Thrive Guide: Air Force Reserve Edition

AIR FORCE RESERVE EDITION

AN EDUCATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL GUIDE FOR TODAY’S AIR FORCE RESERVE FAMILIES

Welcome to the Air Force Reserve Edition of the Thrive Guide!

This guide aims to provide a wealth of resources to support you throughout your journey with your Reservist It was created for spouses, by spouses, because who knows what it is like to live the Reserve family life better than we do?

As Air Force Reserve spouses, we know first-hand the sacrifices, uncertainties, surprises, disappointments, and thrills we all experience Not only do you juggle civilian life and family demands, but you also contribute to military operations Sometimes, you manage everything without being near a military installation or your service member ’s assigned unit. At times, the life of a Reserve spouse feels disjointed and unpredictable. When our spouses don’t or can’t share pertinent information, we can feel isolated and lost

Just because we are apart does not mean we are in this life alone.

If we learned anything over the last few years, it was that we can connect not only in person but virtually. If you don’t live in the area where your service member is assigned, check with their unit to see if they are holding any virtual events and join in to meet other unit families. Or find another military spouse where you are and start a meetup group. It may require you to be vulnerable, but it is worth it

Regardless of what your Reserve life looks like, whether you are a new military spouse or whether you’re more seasoned, we’re hoping the information shared in this guide brings you a better understanding of some of the nuances associated with Reserve life and helps you learn about resources that you might not know were available to you as a Reserve spouse or family. There are a lot of details, regulations, and benefits to navigate. And the information can all change depending on your Reserve member’s status – who can keep that all straight?!

We have always felt honored and privileged to be part of the Reserve spouse community through all the ups and downs our dual military-civilian life throws our way. We hope this guide gives you the tools to navigate the Reserve world a little easier and empowers you to THRIVE!

Your Reserve Thrive Team

how to use the thrive guide

reserve lIfe

This section teaches you about the culture we live in . It demonstrates both specific resources and helpful advice that will empower you to successfully navigate military life

In thIs together

In this section, we walk you through the basics of building a support network Here you will learn about Department of the Air Force (DAF) resources, strategies to build your support system, unit level support, and resilience resources

fIve & thrIve

This section contains resources that will help you navigate five key quality-of-life areas that affect military families: childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment

testImonIals

The testimonials throughout the Thrive Guide offer advice, wisdom, and experiences from today’s Air Force Reserve (AFR) spouses If you’d like to submit a testimonial, email it to thriveteam@fiveandthrive.org

As you begin to look through this Thrive Guide, there are several important details to keep in mind.

Unlike the Regular Air Force (RegAF) which has one status, active duty (AD), the Air Force Reserve has several different statuses . During a career with the Air Force Reserve, a service member may change between statuses many times. Your service member’s status and type of participation play a crucial role in determining you and your family’s eligibility for certain services and resources As you use this guide, it will be helpful for you to know your service member’s current status and how they are participating.

This guide will refer frequently to Title 10 Orders. Title 10 orders are equivalent to active duty orders. A Reserve service member must be on Title 10 orders for more than 30 days to be eligible for resources/benefits designated as active duty .

In this guide, RegAF refers to the active component of the Air Force (often referred to as active duty)

Many Reservists participate in Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs) A UTA is an authorized and scheduled period of unit training normally occurring each month at Air Force Reserve Command units UTAs may also be referred to as Drill or Drill weekend .

Keep in mind that all operational connections are reachable regardless of location

This guide is intended to be used as a living digital document. You will find many active links to additional information. For questions, comments or printing guidance, please email thriveteam@fiveandthrive.org

For the most recent version visit https://www.fiveandthrive.org/thrive-guide.

reserve lIfe

This section will teach you about the culture you live in. It will provide you with specific resources that you will need and helpful information that will empower you to navigate the military culture.

reserve status

TRAdiTiONAL RESERViST (TR)

Traditional Reservists have part-time jobs with the Air Force; choosing to work where they want (near where they live or somewhere else) one weekend a month during Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs) and two weeks a year during Annual Training/Tour supporting the Air Force They often have a civilian job as well The majority of reservists serve in this status This position is generally known as “Citizen Airmen ”

AiR RESERVE TEChNiCiAN (ART)

Air Reserve Technicians have a dual role as a Federal civil service employee . ARTs are usually in civil service status during the week and reserve status during UTA weekends . Special Note: If your service member is an ART, be sure to check out the Thrive Guide: Civilian Edition for additional resources available to you

ACTiVE guARd & RESERVE (AgR)

Serves in an active duty status to organize, administer, recruit, instruct, and train reservists AGRs enjoy full active duty benefits for limited contract periods, including medical and financial benefits.

INdiViduAL MOBiLizATiON AugMENTEES (IMA)

Reserve members assigned to active duty or reserve units. They have participation requirements like TRs, but create custom schedules with their units of assignment Instead of performing their drills one weekend a month, they might combine them with portions or all of their annual tour, or fulfill them on an as-needed basis, per the needs of their unit.

MOBiLizATiON ASSiSTANT (MA)

An Air Force Reserve colonel or general officer assigned to support active duty general officers or political appointees.

INdiViduAL REAdy RESERVE (IRR)

IRR members have an unfulfilled portion of their initial eight year Military Service Obligation (MSO) or other service commitment (separation pay election) Members are assigned to the IRR as a result of separation from active duty or a participating guard/reserve program. Members are not required to participate.

PARTiCiPATiNg INdiViduAL REAdy RESERViSTS (PIRR)

Reservists participate for retirement points-only and do not get paid for their duty. However, paid active duty Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) days are available to support certain mission requirements. Six available PIRR programs: Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Air Force Admissions Liaison Officer, Chaplain Service Program, JAG Reinforcement Designee Program, Medical Program, and Ready Reinforcement Personnel Section (RRPS)

aIr force reserve partIcIpatIon

ANNuAL TRAiNiNg (AT)

Also known as Annual Tour, this is a period of active duty for training of 15 days each year required of members as part of a Ready assignment. Members in AGR status are not required to complete AT. Members not in AGR status must complete AT or risk not having a satisfactory year

INACTiVE duTy TRAiNiNg (IdT)

Authorized training performed by a reservist while not on Extended Active Duty (EAD) or an AD tour . The types of IDTs are Training Period (TP), UTA, and Equivalent Training (ET).

MAN-dAyS

Military funding paid to reservists to perform duty over and above their minimum number of days for IDT and AT If a member is going to perform more than the minimum days of duty, he or she will require one “Man-Day” for each day of duty over and above the minimum number of days. Each Man-Day pays the member one day’s base pay, housing allowance, subsistence allowance and other appropriate military pay entitlements .

herItage

ThE BiRTh OF ThE AiR FORCE RESERVE

The Air Force Reserve was formally established on April 14, 1948 by President Harry Truman who envisioned a program similar to one established during the First World War, whereby Reservists stood ready to serve during wartime . Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird adopted the Total Force concept in August 1970 with Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger, declaring it policy in 1973 With the implementation of the Total Force Policy, the Air Force Reserve became a multi-mission force, flying the same modern aircraft as the active Air Force

In February 1997, the Air Force Reserve changed from a Field Operating Agency to a Major Command (MAJCOM). Since then, the force has evolved into the Air Force’s Wingman, performing the same missions and working side-by-side on the same equipment.

ThE AiR FORCE RESERVE COMMANd

The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) has roughly 70,000 Airmen and contributes to a significant portion of the operational capacity of the Air Force. The majority of Air Force Reservists hold a part-time, Traditional Reservist (TR) position in the Reserve. Full-time roles are performed by Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) and the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) members. Individual Mobilized Augmentees (IMA) use their specialized skills working part-time tailored schedules in support of Air Force missions Together, these categories make up a highly skilled, diverse set of Citizen Airmen that perform duties all over the world supporting the Air Force mission in support of national security

The ARTs, AGRs and even some civilians work day-to-day next to Regular Air Force (RegAF) members in support of the same operations . This relationship is part of Total Force Integration (TFI) . Many Traditional Reservists (TRs) work in civilian industries allowing the Air Force to take advantage of the industry skills maintained and shared by Reservists .

Despite what many people might think, there is no ‘typical’ makeup of a Reserve household. Some families go back and forth between active and other Reserve statuses, some stay in one place, some live far away from their duty station and some reserve families even live on base

The Air Force Reserve Command became the ninth major command of the Air Force, on February 17, 1997.

command hIerarchY

The Air Force Reserve is one of three components of the Air Force . Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is one of the Air Force’s ten Major Commands (MAJCOMs). Under AFRC there are three Numbered Air Forces (NAFs) and three direct reporting units (DRUs)

NuMBEREd AIR FORCES (NAFS)

4th Air Force

Located at March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, California, 4th Air Force is the largest NAF within AFRC . The 18 flying wings and one regional support group, which make up the 4th Air Force, provide strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical, air refueling and associated expeditionary support activities. The 4th Air Force’s responsibilities encompass 300 units and more than 32,000 personnel located throughout the continental U S , Hawaii and Guam

10th Air Force

Located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, 10th Air Force is the most diverse NAF within AFRC. It manages and supervises all reserve fighter and bomber operations and training, special operations, rescue, airborne warning and control, combat air operations battle staff, remotely-piloted aircraft, space, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance units .

22nd Air Force

Located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Georgia, 22nd Air Force has command supervision of the Air Force Reserve’s tactical air mobility operations and other vital mission sets to include distinguished visitor airlift, undergraduate pilot training, flight test operations and a highly mobile civil engineering response force. With more than 12,000 Reserve Airmen and 64 unit-equipped aircraft, 22nd Air Force contributes daily to the Air Force’s worldwide operational mission. Reserve aircrews within 22nd Air Force accomplish a variety of C-130 Hercules missions, to include aerial spray, fire suppression, weather reconnaissance, tactical airlift and airdrop and aeromedical evacuation.

dIRECT REPORTiNg uNiTS (dRuS)

Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC)

Headquarters (HQ) ARPC is located at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, CO. It is comprised of four directorates, the Director of Staff, and the Commander’s Support Staff. Headquarters Readiness and Integration Organization, co-located with HQ ARPC, reports to the HQ ARPC commander. HQ ARPC is the organization charged with executing policy created by Headquarters Air Force and the National Guard Bureau, and providing direct support to wing-level Force Support Staffs and Commander Support Staffs. The wartime mission is to manage the Pre-trained Individual Manpower, providing support and communications to the Individual Ready Reserve and standby reserve forces. HQ ARPC serves the Total Force, encompassing the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and active component Airmen . In addition, HQ ARPC serves the retired population with processing administrative actions.

Force Generation Center (FGC)

The FGC directs efforts to synchronize the sourcing, deployment training, mobilization, and visibility of Reserve combat-ready forces. Additionally, the FGC manages the full function of the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Crisis Action Team in support of AFRC crisis response operations .

376th Recruiting Group

The 367th Recruiting Group (367 RCG) is located at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia It is one of four recruiting groups aligned under the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Total Force recruiting initiative and is responsible for a 3.8 million square mile area of operation across the United States. Additionally, the 367 RCG covers an overseas area of operation of more than 570,000 square miles of territory across Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom

ranK structure

deers

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is a computerized database of military sponsors, families, and others worldwide who are entitled to TRICARE and other benefits. Servicemembers are automatically registered in DEERS, but you must register your family members and make sure all the information is correct to ensure TRICARE coverage

VERiFyiNg ANd uPdATiNg dEERS

Sponsors or registered family members can make address changes, but only the sponsor can add or delete family members. Documentation is required. To verify or update DEERS, you can:

• Contact TRICARE managed support contractor

• Visit your local TRICARE service center

• Visit the https://milconnect dmdc osd mil/milconnect/

• Visit your personnel office (ID card facility)

• Contact Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office

- 800-538-9552

- Visit TRICARE mil/DEERS

Any changes that impact you or your family (e g , marriage, birth, divorce, death) need to be reported to DEERS so that eligibility can start or stop . If you reenlist, separate, retire, or move, make sure your information gets updated in DEERS as soon as possible . If you do not, you and your family might experience a break in eligibility, which means a break in health care coverage. Once you retire, you need to make sure DEERS reflects your change from active duty to retiree status. Retail network pharmacies check TRICARE eligibility through DEERS. Your prescriptions will be filled only if you are in the system

Each family member must be updated separately when changes occur. It is important, regardless of your status, to keep your DEERS up-to-date.

