procedures.

For general information, contact the U.S. Department of Education's Information Resource Center. That department offers detailed information on Federal loans and grants, including eligibility requirements, as well as general information on financing a college education.

Additionally, you may wish to visit the Department of Education's Office of Post secondary Education's Education Planning website at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/plan.html. This website contains guidance and resources on planning for college for parents, students, or those seeking a Post secondary education.

Also contact your State Department of Education, which can provide information about any state-sponsored programs that may be available and referrals to other possible local sources of funding.

EMPLOYMENT top
How do I explore opportunities for employment with the federal government?

You may obtain information on federal employment from a number of official government websites: www.usajobs.opm.gov This is the primary government website for job seekers. It's very user-friendly and you can also search for jobs by agency. www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.html is another excellent site for job seekers.

If you prefer, you can also obtain recorded information on federal job openings by calling USAJobs by Phone, which is available 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, the number is not toll-free, so standard long distance rates will apply.

You may also wish to visit your local employment office because these offices often maintain listings of both federal and state jobs that are available. You can typically find the telephone number for your local employment office in the blue pages of your residential telephone directory under "City-County-Township-Government."

How do I verify my past federal employment?

If it has been less than six months since you were employed with a Federal agency, first try contacting the personnel department of the agency for which you worked to assist you in determining the necessary procedures.

If you are unable to obtain your records from the personnel department or if it has been more than six months since you were employed with that Federal agency, send a written request for the records to the NPRC Civilian Personnel Records Division. Please note that the Civilian Personnel Records Division will only provide copies of documents and information to the subject of the file or someone who has received written authorization from the subject of the file.

ENLISTMENT top
How do I join the Army?

Thank you for your interest in joining the United States Army. I trust you will find it to be an exciting and rewarding career prospect.

If you are interested in the current activities of the army, let me encourage you to check out the Army's website at http://www.army.mil. Our website at http://www.goarmy.com is an excellent place to find out about basic training, read the profiles of real Soldiers, and even visit a chat room to talk with Army personnel.

I am not a U.S. citizen, but I want to join your Armed Forces. How may I do this? Enlistment into any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 - commonly known as a "Green Card"). Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently.

The U.S. military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States. Questions concerning immigration to the United States should be asked of the U.S. Embassy. Only after immigration procedures are completed and an applicant is legally residing in the United States may an application for enlistment be accepted.

The U.S. Government agency which is responsible for immigration and naturalization is the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services within the Department of Homeland Security.

EQUIPMENT top
What equipment does the Army use?

Army Fact File: http://www.army.mil/fact_files_site/
Army Material Command: http://www.amc.army.mil/
Equipment Page (Soldier's Almanac): http://www.army.mil/Soldiers/jan1999/majequip1.html
Army Finance Management: http://www.asafm.army.mil/
Army Logistics Support Activity: http://www.logsa.army.mil/warning.htm

FAMILY SUPPORT top
What social services does the Army provide for families?

The Army has a program called "Army Community Service" that is a collection of 12 different services ranging from family advocacy (domestic violence prevention) to financial counseling. There are ACS programs at every Army post, and there are similar programs for members of the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard. For details, refer to any of the following websites...

Army Community Service: http://www.goacs.org
Army Families Online http: http://www.aflo.org
The National Guard Family Program's Online Community: http://www.guardfamily.org
US Army Reserve Family Support http://www.army.mil/usar

Where can I find the Military Family Resource Center?

To see the Military Family Resource Center on the web, visit http://www.mfrc-dodqol.org/.

FLAGS top
I would like to get an American Flag flown at the Pentagon to give to my brother for his service to our nation. Can you tell me who I need to talk with to get a Flag?

For a flag flown over the Pentagon the requestor must provide the flag. The request must be submitted 3 business days before date to be flown. Flags will not be flown on "Holidays." When sending a flag through the mail, please be sure to insert return postage. The requestor should include the following information in their request:

1. The name of the person and organization. 2. The occasion (retirement, PCS, anniversaries, etc.). 3. The date the flag should be flown. 4. Point of contact and a commercial telephone number.

Submit the written request to:

Defense Protective Service Operations Branch Commander's Office
Washington HQ Services,
Room 2E148 1155 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155

Can you direct me to the booklet, "Our Flag," that presents information about the history, laws and regulations, display, care, and other relevant information about the flag of the United States of America? Gladly. That booklet is on line courtesy of the General Services Administration Consumer Information Center. Check it out at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/ourflag/titlepage.htm.

FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE top
How do I report fraud, waste, or abuse at the Defense Department?

You may do so by contacting the Defense Department Inspector General's Hotline for Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. The telephone number there is:800-424-9098. You may also send an e-mail to officials there at hotline@dodig.osd.mil.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT top
How do I use the Freedom of Information Act?

Read online the Freedom of Information Act instructions at http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/foi/

GAMES top
Where can I download the America's Army computer game? Also how can I obtain a CD of the game?

