G1 Military Personnel Newsletter Address Boone Center 100 Minuteman Parkway Building 124 Frankfort, KY 40601 Topics: ¾ Personnel Services Branch ¾ Enlisted Branch ¾ Officer Branch ¾ SIB Section ¾ Education & Incentives ¾ Health Services ¾ Recruiting and Retention ¾ Strength Numbers ¾ Yearly Operation Plan ¾ G1 Phone Directory Leader’s Corner - Remarks from SGM Jones ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2019 Although the Pentagon delayed implementation of a new restriction that limits which service members (with at least 6 years but not more than 16 years of active duty or selected reserve service) can transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits until January 12, 2020, now is the time for Soldiers in this category to transfer this wonderful benefit to their spouse or children (or any combination), even if they may not use the benefit. It will be there for them in the future if needed. The Kentucky National Guard has hundreds of Soldiers who have 16 or more years of service who are eligible to transfer their benefit but haven’t done so to date. Please contact our GI Bill manager, SSG Boone at 502-607- 1138 or [email protected]for more information. On 6 June 2018, The Secretary of the Army signed Army Directive 2018-08, establishing the Army’s Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program with an effective date of 6 September 2018. This program allows eligible Soldiers to receive funding for courses or exams that lead to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential. Beginning 1 June 2019, the Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Credentialing Assistance (CA) was expanded to Kentucky Army National Guard members. Army COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On- line) helps Army Service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs. For a 42A, it gives detailed information on credentialing requirements and potential gaps between Army training and civilian human resources civilian requirements. There are hundreds of credentialing opportunities available for multiple MOSs. Visit the COOL website at: https://www.cool.army.mil/index.htm to learn more. As we all know, retention is a key focus in the National Guard nationwide. As of 24 July 2019, ARNG Enlisted Soldiers with eight years or less of service who extend for six years may be eligible for a $20,000 lump sum reenlistment/extension bonus. To qualify, these Soldiers must have an ETS date no greater than 31 December 2019 and meet all other criteria in accordance with the current FY SRIP. Soldiers and leaders at all levels must get this information out to ensure everyone understands what benefits are available for our Soldiers. With all of the benefits available such as enlistment bonuses, student loan repayment and education assistance, a reenlistment bonus of $20,000 could help a Soldier in many ways. The Kentucky National Guard needs everyone to help meet our end strength goal of 6450. Offering a lump sum bonus to our eligible Soldiers is one way to help make that happen. NEED G1 ASSISTANCE?? We are here to help! Please route requests through your BDE to 1LT Logan Forrest at [email protected]
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G1 Military Personnel Newsletter
AddressBoone Center 100 Minuteman Parkway Building 124 Frankfort, KY 40601
Topics:
Personnel Services Branch
Enlisted Branch
Officer Branch
SIB Section
Education & Incentives
Health Services
Recruiting and Retention
Strength Numbers
Yearly Operation Plan
G1 Phone Directory
Leader’s Corner - Remarks from SGM Jones
ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2019
Although the Pentagon delayed implementation of a new restriction that limits which service members (with at least 6 years but not more than 16 years of active duty or selected reserve service) can transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits until January 12, 2020, now is the time for Soldiers in this category to transfer this wonderful benefit to their spouse or children (or any combination), even if they may not use the benefit. It will be there for them in the future if needed. The Kentucky National Guard has hundreds of Soldiers who have 16 or more years of service who are eligible to transfer their benefit but haven’t done so to date. Please contact our GI Bill manager, SSG Boone at 502-607-1138 or [email protected] for more information.
On 6 June 2018, The Secretary of the Army signed Army Directive 2018-08, establishing the Army’s Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program with an effective date of 6 September 2018. This program allows eligible Soldiers to receive funding for courses or exams that lead to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential. Beginning 1 June 2019, the Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Credentialing Assistance (CA) was expanded to Kentucky Army National Guard members. Army COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-line) helps Army Service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs. For a 42A, it gives detailed information on credentialing requirements and potential gaps between Army training and civilian human resources civilian requirements. There are hundreds of credentialing opportunities available for multiple MOSs. Visit the COOL website at: https://www.cool.army.mil/index.htm to learn more.