Some states offer special benefits for service members, veterans and their families depending on residency, military component and Veteran disability status. See if your state of legal residence (SLR) has any benefits for you.

opsec & persec

Operations Security (OPSEC) is a war fighting capability used to identify and protect military “bits and pieces” of sensitive information from people who wish to do us harm This sensitive information, if collected by an adversary, can provide indicators pointing to our future activities and give them an advantage It is not being dramatic to state that lapses of OPSEC can lead to mission failure and even the death of military members . Adversaries see military family members as soft targets and an easy source of useful information . Personal Security (PERSEC) is identifying, controlling, and protecting information about your life. This is the kind of information that everyone – regardless of military connection –should be careful about Remember to use good judgment with what you post on social media, while keeping OPSEC and PERSEC in mind

The principles of Digital Force Protection (DFP) are designed to protect and inform Reservists and their families about the threats encountered in today’s digital and information environment. Reservists and their families can protect themselves against these threats through methods such as practicing critical analysis/thinking as well as good social media hygiene .

Do not share…

• Specific information about the mission of assigned units

• Specific dates and locations of deployments

• Your service member’s specific job on the internet

• Your service member’s exact location overseas

• Anything about unit morale or equipment

• Anything about deployment schedules or itineraries

• Exact dates your service member is scheduled to return

mIlItarY paY

Changing statuses will impact your military pay If your service member has changed statuses and has not been paid after 30 days in their new job, contact Financial Management (FM) in both the losing and gaining offices to check on the status and get assistance Emergency assistance is available to help bridge the gap as needed

Reservists are eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and disability programs You cannot collect both military pay and VA disability compensation Service members must ask the VA to formally stop the disability payments If the VA payments are not stopped, your military pay may be offset by the amount of disability payment or you could be liable for reimbursement of the disability payment to the VA .

RESERVE PAy OFFiCE (RPO) is where Reservists process paperwork for military pay and/or reimbursement

SERViCEMEMBERS gROuP LiFE INSuRANCE (SgLI)

SGLI and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) are low-cost term insurance plans available to servicemembers and their families The servicemember must meet certain eligibility criteria to be able to purchase the plan Find out if you’re eligible For a family member to be covered by FSGLI, the service member must be covered by SGLI

If a servicemember elects SGLI/FSGLI coverage while on active orders and then transitions to an unpaid status, the payroll records system will stop deducting the premium payments which creates a debt due to the non-pay status. The premium payment will be made to the VA from appropriated funds and the debt will be repaid by the reservist from the next pay period generated by the system

TyPES OF PAy

Basic Pay is usually the largest portion of pay every military member receives The amount is determined by rank/pay grade and length of time in the military . Basic pay is taxable income and not affected by marital status . Basic pay for Reservists is equivalent to RegAF, but service members are paid based on the number of periods they participate. Each IDT period (four hours) is equivalent to one calendar day. A member that participates in a typical two day UTA (four periods) will receive four days of basic pay, in addition to receiving four points

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) are only for members in AGR status or on AT or Man-Days.

SPECiAL ANd INCENTiVE PAy ANd BONuSES

Enlistment and Reenlistment Bonuses must be terminated prior to being gained into an AGR or ART position .

UTA Travel Pay

IDT travel reimbursement may be granted to eligible members who perform Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs), Readiness Management Periods (RMPs) and Additional Flying Training Periods (AFTPs) . A reservist must be assigned to an authorization (position number) with a Duty Air Force Specialty Code (DAFSC) identified as eligible and meet all other eligibility criteria This includes members assigned to Geographically Separated Units (GSUs) assigned/attached to eligible wings. The eligibility list is updated each fiscal year.

ThRiFT SAViNgS PLAN (TSP)

All Reserve members, regardless of status, are eligible to participate in the TSP. ARTs that choose to participate in the program as both a civilian and a military member, will have their military contributions placed in a TSP account associated with their military service and when they are in civilian status, will have those contributions placed in a separate account that is associated with their civilian service Note: For ARTs, despite being able to contribute to two different TSP accounts, the contributions to both accounts are added together in consideration of yearly contributions allowable by the IRS Learn more about how career/status changes can impact your TSP account

protocol

Protocol is a code of traditional precedence, courtesy, and etiquette in matters of military diplomatic, official, and celebratory ceremonies. Protocol Officers are assigned to commands throughout the Air and Space Forces and can be a great resource to spouses

hONORS TO ThE FLAg ANd BugLE CALLS

National Anthem or To The Colors

Face flag or music and place your right hand over your heart. When outdoors, remove any non-religious headgear and hold over your heart with your right hand . Military veterans have the option to salute when outdoors .

Reveille and Retreat

Reveille is a morning bugle call to signify the start of the day, and Retreat is an afternoon bugle call to signal the end of the duty day. If the installation flies the U.S. Flag continuously for 24-hours with only “Reveille” or “Retreat” played, but no action with the U.S. Flag, or playing of the National Anthem (or To The Colors), individuals are not required to stop themselves or vehicles and provide honors . If the U .S . Flag is raised or lowered in conjunction with The National Anthem (or To The Colors), then render the proper honors to the flag and/or stop driving until the end of the music.

Taps

A bugle call played at approximately 10:00 p.m. to signify quiet hours; no action or honors need to be taken. When played as part of a ceremony, remove non-religious headgear and hold your right hand over your heart.

CEREMONiES ANd EVENTS: ORgANIzATIONAL ANd PERSONAL

There are two categories of ceremonies and events; “organizational” honoring units and heritage, and “personal” celebrating individual accomplishments

ORgANizATiONAL CEREMONiES ANd EVENTS Change or Assumption of Command

The change of command ceremony is a clear, legal, and symbolic passing of authority and responsibility from one commander to the next . At the conclusion of the ceremony, the new commander and spouse will typically host a reception immediately afterwards, which may include a receiving line. By tradition, the out-going commander and spouse seldom attend this reception, as a courtesy When the outgoing commander departs the unit early and is not part of the ceremony it is then called an assumption of command ceremony for the incoming commander

Formal Military Dinners

There are many occasions when formal military dinners are held, such as annual award banquets, and occasions which honor specific people. Decorum and etiquette always prevail and make these events special to attendees.

Dining-in and Dining-out

Dinner events designed to bring a unit together in an atmosphere of camaraderie, good fellowship, and social rapport . There are “Rules of the Mess” to follow and traditions that bring great levity and humor

Dining-In is a formal dinner for military and civilian members of a unit

Dining-Out is the same as Dining-In but includes spouses and guests.

Combat Dining-In is far less formal for military and civilian members of a unit

Combat Dining-Out is the same as Combat Dining-In but includes spouses and guests .

Many employers, not just the federal government, will retroactively give you the opportunity to receive a match to your elective deferral account (401k, TSP, 403b, etc.) when you resume working for a civilian employer after you return from active duty. Learn More.

PERSONAL CEREMONiES ANd EVENTS

There are a multitude of other events and socials you may be invited to attend, such as teas, coffees, receptions, activation and inactivation of units, and ribbon cutting ceremonies If stationed at a joint base, you may be invited to events specific to other services. Do not hesitate to go, as it’s important to learn about traditions from all of the armed forces. For questions, contact the hosting unit.

Awards and Decorations

The Air Force & Space Force present many levels of awards in recognition of service or achievement. A commander’s timely presentation of the appropriate decoration at a public ceremony greatly enhances the value of the award to the recipient and is a motivator for the entire unit. The ceremonies range from formal reviews to small informal office ceremonies, depending largely on the recipient’s desires. The basic elements of this ceremony include the reading of the official orders and the presentation of the award or decoration. Spouses and family members are encouraged to attend.

Promotions

The promotion ceremony is important to the fabric of the military, as it recognizes members for their selection to serve in the next higher rank/grade and to accept the increased responsibility that follows . The basic elements of this ceremony are the reading of the official orders and the pinning of the new rank/insignia. Spouses and family members are encouraged to participate in “pinning” the new rank

Retirements

Recognition of members who retire from a career of long, faithful, and honorable service is one of the oldest traditions of military service Each retiree should leave the service with a tangible expression of appreciation for their contribution with the assurance that they will continue to be a member of the Air & Space Force family in retirement. The retiree’s spouse is also honored in the ceremony for their dedication and service Respectfully, young children should not attend unless unavoidable, as it is hard to sit through and be quiet for these longer events.

hELPFuL PROTOCOL hINTS

• Always stand (and sing) for the Air Force and Space Force songs, which are typically played at the conclusion of an official function

• If the invitation has an R S V P or “please respond,” you should reply within two days of receiving the invitation, or by the “respond by” date if one is indicated

• Children are typically not invited to a function unless specified

• When invited to a dinner or gathering at someone’s private residence, be on time or slightly (five minutes) late, but NEVER arrive early If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, call host/hostess to let them know

• It’s courteous to bring an inexpensive but thoughtful host/hostess gift when invited to someone’s home, but not at all required

• Always try to greet your host/hostess upon arriving to an event and then thank them before departing

• Send a thank you to the host/hostess within seven days

• When addressing someone in a military setting, it is recommended to start with formal titles if known, but Sir or Ma’am always work. If the person asks you to call them something different, please feel free to do so

• A good way to remember where to place your name tag is with the phrase “right is right” which corresponds to extending your right hand for a handshake following the line of sight to the name tag over your right chest

dRESS ANd APPEARANCE

The recommended attire is a baseline to help you, but always check your invitations, or check with the host or protocol office if you have any questions. Remember to always take into consideration that there are a multitude of variables such as weather, location, venue, theme, time of day, local customs, and current fashion Ultimately remember you represent the Department of the Air Force, your affiliated unit, and yourself when attending any level of official events.

Black Tie

Types of events: state dinners, galas, balls

Women: long or tea length dark evening gown or cocktail dress with heels

Men: black tuxedo, white shirt, black or colored bow tie with matching vest or cummerbund, black socks, dress shoes

Uniform: mess dress or enlisted semi-formal dress

Formal

Types of events: evening functions, dinners, military balls, dining-in

Women: formal or cocktail dress (long or short) or classy suit, heels/flats

Men: tuxedo or dark suit, white or light colored dress shirt, optional vest, conservative tie or bow tie, dress shoes

Uniform: mess dress or enlisted semi-formal dress

Semi-Formal

Types of events: parties, cocktail events, retirements, award ceremonies

Women: long or short dress, classy trousers or skirt with dressy top, heels/flats

Men: dark suit, light colored dress shirt, conservative tie or bow tie, dress shoes

Uniform: mess dress or enlisted semi-formal dress

Business

Types of events: meetings, conferences, welcome receptions, parades, ceremonies, official visits

Women: conservative dress, slacks or skirt & blazer with blouse, closed toe shoes

Men: dark or light suit, light colored dress shirt, conservative tie, dress shoes

Uniform: service dress

Business Casual

Types of events: office work, informal meetings or socials

Women: business dress, skirt & blouse (blazer option), jumpsuit, pants with sleeved shirt or blouse, sweater, closed or peep-toe shoes

Men: suit or sport coat with open collar shirt (tie/coat optional), sweater or vest with open collar shirt, slacks, khakis, or chinos with dress shoes/loafers

Uniform: blues shirt or blouse (tie based on occasion)

Casual

Types of events: daily or working attire, informal events, internal office functions

Women: sundress, casual blouse or polo, khakis or dark jeans with no holes, dress shorts, skirt with flats/sandals

Men: shirt with a collar, sweater, Khakis/dark jeans w/no holes, cargo or Bermuda shorts, loafers/sandals

Uniform: OCP

force protectIon

force protection (fp) conditions

The following is a brief explanation of FP Conditions. The specific measures (such as ID card checking) carried out under each condition can vary from base to base, in the continental U.S. and overseas. If you have questions about FP Conditions talk to the Security Forces personnel at your military base

Normal

There is a general threat of terrorist activity that warrants a routine security posture, including access control to all DoD installations

Alpha

There is the threat of possible activity against the base or resources under operational control of assigned/hosted units . Increase your vigilance against a possible local threat against Air & Space Force resources

Bravo

There is the increased and more predictable threat of possible activity against the base or resources under operational control of assigned/hosted units Maximize your vigilance against a possible local threat against Air & Space Force resources. Be cognizant of who does and who doesn’t belong in your work area.

Charlie

An incident occurs or intelligence is received that indicates imminent terrorist acts against the base or resources under operational control of assigned/hosted units. Secure all work areas and implement 100% identification and entry control procedures for all facilities Look for suspicious activity and report it immediately

Delta

A terrorist attack occurs at the base, or intelligence is received that indicates a terrorist attack will be directed against the base, or against resources under operational control of assigned/hosted units Secure all work areas and implement 100% identification and entry control procedures for all facilities. Look for suspicious activity and report it immediately

health protection condition (hpcon) levels

Zero Routine No Community Transmission

Alpha Limited Community Transmission Beginning

Bravo Moderate Increased Community Transmission

Charlie Substantial Sustained Community Transmission

Delta Severe Widespread Community Transmission

mIlItarY tIme

the 24 hour clocK

Military time is a method of measuring the time based on the full twenty-four hours of the day rather than two groups of twelve hours. It’s also known as the twenty-four-hour clock. Using military time simply omits the need to use AM and PM and avoids any confusion on which half of the day you are referencing

Just like a 12-hour digital clock, military time is always displayed in four digits. The first two digits represent the hour and the last two digits represent the minutes. 0000 “zero-hundred” is midnight and 1200 “twelve-hundred” is noon.

Anything between 0001 and 1159 is AM time. For example, 0100 “zero, one-hundred” converts into 1AM and 0730 “zero, seven-thirty” converts into 7:30AM.

Anything between 1201 and 2359 is PM time. The PM hours usually give people more trouble. A quick trick you can use is add 12 to the hour. If you want to know what 4 p.m. converts to on the 24-hour clock, take 4 and add 12. It gives you 16. Convert that to time format and you have 1600 “sixteen-hundred.”

1:00 am = 0100 Oh-one hundred

2:00 am = 0200

3:00 am = 0300

4:00 am = 0400

5:00 am = 0500 The above times are also known as “oh-dark-thirty”

6:00 am = 0600

7:00 am = 0700

8:00 am = 0800

9:00 am = 0900

10:00 am = 1000 Ten hundred

11:00 am = 1100

12:00 am = 1200 Noon or Twelve-hundred

1:00 pm = 1300 Thirteen hundred

2:00 pm = 1400

3:00 pm = 1500

4:00 pm = 1600

5:00 pm = 1700

6:00 pm = 1800

7:00 pm = 1900

8:00 pm = 2000 Twenty hundred

9:00 pm = 2100

10:00 pm = 2200

11:00 pm = 2300

12:00 pm = 2400 Midnight, twenty-four hundred, or zero-hundred (0000)

aIr force reserve InstallatIons

There are 10 Reserve bases throughout the United States In addition, many Air Force Reserve organizations are co-located with Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and other service installations.

AIR RESERVE BASES

March Air Reserve Base Riverside, CA

Homestead Air Reserve Base Homestead, FL

Dobbins Air Reserve Base Atlanta, GA

Grissom Air Reserve Base Kokomo, IN

Westover Air Reserve Base Chicopee, MA

AIR RESERVE STATIONS

Minneapolis-St. Paul ARS

Minneapolis, MN

Niagara Falls ARS

Niagara Falls, NY

Youngstown ARS

Youngstown, OH

Pittsburgh ARS Pittsburgh, PA

Naval Air Station

Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX

CO-LOCATEd uNITS

Alabama

Maxwell Air Force Base

Alaska

Joint Base Elmendorf -Richardson

Arizona

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

Luke Air Force Base

Arkansas

Little Rock Air Force Base

California

Beale Air Force Base

Edwards Air Force Base

March Air Reserve Base

Travis Air Force Base

Vandenberg Air Force Base

Colorado

Buckley Space Force Base

Peterson Space Force Base

Schriever Space Force Base

United States Air Force Academy

Delaware

Dover Air Force Base

Florida

Duke Field

Eglin Air Force Base

Hurlburt Field

Homestead Air Reserve Base

MacDill Air Force Base

Patrick Space Force Base

Tyndall Air Force Base

Georgia

Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Moody Air Force Base

Robins Air Force Base

Guam

Andersen Air Force Base

Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Illinois

Scott Air Force Base

Indiana

Grissom Air Reserve Base

Kansas

McConnell Air Force Base

Louisiana

Barksdale Air Force Base

Maryland

Fort George Meade

Joint Base Andrews

Massachusetts

Westover Air Reserve Base

Minnesota

Minneapolis-St. Paul ARS

Mississippi

Columbus Air Force Base

Keesler Air Force Base

Missouri

Whiteman Air Force Base

Nebraska

Offutt Air Force Base

Nevada

Creech Air Force Base

Nellis Air Force Base

New Jersey

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

New Mexico

Holloman Air Force Base

New York

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

North Carolina

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

Ohio

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Youngstown Air Reserve Station

Oklahoma

Altus Air Force Base

Fort Sill

Tinker Air Force Base

Vance Air Force Base

Oregon

Portland Air National Guard Base

Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station

South Carolina

Joint Base Charleston

Shaw Air Force Base

Texas

Dyess Air Force Base

Fort Bliss

Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland Air Force Base

Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph Air Force Base

Laughlin Air Force Base

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth

Sheppard Air Force Base

Utah

Hill Air Force Base

Virginia

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

Naval Station Norfolk

Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) Commander is also Chief of the Air Force Reserve (AFR). In the role of Chief they serve as principal adviser on Reserve matters to the Air Force Chief of Staff.

In thIs together

You can receive services from any military branch installation that you’re near? It does not have to be the installation where your service member is assigned.

In this section, you will learn how to build a support network. This begins with spouse support resources, followed by learning how to build your support system, how to connect within your unit, and how to prioritize your own resilience. These skills and resources will aid you as you navigate military spouse life.

spouse support

MILITARy & FAMiLy REAdiNESS OFFICE

Military & Family Readiness Office is the AFRC name for the RegAF Military & Family Readiness Centers (M&FRC). The same services are available despite the name difference. Hours of operation may vary due to staffing being less outside of UTA weekends . If you are near an installation with both a Reserve and RegAF Military & Family Readiness, you are eligible to visit either location that is convenient for you . A list of programs and offerings is listed below .

• Hub of Information and Referral

• Access to Military and Family Life Counselors

• Personal and Family Readiness

• Personal and Work Life Education

• Air Force Families Forever (Long-term survivor support)

• Federal Voting Assistance

• Deployment Support (Pre to Post)

AiR FORCE Aid SOCiETy (AFAS)

• Personal Financial Readiness

• Air Force Aid Society Assists

• Transition Assistance

• Relocation Assistance

• Employment Assistance

• Exceptional Family MemberFamily Support

• Crisis Support and Disaster Response

• Casualty Assistance and Survivor Benefits

• Spouse Orientation/Assistance

• Volunteer Resources

• Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2)

• Bundles for Babies

• Heart Link

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) provides emergency assistance to all Airmen & Guardians regardless of duty status Assistance can be requested through the AFAS Member Application Portal at portal afas org. If assistance is required for emergency travel due to life threatening illness or death of an immediate family member, contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337 for assistance. AFAS also offers Community Programs at active-duty Air Force Installations and available to Reserve members and their families when on Title 10 orders for 15-days or more.

COMMANdER’S KEy SuPPORT PROgRAM (CKSP)

The CKSP leverages volunteers to provide grassroots support to families at every unit in the DAF When DAF families feel supported, Airmen are better able to serve the mission At its core, the CKSP exists to take care of families during all of the stages of military life. The program can be adapted based on the unit’s location, needs, and mission – with unit leadership dictating how the key support liaison team implements the program to ensure the best support for families . Key support liaisons are community builders who volunteer to provide unit families with the information and resources they need to thrive

MiLiTARy ONESOuRCE

Military OneSource, both a call center and a website, provides free, comprehensive information, referrals, and assistance on every aspect of military life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all component members of the Armed Forces, their family members, and survivors. Military OneSource can help you find information and resources for, but not limited to:

• Non-medical Counseling

• New-to-the-Military Benefits and Resources

• Deployment

• Separation and Transition

• Veteran Benefits and Resources

• Spouse Benefits and Resources

• Parenting and Child Resources

• Special Needs

uSAF CONNECT

• Gold Star and Surviving Family Members

• PCSing

• Housing

• Personal Finances

• Legal Resources

• Tax Services

• Spouse Education & Employment

• Health Care/ Mental Health

• Digital Library including Ancestry com

• Foreign Language Lessons

• Translation Services

• Free Caregiver Database

• Recreation

• Music Lessons

• Travel

AF Connect is an app that has everything you need to stay in touch and up to date with the USAF Features include: notifications, news, directory, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Apple Store | Download

Google Play | Download

hEART LiNK

The purpose of the Heart Link Program is to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness . Appreciating that spouses play an important role in reenlistment decisions, therefore impacting retention, the overall program goal is to ensure that spouses are aware of their importance to the Air & Space Force, and feel as though they are a part of the team M&FRC teams administer and oversee the program, which includes orientation activities consisting of presentations, interactive games and exercises

Note: Heart Link is not available at all installations.

BLuE STAR FAMiLiES

Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower military families to thrive as they serve They are committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations –to create vibrant communities of mutual support

MyAiRFORCEBENEFiTS (MyAFB)

MyAirForceBenefits is an official Air and Space Force resource for military benefits information. The MyAFB website contains a Benefit Library of over 180 fact sheets with information on federal and state benefits and entitlements for Airmen, Guardians, Veterans, Retirees, their spouses, and family members

MiLiTARy SPOuSE AdVOCACy NETwORK

Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to create stronger military families through education, empowerment, and support. The military mentorship-HUB helps to bridge military families from every branch of the armed forces and their surrounding communities in locations around the world through a virtual education and resource center, new military spouse support program, and leadership development program. MSAN’s collaborations with official military installations, Department of Defense (DoD) resources, and trusted partner organizations provide a structured and personal approach through a one-of-a-kind peer-to-peer mentorship experience, building long-term connections to local and national resources expanding the military family sense of community .

SPOuSE CLuBS

Spouses Clubs can be found on almost every installation and can be a great first stop to get plugged into your new community. Many spouses clubs are a non-profit operating on military installations that strive to give back to the military community They often help run the Thrift Shop, annual fundraisers, and apply for grants to help fund education scholarships for dependents and other charitable giving. The spouses club offers a built-in volunteer opportunity that can be invaluable to getting you into the community, meeting new friends, and giving back Your membership dues give you access to members only events and special mini clubs (for example, book club, movie club, recipe club, hiking club, and so many more) and a place to connect with spouses just like you .

how to connect operatIonallY

Regardless of your service member’s status and your family’s proximity to their assigned unit, it is incredibly important to know how to connect operationally with someone at their unit .

FAMILY KEY SPOUSE

FIRST SERGEANT OR SUPERVISOR COMMANDER BASE RESOURCES FAMILY

Many Reserve families underestimate the value of these important connections, if for no other reason than their distance from the unit or the fact their service member “only participates one weekend a month, two weeks a year ” It costs nothing to acquire and hold on to the contact information and it may come in handy one day for those “What If..” scenarios or if your service member deploys

FAMILy

Fellow military families are a huge support to you . They will understand your challenges because they have lived them personally Reach out and seek connections within your unit and on your installation We are all in this together

KEy SuPPORT LIAISON

Your key support liaison is a great place to start if you need to connect to your service member’s unit, especially if you don’t know any other unit families. Like all members in the operational chain, your unit key support liaison wants to connect with you regardless of where you live . Your key support liaison can provide you with valuable national resources and through their networks and training, may be able to connect you to resources for your local area . They are also there for encouragement, guidance, and support as you navigate your military life journey

BASE RESOuRCES

Military families have access to many special programs and resources not equaled in most civilian communities: legal assistance, educational services, chaplain support, new parent support, resume help, job search assistance, financial planning, counseling, fitness centers and assessments, etc. Get to know the resources available to you at each installation and take advantage of them

RESiLiENCE iNTEgRATORS

Resilience integrators are full-time First Sergeants. Their position was established at the wing level to provide a sole focus on Airmen and family care, support, and resiliency. The resilience integrator identifies community resilience needs & assists Airmen and Command teams with accessing Connect The Network Guide resources .

SuPERViSOR

Your member has a direct supervisor they can and should go to for their needs This can include work or personal issues You should know who their supervisor is However, if you feel a need to reach out to them, we recommend going through your member

COMMANdER

The unit’s commander is in charge of everyone and everything in the unit. They are responsible for overall wellness of the people and accomplishing the mission If you feel you have information or an issue you would like the commander to be aware of, follow the chain of command and go through your service member, key support liaison or resilience integrator

Each of us comes with different experiences and knowledge Maybe you know about this awesome guide and all the information and resources it contains or maybe you have a lot of experience with the EFMP program Regardless of what it is, share what you know with others and we will all be empowered to succeed Air Force Reserve Spouse

resIlIence resources

CONNECT ThE NETwORK guidE

A resource directory created by AFRC to provide a listing of wing, AF and AFRC, DoD, state, and national resources

yELLOw RiBBON REiNTEgRATiON PROgRAM (yRRP)

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a DoD-wide effort to promote the well-being of Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle Members and their families attend Yellow Ribbon Events where they can access information on healthcare, education, employment, and financial and legal benefits.

how to buIld Your support sYstem

One of the most important steps you can take as a military spouse is building your support system . Whether you and your service member travel the world or stay in one place, you are sure to connect with some amazing people who will support you in your journey As a Reserve spouse, consider having a military support system in addition to your civilian support system Many Reserve spouses underestimate the importance of the military support network because their loved one is currently serving in a part-time role and/or they are not located near the military installation where their loved one is assigned. As a Reserve family, you are eligible for many resources regardless of your loved one’s status and being a part of a military-connected support system can help you learn more about and take advantage of those resources. In addition, your military support system has been a part of the military and understands the challenges you face trying to balance both civilian and military life .

five & thrive

Five & Thrive is an initiative that focuses on the top five quality-of-life challenges our military families face: Childcare, Education, Healthcare, Housing, and Spouse Employment. You can find more resources to support your family in these areas at www.fiveandthrive.org.

ChILdCARE

hOME COMMuNiTy CARE (hCC)

Available to Reserve and National Guard families only There is no cost to the member HCC is part of the Department of the Air Force’s Expanded Child Care (ECC) program. Designed to provide child care for those members of the Guard and Reserve during their regularly scheduled, or rescheduled, UTA periods This care is for Training Periods (TPs) and UTAs only . Individuals on active duty orders (e .g annual training, active duty for training days, active duty man days .) do not qualify for HCC.

dEPENdENT CARE FLExiBLE SPENdiNg ACCOuNT (dCFSA)

ARTs and AGRs are eligible to elect to participate in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) DCFSA

The DCFSA is a pre-tax benefit that allows the employee to designate up to $5,000 per household per plan year ($2,500 if married filing separate tax returns) out of their paycheck for child care or adult care expenses. Eligible dependent care services include: preschool, summer day camp, before- and after-school programs, and child or adult day care including babysitting and nanny services .

FAMiLy CARE PLAN

The FSS manages the Family Care Plan program and along with your unit’s First Sergeant should have a list of all members who are current and who still need them The First Sergeant in each unit is responsible for identifying all members in their organization who require Family Care Plans and work with them to complete. First Sergeants also ensure all plans are completed and submitted to the FSS .

Airmen who are dual military or single parents or caretakers of a disabled family member are required to have family care plans. Members who are sole military with a Spouse, do not require a plan.

ChiLd dEVELOPMENT CENTER (CdC)

Department of the Air Force (DAF) CDCs are designed to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children and are uniquely designed to accommodate each child’s developmental level. DAF CDCs offer the following services: Full Day/Weekly Childcare, Hourly Care, Part-Day Enrichment (PDE) Program, and Give Parents A Break (GPAB).

FAMiLy ChiLd CARE (FCC)

FCC offers childcare to children and youth from 2 weeks to 12 years of age Care is provided in homes located on or off an installation that has been certified by the Mission Support Group Commander. One of the hallmarks of the FCC is its ability to tailor the types of care offered to fit virtually every schedule and special need. DAF FCC offers the following childcare services: Full Day/Weekly Childcare, Hourly Care, and Expanded Childcare .

ChiLd CARE AwARE® OF AMERiCA (CCAOA)

CCAoA works with a national network of more than 400 childcare resource and referral agencies and other partners to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable childcare. CCAoA leads projects that increase the quality and availability of childcare, conducts research, and advocates for childcare policies that positively impact the lives of children and families CCAoA also provides childcare assistance for military families through fee assistance

SChOOL AgE CARE (SAC)

SAC offers childcare (Before and After School Care and Full Day Care) for children and youth from 5 to 12 years of age . SAC is located in a separate facility or in a separate space in the Youth Program facility . It promotes the cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language, and physical development of children through programs and services that recognize differences in children and youth and encourages self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, self-discipline, and resilience.

MiLiTARy ONESOuRCE

Through Military OneSource, military families now have free access to a national database of more than a million caregivers so they can find hourly, flexible and on-demand childcare. The nationally recognized subscription service lets you search based on your own needs and criteria, find potential care providers, check references, and review background checks

MiLiTARy ChiLd CARE

MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) is a Department of Defense (DoD) website for military and DoD-affiliated families seeking childcare. This single online gateway provides access to comprehensive information on military-operated and militarysubsidized childcare options worldwide. With MCC, families can search for and request care, manage their requests, and update their household profile - online any time and from anywhere - making it easier for families to find the childcare they need

yOuTh PROgRAMS (yP)

DAF Youth Programs (YP) offer opportunities for positive youth development by supporting the skills, interests, qualities, and abilities of all youth. The DAF operates YPs on 72 DAF-led installations and provides opportunities for geographically separated youth. YP offerings include: youth sports and fitness, programs for positive youth development, partnerships, teen programs, STEM initiatives, residential youth camps, and youth sponsorships

dEPARTMENT OF ThE AiR FORCE ChiLd ANd yOuTh PROgRAMS (CyP)

CYP assists military and civilian personnel in balancing the competing demands of the mission and family life by catering programs and services for eligible children and youth from birth through 18 years of age .

EduCATION

Today’s military spouses can take advantage of several educational benefits and opportunities which were once only available to service members. Recognizing the importance of education and training for enhancing the employability of military spouses, the various services offer a variety of educational benefits to spouses. However, as you will quickly discover, there is no one-stop center for spousal education. You will have to take initiative in uncovering the many benefits and opportunities for which you qualify (often dependent on your member ’s status and/or rank). For more information on opportunities, begin with your Military & Family Readiness Office, Education Office or Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)

MIL SPOuSE EduCATION

EduCATiON OFFiCE

The Education Office provides professional and voluntary education, training, counseling, career-advisement and testing services to maximize development opportunities for total force Airmen, Department of Defense employees, military retirees, and their eligible family members .

My CAREER AdVANCEMENT ACCOuNT (MyCAA) SChOLARShiP PROgRAM

The MyCAA provides military spouses the opportunity and financing to receive the training and education needed for careers that will persist during the military lifestyle of multiple relocations The Department of Defense has funded a maximum benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000 to eligible military spouses to use toward associate degree programs, licenses, certifications, continuing education credits or credentials leading to employment (not higher degrees). The spouse must finish the program of study within three years from start date of first course. For further information, contact MilitaryOneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or visit your base Military & Family Readiness Office.

Eligibility:

• Must be the spouse of an activated Reserve member the following ranks: E1-E6 and O1-O3.

• Must be able to start and complete the program while the sponsor is on Title 10 orders .

POST-9/11 gI BiLL

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33 benefits) is an education benefit program specifically for military members who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Depending on an individual’s situation, provisions of the program may include coverage of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, Yellow Ribbon payments, college fund, rural benefit payments and transferability to eligible immediate family members (spouse and children)

Reserve service members on drill status that served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, or served 30 continuous days on active duty after September 10, 2001 and were honorably discharged for a serviceconnected disability, are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Active duty service time required by graduates of a Service Academy or ROTC does NOT count toward the three years necessary to qualify for benefits.

yELLOw RiBBON PROgRAM

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Not all schools participate, and some have limited participation. For additional details on eligibility and participating schools visit the Yellow Ribbon Program website Eligibility is limited to individuals entitled to the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level, based on service requirements. Effective 1 August 2022, active duty members are eligible for this program . Others who may be eligible include:

• Purple Heart recipients with an honorable discharge and any amount of service;

• Service members who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;

• A dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill at 100% level;

• Fry Scholarship recipients who attend terms after August 1, 2018

MiLSPOuSE MONEy MiSSiON®

MilSpouse Money Mission® is a financial education website made for military spouses to empower them in leading their families to stronger financial futures.

NATiONAL MiLiTARy FAMiLy ASSOCiATiON (NMFA)

Scholarships available for military spouses who need funding for a degree, certification, licensure, clinical supervision for mental health licensure, CEUs, or business expenses

TuTOR.COM

No-cost, online tutoring and homework help available 24/7 for all members, including Reservists and their family members.

K-12 EduCATION

SChOOL LiAiSON OFFiCE (SLO)

School Liaisons partner with local, state-level educators and other policymakers. These partnerships impact quality Pre-K through 12th-grade educations and allow for tailored support to families, commanders, and total force families in meeting the challenging demands of the military lifestyle. The School Liaison Program provides military-connected children the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of duty station, deployments, or transition status . All military-connected members are eligible to use the School Liaison’s services. School Liaisons serve DoD Total Force members, DoD Civilians, Retirees, Guard/Reserve and eligible family members to include NOAA, USPHS, JROTC and Recruiters located off base, foreign national employees and contractors SLO services are open to all Educators who service Military Students and Community Partners within the Pre-K-12 Education realm.

SPECiAL EduCATiON LEgAL ASSiSTANCE

Families facing obstacles in their children’s special education experience should visit the local Judge Advocate office for assistance Attorneys can assist families with special education assessments, Individual Education Plan (IEP) eligibility/ advice/counsel, understanding parent’s rights, as well as litigation support and dispute remedies or help connect them with other resources. Families can find contact information for their local Judge Advocate legal assistance office or contact the EFMP Central Cell at 1-800-565-0102, option 7. Reserve members that are not on active orders or in IDT status may not be eligible to use these services. Check with your legal office to determine eligibility

MiLiTARy ChiLd EduCATiON COALiTiON (MCEC)

The Military Child Education Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that solely exists to help the military child thrive in the face of transition and separation. MCEC is dedicated to ensuring inclusive, quality educational experiences for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. MCEC is a professional coalition with a diverse community consisting of public school districts, private schools, colleges and universities, small businesses and corporations, nonprofit organizations, military commands and installations, military families, and caring individuals from local communities across our nation .

MiLiTARy INTERSTATE ChiLdREN’S COMPACT COMMiSSiON (MIC3)

Your service member must be on Title 10 orders more than 30 days for children to be eligible

The Council of State Governments (CSG), in cooperation with the US Department of Defense, drafted an Interstate Compact to address some of the educational challenges transitioning children of military families face While the Compact is not exhaustive in its coverage, it does address the key issues encountered by military families: eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation . Children of active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders, commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year are eligible for assistance under the Compact

PARTNERS iN PROMISE

Protecting the Rights of Military Children in Special Education (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.) - a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves as a representative voice for those enrolled in our Exceptional Military Family Members Program (EFMP) .

During a deployment I had a call from my son’s teacher wondering why he had a change in his studies. I had forgotten to notify the school of the deployment and we lived in a town without other military children” Once I explained the situation the school was very supportive. Reserve families living away from the base face unique challenges but there are resources available

Air Force Reserve Spouse

hEALThCARE

Each time a Reserve service member on a 30 day or more active-duty order has a change to that order or the order ends, even if it is just a new position in the same unit, healthcare and other benefits are impacted. It is very important to keep a watch on your benefit statements to ensure you retain the coverage you wish to have. As with most other resources and benefits, your eligible healthcare benefits will change depending on your service member ’s status.

MEdICAL

For medical coverage, Reserve service members and their families have different plans they may be eligible to choose from TRICARE or Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Plan. The plan you may qualify for is dependent on several factors including your service member’s status, your location, and perhaps, your service member’s civilian employer .

TRICARE

Verify TRICARE Eligibility

Depending on their status and location, service members and their family members (spouses, parents, and children registered in DEERS) may be eligible for TRICARE Visit Reserve Family TRICARE Plan Options or call your regional TRICARE office for more information on all TRICARE plans and to determine your eligibility .

TRICARE East TRICARE West Humana Military Health Net 800-444-5445 844-866-9378

Service members that are in TR, IMA, MA, IRR or retired status can purchase their own healthcare through another source (i.e., their own civilian employer, their spouse’s employer, etc.) or they can elect to be covered by one of two TRICARE plans . For more information, check out the TRICARE Choices for National Guard and Reserve Handbook .

Please note any reservists that are eligible for or are enrolled in the FEHB Program are not eligible for TRS or TRR

TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)

TRS provides qualified Reserve members a premium-based healthcare plan through payment of a monthly premium. Family members only qualify for the plan if the service member qualifies for and purchases the plan.

Note: If a Reserve service member has enrolled in TRS and then deploys or goes on active duty orders for more than 30 days they are required to notify TRS of the date they need their coverage to resume when their orders end. It will not be done automatically by TRICARE.

TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)

TRR is a premium-based health plan available for purchase by qualified Retired Reserve members and their eligible family members until the service member turns age 60. Family members only qualify for the plan if the service member qualifies for and purchases the plan.

TRICARE Options for those on Title 10 orders over 30 days

When placed on active orders for more than 30 days, service members must enroll in one of the TRICARE Prime options detailed below depending on their location Once a service member is enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan, their eligible family members may also choose to enroll in a TRICARE Prime option based on their location, or they may elect to enroll in National Guard and Reserve Family TRICARE Plan Options

Note: For Reservists with a civilian employer and/or an employed spouse and they have elected to carry insurance through that employer, if they are also covered by TRICARE, this must be reported as Other Health Insurance (OHI). When filing an insurance claim when you have OHI, TRICARE will always pay second.

FEdERAL EMPLOyEES hEALTh BENEFiTS (FEhB) PROgRAM

ARTs and TRs employed by the federal government can choose to sign up for medical insurance provided by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. They are NOT eligible for TRICARE.

The FEHB program allows you to choose from among Consumer-Driven and High Deductible plans that offer catastrophic risk protection with higher deductibles, health savings/reimbursable accounts and lower premiums, or Nationwide Fee-forService (FFS) plans, and their Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) if you live (or sometimes if you work) within the area serviced by the plan .

If you are a Federal employee enrolled in the FEHB Program and you enter one of the uniformed services for 30 days or less, your FEHB enrollment will continue without change

If you are placed on leave without pay (LWOP) for active military duty for more than 30 days, you may continue your FEHB coverage for up to 24 months or elect to have it terminated Additional guidelines apply depending on if you are serving in support of a contingency operation or not . Check out the FEHB Program Handbook provided by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for additional details .

VISION

Reserve members and their eligible family members will have their options for vision coverage change based on their status

TRICARE Vision

Family members of those serving on active duty orders for more than 30 days that have selected any TRICARE plan can get one routine eye exam per year through TRICARE. Medically necessary vision benefits are available under all TRICARE plans Retiree eligibility is dependent on the TRICARE plan they are enrolled in Reserve service members and their families eligibility is dependent on both their status and plan

You may be eligible for more robust vision coverage, including help paying for glasses, contacts, and laser eye surgery, through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program detailed below .

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

FEDVIP is a voluntary enrollee-pay-all dental and vision program. The vision program is available to federal employees (ARTs), annuitants, certain retired uniformed service members and their family members as well as certain active duty family members The program is sponsored by the OPM BENEFEDS administers the enrollment and premium payment processes on behalf of the FEDVIP carriers . Check your eligibility and enroll on their website or call 877-888-FEDS.

If the family elects vision coverage through FEDVIP while the service member is on active-duty orders for 30 days or more and then their service member’s status changes, plan coverage may be impacted. If the service member’s new status is not retired or ART, they are likely no longer eligible for FEDVIP vision coverage and will need to inactivate the plan

If the service member returns to ART status, the family coverage will still be inactivated, but you have 30 days prior or 60 days after the change in status to acquire a new plan with FEDVIP. The new plan owner must be the service member and the plan cannot be established over the phone by the spouse without the service member present . The plan can however be created online through the service member’s BENEFEDS account. Note: The service member cannot be added through the spouse’s account.

When you enroll in a new plan you will not be covered until your first premium is paid on the first paycheck following your enrollment . For example if you sign up for a plan on August 25 and your next paycheck is not until September 1, your coverage will begin September 1 .

dENTAL

Reserve members and their families have different options for dental benefits depending on the service member’s current military status

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

FEDVIP is a voluntary enrollee-pay-all dental and vision program. The dental program is available to federal employees (ARTs), annuitants, certain retired uniformed service members and their family members . The program is sponsored by the OPM . BENEFEDS administers the enrollment and premium payment processes on behalf of the FEDVIP carriers . To check your eligibility and enroll, visit their website or call 877-888-FEDS.

For those that want to continue FEDVIP coverage when called to active duty for 30 days or more, you must pay premiums directly to BENEFEDS or pay through Automatic Bank Withdrawal. Contact BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-FEDS (3337) to make proper payment arrangements . Your coverage will end if the premiums are not paid .

TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program

Only applicable to Reservists on active duty orders for more than 30 days and that meet other eligibility requirements. Reserve service members called to active duty for more than 30 days, will get most of their dental care from a military dental clinic. They may qualify for the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program only if they are referred for care by a military dental treatment facility to the civilian dental community or have a duty location and residence more than 50 miles from a military dental treatment facility .

TRICARE Dental Plan

TRICARE Dental Plan is a voluntary dental insurance program. The dental benefit is available to eligible active duty family members, eligible Reserve members (TR, IMA, MA, or ART not on active-duty orders over 30 days), and their family members

Enrollments in TDP for eligible Reserve members work differently than those that are on orders over 30 days . TR, IMA, MA, or ART status service members enroll separately because their military status may change If the service member selects a plan for themselves and a family plan they will pay two different monthly premium payments Family members are eligible for enrollment when properly enrolled in DEERS, even if their sponsor does not enroll

If a Reserve service member is enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Plan when placed on active-duty orders for more than 30 days, the member’s coverage will be placed on hold and the family’s enrollment will continue with lower premiums. Once the service member leaves active duty they should be automatically be re-enrolled in their previous plan, as long as they are still in a status that is eligible for the plan To ensure this has happened as expected, the service member should contact TRICARE Dental Plan to confirm.

Service members with a family TRICARE Dental Plan that change from AGR (member does not have to pay) to ART status (member does have to pay), need to ensure their DEERS is up-to-date when they know their status is going to change . During times of transition, it is incredibly important to pay attention to your insurance plans to ensure they are accurate and paid

Pharmacy Benefits

TRICARE Pharmacy Program provides the prescription drugs you need, when you need them, in a safe, easy, and cost-effective manner.

MENTAL hEALTh

988 Suicide and Veterans Crisis Lifeline

988 is the new three-digit calling code that will route people to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 to connect immediately to counselors who are trained to handle a wide range of mental health issues and connect you with local resources. Your local crisis center is available 24/7, is free of charge, and is completely confidential. Veterans, service members, including those in the Reserve, and the people that support them can text or dial 988 and then press 1 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Line which will connect them to a qualified VA responder in a time of crisis . You can also text 838255 or chat . The Veteran or service member does not need to be enrolled with the VA or have VA health care to be able to use this service .

Vet Centers

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological s ervices, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families . Counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma. Visits to a Vet Center are not recorded in a service member’s military record.

TRICARE

Eligible family members with TRICARE coverage can be seen off base, simply by contacting TRICARE TRICARE will automatically authorize a specified number of sessions with a network provider. TRICARE can provide you with a list of network providers

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. They offer non-medical counseling, financial counseling on the following stressors and more: relationships, family, money, PCS, major changes and personal goals

Mental Health Clinic

The Mental Health Clinic is part of the base Medical Group and provides a wide variety of prevention and treatment services, including drug and alcohol abuse assessment and treatment All Mental Health Clinics see active duty service members, and some clinics also have the capacity to provide services to dependents. To find out if your local installation Mental Health Clinic sees dependents, simply Contact your local installation Mental Health Clinic to find out if they see dependents .

Military and Family Life Counseling Program

Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, or psychologists who provide free confidential, non-medical and short-term counseling support to service personnel (regardless of status) and their dependents They support a range of issues including relationships, crisis intervention, stress management, grief, academic challenges, occupational and other individual and family issues

Director of Psychological Health (DPH)

DPHs utilize their unique education, knowledge, training, and expertise to increase individual, unit, and Wing readiness and help Airmen and their families maximize psychological health, resilience, and wellbeing so they can prevail over the unique challenges of the mission and life in and out of the military. DPHs provide needs assessments, referrals, consultations, education, training, etc for service members (regardless of status), their spouse and children They also provide limited clinical services consisting of an initial evaluation and short-term problem solving for beneficiaries eligible to receive services in the Military Healthcare System (Title 10), their spouses, and children . Speak with your key support liaison, resilience integrator, or call your Military and Family Readiness Office to find your local DPH.

Cohen Veterans Network

Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics offer specialized, confidential therapy for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, transition challenges, and other concerns you may be facing They also offer marriage counseling, relationship counseling, and help with children’s behavioral issues. All post-9/11 veterans, service members (regardless of status), family members, caregivers, and loved ones are eligible for services at little to no cost

inTransition Program

The inTransition Program is a free confidential program that provides specialized coaching and assistance for service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and retirees who need access to mental health care when relocating to another assignment, returning from deployment, transitioning between active duty and reserve component, preparing to leave military service, or any other time they need a new mental health provider, or need a provider for the first time. Follow the link or call 800-424-7877.

Chaplains

Chaplains are available 24/7 for both in-person and telephone counseling sessions. They counsel on a wide range of issues to include stress, relationships, life transitions, suicide, sexual assault, grief and many others . Information shared with a chaplain is treated with absolute confidentiality, offering privileged communication of personal matters without chain of command notification. They serve all military members and their dependents, and retirees, regardless of religious preference or with no religion at all

Give An Hour

Give an Hour uses the skill, expertise, and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals to provide no-cost mental health care to those in the veteran and military communities, those affected by natural disasters, and/or man-made disasters.

I experienced severe health problems several years ago and the support I received from the key spouse program and the squadron was overwhelming. We were unable to shop for Christmas gifts and groceries. The Key Spouse Program and the USO provided Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and the members of our squadron provided gifts to our children. I am so grateful for the community we have at Westover

- Therese S., Air Force Reserve Spouse, Westover Air Reserve Base

AddITIONAL hEALThCARE RESOuRCES

FSAFEdS hEALTh CARE FLExiBLE SPENdiNg ACCOuNT (hCFSA)

Service members in an ART status are eligible to participate in the FSAFEDS Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA). Electing to participate in this program provides the service member a tax-favorable way to pay for eligible medical, dental and vision care expenses that were not covered by insurance or another source with pre-tax dollars.

AiR FORCE ALCOhOL ANd dRug ABuSE PREVENTiON ANd TREATMENT (AdAPT)

The ADAPT program promotes readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and abuse . ADAPT strives to minimize the negative effects of substance misuse/abuse . The program provides complete education and treatment It works to restore function and return members to unrestricted duty status If appropriate, the program can also assist them in transition to civilian life

PATiENT AdVOCATE

Located at the medical treatment facility, the Patient Advocate handles concerns and complaints from military families about their care or about the medical staff .

FIShER hOuSE FOuNdATION

Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital These homes are located at military and VA medical centers around the world

FAMiLy AdVOCACy PROgRAM (FAP)

The FAP works to promote healthy relationship education, domestic (child and/or adult) and intimate partner violence prevention and intervention Interventions can include individual and couples therapy, anger management, stress management, and other similar types of services All Reservists, regardless of status, and their eligible family members may participate in any FAP outreach program as long as they have an ID card/installation access Prevention services, such as the New Parent Support Program detailed below, and maltreatment concerns are limited to those on Title 10 orders over 30 days .

NEw PARENT SuPPORT PROgRAM

The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a free home visitation program that helps military parents (one must be a service member on Title 10 orders over 30 days), including expectant parents, transition successfully into parenthood and provides a nurturing environment for their children NPSP is a team of professional & experienced Registered Nurses and counselors who provide caring support, education, and referral services to military families who are expecting or have children under the age of 3 years old. The program focuses on providing one-on-one support for new and expectant parents through home visits, but some installations may offer parenting classes and groups .

During my husband’s recent deployment, it was nice to have such a large community to reach out to for everything from how to fix a frozen pipe to sixth grade math homework. Although I am an Air Force Reserve spouse, my family has the same challenges of separation, deployment, building relationships and providing an education to our children that active duty may face . Having a resource like the Thrive Guide is essential to understand what resources are available .

- Tenisa B., Air Force Reserve Spouse who is geographically separated from Wright Patterson Wing

ExCEPTiONAL FAMiLy MEMBER PROgRAM (EFMP)

The EFMP provides comprehensive support to family members with special needs. EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Airmen, Guardians, and their families with special needs An exceptional family member is a family member with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual special need that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria

The program is divided into three areas: EFMP-A (Assignments at the Military Personnel Office), EFMP-M (Medical through military medical services and/or TRICARE services), and EFMP-FS (Family Support at Military and Family Readiness). Reserve members must be on Title 32 or Title 10 orders for more than 30 days to be enrolled in EFMP-M or in the PCS process to need EFMP-A. EFMP-FS is always available, regardless of EFMP enrollment status, to any military member and partner who support an exceptional family member .

Service members on Title 10 or AGR orders with exceptional family members are required to register for EFMP and keep enrollment information current This way, family needs can be considered during the assignments process and ensure families are assigned to areas where they can access necessary resources

Families can receive 24/7 support when they find themselves in need of immediate assistance.

Total Force service members and the EFMP families can contact the Total Force Service Center (TFSC) to connect with a representative who will help answer EFMP questions and can also elevate issues to an EFMP Central Cell staff member when necessary 1-800-525-0102, Option 7

For more information on EFMP, please visit the following:

Department of the Air Force Facebook Page

Air Force Personnel Center EFMP

MilitaryOneSource EFMP & Me

Department of the Air Force Family Vector

Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)

ECHO provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies Families enrolled in EFMP who have been diagnosed with a moderate or severe intellectual disability, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition, may qualify for ECHO. The coverage limit for all ECHO benefits combined, excluding ECHO Home Health Care (EHHC), is $36,000 per beneficiary and per calendar year (Jan. 1–Dec. 31). For more information on whether your family may qualify, download the ECHO Fact Sheet .

hOuSINg

Your first contact should be the military housing office (MHO) at the new installation to learn of the housing options available to you at the time of your move .

PRiVATizEd hOuSiNg (BASE hOuSiNg)

Generally there are two types of housing on-base, government-owned or privatized housing. Privatized housing is available at CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii installations This housing is owned, managed and maintained by a private entity known as the Privatized Housing (PH) Project Owner. Government-owned housing is available at the majority of overseas locations with a few homes at Wright Patterson, OH . The installation MHO manages government housing and places you on the appropriate waiting list, and provides information on availability and wait times. This same office also processes your initial application for privatized housing and provides you a referral to the PH management office which will work with you directly to lease PH. As with most housing communities, residents have responsibilities when living in government-owned or privatized housing. The MHO or PH management office will provide you a resident brochure that outlines these when you sign a lease or move into housing. This information will include all the details you’ll need to know about living in housing such as who to call for maintenance, where you park, what days refuse is picked up, when you can water your lawn, pets specifics and even how to prepare for future termination . When you leave the installation, you will have to be sure that your housing passes a cleaning inspection. The standards for cleaning may vary somewhat from installation-to-installation, but generally you will be expected to do a very thorough cleaning job, including floors (wood, tiled, and carpeted), walls, and appliances. And of course, if there is any damages to the housing unit you will be expected to pay for repairs

OFF-BASE hOuSiNg

MHOs also maintain information regarding rental property including apartments, townhouses and single family homes . They may also maintain local information regarding sales in their office. Go to HOMES .MIL to locate available properties for rent, including short term leases and permanent housing. In CONUS, it is not required to have your lease or rental agreement reviewed by the MHO or Legal Office but both are available if desired. In overseas locations, MHOs must review your lease

There are several housing resources you can use to obtain general housing information, including the AF Housing website, HEAT (Housing Early Application Tool) or direct communication with the Installation MHO

When considering the possibility of residing on a military base, there are several key factors to take into account. It’s important to ask yourself some questions:

Housing Waiting List

Inquire about the waiting list for on-base housing. Understand how long the list is and the lead time required for your application to be processed

Use of On-Base Amenities

Consider how often you would utilize on-base amenities like the gym, medical clinic, library, and other facilities.

Housing Quality

Evaluate the quality and craftsmanship of available homes by seeking input from current residents. Some bases offer upgraded or newly constructed homes, while others may have older accommodations

School District

Determine the school district associated with on-base housing to assess educational options for your family

Proximity to Other Military Families

Reflect on your preference for living near other military families. Consider whether living close to colleagues or supervisors is a factor in your decision If proximity is a concern, you may choose to receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and seek off-base housing.

Compliance with Base Regulations

Finally, think about your willingness and ability to adhere to the rules and regulations enforced by the military base . This includes following guidelines related to interior decoration, yard maintenance, quiet hours, and pet ownership restrictions

Taking these factors into careful consideration will assist you in making an informed decision regarding whether living on a military base is the right choice for you and your family

SPOuSE EMPLOyMENT

Most spouse employment resources are available to all military spouses regardless of their status. If you are looking for a job, looking for a career change, or are PCSing and need relicensing assistance, please check with your Military & Family Readiness Office and they will be happy to assist you in finding resources to help match your desires and meet your goals.

MiLiTARy & FAMiLy REAdiNESS OFFICE

Military & Family Office supports customers in achieving short- and long-term employment, education and training, and career goals through employment skills counseling, resources for self-employment, small business and entrepreneurial efforts . They offer labor market information, employment trend tracking, skills development workshops, job referrals, networks to local employers, and on- and off-base resources. Individual consultation and group classes/workshops are open to family members and civilian employees

AiR FORCE Aid SOCiETy - SPOuSE EMPLOyMENT PROgRAM

This program provides funding for entry-level job training to active duty Air Force or Space Force spouses as well as spouses of Air Force Reservists on Title 10 orders with a goal to help them secure immediate, viable employment . Student spouses are responsible for researching and registering for short term programs/certifications (3-12 weeks), and are eligible to receive up to $2,500 that would lead to employment. Eligibility documents include member ’s active duty or Title 10 orders, student’s military ID, proof of enrollment and cost of tuition for the program/certification.

ASSOCiATiON OF MiLiTARy SPOuSE ENTREPRENEuRS (AMSE®)

AMSE® connects military spouse entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to become successful in launching and growing their businesses . AMSE® is an exclusive community for military spouse entrepreneurs to learn how to launch, build or scale their own business. Military Spouses are always investing in their military member ’s education and career, their families, volunteering, and always think of themselves last! AMSE® is an exclusive space for military spouses who want to take their future into their own hands, on their own terms

BLuE STAR FAMiLiES: SPOuSEFORCE ViRTuAL COMMuNiTy

This exclusive virtual community from Blue Star Families gives you access to frequent, engaging career-focused activities to shape your unique career story.

FEdS hiRE VETS

This page, provided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), shares information about the Federal hiring process and the career resources and opportunities available to veterans, transitioning service members, and military family members .

hiRE hEROES uSA

Hire Heroes USA provides free online career coaching, assistance, and workshops to both spouses and veterans

hiRiNg OuR hEROES MiLiTARy SPOuSE PROgRAM

Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Program includes education and networking, a Fellowship Program, online resources such as military spouse road map, as well as in-person and virtual hiring events. Affiliated with Hiring Our Heroes, Military Spouse Professional Network (MSPN) organizes and hosts in-person networking groups at military installations nationwide

INSTANT TEAMS

Instant Teams is a remote work marketplace that uses skill-based hiring to provide remote work opportunities and career continuation . Instant Teams offers remote jobs in 40+ US states and OCONUS locations . Work wherever is best for you! Founded by two active duty military spouses, Instant Teams offers the flexibility, support and career continuation military spouses, veterans, caregivers and survivors deserve

Despite the challenges and the diverse makeup of the military households, we are all part of an amazing community I believe in the power of our collective voice to bring about positive change.Together we can overcome the unique challenges that come our way. If you ever find yourself feeling alone in this journey, remember that reaching out to help someone else can be the first step to building a supportive community and remember... always check your dryer for pens.

- Ashley G., Air Force Reserve Spouse, Lackland AFB

LiNKEdIN PREMiuM

The mission of LinkedIn is simple: connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. LinkedIn has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program to offer military spouses a one-year upgrade to LinkedIn Premium at no charge. This offer is available only to military spouses within six months of separation from the military, or military spouses who are moving due to a permanent change of station

MiLiTARy.COM SPOuSE CAREERS

From career ideas to acing the resume, the Military .com Spouse Career page has resources to help with spouse employment

MiLiTARy OFFiCERS ASSOCiATiON OF AMERiCA

Military Officers Association of America offers career coaching and networking events across the U.S. to help military spouses move forward with their careers

MyCAA SChOLARShiP PROgRAM

See MyCAA under Education

MiLiTARy SPOuSE JOBS

(formerly Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN))

Provides no-cost career exploration, employment readiness, job placement, and ongoing career development services to military spouses, dependents of working age, and caregivers to wounded veterans .

MiLiTARy SPOuSE EMPLOyMENT PARTNERShiP (MSEP)

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership is an employment and career partnership, connecting military spouses with hundreds of partner employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses

MiLiTARy SPOuSE Jd NETwORK (MSJdN)

MSJDN supports military spouses in the legal profession by advocating for licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys; educating the public about the challenges faced by career-minded military spouses and their families; encouraging the hiring of military spouses; and providing a network connecting military spouse attorneys with each other and their supporters

ThE MiLSPO PROJECT

Milspo Project is a community of military spouse entrepreneurs meeting in-person, online, and in between to level up in business and life .

MiLiTARy SPOuSE AdVOCACy NETwORK (MSAN)

MSAN is committed to expanding Career and Employment program opportunities to support the needs of over 9,000 military spouse community members There are a plethora of free resources available to help military spouses with the technical aspects of obtaining employment such as career coaching and professional resume assistance .

NATiONAL MiLiTARy FAMiLy ASSOCiATiON (NMFA)

NMFA offers help with understanding licensure rules, federal employment and unemployment resources for military spouses. Also offers financial assistance with licensure costs.

NATiONAL MiLiTARy SPOuSE NETwORK (NMSN)

NMSN is the preeminent networking, mentoring and professional development organization committed to the education, empowerment and advancement of military spouses . NMSN creates a community of military spouse professionals, businesses, academics and media to share expertise and craft innovative solutions on both balancing a viable career with the military lifestyle and laying the foundation for a successful career post military life

ONwARd TO OPPORTuNiTy (O2O)

(Formerly Veterans Career Transition Program (VCTP))

O2O is a free career training program through Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) that provides professional certification and job placement support to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses

REiMBuRSEMENT FOR RE-LiCENSuRE/RECERTiFiCATiON

This is a Total Force benefit, so any Regular Air Force, Space Force, Air Force Reserve (AFR), or Air National Guard (ANG) member with qualifying PCS/PCA orders (within the US or OCONUS to stateside) may be eligible, provided the situation meets the criteria established in the policy. These benefits provide spouses the opportunity to recoup up to $1,000 for re-licensing, re-certification, and/or small business costs. Licensure and small business claims are distinct, and a member can file a claim for both, if all eligibility criteria are met. You have 24 months from the date of your move to apply for reimbursement. Your installation’s Finance Office will process your application.

ThE ROSiE NETwORK

The mission of The Rosie Network is to help military entrepreneurs and their families succeed by providing the best training, financial literacy, professional services, and mentorship available. All at no cost.

ThE ROSiE PROJECT

The Rosie Project educates and empowers military spouses to advance their careers into mission critical positions within the Department of Defense alongside their spouse’s military career.

SPOuSE EduCATiON ANd CAREER OPPORTuNiTiES (SECO)

SECO is a Defense Department site that works in tandem with the MSEP to provide free job coaching, assessments, tools and resources for military spouses The site includes tools for resume building, career assessments, creating career goals, exploring education and licensing and researching occupations

MiLiTARy SPOuSE NON-COMPETiTiVE APPOiNTiNg AuThORiTy

Military spouses are able to apply for designated positions across the federal government utilizing a non-competitive hiring authority. The Military Spouse Non-competitive Appointing Authority allows agencies to appoint certain military spouses without using traditional competitive examining procedures Agencies can choose to use this authority when filling competitive service positions on a temporary (not to exceed 1 year), term (more than 1 year but not more than 4 years), or permanent basis. The authority does not entitle spouses to an appointment over any other applicant– it is used at the discretion of an agency . To be eligible for this authority, you must be the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty (including spouses of Reservists on active orders over 30 days), the spouse of a 100 percent disabled member of the armed forces, or the spouse of a deceased member of the armed forces

MiLiTARy SPOuSE STATE LiCENSuRE PORTABiLiTy

This website was built to better assist Spouses and Families facing licensure and certification challenges during relocation. The site is an interactive tool to connect users with key information, like specific military spouse licensure legislation and licensure bodies for each state .

PRiORiTy PLACEMENT PROgRAM (PPP)

The Department of Defense, in addition to the non-competitive hiring authority, also has Military Spouse Preference (MSP) as part of the PPP This program is intended to provide career opportunities for spouses of active duty military members who relocate to accompany their service member on a PCS move

u.S. SMALL BuSiNESS AdMiNiSTRATiON (SBA)

The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses SBA was created to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, preserve free competitive enterprise and maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. SBA has several different programs, in-person and online, for military spouses of various statuses looking for assistance with starting or growing a small business

uSAJOBS

USAJOBS is a part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. As the federal government’s official employment site, USAJOBS serves as the central place to find opportunities in hundreds of federal agencies and organizations. Federal agencies use USAJOBS to host job openings and match qualified applicants to those jobs. Military spouses may be eligible to apply using a non-competitive process designed to get a job in the federal government. Your eligibility does not entitle you to a job within the Federal Government. You must still apply and meet qualification standards and additional requirements, such as a background investigation. Additionally, the federal government offers several hiring programs for family members of federal employees or uniformed service members, who are working or have worked overseas For further information, reach out to your local Civilian Personnel Section or Military & Family Readiness Office.

uSO PAThFiNdER® TRANSiTiON PROgRAM

The USO Pathfinder® Transition Program works with strategic partners to connect service members and military spouses to resources through a holistic approach, focusing on employment, education, financial readiness, mentorship and increased access to relevant veterans’ benefits in their communities. Additionally, this program offers support to plan for life after the military, connecting participants to valuable resources for a smooth transition to civilian life

VETERANS’ EMPLOyMENT ANd TRAiNiNg SERViCES (VETS)

VETS prepares America’s veterans, service members, and military spouses for meaningful careers, provides them with employment resources and expertise, protects their employment rights, and promotes their employment opportunities . Here you will find information about license recognition, employment, training and support and civilian life and community

ViRTFORCE

VirtForce seeks to connect military spouses to verified remote careers. They desire to reduce the unemployment rate for MilSpouses and Veterans by connecting employers seeking to diversify and distribute their talent network to qualified virtual candidates within the military community .

addItIonal resources

NEwCOMER’S BRiEFiNgS

The Military and Family Readiness Center’s Newcomers’ Brief ensures service members, Department of Defense civilians, and their families acquaint themselves with their new duty station. Referred to by various names based on the location, this mandatory sit-down briefing provides newcomers with essential knowledge about their new home and the surrounding community. If you do not live near where your service member is assigned, ask if the briefings will be held virtually as well so you can join in .

dEPLOyMENT BRiEFiNgS

Deployment briefings introduce service members preparing for deployment and their spouses to the Military & Family Readiness office, where they will become familiar with various programs available during deployment, such as car care, give parents a break, counseling services, legal assistance and more If you do not live near where your service member is assigned, ask if the briefings will be held virtually as well so you can join in.

CiTizEN AiRMAN MAgAziNE

The official magazine of the Air Force Reserve. It is published bi-monthly by Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, the office of public affairs for the commander of Air Force Reserve Command.

RESERVE ORgANizATiON OF AMERiCA

An organization supporting United States military policy by assisting in its development and execution . ROA membership may include all current, retired, and former Reserve, Guard, regular officers and warrant officers of the uniformed services.

VA BENEFiTS

As a member of the Reserve you may qualify for a wide range of benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA is here to help you and your family understand the benefits for which you may be eligible and how to apply for them. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, home loan guarantee, education, health care, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial See VA benefits based on your current status

AiR FORCE RESERVE REiNTEgRATiON yELLOw RiBBON PROgRAM

Tap our resources to learn about all of the benefits available to you, how you can participate, and the invaluable impact Yellow Ribbon in the lives of thousands of fellow reservist and their families . For more information on the Department of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program check out their website . Families and support systems are equipped mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to empower mission-focused Airmen; leveraging the military experience and benefits to enhance overall quality of life. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program established policy for informational events and activities for Reserve Citizen Airmen and their loved ones to simplify access to services supporting their health and well-being through each phase of deployment.

There are only about 38,000 Air Force Reserve spouses.

We may not always have the opportunity to be stationed near biological family or close friends The people we are with may not be near their family or friends either. This journey we’re on isn’t always easy and it’s harder when you feel alone. What we don’t always realize is that, as military spouses, we all have one thing in common; the military has made us all part of a bigger family . Be there to support each other . You may be the one person someone talks to today .

Katherine E , Air Force Reserve Spouse, Pentagon

reserve terms and acronYms

a

AAFES Army and Air Force Exchange Service - also called the BX covers the retail stores on the installation available to authorized users (someone who has a valid military ID card, e g active duty member, family member, retiree, or spouse of a retiree)

AB Air Base (Overseas)

ABW Air Base Wing - Provides base operating support for an Air Force Base.

ACC Air Combat Command

Accompanied Tour Tour of duty with family members

ACSC Air Command and Staff College

Activated A term used to refer to a Reservist that is placed on active duty orders

AD Active Duty - Used interchangeably to refer specifically to members of the Regular Air Force, but can also apply to any Reserve member on active duty for more than 30 days

ADSC Active Duty Service Commitment

Advanced Pay Payment before actually earned

AEF Air Expeditionary Force - Deployed Air Force wings, groups, and squadrons committed to a joint operation.

AETC Air Education Training Command

AFAF Air Force Assistance Fund - Annual campaign to raise money for four official Air Force charitable organizations.

AFAS Air Force Aid Society - Organization located at the M&FRC that provides emergency financial assistance to active duty, retirees, and their family.

AFB Air Force Base

AFI Air Force Instruction (Regulations)

AFIT Air Force Institute of Technology

AFMC Air Force Materiel Command

AFRC Air Force Reserve Command

AFSC Air Force Specialty Code

AGR Active Guard & Reserve

Allotment Designated payment by member to bank or individual

Allowance Pay and special compensation

ALS Airman Leadership School

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMN Airman

ANG Air National Guard

APO Air Post Office (overseas)

ARB Air Reserve Base

ARC American Red Cross

ARC Air Reserve Component - Refers to the entire Reserve structure of the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and the Air National Guard (ANG); It is not a command or organization in and of itself Both the AFR and ANG have their own command structures

Article 15 Disciplinary action

AROWS Air Force Reserve Orders Writing System - The automated system by which IMAs can request or check the status for orders (AT, MPA, RPA, and TDY) from any computer

ARPC Air Reserve Personnel Center

ARS Air Reserve Station

ART Air Reserve Technician

ASAP As Soon As Possible

AT Annual Training - sometimes referred to as Annual Tour

AWOL Absent Without Leave - When a military member is away from duty without authorized leave

b BAH Basic Allowance for Housing - The intent of BAH is to provide uniformed service members accurate and equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. Replaced Basic Allowance for Quarters or BAQ.

Barracks Where military members who are not accompanied by family members live (aka dorms)

BAS Basic Allowance for Subsistence - Meant to offset costs for a member’s meals. Each year it is adjusted based upon the increase of the price as measured by the USDA food cost index

BENEFEDS BENEFEDS is the government-authorized and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)-sponsored enrollment portal that eligible participants use to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) BENEFEDS also manages the billing systems and customer service functions necessary for the collection of FEDVIP and Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) premiums and Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) allotments

Benefits Medical, dental, commissary, BX, etc

Blues Dress uniform

BX/PX Base Exchange (Managed through AAFES)

c

CAN Community Action Network functions like the Community Action Team for regular Air Force

CCAF Community College of the Air Force

CCC Command Chief Master Sergeant

CCF Commander’s First Sergeant

CDC Career Development Course

CDC Child Development Center

CE Civil Engineer

CFC Combined Federal Campaign - Annual charity fundraising for multiple charities

Chain of Command This is the leadership structure of the military established rank for both enlisted and officers.

Citizen Airmen General term for Traditional reservists

CC Commander - The officer in charge of an entire unit of military members.

Civilian Refers to civilian employees who work for the Department of Defense

COB Close of Business

Code of Conduct Rules by which military members must live

COLA Cost of Living Allowance

Commissary The base grocery store available to authorized users (someone who has a valid military ID card, e g active duty member, family member, retiree, or spouse of a retiree) No sales tax is added but there is a small surcharge

CONUS Continental United States - Forty-eight adjoining states and the District of Columbia (does not include Alaska or Hawaii)

Court martial Trial system within the military

CSS Commander’s Support Staff (Squadron’s main administrative office)

D&TF Development and Training Flight - helps to mentally and physically prepare future Air Force Reserve members for the rigors of military training through education, fitness, and scenario-based events in order to minimize their attrition rate at BMT

DA Desktop Anywhere - Created initially to support IMAs but during COVID, and continuing today, can be used Air Force wide. AFRC’s Desktop-as-aService utilizes a user’s personal computer (Mac/Windows), a valid AF CAC, and additional applications to create a separate session completely isolated from the user’s data, settings, hard drive, browser history or information. It provides access to the Air Force network and enables a service member to do their job when they do not have access to a physical office due to their location.

DAFSC Duty Air Force Specialty Code

DCFSA Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (only available to ARTs) See FSAFEDS

DeCA Defense Commissary Agency (See Commissary)

DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System - Registration system for benefits for military members and their family

DE&I Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - An Air Force Reserve initiative to enhance all-volunteer TF to include AFR and Civilian personnel.

Deployment Relocation of a military unit/member for operation purposes outside the United States for an extended and specific period of time.

DEROS Date Estimate Return from Overseas

DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service - Organization which monitors military pay

Dining In Formal dinner for military members only

Dining Out Formal dinner for military members and spouses

DITY Do-It-Yourself Move

DOB Date of Birth

DoD Department of Defense

DoDDS Department of Defense Dependent Schools

DOR Date of Rank

DOS Date of Separation

Down Day A day off for military members, not counted against leave

DPP Deferred Payment Plan

Drill see UTA

DSN Defense Switched Network - Worldwide military telephone system

e EAD Extended Active Duty - an active duty status other than active duty for training or temporary tours of active duty. Personnel on EAD are assigned to an active duty unit, and accountability is against active force strength

EFMP Exceptional Family Member Program

Enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to families with special needs

EFMP-S Exceptional Family Member Program – Support - Housed in the Military & Family Readiness Center and designed to provide support to those with special needs

Enlisted An individual who is not commissioned (see NCO); either an Airman (rank of E-1 to E-4) or an NCO (noncommissioned officer, rank of E-5 to E-9).

EPB Enlisted Performance Brief

ESGR Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve - A Department of Defense (DoD) organization whose mission is to promote public and private understanding of the National Guard and Reserve and seeks employer and community support to encourage participation in Guard and Reserve programs ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities governed by USERRA ESGR does not enforce USERRA, but serves as a neutral, free resource for employers and service members

Esprit De Corp Morale within unit or organization

ETS Expiration of Term of Service - Scheduled date of separation from active duty

f

Family Advocacy Program that addresses family issues and concerns

Family Day A day off for military members (usually in conjunction with a federal holiday) Those in ART status must take leave if they wish to have the day off FCC Family Childcare - Childcare provided in a licensed provider’s home.

FEHB Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Field Grade Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and Colonels

First Sergeant A key member of every squadron, the first sergeant (or “Shirt” as sometimes called) is a senior NCO (see below), who has received specialized training in dealing with “people issues.” The first sergeant works directly for and with the squadron commander. He/she is knowledgeable about onbase resources available to assist in finding answers/solving problems, as well as managing the recognition of active duty military members’ superior performances. The first sergeant also responds to emergencies within his/her squadron.

FLT Flight Formation Gathering of military in a prescribed way

FSA Flexible Spending Account

FSAFEDS Federal Flexible Spending Account Program - A program that allows ARTs (as federal civilian employees) to elect to participate in Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA)

g Geographically When referring to a unit, it means that unit is not located where their wing is headquartered. When referring to a service member, it separated means that member does not live near the installation where they are assigned

GS General Schedule (Civil Service employee)

GSU Geographically Separated Unit

Good year See satisfactory year GI Bill Education entitlement

GOV Government Owned Vehicle

h HAWC Health and Wellness Center

HCFSA Healthcare Flexible Spending Account - only available to ARTs. See FSAFEDS.

HHG Household Goods

Hold Baggage Unaccompanied baggage or personal belongings

Housing Office Responsible for managing base housing

HQ Headquarters (Generally commander’s office)

HQ RIO Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness Integration Organization - co-located with ARPC at Buckley Space Force Base. HQ RIO is responsible for managing the readiness of the IR force and standardizing the processes associated with getting our IRs to the fight

You should use the term “Reserve” when referring only to the Air Force Reserve. The term “Reserves” is only acceptable when referring to the Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve as a group.

IAW In Accordance With

ID Card Identification card issued to legally recognized member of military family

IDT Inactive Duty Training

IG Inspector General

IMA Individual Mobilization Augmentee

IMR Individual Medical Readiness

IR Individual Reserve - includes all those on IMA and PIRR status

IRR Individual Ready Reserve

J

JAG Judge Advocate General (also known as the Base Legal Office)

K

K-9 Dogs specifically trained for military service; also known as Military Working Dogs (MWD).

l

Last 4 The last four numbers of a person’s Social Security number.

Leave Approved time away from duty

LES Leave and Earnings Statement Pay stub

LWOP Leave Without Pay - A Reservist (usually ARTs) that are placed on Title 10 orders can be placed in LWOP status for their federal civilian job while they fulfill their military duties.

m

M&FRC Military & Family Readiness Center is to provide targeted support and services to Airmen, Guardian, and their family members contributing to mission readiness, resiliency, and the well-being of the Department of the Air Force community.

MA Mobilization Assistant

Mess Dress Formal attire for the military member

MFLC Military and Family Life Consultant

MPA Military Personnel Appropriation - funds budgeted by the Regular Air Force to fund reservists brought on active duty to fill real-world requirements.

MPS Military Personnel Section (formerly MPF/Military Personnel Flight)

MTF Military Treatment Facility (Base Clinic/Hospital)

MWR Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

n

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NCO Noncommissioned Officer - Enlisted, an individual who is not commissioned, rank E-5:E-9

NCOA Noncommissioned Officer Academy

NCOIC Noncommissioned Officer in Charge

NLT Not Later Than

o

OCONUS Outside the Continental United States - Overseas tour, INCLUDES Alaska and Hawaii

Officer An individual who is commissioned, holding the rank of Second Lieutenant (O-1) through General (O-10).

OIC Officer in Charge

OJT On the Job Training

OPB Officer Performance Brief

OPR Office of Primary Responsibility

OPSEC Operational Security

OPTEMPO Operational Tempo - The pace of an operation or operations; includes all of the activities the unit is conducting; can be a single activity or series of operations

ORI Operational Readiness Inspection

Orders Spoken or written instructions to military/civilian members or informal term for PCSing

OSI Office of Special Investigations

OTS Officer Training School

p

PCM Primary Care Manager (Assigned by Medical Group)

PCS Permanent Change of Station - Reassignment to a different duty station

Per Diem Compensation for the extra expenses incurred while on temporary duty away from one’s home station.

PFMP Personal Financial Management Program - Provides personal financial counseling to all military branches including retirees and widows of service members and GS civilians. The goal of PFMP is the creation of a comprehensive financial management assistance service which will guide individuals and families through the life cycle of financial wellness.

PIRR Participating Individual Ready Reservists

PME Professional Military Education

POA Power of Attorney - Legal document permitting a person to act on behalf of another.

POC Point of Contact

Point(s) One point of participation credit for retirement purposes is credited for each 4-hour IDT period and for each day of active duty. Membership points (15) are credited for a full year of active status Reserve membership Membership points are prorated for periods of less than 1 year The maximum number of points creditable for retirement is 365 (366 in a leap year) in one (1) retention/retirement year Of the maximum allowable points of 365 (366), a joint total of no more than 90 points may be inactive duty training, Extension Course Institute courses, and membership points

POV Privately Owned Vehicle

PRF Promotion Recommendation Form (for officers)

Protocol Military customs and courtesies

q Quarters Government housing for married members

Rank Official title of member; relative position within a military grade such as sergeant or captain)

RCSBP Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan - similar to the SBP but covers members of the reserve components of the armed services.

RegAF Regular Air Force - refers to those members that are not part of the Reserve or Guard. Generally referred to as active duty, but reservists and guardsmen can be active duty as well

Remote An overseas assignment, usually 12 to 18 months; in which families cannot accompany the active duty member

Reserve Sanctuary Members with at least 18 years but less than 20 years of satisfactory service may not be discharged, denied re-enlistment or transferred from an active status without the member’s consent.

Retreat Flag lowering ceremony at end of the day

Reveille Flag raising ceremony at the beginning of the day

RIF Reduction in Force

ROTC Reserve Officer Training Corps

RPA Reserve Personnel Appropriation - money budgeted by the Reserve and National Guard to pay reservists for performing reserve or active duty related training

RPO Reserve Pay Office

R/R Year Retention/Retirement Year - The 12 consecutive months in which a reservist in active status is required to earn 50 points (includes membership points) through participation in an accredited training program for credit as a satisfactory year Members should know their exact R/R date, the date of entry or reentry into active Reserve status

RSO Reserve Service Obligation - An obligation or agreement to serve a specific time in exchange for a benefit received (e.g., bonus pay, schools, etc.).

Ruffles & Flourishes Musical honor for general officers and equivalent ranking officials

s

Satisfactory Year A period of 12 months in which the member earns a minimum of 50 points through required training (including membership points) between the R/R date of 1 year and the R/R date of the following year (often referred to as a “good year”). A “good year” also refers to having earned the required number of paid points in the fiscal year for each category. The number of points earned is based on the position the IR occupies.

SBP Survivor’s Benefit Plan

SF Security Forces/Defenders

SGLI Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance

Sick Call Specific block of time for medical attention

SME Subject Matter Expert

SNCOA Senior NCO Academy

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

Sortie A flight or single flying mission

SOS Squadron Officer School

Space A Space Available (Referring to available seats on aircraft/billeting)

Sponsor A person assigned to assist an in-bound or newly arrived person to a base.

Squadron An Air & Space Force unit which has a first sergeant and a commander. Squadrons are usually identified both numerically, and by function. For example: 18FSS (18th Force Support Squadron)

SSN/SSAN Social Security Number

Standby Reserve Comprised of Reserve members who have no military Reserve obligation, have been temporarily excused from Reserve participation, or have been designated as key or essential in their present civilian position It is also used to place members who have reached Sanctuary (18 but less than 20 years satisfactory service for retirement) and are unable to participate in the Selected Reserve

STEP Stripes for Exceptional Performers (for enlisted)

t

TAP Transition Assistance Program - Established to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life by offering job-search assistance and related services.

TDY Temporary Duty - Relocation of a military member from their base of assignment to a different duty location or station, such as attending Air Force Leadership School, or specific technical training, for a specific period of time.

Tech School Technical School - Formal school training for a military job.

TFI Total Force Integration - The purpose of TFI is to generate efficiency and cost savings by sharing resources, reducing duplication of efforts and, in some cases, reducing the number of people needed to accomplish a task TFI provides contingency surge capability

TLA Temporary Living Allowance

TLE Temporary Lodging Expenses

TLF Temporary Living Facility

TMO Traffic Management Office Organization responsible to handle the movement of a military member’s belongings to a new duty location.

TP Training Period - consists of one 4-hour period for which one point may be earned during IDTs. Generally, there are four training periods each UTA.

TR Traditional Reservist

TRICARE The health insurance program for military members and their families

TSP Thrift Savings Plan

u

UCI Unit Compliance Inspection

UCMJ Uniform Code of Military Justice - Military’s set of laws

Unit Group of military members, both officer and enlisted personnel, assigned to work together with a common vision, mission, and goals.

Unit of Assignment The organization an IMA is assigned and will normally report upon mobilization Sometimes used interchangeably with attachment

Unit of Attachment The organization an IMA may be attached to for training; location of inactive duty training. Sometimes used interchangeably with assignment.

USAF United States Air Force

USAFE United States Air Force –Europe

USERRA Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act - Federal law that establishes rights and responsibilities for uniformed service members and their civilian employers USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to perform service in the uniformed Services and prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed Services and applicants to the uniformed Services

USSF United States Space Force

UTA Unit Training Assembly

v VA Veteran’s Administration

w

WAPS Weighted Airman Promotion System (for enlisted)

WIC Women, Infants, and Children’s program; also available Overseas.

Y

YRRP Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

Created by the Air Force Reserve Thrive Team

Current as of April 2024

Note: While the Thrive Team strived to make the information in this guide as timely and accurate as possible through coordination with Department of the Air Force personnel and programs, we make no claim, promise, or guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this guide, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of the guide No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or freedom from computer virus, is given with respect to the contents of this guide or its links to other Internet resources References or the appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement of non-federal entities or imply Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force endorsement of any company or organization