You may download the game and find information about obtaining a CD of America's Army computer game by visiting www.goarmy.com. The America's Army game provides civilians with an inside perspective and a virtual role in today's premier land force: the U.S. Army. The game is designed to provide an accurate portrayal of Soldier experiences across a number of occupations. To accomplish this Army designed the America's Army game to include the Operations game, a 3D action game that portrays small unit actions, as well as Soldiers, the adventure portion to be released in 2003, which allows players to go through training exercises and navigate life's challenges to achieve life goals in the Army. The Army's game is an entertaining way for young adults to explore the Army and its adventures and opportunities as a virtual Soldier. As such, it is part of the Army's communications strategy designed to leverage the power of the Internet as a portal through which young adults can get a first hand look at what it is like to be a Soldier. The game introduces players to different Army schools, Army training, and life in the Army. Given the popularity of computer games and the ability of the Internet to deliver great content, a game was the perfect venue for highlighting different aspects of the Army. Firms such as Toyota have used games for this educational purpose with considerable success.

GRANTS top
How do I apply for research grants, scholarships, and/or fellowships with the DoD?

We recommend that you visit our Department of Defense Research Opportunities web page at http://www.acq.osd.mil/ddre/research/opportunities.html. You may also wish to visit www.Grants.gov. Grants.gov provides organizations with the ability to search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities.

HISTORY top
I am interested in the background and history of an Army unit.

How do I get this information online?

Center for Military History http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/ Military History Institute http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/

Center for Army Lesson Learned: http://call.army.mil/call.html

Combat Studies Institute Historical Services: http://www-cgsc.army.mil/csi/pubs/

World War One: http://www.worldwar1.com/index.html

World War Two: http://ww2.vet.org/ , http://www.worldwar2.com/

Civil War: http://www.civilwar.com/

HOUSING top
What assistance is available to buy a house?

There are several agencies you may want to contact to find out what assistance is available to buy a home. Start by contacting the Federal National Mortgage Administration (Fannie Mae). Fannie Mae is an organization that provides educational materials and guides to help people achieve home ownership and referrals to additional resources. Contact the nearest Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office. Although HUD does not provide cash assistance, they do offer information about programs for home buyers, educational materials, mortgage calculators, and house listings. Also contact your State Housing Authority. These offices may have information about special programs administered by your state and properties available in your area. If you are a veteran, you may also want to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers many programs designed to assist veterans. If you are a rural resident, you may also want to contact the local Rural Development (RD) office. These offices can provide assistance to rural residents through the Rural Housing Service.

INSTALLATIONS top
How do I find out more information about military installations?

To find more information about military installations you may visit our fact sheet on the subject at the following link: http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/sites.html

LOCATOR SERVICE top
How can I find the address of a specific present or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Responsibility for current military personnel records falls within the jurisdiction of the military departments, not the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Therefore, requests for military addresses should be sent to the respective service of the individual whose address is being sought. There is no comprehensive source for e-mail addresses. Even if there were, military regulations and the Privacy Act of 1974 do not permit the military departments to provide home addresses or telephone numbers of service personnel. Moreover, regulations do not permit random dissemination of listings of names and addresses of service personnel. These regulations have been established to protect individual service men and women from commercial exploitation and to respect their right of privacy. Because of the large volume of requests that each service locator receives, please allow four weeks processing time for written requests. The following information is needed for all requests for all locator services: Give as much identifying information as possible about the person you wish to locate such as full name, rank, last duty assignment/last known military address, service number, and Social Security number. The locator service is free to immediate family members and government officials. Other family members, civilian friends, businesses and others must pay $3.50. The check or money order must be made out to the U.S. Treasury. It is not refundable. United States Army The Army will help you locate individuals on active duty only, not retirees. The place to start is the Army World Wide Locator. The address is:

Commander U.S. Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center
ATTN: Locator
8899 East 56th Street
Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN 46249-5301

United States Navy The Navy's locator service helps locate individuals on active duty and those whose service ended less than a year ago. In addition, the Navy will forward letters as long as the correct postage is affixed to the envelope. You can call the locator service at 1-901-874-3388. Unless you are active military, local or federal government, or a family member, the fee for researching an address is $3.50 per address. Fees are retained in cases resulting in an unsuccessful search or for un releasable addresses. Mail your correspondence with your fee, check or money order payable to UNITED STATES TREASURER, to the following address:

World Wide Locator Bureau of Naval Personnel
PERS 312F 5720 Integrity
Drive Millington, TN 38055-3120

United States Marine Corps The Marine Corps can provide the duty station for active duty personnel and reservists. For retired individuals, the locator service can provide the city and state, but not an address. The service will provide the service member's current rank and unit address; however, due to the locator's staffing, the office cannot forward mail except in special cases. Telephonic requests to 1-703-640-3942/43 are free of charge to immediate family members and government officials calling on official business. In addition, telephonic service will be provided at no cost to any individual, business or organization, if the Marine locator decides the information would benefit the individual. Send written locator requests to:

Commandant of the Marine Corps Headquarters, USMC Code MMSB-10
Quantico, VA 22134-5030

United States Air Force The Air Force can locate active duty personnel, as well as retirees, reservists and guardsmen. This information is not available for those who have separated from the Air Force or are Army Air Corps retirees. Information on individuals stationed overseas or in a sensitive position will not be released. However, the locator service will forward mail to that person for up to 90 days, as long as the correct postage is on the envelope and any required fee has been paid. Parents, spouses, and government officials may call 1-210-652-5774 for a recorded message or 1-210-652-5775 for non-recorded service.