As we all know, retention is a key focus in the National Guard nationwide. As of 24 July 2019, ARNG Enlisted Soldiers with eight years or less of service who extend for six years may be eligible for a $20,000 lump sum reenlistment/extension bonus. To qualify, these Soldiers must have an ETS date no greater than 31 December 2019 and meet all other criteria in accordance with the current FY SRIP. Soldiers and leaders at all levels must get this information out to ensure everyone understands what benefits are available for our Soldiers. With all of the benefits available such as enlistment bonuses, student loan repayment and education assistance, a reenlistment bonus of $20,000 could help a Soldier in many ways. The Kentucky National Guard needs everyone to help meet our end strength goal of 6450. Offering a lump sum bonus to our eligible Soldiers is one way to help make that happen.
NEED G1 ASSISTANCE??
We are here to help!
Please route requests through your BDE to 1LT Logan Forrest at
1. The DOD Presidential Recognition Working Group will begin updating DoDI 1348.34, Presidential Recognition on Retirement from Military Service, which administers Presidential Letters of Appreciation (PLOA) for retiring Soldiers at 30 years of service. The significant changes include establishing an electronic submission and tracking capability and submitting requests 180 days before retirement. PLOAs for DA civilians will be added to the DODI. Their service can be a combination of military and civilian service.
2. TSP - DO YOU WANT TO WITHDRAW FUNDS? "Looking to make a withdrawal from your TSP account? You may consider waiting until September 15 2019. Beginning September 15, 2019, you will have more options for how and when you can access money from your TSP account. These changes are associated with the passage of the TSP Modernization Act (PL 115-84)." Read more at the following post contributed by CPT Matthew Dewaegeneer. https://www.milsuite.mil/book/thread/217430
3. The revised Army Regulation 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness, dated 27 June 2019 replaces all previous versions effective 27 July 2019. The updated regulation provides information on individual medical readiness elements; medical fitness standards for induction, enlistment, appointment, and retention; deployment-limiting medical conditions; and related policies and procedures. It implements DODI 6025.19, DODI 6130.03, and DODI 6490.07; incorporates Army Directive 2013–12 and Army Directive 2016–28; and supersedes Army Directive 2012–23.
4. The new Army Regulation 40-502, Medical Readiness, dated 27 June 2019 with effective 27 July 2019. This regulation provides policies and guidance for medical readiness and is to be used with the DA Pam 40–502, Medical Readiness Procedures, dated 27 June 2019. This regulation provides information on medical deployment determinations and individual medical readiness elements. It describes the profiling system for communicating individual’s functional abilities and establishes a readiness reporting system. It also provides administrative requirements for military examinations. Specifically, this regulation will more effectively manage, communicate, and report Soldier readiness to maximize deployment status. The updated version implements DODI 6025.19 and DODI 6490.07, and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs memorandum, Subject: Individual Medical Readiness Measure Goal, dated July 15, 2015; and supplements the information provided in AR 220 – 1. Questions can be addressed by the G-1, Deputy State Surgeon, LTC Shelly Beasley at [email protected] or (502) 607-1046 For questions or guidance contact G-1 Deputy State Surgeon, LTC Shelly R. Beasley at (502) 607-1046 or [email protected] or G1-HS NCOIC, 1SG LeeAnn Baker at (502) 607-1151 or [email protected].
Personnel Services Branch
Awards Section Updates:
The next Awards Board will be 17 July 2019 (OPORD 19-01)
Common Mistakes:
Don't forget to use the new Awards Orders Log and DA4612 spreadsheet. This will improve the accuracy of our count when the annual awards report is sent to NGB. The spreadsheet can be found in the PSB Documents Awards folder in GKO:
EPS Documents to include the current MOIs and enclosures have been uploaded to GKO. To find them go to the G1 Sharepoint page > G1 Publications (on left) > KYARNG EPS Products. You can also find these documents on the DOD Live Personnel Services page > Enlisted Information https://kentuckyguard.dodlive.mil/enlisted-information/
Next PSNCO Teleconference: 28 AUG / 25 SEP
What’s going on: The new MOI changing procedures for filling NCO vacancies is set to go into effect 1 August 2019. A copy of the MOI and updated AGO Form 11-20 have been sent to all subordinate command S-1 shops.
