First Looks At Major 2024 Defense Policy Bill Come This Week 

House Armed Services Committee leaders will unveil the first outlines of their annual defense authorization bill this week, providing hints at their plans for defense spending and military training changes in fiscal 2024. To read more, please click here.

Biden Said To Pick Air Force General As Joint Chiefs Chair

President Joe Biden is expected to nominate a history-making Air Force fighter pilot general with years of experience in shaping U.S. defenses to meet China's rise to serve as the nation's next top military officer, according to two people familiar with the decision. To read more, please click here.

Cost Hikes Coming For Tricare Pharmacy Users 

Tricare copays for many drugs will rise again in 2024 as part of a long-term plan to ratchet up patients' share of the costs through 2027. Congress ordered the series of rate hikes that began in 2018. To read more, please click here.

Here Are The Big Military PCS Changes For 2023

By: Amanda Miller | Military.com

A big part of pulling off a successful permanent change of station (PCS) move is to be aware of the new rules the Defense Department rolls out each year.

After all, despite the best of intentions, local briefings from your base transportation office aren't always up to date. Army veteran, Army spouse, 11-time PCSer and military movement expert Megan Harless rounded up some of the biggest changes for 2023 and what you need to do about them in an episode of the "PCS with Military.com" podcast. Here's what she said.

New Rules for Lithium Batteries in Household Goods Shipments

The Defense Department won't allow any lithium batteries in long-term -- aka "non-temporary" -- storage of household goods, and it announced new size limits on the batteries in typical PCS shipments starting this season.

"If you have something with a lithium battery for a non-temp storage shipment, you're going to either have to remove it and store it yourself or consider selling and getting rid of that item," Harless said.

The new rules call for PCSing households to know the difference between lithium metal batteries (generally single-use) and lithium ion batteries (generally rechargeable) and to set them aside for the movers if you think you're allowed to take them based on the size limits. Lithium metal batteries can contain up to 2 grams of lithium (1 gram for a single cell in a multicell battery); and lithium ion batteries may perform at 100 watt-hours of power (20 watt-hours for a single cell in a multicell battery).

"So the big piece that comes into play here is that we have to be able to identify, first, what is a lithium battery product? Second, how do we calculate all of these things as well? Because you have to know the formulas between the volts and the amps and the watt-hours to figure out the grams and the cells and all of that," Harless said.

She advised people not to try to hide oversized lithium batteries in their shipments "because the risk is just not worth it," she said. "We've seen this regulation come down the pipeline because, over the last several months, there have been cases of lithium batteries just combusting in shipments. And so it puts that shipment at risk, it puts other shipments at risk, it puts people at risk."

Higher Rate Paid for Broken Items You Don't Want to Replace

Whereas movers assigned by the military -- known formally as transportation service providers, or TSPs -- have to pay the full replacement value of items they damage, they have to do so only if they're allowed to take the item away.

In past years, Harless said, if a PCSing household decided they wanted to keep the broken item, such as for sentimental reasons, the TSP would have to pay only 50% of the full value to replace it.

However, in 2023, that number is going up.

"So, if you want to have the TSP waive their salvage rights and not take possession of something that they may pay full replacement value for, they will be allowed to offer no more than 25% less than the FRV amount" -- in other words, no more than 75% of the full replacement value.

In a related change, Harless said, if the TSP wants to replace the item with another one, it will have to check to make sure the item can be shipped to your location.

"So if you're stationed in Japan and that chair is broken, but Pottery Barn still makes that chair, if Pottery Barn doesn't ship to Japan, [the TSP is] unable to offer it as a replacement. They have to offer you something that is available where you are."

Privatized Process Starting in September

Starting in September, U.S. Transportation Command will hand off the running of PCS and move to a private company under the new Global Household Goods Contract, or GHC, Harless said. TRANSCOM will then provide oversight.

"This is going to be a big one," Harless said. "The entire program is essentially going to change. ... If you're looking at moving on Sept. 1 or later, there's a good chance you could be under the GHC. The current goal is that by peak season 2024, everybody will move under GHC."

The new company, HomeSafe Alliance, will take on many of the functions previously done by the base transportation offices.

"There's going to be more information released from TRANSCOM and from the services, more guidance put out as to what you need to do if you're going to be under that new program," Harless said.