For locator services write to:

HQ AFMPC/RMIQL
550 C Street, West, Suite 50
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4752

MAIL top
Who manages postal mail for the military?

The Military Postal Service Agency an extension of the United States Postal Service, provides Department of Defense personnel, their family members and other authorized users mail services around the world. Our customers receive basically the same level of service as though they were at home in the United States. Differences are based on the country in which they are stationed and the type of military operation in which they are involved. For more information on Military Postal Service Agency: 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 814 Alexandria, VA 22331-0006 800-810-6098 MAPS How can I purchase maps from the DoD? We suggest that you contact the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. You can visit them online at http://www.nima.mil/portal/site/nga01/. Related information is available from the U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center online at http://www.tec.army.mil/.

MEDALS top
How do I replace my Medals that were lost?

In order to obtain a replacement medal you will have to contact the following institution at:

National Personnel Records Center
Attn: Army Reference Branch
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis MO 63132-5100
E-mail: MPR.center@nara.gov
Phone (314) 5384261

You may be charged for the replacement of the medals. What is the status of the Cold War Medal? Will it be issued? The Department of Defense (DoD) recently completed a comprehensive review for both military and civilian awards policy. As part of the review, DoD examined award recognition for military service during the Cold War. Based on the recommendations of the Services, the Defense Department does not at this time support the creation of a Service Medal specifically to recognize Cold War military service. Commanders have always had a variety of awards to recognize the service and sacrifice of service members, including those who served during the Cold War. The Department is pleased to continue the issuance of the Cold War Certificate, which appropriately recognizes military and civilian federal service during the Cold War. To find information on the Cold War Recognition Certificate please visit the following web page,

https://www.perscomonline.army.mil/tagd/coldwar/default.htm.

Have new campaign medals been issued for Afghanistan and Iraq?

The Department of Defense announced on April 7, 2005 the creation of two new campaign medals for Afghanistan and Iraq. Presidential Executive Order 13363 established the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals to recognize members, who made specific sacrifices and significant contributions in these areas of operation. Service members authorized the Afghanistan Campaign Medal must have served in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom on or after Oct. 24, 2001, to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of the operation. The area of eligibility encompasses all land areas of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land. Those authorized the Iraq Campaign Medal must have served in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on or after March 19, 2003, to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of the operation. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq, and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. Service members must have been assigned, attached or mobilized to units operating in these areas of eligibility for 30 consecutive days or for 60 non-consecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility; or while participating in an operation or on official duties, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility; or while participating as a regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, within or over the area of eligibility in direct support of the military operations; each day of operations counts as one day of eligibility. Service members qualified for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reasons of service between Oct. 24, 2001, and April 30, 2005, in an area for which the Afghanistan Campaign Medal was subsequently authorized and between March 19, 2003, and Feb. 28, 2005, in an area for which the Iraq Campaign Medal was subsequently authorized, shall remain qualified for that medal. Upon application, any such service member may be awarded the Afghanistan or Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for such service. No service member shall be entitled to all three medals for the same act, achievement or period of service. The awarding authority for the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals shall be the prescribed by the member's respective military service regulations. Both medals may be awarded posthumously. Only one award of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. Service stars are not prescribed. Individuals may receive both the medals if they meet the requirement of both awards; however, the qualifying period of service used to establish eligibility for one award cannot be used to justify eligibility for the other.

How do I go about getting information on the Korean Defense Service Medal?

You may wish to read our News Release entitled: "DoD Announces Korean Defense Service Medal" at the following web page,

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20040209-0334.html.

Each military department will prescribe appropriate regulations for administrative processing, awarding and wearing of the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) and ribbon for their service members, to include application procedures for veterans, retirees, and next-of-kin. We are providing below the mailing addresses and telephone numbers for each of the military departments Awards and Decorations Office.

Army Human Resources Command Awards and Decorations Office
ATTN: TAPC-PD-PA
200 Stovall Street Alexandria, VA 22302-0471
Telephone: 703-325-8700

Chief of Naval Operations Awards and Special Projects Branch
CODE: NO9B33 2000
Navy Pentagon, Room 4D453
Washington, DC 20350-2000
Telephone: 703-325-1770

Headquarters, US Marine Corps Awards and Decorations Office Manpower and Reserve Affairs (MMMA)
3280 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22314-5103
Telephone: 703-784-9342

Department of the Air Force Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center
ATTN: DPPPRA 500 C Street West, Suite 12
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4714
Telephone: 210-565-2516

New Heath Care Benefit for Guard and Reserve Announced

MEDICAL BENEFITS top
I am a Reservist on active duty about to transition back to Reserve status. What kinds of health care are provide for me and my family?