Centralized E-6 to E-9 EPS board suspense dates:
o NLT 9 August 2019: MSC Validated PER submission. DA Form 4187 for MOS consideration in another MOS.
o NLT 30 August 2019: Soldiers elections on the NGB 4100-1B-R-E; Commander recommendations; iPERMS documents uploaded; and a MSC representative will meet with G1 to verify the PER.
Updates: The FY20 00F Feeder MOS List was approved and signed. The Sib-X Hub now has an EPM workflow. Please be mindful of this when submitting action requests.
National topics: IPPS-A is set to come online for Kentucky on in October. User access to SIDPERS will be terminated 20190930.
List your achievements during the reporting period. The most effective way to come up with material for your NCOER is to brainstorm first. List all the ratee's accomplishments on a separate sheet of paper. Write down everything that might qualify as a bullet. Nothing is too small or off-limits. Deployments, additional duties, training, education, volunteer work, community involvement, awards and decorations, etc. List it all!
The first step in writing a good NCOER is to THINK POSITIVE. We all go through our ups and downs. Sometimes we get discouraged and think, “I won’t be promoted” so why bother? Don’t fall into this trap; you can be promoted!
EPS Tip of the Month
NGB Processing Time for Officer Policy Actions
SIB Section
What’s Going On:
FED REC Board is 18 August 19; packets are due NLT 7 August 19
Updates:
PPOM 19-032 Termination of Authority to Transfer Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers to the Inactive Army National Guard. All officers must return from ING NLT 31 December 2019.
Issues:
Please insure packets processed on the HUB are routed thru BDE level before routing to State and all required documents are attached.
National topics:
The scrolling process has been revamped for unit vacancy promotions. Scrolls L02-19, P11-19, P13-19, P15-19, P16-19, S03-19, S04-19, S05-19, U09-19, and U11-19 are at SEC DEF awaiting signature.
Education & Incentives
GIMS is still running into some new system issues with contracts not following proper bin cycle. Recently we have found during the payment process that there have been communications errors between GIMS and DFAS. The payment shows in GIMS as being sent to DFAS; however it has not been certified. These payments require us to send back for re-queue which does delay the payment. Should a unit feel a Soldier’s contract is not progressing in a timely manner please email the Education NCOIC a list to track at [email protected].
NGB has offered a $20,000 lump sum incentive for Soldier who are going to ETS on or before 30 September 2019 and wish to complete a 6 year extension. NGB has also changed the policy to limit the amount of incentives a Soldier can select at an extension to two. For questions pertaining these changes please contact the Education NCOIC [email protected].
NGB has pushed out a new SRIP policy that is allowing Soldiers with less than 8 years and has an ETS date no later than 31 December 2019 to extend for the $20,000 lump sum incentive. The process to request this incentive is still being worked out with NGB, I will email the MACOMS once we have the proper method in place. Please make contact with the Education NCOIC [email protected] if you have any questions.
Soldiers just back from training may have their GI Bill applications denied erroneously by VA. Contact SSG Boone, our State GI Bill Manager to fix [email protected].
State Surgeon and Health ServicesThe medical readiness of our Soldiers is critical to our success on the battlefield. Maintaining our Human Weapon Systems, similar to mission essential vehicles or equipment of the battlefield, will allow for predictability of personnel resources. Medically ready Soldiers are less likely to be missing from training while at home station and are less likely to be a preventable loss while deployed. Maintaining Soldier and unit medical readiness is the responsibility of every commander and leader in the Army. Medical readiness impacts unit readiness and deployability. The Army's deployable strength goal is 95 percent. To that end, the ARNG medical readiness goal is 90 percent Medical Readiness Classification (MRC) 1 and 2, MRC3 at less than 8 percent, and MRC 4 at less than 2 percent.
