Military Times Article – Blended Retirement: Should I Make the Switch?
Here’s a link to another article about the new blended retirement system (BRS):
Director, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute – CAPT/CAPT(s)
Here is the announcement looking for the next Director of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute. Any interested parties should send their CV/BIO/Letter of Intent and three references to CDR Frank Mullens (in the BUMED global address book) for consideration. The report no later than date is June 2018. All applicants should have Specialty Leader/Detailer concurrence.
NOTE – applicants are not to submit an application directly to USU. All nominees from the Navy must come from BUMED.
Guest Post: Important Update Regarding Disability Insurance for Active Duty Military Doctors and Dentists
[Editor’s Note: This is a guest post/update from the company that was able to get me supplemental disability insurance (DI), which can be a challenge when you are Active Duty. I have no current financial relationship with them and they did not pay for this post, although in the past I received some restaurant gift cards when referring people to them. I asked them to provide it so they could explain recent changes in the disability insurance market for Active Duty personnel. If you want to read about DI, you can go to my Personal Finance page or some other posts like this one or this one.]
As you are likely aware, as a physician/dentist, your greatest asset is your ability to practice your specialty. Military physicians and dentists are not completely protected in the event they become disabled. Those who are informed of this risk exposure have been able to insure themselves by establishing individual disability insurance. Currently, there are two companies offering specialty specific coverage to military physicians/dentists; MassMutual and Lloyd’s of London. Of the two, MassMutual is the only one which offers a non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable policy to age 65. This type of policy cannot be canceled by the company, have its premiums and/or contractual provisions modified, exclusions added, etc. This is the type of policy we recommend to all physicians and dentists regardless of military status. MassMutual has eliminated this policy’s availability in all states except the following:
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Connecticut
- Montana
If you reside in one of these states and wish to protect yourself by obtaining the type of policy that will protect your medical career in the event of disability while you are in the military and while you are out, it is highly advisable to act now. To protect your medical career in the event of disability, please contact us below:
Andy G. Borgia, CLU (andyb@di4mds.com)
D.K. Unger (dku@di4mds.com)
10505 Sorrento Valley Rd., # 250
San Diego, California 92121
888-934-4637
858-523-7511 after 5pm
858-622-1883 fax
Blended Retirement Opt-In Course on Joint Knowledge Online
I might be the only person who reads his entire LES every month, and I noticed this on May’s LES:
THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM OPT-IN COURSE (2 HRS) (COURSE #J3OP-US1332) IS NOW AVAILABLE VIA JKO AT HTTPS://JKODIRECT.JTEN.MIL/ THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ELIGIBLE SERVICE MEMBERS INFORMATION FOR MAKING A DECISION ABOUT WHICH DOD RETIREMENT SYSTEM BEST MEETS THEIR NEEDS. THIS IS MANDATORY FOR ALL OPT-IN ELIGIBLE SERVICE MEMBERS.
Fitreps in 18 Minutes
Here is the Powerpoint and screencast of a lecture I gave on Fitreps a few weeks ago at the NMCSD Transition to Practice Symposium for all the graduating residents and fellows. Without audience participation, the lecture went from 30 minutes down to 18. Enjoy!
Navy Medicine FY18 Milestone Opportunities
Here is a document that lists all of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Officer-in-Charge (OIC) opportunities:
Here is the post with the application procedures:
FY18 Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Application Information
Bono: New TRICARE Laws, Contracts to Drive ‘Historic’ Reforms
Here is a link to another summary of comments made by VADM Raquel Bono, Director of the Defense Health Agency, about the future of the Military Health System:
Bono: New TRICARE Laws, Contracts to Drive ‘Historic’ Reforms
Top Military Health System Leaders Discuss Achievements, Priorities in the Defense Health Agency and National Capital Region
Here is a link to a summary of VADM Raquel Bono’s (Director, Defense Health Agency) remarks at the Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives course:
Top MHS Leaders Discuss Achievements, Priorities in the DHA, NCR
Personnel Chiefs Worry Over Deployment Pace, New Blended Retirement
Here is a link to an article that discusses two genuine concerns, the current operational tempo and the new Blended Retirement System (BRS):
Personnel Chiefs Worry Over Deployment Pace, New Blended Retirement
Navy Urges Patience for Sailors Waiting on PCS Orders
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) — Following passage of the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Navy announced today that Sailors should continue to expect to receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders with approximately two months or less lead time through the end of the fiscal year.
While the Navy will make every effort to ensure PCS orders are released as expeditiously as possible, the service does not have sufficient funds to allow for longer PCS orders lead times.
“We recognize the impact this has on Sailors and their families preparing to move, and we’re working hard to remedy this situation,” said Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert Burke. “Leadership is engaged at all levels to develop and implement solutions to minimize the impact to our Sailors. Our focus and priority remains on manning the Fleet, and taking care of Sailors and their families.”
Currently, the Navy is using a prioritization strategy, as it has previously done, to help minimize the impact on Fleet readiness, career timing, and families. Emphasis will remain on global support assignment rotations, career milestone billets, critical readiness fills, minimizing gaps at sea for deployed units and those working up to deploy, and keeping the training pipelines moving. Those Sailors who are going to operational units about to deploy, numbered fleet staffs, overseas billets, individual augmentees or must-moves (safety, early return of dependents, humanitarian) will be issued their orders first.
Additionally, Navy Personnel Command will continue to issue letters of intent for overseas moves. That way, while orders may not be in hand, individuals can start the process of doing overseas and medical screenings, dependent entry approval, passport applications and security clearance requests.
We encourage all Sailors who have not yet received PCS orders to contact their detailers with questions and concerns with the understanding that there may be a delay as we work through budgetary issues.
Those with questions regarding their Household Goods moves should contact householdgoods@navy.mil. Additionally, Sailors and family members are advised to go to http://www.navsup.navy.mil/household to review various “how-to” guides for using the Defense Personal Property System. The website also includes a schedule of webinars where those planning moves can interact directly with HHG staff.
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 