There is the Tricare Transitional Health Care program. This is a health care benefit that offers coverage to certain Reserve Component(RC) members and family members, when the RC member separates from active duty. Formerly the coverage was for 60 days after leaving active duty or for 120 after leaving active duty, depending on the sponsor's length of service. Now, however, the coverage time has been extended to 180 days after the sponsor separates from active duty for qualified RC members. The Department of Defense announced March 24, 2005, that beginning April 2005 a new premium-based, health care plan will be available to eligible National Guard and Reserve members activated for contingency operations on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) is authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2005 and, when purchased by a TRS eligible member, provides comprehensive health care coverage similar to Tricare Standard and Extra for the member and his or her eligible family members. National Guard or Reserve member's personnel office will determine eligibility for TRS based on active service on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The service period must be for 90 consecutive days or more in support of a contingency operation and, prior to leaving active duty, the member must enter into an agreement with his or her Reserve component to serve in the selected Reserve for at least one additional year. For those members who already have left active duty, they must enter into an additional service agreement no later than Oct. 28, 2005. Members are eligible for one whole year of TRS coverage for each whole year of service commitment in the service agreement, up to a maximum of one whole year of coverage for each 90 days of continuous active duty served in support of a contingency operation. For example, members who served a 360-day qualifying active duty period in the selected Reserve are eligible for four years of TRS coverage provided the member agrees to serve at least another four years in the selected Reserve.

Health Care Web Sites:

Transitional Health Care http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=110&CID=75&RID=3

Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) http://www.tricare.osd.mil/reserve/reserveselect/index.cfm

Reserve Component Members Health Care
http://www.tricare.osd.mil/reserve/

Reserve Component Health Care Benefits Brochure http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=58&CID=0&RID=3

Tricare Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.tricare.osd.mil/faqs/

Guide to Reserve Family Member Benefits:
This book provides information about military benefits (to include legal assistance, pay, travel, etc.) available to RC family members.

http://www.defenselink.mil/ra/mobil/

MEDICAL RECORDS
How can I locate medical records for military-retired and or military dependents? The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. NPRC (MPR) also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law. For more information please visit their web site at http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.html.

MEMORIALS top
Where can I find information on the web about military memorials?

There are various war memorials to commemorate and celebrate the services of American veterans. These memorials are maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) and can usually be visited year round. The NPS website located at http://www.nps.gov has information about NPS veterans' memorials. You can also speak with an NPS representative by contacting one of the National Park Service Regional Offices.

MENTORING top
I would like to receive information regarding the Mentor-Protégé Program. For information on the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program please visit there home page at http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/mentor_protege/.

MILITARY RECORDS top
Is the National Archives and Records Administration destroying military personnel files?

They are not being destroyed. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) preserves and protects the files because they are permanently valuable records that document the essential evidence of military service for veterans. However, there is a rumor circulating on the Internet that advises veterans to apply for their Official Military Personnel Files to save them from destruction. There is no truth to this "urban legend" being perpetuated on the Web.

How do I find Records for a friend/relative who was in the Army?

Try a search on Fed World's website at http://www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.html

Where can I get copies of my records?

Conduct your search online by visiting one of the following websites: Active Duty

Enlisted: http://www.erec.army.mil/

Retirees: http://www.nara.gov/regional/mpr.html

Veterans: http://www.nara.gov/regional/mpr.html

Civilians: http://www.nara.gov/regional/cpr.html

Retired Dept. of the Army civilian employees can contact the National Personnel Records Center at:

Civilian Records Facility
111 Winnebago Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63118-4199

Active duty retirees should contact:

Military Records Facility
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis Missouri 63132-5100
Phone: (800) 318-5298

At minimum, please include the service member's complete name, Social Security number and/or serial number, and the requester's return address. Website is: http://www.nara.gov/regional/stlouis.html

Here is a comprehensive list of where Soldiers can obtain their Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF):

https://www.2xcitizen.usar.army.mil/Soldierservices/records/recordlocations.asp

How do I correct errors in my military records?

In order to get your military service records upgraded/changes, you must contact your respective service Board for Correction of Military Records. Contact information for each board is listed below:

Army Board of Correction
Crystal Mall 4, Room 220
Arlington, VA 22202-4508
Phone: 703-607-1611

Navy Board of Correction
Arlington Annex, Room 2432
Washington, DC 20370
Phone: 703-614-1765

Air Force Board of Correction
Building 1535, AAFB
Washington, DC 20330-1430
Phone: 301-981-5380

Marine Corps Board of Correction
HQ, U.S. Marine Corps
Washington, DC 20380
Phone: 703-614-1102

NATIONAL GUARD top
Where are National Guard units located?

The Army National Guard has more than 1,832 units located in more than 2,700 communities across the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Each state has a unique force structure and a varying number of units, personnel, armories and training sites. For more information, visit the Guard Bureau's website at http://www.ngb.army.mil/.

How is the Army National Guard different from the Army Reserve?

The Army Reserve is completely controlled by the federal government and serves solely as a federal reserve to the Active Army. The Army National Guard, on the other hand, may be controlled by either the state or the federal government, depending on the circumstance. The Army Guard force structure consists of Combat, Combat Support and Combat Service Support units, while the Army Reserve force is primarily comprised of Combat Support and Combat Service Support. The ARNG consists of approximately 340,000 Soldiers versus just over 200,000 in the USAR. Both organizations are part of The Army, which consists of the Active, Guard and Reserve components.

What benefits do I get from having employees who are Guard members or Army Reservists?

There are many benefits to employing Guardsmen and Reservists. You will have an employee who has been trained to possess and use superior leadership skills and discipline - someone who has proven their ability to commit to goals, objectives and ideas with a high level of motivation. You will have an employee who has valuable job skills ranging from specific technical expertise to leadership. The employee will also receive additional training as time goes on - at no cost to you. The concept of the citizen-Soldier is based upon a person committed to fulfilling both their civilian and military responsibilities, a person who becomes a special member of their community.

NEWS MEDIA top
I am with the media and have some questions regarding past, present, and future Defense issues. Who do I call?

Call one of the following Armed Forces news media desks:

Department of Defense (703) 697-5131
Army (703) 692-2000, Press Desk e-mail - pressdesk@hqda.army.mil
Marine Corps (703) 614-4309
Navy (703) 697-5342
Air Force (703) 695-0640
Joint Chiefs of Staff (703) 697-4272

PASSPORT top
Where do I get information on obtaining a new passport or renewing one?

To determine the appropriate application procedure, please begin by selecting the desired timeframe for travel: Immediately (Emergency Travel) Less than two (2) weeks from today More than two (2) weeks, but less than six (6) weeks from today More than six (6) weeks from today

To access the most current information on U.S. passports, please visit the U.S. Department of State online at www.travel.state.gov. Once there, click on 'Passport Information'. If you are planning to travel abroad, you will also find the most up-to-date travel information including travel warnings, country fact sheets, and entry requirements. For detailed inquiries or to learn the status of a passport application, contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC), or visit them online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_839.html.

PAY top
Can I find an online resource that shows current and historical active duty military pay tables?

The information you seek is available online at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's website at http://www.dod.mil/dfas/. Once at that page, please scroll down to "Pay Rates."

PHOTOS top
I have a site on the Internet, and was wondering if I could post some of your pictures on my site?

Photographs and imagery on the Army's website at http://www4.army.mil/armyimages/, just like those on DefenseLINK, unless otherwise noted, are in the public domain. Attribution of the source is always appreciated by the military photographer.

POSTAL SERVICE top
How can I send postal mail to the troops?

Delivery of materials to unidentified service members is prohibited due to security concerns, but you can express your support for the troops via e-mail. The Military Postal Service Agency an extension of the United States Postal Service, provides Department of Defense personnel, their family members and other authorized users mail services around the world. Our customers receive basically the same level of service as though they were at home in the United States. Differences are based on the country in which they are stationed and the type of military operation in which they are involved. For more information:

Military Postal Service Agency:
2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 814
Alexandria, VA 22331-0006
(703) 325-9221

POW/MIA ISSUES top

I want to interview a prisoner of War (POW) from the Vietnam War? How do I go about doing that?

Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, we at the Department of Defense cannot give out specific information on a Veteran such as; name, phone number or address. the individual(s) in question must grant their permission to such requests. My best recommendation is to contact the nearest Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, or other veterans' organization office. If they have a local post, you may be able to attend one of their meetings to make your request directly. An Official U.S. government website:

The Defense POW/ Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.va.gov/

The official site for the Department of Defense: http://www.defenselink.mil/
The Library of Congress POW/MIA Database: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pow/powhome.html

The websites below are not U.S. Government sites and we do not take responsibility for their content. We list them in case the information they contain may be helpful to you:

American Legion: http://www.legion.org/
Veterans of Foreign Wars: http://www.vfw.org/
Vietnam Veterans of America: http://www.vva.org/
The Vietnam Center (at Texas Tech University): http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/

Home page of the Vietnam era Prisoners of War (1961-1973: http://www.nampows.org/
Advocacy & Intelligence Index for POW-MIAs, Inc: http://www.aiipowmia.com/

PUBLIC AFFAIRS top

Do you have the mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the military Public Affairs offices?

Yes. You will find the mailing addresses and telephone numbers of the Service Public Affairs Offices below:

Department of the Army
ATTN: Chief of Public Affairs
1500 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-1500
(703) 697-2957
Website: www.army.mil

Department of the Navy Office of Information
1200 Navy
Pentagon, Room 2E335
Washington, DC 20350-1200
(703) 697-9020
website: http://www.navy.mil/contacts.asp

Office of the Secretary of the Air Force PA Resource Library (SAF/PACL)
1690 Air Force
Pentagon, Room 4A120
Washington, DC 20330-1690
(703) 697-4110
website: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/

Director of Public Affairs Headquarters,
U.S. Marine Corps
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20380-1775 (703) 614-1034
website: http://www.marines.mil/pashops/pashops.nsf/pamain

Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
ATTN: Public Affairs Office 9999 Joint Staff Pentagon, Room 2E857
Washington, DC 20318-9999
(703) 697-4272 United States Coast Guard* Department of Transportation 2100 Second Street, SW Washington, DC 20593 (202) 267-1587
website: https://www.piersystem.com/external/index.cfm?cid=786

*The Coast Guard reports directly to the Department of the Navy only in wartime; in peacetime it falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation. Under legislation still pending, it would move to the proposed new Department of Homeland Security.

PUBLICATIONS top
Where can I find information about military publications online?