Our MRC GO numbers are on an incline. We have made it to 90.4% as of 31 July 2019. Continue to project MRC 4 Soldiers and schedule them for a PHA. MED DET is hosting 3 PHA events in 3 separate locations 23-24 August 2019. Please ensure you are following their MOI and get SNL’s in NLT 16 August 2019. If your Soldiers are unable to attend these events the TMC (BNGC and WHFTC) are both up and operational. Your case management team can assist scheduling PHAs or you can contact the Medical Detachment (see instructions below). Keep up the good work!
WHO: All KYNG Soldiers in a duty status with current or pending MRC4 status
WHAT: Scheduling a PHA outside of IDT weekends
WHEN: Tues-Thursday 0830- 1300
WHERE: BNGC Frankfort, KY - TMC WFRTC Greenville, KY
WHY: To improve MRC4 numbers
HOW: Soldiers should go through their BDE Medical NCO/Case manager. Medical NCO/Case manager will submit the PHA SNL and contact the below:
Additional Requirements: Soldier needs to be in a duty status for appt. Uniform is APFU Must have completed the online portion prior to appt. Soldiers conducting PHA at TMC will need to bring completed DA 2813 as no dentist will be on site.
Soldiers who reside within commuting distance of a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) may obtain any duty-related continued care or PHA from the nearest MTF. Soldiers may have their unit RNCO, BDE MRNCO or BDE Case Manager assist them with making an appointment. The nearest MTFs for Kentucky Military Service Members are:
Certification Updates68W Sustainment
There will be a FRAGO going out with a by name list of 68W’s that need to recertify by March 2020, as of today we have 62 names on the list and only 45 quotas that we are able to get. Every MSC needs to make sure there is a plan in place for all 68W’s needing this course or hours in order to keep the 68W MOS. Health Services will be hosting a CPR/ Skills Validation course 20-22 September 2019. There will be more information to follow. If you have questions please contact G1-HS NCOIC, 1SG LeeAnn Baker at (502) 607-1151 or [email protected] or SSG Aaron Wallace at (502) 607-1934 or [email protected].
Credentialing: POC is Mr. Grebe or 1SG Baker
Upcoming Credentialing Board Dates;•9 Aug C2P2 Board/file suspense 10 July (open) •19 Sep Virtual Board/file suspense 19 Aug (open)•17 Oct Virtual Board/file suspense 20 Sep (open)
The goal of the behavioral health team is to assist Soldiers and leaders to maintain the best overall wellness and readiness, and recover as quickly as possible. Our team maintains multiple partnerships and connections throughout the state to ensure that anyone who could benefit from a behavioral health resource can get the best available support, at no or low cost. We work closely with the agencies below, and many more:
The Lexington and Louisville VA Hospitals Vet Centers University of Kentucky University of Louisville GIveanhour.org Community Mental Health Agencies Private Practice Providers
If any Soldier you know of is struggling to find the best, affordable care possible, please call Mr. Tim Olsen, Director of Psychological Health: 502-607-1992.
Behavioral Health Program
Occupational / Industrial Health
WHEN and WHERE can noise damage your hearing? At work, home and at play Anytime noise is present and you have to raise your voice to be heard at 3 feet away At 85 decibels (dBA) or more for continuous noise and 140 dBP or more for impulse or impact noise The severity of the noise hazard is affected by the duration and intensity of the noise
Selecting the appropriate hearing protection and reducing the amount of time in noise filled environment is essential to protecting ones hearing, whether at work or home. Best method is to reduce to below 85 dBA.
The most convenient method is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to EPA regulation, the NRR must be shown on the hearing protector package. The NRR is then related to an individual worker's noise environment in order to assess the adequacy of the attenuation of a given hearing protector. Secondary protection, such as earmuffs, only provide an additional 5 NRR regardless if its rating is greater than 5.
Example A: Mower at 90.1 dBA – Ear plugs with 15 NRR = 75.1 dBA, making it safe for continuous operation by the operator.
Example B: M1 Abrams Tank at 118.3 dBA – Triple Flange Ear Plugs with 25 NRR – Ear Muffs 5 NRR = 88.3 dBA, recommend limiting to 2-4 hour operating time for operator(s).
Proper fit and wear is essential to obtaining the rated NRR of the hearing protection. Due to regularly observed proper misuse and wear of hearing protection, Hearing Conservationist, recommend reducing the rated NRR by 50% from ear plugs to provide a safer permitted exposure time.