AFSA's Summit Registration 

Greetings AFSA Members,

We are incredibly excited to let you know that Registration is now OPEN for The SUMMIT23: AFSA International Convention and Professional Education & Development Conferences. We are anticipating a full house with AFSA members, families, and guests, along with other Active Duty, Retired and Veteran military personnel.

DATES: You have TWO CHOICES when registering for the AFSA-International Conference (AFSA-IC):

1. AFSA-IC Only: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Mon., Aug 7) Cost $275. Includes all AFSA special event meal functions.

1. AFSA-IC PLUS the PEDS and the Air & Space Force Honors Banquet:  Friday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 9. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Thurs., Aug 10) Cost: $325 Includes all AFSA special event meal functions, plus the Air & Space Honors Banquet.

REGISTER ONLINE

Important: Your confirmation/receipt will be sent to the email that you use here to register today.

• Go online to: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAInternationalConvention
• Review the page, scroll down to learn about your 2 choices, events, schedules and more.
• Click on the “REGISTER NOW” Button
• Choose the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC) 2-Day Only –OR -- the AFSA-IC plus PEDS/Air & Space Honors Banquet Registration.
• Select the quantities (-/+) to register with spouses, family, etc.
• Hit “CONTINUE”
• Complete the registration form (Name, Email, Mobile, Rank, AFSA Member ID, Division, Chapter, Seating request, etc.)
• Hit “CONTINUE”
• Complete payment info (credit card number, Exp date, CVV code
• Hit “PAY”
• You can print a copy/screen shot for your records if preferred.
• Watch your email for the Confirmation/Receipt from ZOHO Checkout/AFSA Summit

HOTEL/ROOM Reservations are open for your stay at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas at our special $154 a night rate. Make your reservations here now: https://book.passkey.com/event/50377324/owner/863/home

PLAY GOLF AND SUPPORT MILITARY SPOUSE/S SCHOLARSHIPS

Join us at the Uniformed Services Foundation (AFSA’s 501©3 organization) Charity Golf Scramble, Friday, August 4 at the Irving Golf Club in Irving, Texas. $125 per golfer/$500 Team of 4. Note, you’ll need to arrive a day early as the shotgun start beginning at 9:00 am! Play or sponsor here at: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/USFGolfOuting#/?lang=en

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you own a business or know of a business that supports military families, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities during the AFSA-IC & SUMMIT23. Our goal is to help businesses share, recruit and network with their targeted market. To view and share our Sponsorship levels visit:

https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors#/sponsors?lang=en

Info/EXPO EXHIBITORS

Do you own a business that supports military families, or know of an organization that does? The SUMMIT Info/EXPO is the perfect place to be! Learn about our exhibit booth opportunities by visiting: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors

MAIN WEBSITES

The Master SUMMIT Page has information for ALL planned events including the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC), the AFSA-IC Plus PEDS registration, the Enlisted Leaders Conferences (ELCs – by invitation only), the PEDS, and the USF Golf Scramble. The Master SUMMIT page is located at: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

Enlisted Leadership Conferences (ELCs): As of today, we are planning to host 11 ELCs. ELCs are by invitation only, and they require an ACCESS CODE (provided by your ELC/POC) to register and attend. You may learn more about them here https://www.thesummitafsa.org/EnlistedLeadersConferences

PEDS: We are also hosting the PEDS Conferences for active duty NOT invited to the ELCs. Learn more here: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAProfessionalEducationDevelopmentConference

Below are the campaigns that are currently located on our Action Center. Please take no more than 5-10 minutes to scan through each of the campaigns and click on the custom links provided below. 

Support the Military Spouse Hiring Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103707/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Military Spouse Hiring Act would encourage companies to employ military spouses, who frequently face disproportionate impediments in the job market, by extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include them. 
• Intends to help military spouses find better work opportunities. 

Support the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93860/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation. 
• Makes qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt, subject to specified reductions in retired pay.

Support the Major Richard Star Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93862/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation. 
• Provide total offset relief to veterans who suffered combat injuries or illnesses who were medically retired with less than twenty years of service.

Support the Retired Pay Restoration Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/92798/Respond

Legislation Summary

• Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
• Extends full concurrent receipt eligibility to individuals who were retired or separated after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected disability.

Support the Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103672/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was created to aid military families with active duty members who are facing food insecurity. 
• By eliminating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the income calculations used to establish eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan bill will combat food insecurity. 
• Military personnel risk their life to protect our nation; they shouldn't have to worry about providing for their families. 

Support the Not Just a Number Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103681/Respond

Legislation Summary

• The Not Just a Number Act would oblige the VA to look into how veterans use their benefits in their yearly report on suicide prevention in order to assess the connection between VA benefits and suicide outcomes. 
• In its fight against veteran suicides, the VA evaluates which VA benefits have the best impact on preventing suicide and requires the Department to submit recommendations for an increase in such benefits.

If you have any questions, please reach out to AFSA's Military and Government Relations team at milgov3@hqafsa.org.

READY-SET-GO! The AFSASUMMIT23

AFSA International Convention and PEDS is LIVE! Register to attend now. Book your Hilton Anatole Resort rooms, play in the USF Golf Scramble, and reserve your Info/EXPO Booth now! Visit: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

Have You Read The Latest AFSA Magazine?

This edition features Port Mortuary and America’s Missing Heroes, Living with Bipolar Disorder in the Military, Fly-By Wire Defense and AFSA’s American Award Recipient – Don Ward. Read, download, print and share: https://www.hqafsa.org/fallmagazine.html

Greetings AFSA Division and Chapter Leadership,

We are pleased to share the AFSA Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay procedures and marketing materials to help share the process with our members, your membership and potential new recruits.

The Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay program creates an opportunity to JOIN AFSA or RENEW a membership by making a $36 once-a-year/every-year auto payment, or a $4-each-month/every- month auto payment. The $36 once-a-year option is set at $36, and the $4-a-month option includes a bank processing fee of $1 each month.

Review the two ways to enroll, the benefits to using the auto-pay option, and the marketing materials to help share the details of this program and ensure its success.

For more information, please click here.

For questions, please contact AFSAHQ Member & Field team at 800-638-0594 x 288.

Please Update Your Contact Information Today!

Dear Air Force Sergeants Association Member,

In order for the AFSA to effectively communicate with our members, it is essential to ensure we have your current and / or valid e-mail address. 
 
We are in the process of updating our records and need your help! Please take a moment to ensure that we have your most current mail and email address (no .mil's); and accurate membership listing information.

We've made it easy, as you can update your information in either one of three ways: 

1. Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
2. Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
3. Visit www.hqafsa.org and select the UPDATE button on the right

We thank you in advance for your support and prompt updates.

In sum, one of the few dependable pieces of legislation to pass through Congress each year and become law for more than six decades is the defense policy bill. In addition to renewing a number of pay and benefit authorizations, it also includes hundreds of new program parameters and personnel standards. It also establishes the criteria for military spending objectives.

The six portions of the bill that will be made public this week (and almost certainly passed by subcommittees) represent only a portion of the overall package that will be marked up by the entire committee later this month. However, themes that are anticipated to be hotly debated this year, such as limiting defense abortion regulations and rolling down diversity initiatives in military training, could be hinted at in those early glimpses.

In addition, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., whose term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expires in October, would succeed Army Gen. Mark Milley if confirmed by the Senate.

According to a U.S. source and former defense official who spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive topics, Brown has long been seen as the front-runner for the job and Biden is likely to announce his candidacy soon.

Although the late Army General Colin Powell was the first Black Chairman, Brown would be the first time that African Americans occupied both the top military and civilian leadership roles at the Pentagon. Since the start of the administration, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has served as the first Black Pentagon head.

And lastly, the costs, which would increase by as much as $8 for a 30-day supply of medications that are "non-formulary," or not covered by Tricare, were released in a Defense Department reimbursement guide on Thursday. The cost of both brand-name and generic medications on the covered list will rise.

On-base pharmacies will continue to supply prescriptions without charge. All non-active-duty Tricare users, including those enrolled in Tricare for Life, are impacted by the changes.

Currently, a 30-day prescription costs $14 for generic medications and $38 for brand names at a retail drugstore. Copays for brand-name medications are $34 for a 90-day supply through Express Scripts, Tricare's mail-order pharmacy. Non-formulary medications cost $68 for a 30-day retail or $98 for 90-day mail-order prescriptions.

And that's the way it is for Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

Stay tuned for our next M&G-B, where we will continue to keep you in the loop on all things pertinent to the coronavirus, veterans, active-duty members, guards and reservists, and military family members. Stay happy, and stay healthy!