Defense publications are produced by a variety of sources. Questions about the contents of a particular publication should be directed to that publication's producer listed in the document. Many defense publications are available for download from the Internet. Other publications can be obtained from one of the following sources:

Directorate for Public Information & Analysis, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs OASD(PA)/PIA
1400 Defense Pentagon, Room 3A750
Washington, DC 20301-1400
Phone: (703) 428-0711
Email: pia@hq.afis.osd.mil

Defense Printing Service Detachment Office (DPSDO) Philadelphia: Defense Department Single Stock Point (DoD SSP) for Specifications and Standards. Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC): DTIC serves the Federal Government research, development and acquisition community including contractors, grantees, and potential defense contractors. Because of the nature of the information that DTIC handles, users must qualify for service form DTIC. National Technical Information Service releases unclassified/unlimited technical reports and bibliographic information through the National Technical Information service (NTIS). U.S. Government Printing Office http://www.access.gpo.gov/

RECREATION top
What kind of recreation and sports programs does the Army have?

The Army offers a variety of sports, entertainment, and recreation through its Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. There are MWR programs at every installation worldwide. The Army also sends professional MWR specialists to support commanders of deployed units in places such as the Balkans and the Middle East. MWR programs are open to all active duty, reserve component and retiree ID-card holders. For more information, refer to www.armymwr.com

Where can I find out about the military discounts offered at theme parks like Disney World?

You'll find that information at www.offdutytravel.com In addition, you'll find many travel bargains especially for the military, from RV rental to weeklong vacation packages at popular resort destinations, hotel discounts, and reduced admission to regional attractions. Access military camping and RV site information on www.pathsacrossamerica.com

Where can I find information about the Armed Forces Recreation Centers in Germany, Korea, Orlando and Hawaii?

You can find information about the AFRCs on the web sites listed below, and you can also book reservations on line. The AFRCs are financially self-sufficient Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities managed by the Army for the Dept. of Defense. AFRCs are open to all branches of service - active duty, reserve component and retiree ID-card holders and their families. Hale Koa Hotel: www.halekoa.com Shades of Green www.shadesofgreen.org Dragon Hill Lodge www.dragonhilllodge.com AFRC-Europe: www.afrceurope.com

REGULATIONS top
I'm looking for Federal regulations; where are they?

Federal regulations are available on line at: www.regulations.gov.

RESEARCH top
Where's are some good places on the web to conduct Army research?

U.S. Army Research Institute: http://www.ari.army.mil/
Combat Studies Institute: http://www-cgsc.army.mil/csi/
Army Physical Fitness Research Institute: http://carlisle-www.army.mil/apfri/

RETIREE BENEFITS top
I am a retiree looking for information about benefits. Where can I get assistance?

Contact your local Army retirement services office to get started. Also, the Veterans Administration provides a great deal of assistance.

Two websites of interest are:
http://www.va.gov/ and http://www.acap.army.mil/

Retirement services: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/retire/

RETIREMENT top

How do I determine my federal retirement benefits as a Department of the Army civilian?

For information on retirement benefits for Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website at www.opm.gov/retire. If you're unable to locate the information on the OPM website, then you may wish to speak with a representative from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) where they can assist with questions specific to Federal employee retirement and benefits.

SCHOOLS top
Where can I find information about DoD schools around the world? -- like the American School of Paris, Seoul American School and so on?

You will find information about DoD schools at the Department of Defense Education Activity. The information is available online at http://www.dodea.edu/. SELECTIVE SERVICE

How do I register with the Selective Service?

We recommend that you visit the Selective Service website to register online at http://www.sss.gov/regist.htm. That service is not part of the Defense Department.

SOLDIERS top

How many Soldiers are there in the Army?

There are about 480,000 Soldiers on active duty.

SOLDIER SUPPORT top

How can I send a message or show support for our Soldiers?

The Dept. of Defense is responding to queries from thousands of Americans who are again asking what they can do to show their support for service members, especially those serving overseas in this time of war. The following are websites for several organizations sponsoring programs for members of the Armed Forces overseas. While it would be inappropriate for DoD to endorse any specifically, service members do value and appreciate such expressions of support:

Send a message of support to Soldiers who are serving in the War on Terrorism through the Army's 'To Our Soldiers' website. http://www.army.mil/toourSoldiers

Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at Operation Uplink at http://www.operationuplink.org/

Send a greeting via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby at http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/ or http://www.OperationDearAbby.net

Sign a virtual thank you card at the Defend America Web site at http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html

Make a donation to one of the military relief societies : Army Emergency Relief at http://www.aerhq.org/

Navy/Marine Relief Society at http://www.nmcrs.org/
Air Force Aid Society at http://www.afas.org/

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at http://www.cgmahq.org/

Donate to "Operation USO Care Package" at http://www.usometrodc.org/care.html

Support the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/

Volunteer at a VA Hospital to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts.

Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and VA hospitals through a donation to the Fisher House at http://www.fisherhouse.org

Reach out to military families in your community, especially those with a loved one overseas.

Defend America Website: http://www.defendamerica.mil or http://www.defendamerica.mil/otf/index.html

DoD officials ask citizens not to flood the military mail system with letters, cards, and gifts.

Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Defense Department can't accept items to be mailed.

Some people have tried to avoid this prohibition by sending large numbers of packages to an individual service member's overseas address, which however well intentioned, clogs the mail and causes unnecessary delays. U.S. troops deployed to the Persian Gulf region and other overseas locations can now receive personal messages from family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues and supporters via the pages of "Stars and Stripes" as well. "Messages of Support," a daily section that debuted March 17, gives family and friends of deployed service members a chance to pass their greetings, words of encouragement and announcements free of charge. "Messages of Support" can be e-mailed to "Stars and Stripes" 24 hours a day at messages@estripes.com, are limited to 50 words or less and will be printed on a first-come, first-run basis. "Stars and Stripes" reserves the right to screen and edit all messages and to omit any determined inappropriate. "Stars and Stripes" is the editorially independent, Defense Department-authorized daily newspaper distributed overseas for the U.S. military community. It provides commercially available U.S. and world news and objective, staff-produced stories relevant to the military community in a balanced, fair and accurate manner. Stripes is currently increasing its Middle East circulation with the goal of providing one paper for every three persons stationed there.

What can I do to support our troops?

We appreciate your support of our Armed Forces and thinking of our troops! Thousands of Americans are asking what they can do to show their support for service members, especially those serving overseas and facing combat during this time of war. We must also remember our military families who offer much support, sacrifice so much and cope with long deployments of their loved ones. While it would be inappropriate for DoD to endorse any organization specifically, service members do value and appreciate such expressions of support: We have a web site that has collected information about a number of the programs our fellow citizens have undertaken on behalf of the troops. It is called "American Supports You" - Our Military Men and Women, and its address on the Internet is www.americasupportsyou.mil.

This web site offers you ways to send messages to the troops, and obtain materials for developing your own support program. Also, provided is a short list of organizations that will help you send messages and packages as well as provide other support. The support and generosity of the American people has touched the lives of the more than 300,000 service members deployed overseas. Thank you for your continued prayers and support during these challenging times. United we will succeed in our cause to defeat terrorism.

SURVIVOR SUPPORT top
Do you have a list of survivor support groups?

We recommend that the first stop for family members be to contact the Family Support Center, chaplain, or LSSC for assistance with locating survivor support groups in the community. The list below includes a number of private, as well as government, resources. Listing of the private sites is not intended as an official endorsement of those programs. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) TAPS is a national network of peer support for military survivors. They provide referrals to grief counseling options. More information is available at http://www.taps.org/.

Emotional distress & stress management website links:

Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.va.gov (free counseling available) National Veterans Foundation: http://www.nvf.org/
Listing of State Directors of Veterans Affairs: http://www.nasdva.com/
Air Force Aid Society: http://www.afas.org/
Navy Environmental Health Center: http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/hp/stress/ Leader's Guide for Managing Distress : http://afspp.afms.mil/leadersguide/Docs/6/CISMDeathunitmemberPEP_index.htm Deployment Health Clinical Center: http://www.deploymenthealth.mil/wot/solace.asp

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.)
http://www.ncptsd.org/
http://www.ncptsd.org/facts/general/fs_what_is_ptsd.html http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
http://www.hopebythesea.com/
http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-an06.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/posttraumaticstressdisorder.html http://www.psych.org/public_info/ptsd.cfm http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/ptsd.cfm http://www.nmha.org/reassurance/anniversary/index.cfm http://www.mhsanctuary.com/ptsd/
http://www.ptsdalliance.org/home2.html

Other resourceful sites for the military family:

Military One Source (trained social workers with answers and assistance for the military families 24/7): http://www.militaryonesource.com
Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul: http://www.militarysoul.org/
Military Lifestyle: http://www.militarylifestyle.com/
National Military Family Association: http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer
The American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

Please check out our "America Supports You" website for more ways to support our troops, continue to raise awareness and find other resources of assistance for our military at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil.

TEACHERS top
Where can I find information about the Troops to Teachers program?

Detailed information is available online at http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/index-text.htm?Flag=True

In January 2002, the Troops to Teachers program expanded to include reserve component service members. Under the program, the U.S. Department of Education and the Defense Department team up to help qualified service members transition from the military to teaching careers. The Troops to Teachers program is designed to recruit quality teachers for schools serving low-income families and to relieve teacher shortages. The program began in 1994 and since its inception has provided monetary and guidance support to qualified active duty service members. Reservists who wish to participate in the program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or have one year of college with six years experience in a vocational or technical field. Reservists qualify under four different options: Retired from the drilling reserves with 20 or more years on or after Oct. 1, 1999; must apply for the program within four years of retirement. Now serving in the drilling reserves with 10 or more years of creditable service and commit to serving an additional three years or until eligible for retirement. Retired or separated from the drilling reserves due to a physical disability on or after Jan. 8, 2002; must apply within four years of separation. Transitioning from active duty on or after Jan. 8, 2002, with six or more years of active duty immediately prior to separation and a commitment to serve three years with a drilling reserve unit; must apply within four years of separation. Pending availability of funds, eligible individuals may receive up to $5,000 to offset teacher certification expenses and an additional $5,000 bonus if they teach in a school serving a high percentage of students from low- income families. Schools around the country will need some 2.4 million teachers in the next 11 years because of teachers retiring, teachers leaving the classrooms and increased student enrollment. The NEA said the need will be most acute in bilingual and special education positions, mathematics, sciences, computer science, and English-as-a-Second- Language and foreign language specialists. In high-poverty urban and rural districts alone, more than 700,000 new teachers will be needed in the next 10 years. About 42 percent of all public schools in the United States have no minority teachers. The percentage of minority teachers is expected to shrink to an all-time low of 5 percent, while 41 percent of American students will be minorities. More than 4,000 Troops to Teachers participants have been hired since the program began.

Where can I find information about teaching overseas for the Department of Defense and for American sponsored schools?

The international schools affiliated with the Department of State are independent, non-government schools sponsored by Americans or in which American citizens have considerable interest. Since they are not controlled by the U.S. government nor do they operate under any official administrative jurisdictional umbrella, they hire teachers and staff directly, establishing their own qualification standards and application procedures. Salary levels and benefit packages vary from school to school Many of the American-sponsored schools overseas contract with private organizations in the United States to assist them in the recruitment process. The schools also frequently send representatives to stateside teacher recruiting fairs to locate qualified staff for anticipated vacancies. Included on this web site are addresses of some of the organizations that assist in recruiting staff for overseas teaching as well as addresses of organizations with teacher exchange programs. In addition to communicating with these organizations, you may want to check the schools' web site as many now list recruiting information and their vacancies. Addresses for schools overseas can be obtained from the Fact Sheets on individual schools.

Office of Overseas Schools:

U.S. Department of State Room H328, SA-1
Washington, D. C. 20522-0132
Tel: 202-261-8200
Fax: 202-261-8224
E-mail: overseasschools@state.gov
http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c6776.htm

For more details on teaching opportunities overseas: http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c1684.htm http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/schools/oteaching.html

The Department of Defense operates a school system for the benefit of dependents of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. Recruitment of teachers for schools at military bases overseas is handled by the Department of Defense Education Activity. Teaching overseas on U.S. Military bases:

Department Of Defense Education Activity
4040 North Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22203-1634
Recruitment: (703) 588-3983
Fax: (703) 588-5383
How to apply: http://www.dodea.edu/pers/employment/
Homepage: http://www.dodea.edu

TRANSPORTATION (SPACE-A TRAVEL & MORE) top
Can civilians not ride aboard military aircraft?

With only a very few exceptions, such as civilian aides accompanying the Secretary when he travels overseas on a military passenger aircraft, the answer is "no." In today's environment of the war on terrorism, I wish to stress that operational requirements are our overriding priority and that granting civilian rides is not a common practice. Media rides are occasionally permitted in order to help educate the public about the capabilities of our various Defense Department aircraft and the men and women who fly them. In the case of film and television productions, we sometimes offer orientation flights, as well as technical advice, to help ensure the accuracy of military scenes and depictions in the final productions. On rare occasions, other U.S. citizens are granted rides on military aircraft if we feel that they can also make a positive contribution to public understanding of the roles and missions of the Defense Department; again within the context of operational requirements and, of course, safety.

TRICARE top
I have some questions regarding TRICARE. Where can I go online for answers?

The following link will provide for you information about contacting your regional TRICARE office by phone or by e-mail: http://www.tricare.osd.mil/onestop/index.html

UNIFORMS
What is the proper way to wear the American Flag Patch on military uniforms?

Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. Army Regulation 670-1, "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia," updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that "the star field faces forward, or to the flag's own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer's right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the 'reverse side flag'." We appreciate and share your concern for the respectful display of our American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information on Army Regulation 670-1 please visit the following web site, http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

VERIFICATION top
I need to verify if someone is a member of the military. What Department should I contact?

Please contact officials of our Defense Manpower Data Center for assistance with military verification. Their telephone number is (703) 696-6762.

VETERANS ISSUES top
How can I access my DD 214 on-line?

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center's mailroom processing time. Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. Veterans and next of kin may access this application at http://vetrecs.archives.gov/. Please note there is no requirement to type "www" in front of the web address.

Are there opportunities for active duty veterans with the National Guard or Reserve?

Once certain thresholds have been met (with regard to age, years of service, etc.) Soldiers usually are not eligible for reentry to service, however, there are other ways that many veterans continue to serve. Most states have a volunteer force of veterans, often referred to as a "defense force", "volunteer force" or state "militia" who serve in a variety of roles within the respective states. More information can be obtained by contacting state or territorial headquarters.

WEAPONS top

Where do I find information on military equipment and weapons?

To find information on equipment and weapons of the military departments we have provided the web pages below.

Army Fact File: http://www.army.mil/fact_files_site/index.html
Air Force Fact Sheets: http://www.af.mil/factsheets/
Marine Corps Aircraft, Vehicles and Equipment: http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/AVE
Navy Fact File: http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ffiletop.html

WOMEN IN THE MILITARY top

How can I find information on women in the military?

There are numerous sources of information available to you. We also recommend you start your search with a visit to the website for the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services at http://www.dtic.mil/dacowits/.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS top
How do I find information about federal contracting opportunities for women? For Federal contracting opportunities for women-owned and operated businesses, please visit http://www.womenbiz.gov. Women business owners can also contact the Women's Business Development Center, or visit them online at http://www.wbdc.org/default_Flash.asp. Select "Women's Business Ownership" under SBA Programs.

Many of the most current issues, as well as the Army's position on these issues, can be found on the Army Homepage.

Additionally, many answers to questions concerning benefits, pay and services can be found here on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

For those wishing to show support to our Soldiers and families, a multitude of resources can be found on the Outreach Support page and the America Supports You website.