Here are a few mobile applications that can be helpful to your overall wellness. I am here to provide wellness counseling to Soldiers struggling with weight management and stress.
T2 Mood Tracker
FREE Android iPhone
T2 Mood Tracker is a mobile application that allows users to monitor and track emotional health. Originally developed as a tool for service members to easily record and review their behavior changes, particularly after combat deployments, it has now become very popular with many civilian users around the world.
Tactical Breather
FREE Android iPhone
The Tactical Breather application can be used to gain control over physiological and psychological responses to stress. Through repetitive practice and training, anyone can learn to gain control of their heart rate, emotions, concentration, and other physiological and psychological responses during stressful situations.
Performance Triad
FREE Android iPhone
The Performance Triad app helps users learn how to use sleep, activity, and nutrition to optimize performance and improve their health.
NHLBI BMI Calculator
FREE Android iPhone
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator is a useful tool to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. The downloadable phone application puts the fully functioning calculator right on the user’s phone, along with links to resources on the NHLBI site.
Army Physical Readiness Training (FM-7-22)
FREE Android iPhone
The conduct of Army PRT follows the principles of precision, progression, and integration. These principles ensure that Soldiers perform all PRT sessions, activities, drills, and exercises correctly, within the appropriate intensity and duration for optimal conditioning and injury control.
Breathe2Relax
FREE Android iPhone
Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool. Breathe2Relax is a hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercise. Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management.
If any Soldier needs wellness counseling please contact Durar Shakir, Wellness Coordinator: 502-607-1275.
Wellness Program
BONUSES (FY19Q4)
MSCs may recommend one (1) Top-10 MOS and one (1) low-density MOS quarterly.
Top 10 MOS Bonus ($20,000): 88M, 31B, 12C, 11B, 11C, 12K, 74D, 13J, 92G, 92F Low Density MOS Enlistment Bonus ($20,000): 94F, 13R, 15G, 15T, 42R 6-year Re-enlistment Bonus: $20,000 2-year Re-enlistment Bonus: $4,000
198th MP BN Extension Ceremony
KYARNG Retention Support Team (RST)
Effective 1 August 2019, the Recruiting & Retention Battalion will stand up the KYARNG Retention Support Team (RST).
The purpose of the Retention Support Team is to establish a permanent full-time retention support structure, integrated with each brigade headquarters and in coordination with additional duty-assigned retention personnel down to company-level. This team is dedicated specifically to supporting units in achieving their annual retention missions.
The RST will have five (5) AGRs: A State Retention Administrator at the HQS-RRB and four (4) E7s as Brigade Career Counselors (BCCs) located at each of the Brigade Headquarters: 149th MEB, 63rd TAB, 75th
TC, and the 138th FAB. All Battalions and Companies should already have additional-duty appointed Battalion Career Counselors (BCCs) or Unit Retention NCOs (URNCOs). They should have been trained at either PEC (ATRRS) or the RRB (MTT).
The RST will be able to support Brigades and their subordinate units with:
Facilitate Command Awareness - Data Collection, Analysis, Assessments, Reporting/Monitoring.
Support Command Emphasis - Policy Memos, Correspondence, Briefings.
Support Retention Programs - SOP, RMS-Sponsorship, Retention Binder/Tabs, ETS Tracker, Retention Interviews/Counseling, Retention Events, Family Day, AT, Retention Symposium.
Coordinate/Provide Training - Command Teams, Retention Personnel.
Provide Retention Program Assessments - Annex 103 – Retention Operations (RO), CRE Checklist.
Provide Retention Program Assessments - Annex 103 – Retention Operations (RO), CRE Checklist.
RETENTION EVENT SUPPORT
KY-RRB will provide individually-tailored support to Brigade, Battalion and Company Retention Events (i.e. SRPs, AT, IDT, etc.). Units may request Retention Briefings, ETS Counseling, Retention Training and/or evaluation of unit Retention Programs. Coordinate Retention Event support with the R&R Battalion S3, MAJ Aaron Isaacs at (502) 607-6011 or [email protected].
Personnel - Strength
Loss Report
FY19 FY19 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20 FY20AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL
