A Compass for Entitlements While Reservists Are on Orders to ...

Naval
Reserve
Association
NEWS
June 2004, Volume 51, No. 6
NRA 2004 Spring Conference Highlights, San Francisco, CA – See page 9
Special Feature:
A <strong>Compass</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Entitlements</strong>
<strong>While</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> <strong>Are</strong>
on Orders to Active Duty
The Association Voice of the Naval Reserve

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Contents
NRA NEWS June 2004, Volume 51, No. 6
FEATURE
9 NAVAL RESERVE ASSOCIATION 2004 SPRING
CONFERENCE – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
“Trans<strong>for</strong>ming the Naval Reserve was the theme of this
conference, and we ’scratched’ at it throughout. We are indebted
to RADM Dan Kloeppel <strong>for</strong> being our featured speaker at the
Junior Officer of the Year awards luncheon, and we thank him
<strong>for</strong> his time and <strong>for</strong> his insights. We voted on next year’s budget
and passed several changes to our Constitution and By-Laws.
The 12th District did a wonderful job hosting this conference.
And, we had fun.” –– RADM Steve Keith, USNR (Ret)
13 A COMPASS FOR ENTITLEMENTS WHILE RESERVISTS
ARE ON ORDERS TO ACTIVE DUTY
“Knowing up front what entitlements are attached to orders
will spare the Reservist any unpleasant surprises once on active
duty. Also, switching from one set of orders to another can
change entitlements.” –– CAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)
DEPARTMENTS
4 From the Editor
6 President’s Message
7 Legislative Update
8 Professional Development
22 Retirees’ Corner
OTHERS
5 Corporate Associates Program
26 News Notes
23 Health Affairs
24 Membership
25 Letters
27 Info That You Can Use
29 <strong>Reservists</strong> In Action
ON THE COVER
Collage of some of the best sights that Naval Reserve Association
conference participants enjoyed in San Francisco, CA.
Naval Reserve Association NEWS (ISSN 0162-2129), authorized under PSM, Section 132.22,
published monthly by the Naval Reserve Association, is a magazine devoted to the professional interests of the
Officers of the United States Naval Reserve Association. Editorial and Executive Offices, 1619 King Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314. Telephone (703) 548-5800. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and
other mailing offices. Articles and letters appearing the Naval Reserve Association News do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the Executive Committee of the Naval Reserve Association or the Editor, nor are
they necessarily to be interpreted as official policy of the United States Navy or Naval Reserve Association. Rates:
The Naval Reserve Association News subscription is covered by membership in the Naval Reserve Association.
Membership is open to all commissioned or warrant officers who are serving or have served honorably
as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Subscription price is $7.50 domestic. Single copy: 75 cents.
Eligible non-members are not entitled to subscription rates. Photos or articles may be reproduced,
providing credit is given to the Naval Reserve Association News. Postmaster: Send change of address to the Naval
Reserve Association, 1619 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Printed in USA.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
NATIONAL OFFICERS
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
CAPT John Eric Lindell, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: johnl@portarthur.com
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE VP
RADM William J. Lynch, MC, USNR
E-mail: radmwjl@comcast.net
NATIONAL VP-SURFACE RESERVE
PROGRAMS
CAPT Thaddeus A. Peake III, USNR
E-mail: dpeake@peakeeng.com
NATIONAL VP-AIR RESERVE
PROGRAMS
CDR Bryan D. Quigley, USNR
E-mail: Bryanquigley@comcast.net
NATIONAL VP-BUDGET & FINANCE
CAPT Haig Bodour, SC, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: hbodour@newmexico.com
NATIONAL VP-LEGISLATION &
EDUCATION
LCDR James M. Gerlach, USNR
E-mail: endzone@bluemoon.net
NATIONAL VP-MEMBERSHIP
LCDR Lawrence M. Miller, MSC, USNR
E-mail: millernavy@verizon.net
NATIONAL VP-MEMBER SERVICES
LCDR Gail W. Holzworth, NC, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: Misslorton@aol.com
NATIONAL VP-PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
CAPT G. Mark Hardy III, USNR
E-mail: gmhardy@usnr.org
NATIONAL VP-ACTIVE DUTY
PROGRAMS
CDR Edward J. Nava, USNR
E-mail: ejnava@lanl.gov
NATIONAL VP-PUBLIC RELATIONS
LT Ian Mitchel King, USNR
E-mail: ltianking@hotmail.com
NATIONAL VP-LEGAL AFFAIRS
LT Marc J. Soss, SC, USNR
E-mail: SMSOSS@aol.com
NATIONAL VP-HEALTH PROGRAMS
RADM Peter L. Andrus, MC, USNR
E-mail: captpla@aol.com
NATIONAL VP-RETIRED PERSONNEL
CDR Sharon K. Kleinschmidt, USNR (Ret)
Tel: 619-429-4504
NATIONAL VP-JUNIOR OFFICERS
LCDR Phan Phan, USNR
E-mail: phan_p@hq.cnrf.navy.mil
NATIONAL TREASURER
CAPT W. Stuart Colby, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: glendalefingrp@aol.com
NATIONAL CHAPLAIN
CAPT Horace A. Hamm, CHC, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: hhamm@worldnet.att.net
NATIONAL HISTORIAN
CAPT John C. Rice, Jr., USNR (Ret)
Fax: 504-486-6040
NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN
CDR Willard B. Stubbs, USNR
E-mail: willstubbs@cox.net
COMMITTEES
ANCHORS PRESIDENT
Dr. Maureen Lindell, Ph.D
E-mail: maureenl@portarthur.com
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE CHAIR
CDR Gary W. Barron, USNR
E-mail: gary.r.barron@boeing.com
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
LCDR Andrew Scheerer, USNR
E-mail: scheerer@bww.com
AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR
CAPT Larry R. Danielson, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: captlrd@yahoo.com
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
CDR Joseph Quaglino, Jr., USNR (Ret)
E-mail: joseph.quaglino-jr@boeing.com
CREDENTIALS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
CDR ChisT. K. Kirstein-Blackburn, NC, USNR
E-mail: bskts4u2@prodigy.net
SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
CDR Leo B. Hill, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: lbhtimwolf@aol.com
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR
CAPT Timothy D. Moon, USNR
E-mail: moontd@earthlink.net
INVESTMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE CHAIR
CAPT William D. Loockerman, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: wloockerman@aol.com
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
CAPT Richard Bowers, MSC, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: ah106sru@aol.com
DISTRICT PRESIDENTS
FIRST DISTRICT
LCDR Paul R. Younes, USNR
E-mail: p.younes@att.net
THIRD DISTRICT
CAPT Thomas J. Caulfield, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: clfield@canisius.edu
FOURTH DISTRICT
CDR John J. Thaler II, DC, USNR
E-mail: jjthalerII@aol.com
FIFTH DISTRICT
CAPT Robin L. Graf, USNR
E-mail: grafrl@earthlink.net
SIXTH DISTRICT
LT Louise M. Anderson, MSC, USNR
E-mail: louise.anderson@flhosp.org
EIGHTH DISTRICT
CDR Michael C. Leskin, USNR
E-mail: mleskin@sleh.com
NINTH DISTRICT
RADM Richard E. Young, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: dickyoung@4dv.net
ELEVENTH DISTRICT
CDR Joseph Quaglino, Jr., USNR (Ret)
E-mail: joseph.quaglino-jr@boeing.com
TWELFTH DISTRICT
CDR William J. Mellish, CEC, USNR (Ret)
H: 650-856-1998; FAX: 650-856-9037
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT
CAPT Marshall A. Hanson, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: pacnwmailbuoy@juno.com
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT
CAPT Gayle J. Lau, JAGC, USNR
E-mail: laug004@hawaii.rr.com

4
From the Editor
On Capitol Hill, your legislators are holding hearings and committees are starting
to put together the FY 05 defense authorization and appropriation bills. Your
Association has testified in the House and Senate, and we have listened in on many
others. Our take away is that Congress is intent on doing something <strong>for</strong> Guardsmen and
<strong>Reservists</strong>; yet, the Administration is dead set against doing most everything in the benefit
and entitlement areas that increase personnel costs. This tension between the Legislative
and Executive Branches allows us and The Military Coalition to make meaningful inputs.
The low-hanging, low-cost fruit are parity issues <strong>for</strong> those that serve alongside their active
duty counterparts:
Remove the BAH II entitlement that reduces housing payments <strong>for</strong> orders of 139 days
or less.
Bring the SELRES Montgomery GI Bill entitlements more in line with the active duty
program.
Grant greater authority and flexibility to pay retention bonuses to those with critical
skills.
On the other side of the Potomac, the military departments are preparing their budgets
<strong>for</strong> FY 06. Rumors are that the Naval Reserve end strength will be reduced by 10,000 to
12,000 based more on savings than upon careful analysis of capabilities and both national
security and homeland security requirements. We project that once the units and bases
hidden behind the BRAC curtain are identified, the strength of the Naval Reserve will be
close to 40,000 by the end of the decade. To say that we find this all very disturbing is an
understatement!
There is no greater calling at present than <strong>for</strong> this Association to remain engaged and
questioning. The biggest question on my mind is that if these rumored reductions are
correct, will the Navy ask Congress <strong>for</strong> reserve transition benefits to protect those of you
who will be moved aside earlier than you had planned. Because it will cost additional
money, this Administration is unlikely to propose it. Perhaps the next administration will;
after all, it is a Presidential election year. Regardless, we’ll have our eyes on this ball.
We see a trend in the promotion board area that has us sitting up straight. Last year, the
Captain Staff Corps promotion boards left some numbers on the table. In other words, they
didn’t promote all the people they could. This year’s Captain Unrestricted Line board just
reported out and didn’t select to the numbers either. Two data points don’t make a trend;
but, from experience, this is a quality issue – those eligible be<strong>for</strong>e the board didn’t have the
experience or pattern of per<strong>for</strong>mance <strong>for</strong> which the board was looking. Our National Vice
President <strong>for</strong> Professional Development is engaged on this issue.
June 14 th is National Flag Day. The National Flag Day Foundation vision is to educate
all Americans about the patriotic significance of the American Flag and Flag Day. Their
25th annual Pause <strong>for</strong> the Pledge of Allegiance Flag Day occurs on Monday, 14 June, 7:00
p.m., EDT. Please pause and recite the Pledge.
Looking Ahead
Best regards,
Steve Keith
July. We will feature RADM John P. Debbout, USNR, Commander, Naval Reserve Forces
Command; and our special pullout feature will be on the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit
Plan (RCSBP) by CAPT Tom McAtee.
August. Our feature will be the new Naval Reserve Flag Officers and a special feature on our
50th Anniversary Fall National Conference agenda in Washington, DC. We will also include
the scholarship winners <strong>for</strong> 2004-2005.
September. We will feature VADM John G. Cotton, USNR, Chief of Naval Reserve.
Naval Reserve Association
NEWS
1619 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-548-5800 • Fax: 703-683-3647
Toll Free Voice: 1-866-NRA-4-YOU (672-4968)
Toll Free Fax: 1-866-683-3647
E-mail: nranews@navy-reserve.org
Home Page: www.navy-reserve.org
EDITORIAL
Editor: RADM Stephen T. Keith, USNR (Ret)
Associate Editor: CAPT Thomas L. McAtee, USNR (Ret)
Assistant Editor: Linda Bautista
GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION
Linda Bautista
ADVERTISING
Mr. Bob Lyman
HEADQUARTERS STAFF
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RADM Steve Keith, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: execdir@navy-reserve.org
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mr. Bob Lyman
E-mail: cfo@navy-reserve.org
DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION
CAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: legislat@navy-reserve.org
DIRECTOR, PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
CAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USNR (Ret)
E-mail: record.review@navy-reserve.org
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER
SERVICES
CAPT Tom McAtee, USNR (Ret)
E-mail: stratcom@navy-reserve.org
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
CAPT Art Schultz, Jr., USNR (Ret)
E-mail: memdir@navy-reserve.org
MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT
Mark De Ville
E-mail: membership@navy-reserve.org
SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Linda Bautista
E-mail: nranews@navy-reserve.org
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Millie Pistolesi
E-mail: admin@navy-reserve.org
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NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

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NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

6 President’s Message
<strong>Reservists</strong>
Engaged and Ready
CAPT John Eric Lindell, USNR (Ret)
National President
PAST
NATIONAL PRESIDENTS
RADM Stephen S. Israel, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Richard W. Hendel, USNR (Ret)*
CAPT Arthur C. Monson, USNR (Ret)
RADM James J. Carey, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Robert Lamar Bell, JAGC, USNR (Ret)
CAPT J. Robert Lunney, JAGC, USNR (Ret)
RADM Lester R. Smith, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Kenneth J. Welch, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Pat R. Lucci, USNR (Ret)
CAPT John C. Rice, Jr., USNR (Ret)
CAPT Curtin R. Coleman II, USNR (Ret)
RADM Philip W. Smith, USNR (Ret)*
CAPT Fred D. Carl, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Robin W. Goodenough, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Morton Leavitt, USNR (Ret)*
CAPT Leslie A. Willig, USNR (Ret)*
RADM Ray Ackerman, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Robert B. Bolt, USNR (Ret)*
CAPT Robert I. Barto, USNR*
CAPT Donald V. Osborne, USNR (Ret)
CAPT George A. O’Connell, Jr., USNR*
CAPT A. Winfield Chapin, USNR*
CDR Richard K. West, USNR*
CWO Sidney Fields, USNR*
CDR Clayton L. Burwell, USNR (Ret)*
CAPT J. Mack Young, USNR*
CAPT Blaney C. Turner, USNR*
*Deceased
In San Francisco, at our Spring Conference,
we were honored to have RADM Dan
Kloeppel, USNR, the Commander, Naval Air
Forces Reserve and Deputy Commander, Naval
Reserve Forces Command as our guest of honor.
It was not easy <strong>for</strong> him to be with us, and we are
very appreciative of the extra ef<strong>for</strong>ts that he
made to move his schedule around so that he
could be. We also were delighted to meet his
wife Debra and to learn about her ef<strong>for</strong>ts in military
spouse employment. They are a dynamic couple
dedicated to Sailors and their families.
RADM Kloeppel took us through a slide
presentation that VADM Cotton gave at a recent
meeting with all his Naval Reserve Flag
Officers. It was very in<strong>for</strong>mative in so many
ways. One of those slides is shown on this page.
It represents the number of individuals in the
Naval Reserve who were providing operational
support on a given weekday. I believe that this
graphic depicts what occurred on 24 March
2004. What jumped out at me is that 25 percent
of the Force was providing operational support to
the Navy. Keep in mind that this is a snapshot
taken on a weekday. I wouldn’t have thought it
would be that high <strong>for</strong> a part-time <strong>for</strong>ce.
<strong>Reservists</strong> are engaged and ready!
We also heard from our Junior Officers of
the Year and other attendees about the demands
on <strong>Reservists</strong>. Our Air and Surface Reserve
Programs Committees met throughout the
conference and heard firsthand how successful
the mobilization of HCS 5 was. On 11 March
2003, squadron members were notified and
FTS - Full-Time Support
AT - Annual Training
ADT - Additional Duty Training
MOB - Mobilized
ADSW - Active Duty <strong>for</strong> Special Work
PRC - Presidential Reserve Call-up
IDT - Inactive Duty Training
given three days to report. Every member of the
squadron showed up by 14 March 2003. The
helicopters were disassembled <strong>for</strong> transport on
Air Force lift and arrived in Saudi on 21 March
2003. The first aircraft was reassembled and
flew a functional test flight the following day.
On 29 March 2003, they flew the first operational
mission with Special Operations Forces. They
rotated out in April of this year, and their sister
squadron, HCS 4, is currently deployed. Again,
<strong>Reservists</strong> are engaged and ready.
Because the Navy has plans to decommission
these two squadrons and other units, we adopted
resolutions expressing our concern. Our
concerns are based upon what we consider to be
inadequate consideration <strong>for</strong> national security
and homeland security requirements in the
future. It appears to us that vital assets, both
active and Reserve, are being cashiered to balance
the budget. Our concern is that what remains will
be woefully inadequate to protect America.
We’ll continue these types of discussions
during our 50 th Anniversary Conference in
September. We have invited the leaders in the
Navy and the Department of Defense to discuss
and debate the trans<strong>for</strong>mation. The dates are
16-19 September at the Radisson Hotel in
Olde Towne Alexandria. Make your plans to be
there – <strong>Reservists</strong> are engaged and ready.
John Eric Lindell
Naval Reserve Association 2004-2005 Conferences
Fall 2004 National Conference - Washington, DC; 16-19 September 2004
Radisson Hotel; Olde Towne Alexandria, VA; Tel. (703) 683-6000
Spring 2005 Conference - Kansas City, MO; 23-24 April 2005
The Four Points by Sheraton; Tel. (816) 753-7400
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

L egislative Update
7
The Interchangeable Force vs.
A Historical Reserve Force
CAPT Ike Puzon, USNR (Ret)
Director of Legislation
The Active Navy Component has never
really tried to fit the Naval Reserve into
the war plans until, hopefully, recently. It
is hard to describe the current integration plans
as new. The current integration plans look very
much like past attempts of “Total Force” jargon.
The Department of Defense has been espousing
a Total Force well over twenty years now. Total
Force has been a way of life <strong>for</strong> a long time.
Making a plan fit is much harder, as we all
know, than developing the plan. Our current
leadership has developed an ill-advised, in-house,
“nice” plan to integrate the Naval Reserve using
smoke and mirrors. The overall ef<strong>for</strong>t is to cut
the Reserve Force so that resources will not have
to be allocated. The realities are starting to hit
leadership, and those people who want to remain
in the Naval Reserve, squarely in the head.
What are the alternatives to current “trans<strong>for</strong>mational”
integration ef<strong>for</strong>ts No one really
knows <strong>for</strong> sure, unless Congress gets involved,
since the departments are not likely to listen.
Here are some ideas:
Establish a Congressional Commission to review
bottom up and top down issues <strong>for</strong> the traditional Guard
and Reserve Forces. This commission could establish
the requirements <strong>for</strong> a new Guard and Reserve Force
that will be positioned <strong>for</strong> 21 st century emerging
threats to our homeland security and national security.
A fresh view from outside could address efficiency and
effectiveness, show what <strong>for</strong>ces are af<strong>for</strong>dable, and
show the waste that exists in the active <strong>for</strong>ce.
A real zero-based review should be conducted, not
one directed to a number by powerful personalities, but
done with the idea of smart utilization of the Guard and
Reserve <strong>for</strong>ces.
The Department of Defense needs to establish two
cooperative categories of <strong>for</strong>ces <strong>for</strong> Guard and Reserve
members and units – a Homeland Security Force (that
covers all territories and out to the limits of NORTHCOM
<strong>Are</strong>as of Responsibility), and an Interchangeable Force.
(This is a term used recently by Senator Inouye).
a. Homeland Security Force. NORTHCOM is
reviewing and establishing these requirements.
Required operating capabilities and programmed
operating environments need to be established <strong>for</strong> a
Homeland Security Force that includes Guard and
Reserve units and individuals. Traditional thinking and
overseas commitments have zapped the imperatives
that we all felt after 9-11. With a truly designated
Homeland Security Force, resources and equipment
can be designated to this ef<strong>for</strong>t and, if needed, surged
to the overseas requirements as an Interchangeable
Force. Their primary thrust would be to defend and
secure the homeland <strong>for</strong> the overwhelming existing
and emerging threats that face our nation. Public law
would have to be amended to allow Reserve <strong>for</strong>ces to
participate fully in homeland security – but it is time to
do it. This needs to be addressed and accomplished
soon. This Homeland Security Force should be joint
homeland security <strong>for</strong>ces in joint facilities with
governors of the states retaining traditional power. It is
obvious that our country has a requirement to use the
Guard and Reserve Component at this time in overseas
commitments. We must never <strong>for</strong>get that these <strong>for</strong>ces
are perfectly positioned to address, defend, respond,
guard, and fight any homeland security situation.
Operations plans and planning documents need to
reflect the realities of this need and requirement.
b. Interchangeable Force. Forget the traditional
guard or reserve designation. The myth of weekend
duty is long gone. Our military departments should
redesignate <strong>for</strong>ces from the traditional Guard and
Reserve as the <strong>for</strong>ces that will flow into the requirements
and conflicts: peacekeeping when required; nation
building when needed; and the myriad of duties that we
are learning after Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraq Freedom, and after Bosnia. We cannot
plan just <strong>for</strong> what we have done or what we have
accomplished. We must plan <strong>for</strong> the emerging threats
and unintended consequences management that the
military is going to have <strong>for</strong> a long, long time.
Elevate the position of the JCS Guard and Reserve
Advisors to a level commensurate with the other
three- or four-star ranks of JCS.
Let those who have managed, trained, and
paid traditional Guard and Reserve Forces continue to
manage the <strong>for</strong>ces and be <strong>for</strong>ce providers just like any
other <strong>for</strong>ce provider. The management is not broken.
The vision and use of Guard and Reserve <strong>for</strong>ces is
broken due to historical cultures.
Establish through Congress, joint “Purple” money
that is specifically there <strong>for</strong> joint operations that
include homeland security operations, but also is there
specifically <strong>for</strong> resourcing (procurement) of homeland
security <strong>for</strong>ces and interchangeable <strong>for</strong>ces (Guard and
Reserve <strong>for</strong>ces).
Increase funding <strong>for</strong> the National Guard and
Reserve Equipment Accounts (changing the name to
Homeland Security Force and Interchangeable
Force Account) to include a specific percent of the
procurement budgets that is specifically there <strong>for</strong> frontline
equipment <strong>for</strong> both the Homeland Security Force, and
the Interchangeable Force. It is all about equipment!
Establish the continuum of services and benefits of
the traditional Reserve Component equally, as best they
can be, to those of the Active Component once any
member passes a certain number of days of either
voluntary or involuntary mobilization. We have to get
over the “it costs too much syndrome.” We either want
to maintain our first-rate military <strong>for</strong>ce (which really
would include the Guard and Reserve) and, thus, our
world superpower status; or we don’t.
We are at a time in history where we have to
move beyond what was traditional. Moving on
from tradition has to take place in the Active
Component and the Reserve Component.
Having fresh new ideas of integration means
change; but it does not mean only cutting people,
units, and billets because the programmers
need the money. I believe that innovation does
not exist in the Department of Defense and,
surely, does not exist within the Services.
Innovation is not something that war fighters do
well, or train <strong>for</strong>. Trans<strong>for</strong>mation does not
mean only acquiring new technology so less
manpower is needed. Our unknown and
emerging threats will surprise us because we
are a free and democratic society. Since the
Active Component has been establishing the
requirements <strong>for</strong>ever and making all the rules
<strong>for</strong> mobilization, it is time <strong>for</strong> a fresh look at
a different kind of integrated Reserve
Component. Approaching these Guard and
Reserve <strong>for</strong>ces as interchangeable <strong>for</strong>ces and
using them when needed would be a step
ahead in providing <strong>for</strong> our national security
and our homeland security.
Congress is addressing the FY 05 National
Defense Authorization Act and the FY 05
Defense Appropriations now. I encourage
you either to get involved in making your
views known, or say good-by to about 40,000
reserve billets and most of the hardware units
in the Naval Reserve. It is in your hands and
in Congress’s. You can change it or let it
happen. One thing is <strong>for</strong> sure, our national
security is going to need a strong and viable
Naval Reserve Interchangeable Force.
NRANEWS/JUNE 2004

8
Professional Development
Promote Yourself
CAPT G. Mark Hardy, USNR
National VP <strong>for</strong> Professional Development
I often receive questions from officers
who wonder how to improve their chances
<strong>for</strong> promotion. After serving on nine
selection boards, I hope I am reasonably
qualified to provide advice. Although I
cannot answer all these questions in a single
page, I offer some guidelines that may
be of general use.
–– CAPT Mark Hardy
There is no magic <strong>for</strong>mula <strong>for</strong>
promotion. Every career is unique,
and every competitive category has
different requirements <strong>for</strong> promotion.
Even within a competitive category,
specific designator and career path milestones
may vary. Nonetheless, some
common elements characterize records of
officers who are selected <strong>for</strong> promotion.
The primary standard <strong>for</strong> excellence
in a naval career is sustained, superior
per<strong>for</strong>mance in positions of increasing
responsibility. Promotions are made with
the expectation that the officer will
demonstrate leadership skills commensurate
with the next higher rank. Rarely is
technical expertise the sole criterion <strong>for</strong>
promotion. Thus, many officers who excel
at a technical skill, but neglect to develop
their leadership abilities (or simply lack
leadership abilities), may find themselves
“topped out” at the rank of lieutenant
commander (LCDR) or commander.
What may have worked well in the past
may not work well in the future; and if no
one has counseled the midgrade officer
that the rules are changing, it is possible to
charge headlong into a dead-end career.
Nowhere is this danger so present as in
staff or restricted line communities that
value a particular expertise (e.g., medical
designators or the new 1605 in<strong>for</strong>mation
professional). Because these careers
often involve the daily use of a specialized
skill, it may be easy to <strong>for</strong>get that the
skills that make an officer an outstanding
LCDR may not be the skills that make an
outstanding commander. As a result,
some officers are unpleasantly surprised
when they learn they have failed selection
<strong>for</strong> promotion, in spite of what seems to be
a competitive record.
Boards apply different standards <strong>for</strong>
promotion at each paygrade. As stated
be<strong>for</strong>e, although each competitive
category is different, the following general
qualifications tend to get officers promoted
on time.
Lieutenant Commander (O-4).
Promotion rates to O-4 tend around 85
percent to 90 percent (percentage may
vary, depending on designator). Basic
premise <strong>for</strong> promotion: show up, and
don’t screw up. There are usually a
sufficient number of lieutenants eligible
<strong>for</strong> promotion who are not drilling
regularly to constitute the 10 percent to 15
percent that are not promoted. Some
boards may leave billets “on the table” by
not promoting the full number of officers
eligible. Even boards that may promote
all fully qualified officers may choose not
to do so. This is not necessarily bad. It
sends a message to marginal participants
that the Navy values participation; and if
an officer chooses to be inert at the
paygrade of O-3, perhaps they shouldn’t
hold the paygrade of O-4. Thus, don’t
assume you’ll be promoted if you have
significant gaps in service, or have not
drilled in years.
Commander (O-5). Promotion
rates to O-5 tend around 70 percent to
80 percent. At this level, demonstrated
leadership is an important plus: officers
with excellent per<strong>for</strong>mance as a XO or
OIC, or especially as a CO, are usually
promoted. Basic premise <strong>for</strong> promotion:
stay off the bottom. Records consisting
mostly of early promote (EP) and must
promote (MP) grades will win out over
those with mostly promotable (P) or
below. Don’t <strong>for</strong>get – officers who are
above the zone are competing <strong>for</strong> the
quotas assigned to officers in the zone
(see “Get in the Zone”, March 2004).
This may drive down the actual in-zone
selection rate well below the advertised
percentage. Again, any significant gaps in
service work against you, unless you send
a reasonable explanation in a letter to the
board.
Captain (O-6). Promotion rates to
O-6 tend around 50 percent to 60 percent.
However, the FY-05 URL O-6 board left
53 quotas on the table, plus selected 15
above-zone officers, making the effective
in-zone promotion rate only 35 percent.
Boards are requiring a higher standard of
per<strong>for</strong>mance to be selected to captain.
Basic premise <strong>for</strong> promotion: demonstrated
leadership. Failure to accept positions of
responsibility as an O-4 or an O-5 rarely
translates into a promotion to O-6.
Command is best. However, the selection
rate to O-5 command at recent Apply
boards has been around 8 percent. Thus,
some officers may select <strong>for</strong> O-6 without
ever having held command. They usually
have done well in XO and OIC tours, and
break out well against their peers. For
officers who are ranked 1 of 1, the board
will compare trait average to reporting
senior cumulative average to gauge the
relative standing of the officer, as well as
look <strong>for</strong> qualifying comments in the
FITREP narrative. Commanders who
accept challenging leadership jobs, and do
well, usually make captain.
There is only one place to find command
billets – the Apply board. Although XO
and OIC jobs are advertised, they are not
always billet-specific, as a CO often selects
his or her own leadership team. Contact
the unit CO in advance to determine how
leadership jobs are assigned, and ask how
many will be in your competitive category.
You can’t cram <strong>for</strong> a selection board. It
requires years of steady contributions to
the Navy that are documented properly
in reports of fitness. Consult with a
career mentor to see if you’re on the right
track, and invest in a NRA Record
Review a year or more be<strong>for</strong>e you are
eligible <strong>for</strong> promotion. The bottom line is,
take ownership of your career, your record,
and your future.
Next month: Writing effective “brag
sheet” FITREP inputs.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

9
2004 Spring Conference
HIGHLIGHTS
FRIDAY NIGHT – President’s Reception
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

10
SATURDAY MORNING – General Session
SATURDAY – Committee Meeting & Awards Luncheon
“The following 12th District members on
the Commitee who assisted in planning
the Naval Reserve Association Spring
Conference:
RADM Russ Gorman
RADM Vince Anzilotti
CAPT John Francis
CAPT Stan Lundgaard
CAPT Sandy Lockwood
CAPT Michele Lockwood
CAPT Rolland Hamilton
CDR Bob Whitten
CDR Larry Hawkinson
LCDR Win Hayward
and
LCDR Jack Wilson
“My special thanks go to RADM Gorman
who arranged <strong>for</strong> the color guard; RADM
Anzilotti who assisted Headquarters with
publicity; LCDR Hayward who arranged
<strong>for</strong> the Mayor’s proclamation; and CAPT
John Francis who provided the wine <strong>for</strong> the
Saturday lunch.”
– CDR Bill Mellish
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

11
SATURDAY – Awards Luncheon
JUNIOR OFFICERS OF THE YEAR AWARD
SELECTED RESERVIST – Line Lieutenant
Commander Douglas P. Schoen, USNR, comes to
us from Coronado, CA, and is a pilot with the
“Firehawks” of HCS-5 out of the NAS North
Island. As the squadron’s Maintenance Officer he
executed those responsibilities superbly by
cost-saving financial management and high mission
capable deployed aircraft. Of significance, LCDR
Schoen was <strong>for</strong>ward deployed to Kuwait and Iraq
flying support missions <strong>for</strong> Joint Special
Operations Aviation Detachment South <strong>for</strong> three months, returning home
late June 2003. In civilian life, he is regional manager and sales engineer
<strong>for</strong> a three-state territory <strong>for</strong> Despatch Industries. His wife, now-CDR
Kelly Schoen, was our Full-Time Support JOY <strong>for</strong> 2002.
SELECTED RESERVIST – Staff Lieutenant
David E. Bailey, SC, USNR, comes to us from
Norfolk, VA, and currently drills with Naval
Mobile Construction Battalion 23 at Fort Belvoir,
VA. He started his Navy career in 1986 as a seaman
and was finally commissioned an ensign in the
Supply Corps. During the award period, LT
Bailey was serving on mobilization orders
assigned to the commander U. S. Naval Forces
Central Command N4 Logistics Response Cell
serving as Operations Officer, Training Officer, Senior Watch
Captain, and Assistant Munitions Officer. Seniors describe him as a
multitalented logistician with per<strong>for</strong>mance levels exceeding his rank. In
civilian life, he is an automotive transportation specialist with Naval
Facilities Engineering Command.
BEA RATNER (LCDR, NC) AWARD
Lieutenant Katrina E. Hansen, NC, USNR, comes
to us from Marrero, LA; drills out of the Naval Air
Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans; and is
assigned as Officer in Charge, NR Naval Hospital
Pensacola DET A. Under her leadership, unit
readiness climbed 50 percent, in addition to
providing the New Orleans-based Navy and
Marine Corps personnel with medical support. In
civilian life, she is a family nurse practitioner with
the mental health services unit at the New Orleans VA Medical Facility.
She is a volunteer as well, providing medical care <strong>for</strong> the homeless at a
Salvation Army shelter, and is a nurse practitioner <strong>for</strong> over 1300 at
risk adolescents at a school-based health center in New Orleans.
FULL-TIME SUPPORT – Line Lieutenant
Commander Mark D. Brazelton, USNR, comes to
us from NAS Atlanta as Officer in Charge of
VFA-203, the “Blue Dolphins.” During the award
period, LCDR Brazelton was assigned to the
“Hunters” of VFA-201. As we all know, VFA-201
was mobilized as a squadron and went to sea aboard
the aircraft USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT in
January 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Needless to say, his combat exploits
were numerous and not without danger, having been the target of antiaircraft
artillery fire. He was awarded two Strike Air Medals, one with a
combat “V”, <strong>for</strong> his skillful airmanship and airborne leadership. He is an
active volunteer in youth soccer, basketball, and Cub Scouts.
FULL-TIME SUPPORT – Staff Lieutenant
Laura L. Foster, SC, USNR, comes to us from
Coronado, CA, serving aboard the aircraft carrier
USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74). She began her
Navy career as a direct commission Supply Corps
officer in 1997. She joined CVN 74 after
becoming a FTS officer at the end of a one-year
mobilization period that began in November 2001.
Assigned as the Aviation Support (S-6) Division
Officer, her professional traits have propelled her
to the <strong>for</strong>efront. She is described as an instinctive leader, impeccable
planner, highly knowledgeable, and has a trusted reputation. On a recent
inspection, accountable assets worth over 300 million dollars received a
grade of Outstanding <strong>for</strong> maintaining 100 percent inventory accuracy.
She wears the Naval Aviation Supply Corps insignia and is nearing
completion of the Surface Supply Corps insignia.
OTHER AWARDS
Chief of Naval Air Training
Reserve Instructor of the Year Award
LCDR David H. Norman, USNR
Active/Reserve Integration
Excellence Award
Training Squadron 2
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

12
SATURDAY – Awards Luncheon Cont’d.
SATURDAY – Committee Meetings Cont’d.
NRA Resolutions Adopted:
04-01 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT AND
APPROPRIATIONS ACT – RESOLVED THAT: The Naval
Reserve Association urges Congress to include additional language
in the NDAA and Appropriatons Acts that provide <strong>for</strong>
a Congressionally mandated study of the following issues: 1)
Direct DoN to develop and publish a vision <strong>for</strong> the use and
equipping of the Naval Reserve Force; 2) Delay the proposed
end strength, equipment, and manpower cuts until a
Congressionally mandated study and DoN vision have been
completed and published; and 3) Ensure that the final <strong>for</strong>ce
rebalancing is based upon the study and vision.
04-02 GWOT MEDAL AUTHORIZED FOR GUARD AND RESERVE
MEMBERS – RESOLVED THAT: The Naval Reserve
Association urges Congress and the DoD to authorize that
the GWOT medal be awarded to all service members in the
Active and Reserve Components of all Armed Forces who have
served in any status to support the Global War on Terrorism.
04-03 RENLISTMENT AND RETENTION BONUSES PAID TO
MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENT OF THE
ARMED FORCES – RESOLVED THAT: The NRA urges
Congress to enact legislation to provide that any reenlistment
or retention bonus paid to a member of the Armed Forces be
treated equally under the law with respect to income tax in
combat zones, regardless of the member’s Active or Reserve
Component Status.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

A <strong>Compass</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Entitlements</strong>
<strong>While</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> <strong>Are</strong>
on Orders to Active Duty
13
By CAPT Thomas L. McAtee, USNR (Ret)
Have you ever been confused while trying to figure out your entitlements <strong>for</strong> a particular set
of active duty orders You are not alone in the quest to get an answer to this not-so-easy
question. Why is it so difficult to determine potential entitlements <strong>for</strong> a set of active duty
orders First, because entitlements and eligibility requirements are found in several financial
regulation publications not readily available to most service members. Second, we make it difficult
in the way we think about it; in fact, so difficult that it has almost become, in the minds of many
<strong>Reservists</strong>, a question that will never be answered accurately.
Let’s try to answer this accurately by suggesting a new approach. Forget about the TYPE of orders
and concentrate on the DURATION (number of days specified) on the orders. Duration of orders
is what predominantly determines the entitlements due to the Reservist. Consider this, why would
a day on active duty under Annual Training (AT) orders be any different than a day served on
Active Duty <strong>for</strong> Training (ADT), Active Duty <strong>for</strong> Special Work (ADSW), or Involuntary Active
Duty (recall) orders In reality, there is no difference. So, if a day of active duty is a day of active
duty, that confirms that the duration of orders is the prime factor that determines entitlements
applicable to each set of orders.
Note: The scope of in<strong>for</strong>mation is purposely focused on all types of active duty orders and active duty supporting
a contingency operation. Topics regarding entitlements and benefits involving IDT, IDTT, or death benefits are not
discussed.
PORTAL TO PORTAL COVERAGE
In the case of active duty orders, disability benefits coverage
begins at commencement of travel to/from duty site (line of
duty). Travel must be directly to the site as specified in the
travel itinerary of the orders. Coverage is <strong>for</strong> any illness, disease,
or injury occurring in the line of duty. <strong>Entitlements</strong> may
encompass medical/dental care and incapacitation pay. Note:
Portal to portal also refers to travel to/from IDT and remaining
overnight be<strong>for</strong>e IDT or between successive periods of IDT.
BASIC PAY
Payment of basic pay is based on pay grade and years of
service (longevity). For an active duty period less than 30
days, pay and allowances, including travel time, are
computed at 1/30th of the monthly rate. For periods of 30
days or more, the computation of pay and allowances
encompasses the entire period of time served on active
duty, including travel time. If orders state no pay,
allowances are still payable.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

14
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR
SUBSISTENCE (BAS)
If ordered to active duty with pay, BAS is an entitlement.
Generally, officers are entitled to standard BAS on a monthly
basis. Enlisted members are entitled either to standard
BAS or to Rations in Kind Not Available (RIKNA). BAS is
in addition to overseas cost of living allowances (COLA)
authorized by Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR). If
active duty orders state no pay and allowances, then nothing is
payable. However, orders that just specify active duty without
pay do not affect entitlement or payment of BAS. Anyone
receiving BAS must pay <strong>for</strong> meals or rations.
BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR
HOUSING (BAH)
<strong>Reservists</strong> on active duty receive BAH depending on
orders duration, grade, and dependency status. For orders
to active duty <strong>for</strong> 140 days or more, or orders to active duty
<strong>for</strong> a contingency operation regardless of duration, BAH is
an entitlement. In the latter case, the orders must specify
the name of the contingency. BAH is paid based on grade;
dependency status; and location of duty station, if orders are
Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Certain contingency
operation orders may exceed 139 days but are not
classified PCS. In this case, BAH is based on the
Reservist’s primary place of residence. For orders
of 139 days or less, BAH II (old BAQ) is entitled.
BAH II is a flat rate based on grade and dependency
status, not locality. If orders are extended, and the
prospective period is 140 days or more, entitlement
to BAH will start on date of orders modification.
Go to to review current
rates.
Permanent Duty Station (PDS) is an additional
factor. For training duty (AT or ADT), the location
where training duty is per<strong>for</strong>med shall be the PDS
<strong>for</strong> BAH entitlement purposes. For active duty other than
training, not PCS, the Reservist’s primary place of residence
is the PDS.
If possible, at check-in, discuss with the servicing PSD
the location/rate of BAH payable on orders. This will
resolve questions up front and potentially eliminate a pay
problem.
MEDICAL/DENTAL CARE
Service Member care: Regardless of duration of orders or
IDT, the individual Reservist is covered. For orders over 30
days, the Reservist is automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime.
For orders of 30 days or less, the Reservist’s coverage is <strong>for</strong>
appropriate medical and dental care <strong>for</strong> an injury or illness
incurred in line of duty. Temporary enhancements to health
care <strong>for</strong> the Reservist:
Medical or dental screening and care. Whenever a
Reservist receives notice that he/she will be called or ordered
to active duty <strong>for</strong> a period of more than 30 days, medical and
dental screening and care will be provided to meet applicable
standards <strong>for</strong> deployment. This care is provided be<strong>for</strong>e entry on
active duty. Eligibility <strong>for</strong> such care must be specified in
orders. Valid through 31 December 2004, unless extended by
law.
Early eligibility date <strong>for</strong> TRICARE benefits. Whenever a
Reservist is issued active duty orders (<strong>for</strong> more than 30 days),
in support of a contingency operation, with a delayed effective
date <strong>for</strong> reporting to duty, he/she shall be eligible <strong>for</strong> TRI-
CARE as if on active duty on date of issue, or 90 days prior to
report date, whichever is later. Valid through 31 December
2004, unless extended by law.
Family care: Health care <strong>for</strong> eligible
family members is dependent on length
of orders and whether those orders were
issued in support of a contingency operation.
If the sponsor’s (service member)
orders are:
Not in support of a contingency
operation. If orders are specified <strong>for</strong> a
period of more than 30 days, medical
care is provided under TRICARE
Prime, Standard, or Extra effective upon
entry on active duty. Cost share and
deductible apply.
In support of a contingency operation. As mentioned previously
under “Service Member,” care may begin even be<strong>for</strong>e
entry on active duty. This also applies to family members of
a Reservist ordered to active duty <strong>for</strong> more than 30 days in
support of a contingency operation. Family members may
enroll in TRICARE Prime, Extra, or Standard. Specifics of each
TRICARE option may be reviewed at .
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

15
Transitional care: Reserve Component members who
serve on active duty <strong>for</strong> more than 30 days, in support of a
contingency operation, are authorized coverage under the
Transitional Assistance Medical Program (TAMP).
<strong>Reservists</strong> and eligible family members will be covered <strong>for</strong>
a period of 180 days beginning on the date of separation.
Coverage may be under TRICARE Prime, Extra, or Standard.
Valid through 31 December 2004, unless extended by law. If
not extended, TAMP coverage will be adjusted to 60 days <strong>for</strong>
those with less than six years of active service or 120 days <strong>for</strong>
those with over six years.
Dental care: Dental care is not provided to eligible
family members based on orders. The TRICARE Dental
Program (TDP) is a premium-based program with single
and family plans available. Enrollment is voluntary with
worldwide coverage. Selected <strong>Reservists</strong> and IRR personnel
are eligible to enroll. The 2004 per-month rates are: $22.66
<strong>for</strong> a family of a Reservist on active duty, and $56.66 <strong>for</strong> a
family of a Selected Reservist or IRR member not on active
duty. The plan may be reviewed by going to
or by calling 1-800-866-8499.
SEPARATION OR RETIREMENT
FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITY
Based upon a determination by the Secretary of the Navy, a
Reservist with a disability that was incurred or aggravated in
the line of duty may be separated, placed on the Temporary
Disability Retired List (TDRL), or retired. In line of duty
includes travel direct to specified site as described in “Portal
to Portal Coverage.”
TRAVEL TIME
<strong>Reservists</strong> are entitled to active duty pay and allowances
<strong>for</strong> time allowed <strong>for</strong> necessary travel. Allowable travel
time is considered active duty <strong>for</strong> all purposes normally
ascribed to active duty, such as retirement credit. For
orders of 30 days or less, not more than one day is allowed
<strong>for</strong> air travel within the continental United States. If air
travel is not reasonably available, then travel time is allowed
if actually per<strong>for</strong>med by public surface transportation. When
active duty training orders are combined with IDT, the
active duty orders should specify the travel date.
PER DIEM
Per diem encompasses
lodging, meals, and incidental
expenses reasonably incurred
by the service member while on
temporary duty (TDY). The
rate of entitlement is based on
the member’s TDY location, not
the lodging location.
Per diem is normally paid
<strong>for</strong> whole days, except <strong>for</strong>
departure and return days to permanent duty station. No per
diem is payable <strong>for</strong> TDY exceeding 139 days without
Secretary of the Navy approval. Currently, per diem is being
paid to <strong>Reservists</strong> on contingency operations orders exceeding
139 days based on a SECNAV determination. Normally orders
<strong>for</strong> 140 days (20 weeks) or more are permanent change of
station (PCS). A provision <strong>for</strong> actual expense allowance
(AEA) exists. AEA may be approved <strong>for</strong> a particular travel
assignment because of special duty or because costs have
escalated temporarily due to un<strong>for</strong>eseen events.
A Little Bit More About Per Diem
When per<strong>for</strong>ming Annual Training (AT) at a location where
both government quarters (GQ) and government messing
(GM) are available, per diem is not autorized. The cost of GQ
is a reimbursable expense. Remember, regardless, where
per<strong>for</strong>med is considered the Reservist’s permanent duty station.
When per<strong>for</strong>ming ADT at a location where both GQ and GM
are available, per diem is authorized. Per diem in this case
would be the Government Meal Rate ($8.30 per day) and
incidental expenses. The cost of GQ is a reimbursable expense.
When per<strong>for</strong>ming AT or ADT at a location where either GQ
or GM are not available, per diem is authorized.
Payment of Lodging Expense
<strong>While</strong> on
Authorized Leave from TDY Location
Effective with the enactment of the NDAA <strong>for</strong> FY2004,
lodging expenses incurred by the Reservist at the TDY
location, while in an authorized leave status, may be
reimbursed. This provision only applies to orders in support
of a contingency operation. Per diem is not paid while in
a leave status.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

16
ENTITLEMENTS FOR RESERVISTS ON ORDERS TO ACTIVE DUTY
(AT/ADT/ADSW/Volunteer or Involuntary Recall)
Prior to Day 1
Day 1
139 days
179 days
180 days
or more
D
U
R
A
T
I
O
N
O
F
O
R
D
E
R
S
29
days
89 days
ENTITLEMENTS BASED ON ORDERS’ DURATION REFERENCE *
AND LOCATION
Temporary Health Care Services <strong>for</strong> Reserve
10 USC 1074, 1074(a)
Component Members and Family Members
1076, 1145(a)
Portal To Portal Coverage 10 USC 1074
Basic Pay DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 2 & 57
Basic Allowance <strong>for</strong> Subsistence - BAS DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 25 & 57
For enlisted: if rations in kind not available,
permission to mess separately granted.
Basic Allowance <strong>for</strong> Housing - BAH (Type II) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 26 & 57
Medical/Dental Care (Service Member) 10 USC 1074(a), 1074
Separation or Retirement <strong>for</strong> Physical Disability 10 USC 1201-1206
Travel Allowance JFTR, CH 3 & 7
Per Diem JFTR, CH 4 & 7
Rates vary based on type of messing/berthing
Not <strong>for</strong> orders of 20+ weeks except <strong>for</strong> contingency ops
Hardship Duty Pay DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 17
Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) - Specified locations DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 10
Hazardous Duty Pay DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 57
Various specialties/orders must require specific duty
Flight Pay
Special Pay Medical Corps/Dental Corps
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 19
Tax Benefit (designated combat zones) 26 USC 112
DD 214 (For MOB or contingency OPS orders only) BUPERSINST 1900.8
Active Duty Identification Card
BUPERSINST 1750. 10A
Authorizes appropriate medical, commissary,
exchange and MWR benefits and privileges
<strong>for</strong> the period of active duty specified on orders.
Family Care 10 USC 1076
Accrue Leave - 2.5 days per month DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 35 & 57
Leave Sell Back DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 35 & 57
Career Sea Pay (E-4 & above) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 18
Family Separation Allowance (Type II) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 27
Health Professional Pay DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 5, 6, 21
Other than training orders
Transitional Health Care 10 USC 1145 AND 1076
DD 214 BUPERSINST 1900.8
Uni<strong>for</strong>m Allowance (Officers) - Once every 2 Years DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 30
Advance Pay - One month advance DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 32
Basic Allowance <strong>for</strong> Housing (BAH) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 26
Family Separation Allowance (Type I) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 27
Household Goods Shipment JFTR, CH 5
Uni<strong>for</strong>m Allowance (Enlisted) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 29
Special Duty Assignment Pay (Enlisted only) DODFMR, VOL 7A, CH 8 & 57/
SECNAVINST 1160.1A
NOTE:
This article reflects an array of potential entitlements. Variants in entitlements can result depending upon the circumstances
to which ordered to active duty, especially when supporting a contingency operation. As practical, source document references have
been provided. Your servicing PSD and policy guidance message, in the case of contingency operations, will determine actual
eligibility.
* DODFMR - DOD Financial Management Regulation
* JFTR - Joint Federal Travel Regulations
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

17
HARDSHIP DUTY PAY
Hardship Duty Pay (HDP) superseded <strong>for</strong>eign duty pay
on 4 February 1999. HDP is paid to <strong>Reservists</strong>, at a monthly
rate, while per<strong>for</strong>ming duty designated by SECDEF as
hardship duty. HDP is paid <strong>for</strong> specific missions or location
assignments. Mission assignment HDP is paid at full monthly
rate, regardless of time spent on active duty. Mission HDP
rate, regardless of pay grade, is currently $150. Location
assignment HDP is payable to enlisted personnel only and
varies according to grade.
HOSTILE FIRE (HFP)/IMMINENT
DANGER PAY (IDP)
For any part of a month served in a hostile fire or imminent
danger area, an entire monthly amount of HFP or IDP is paid
without being prorated. Such pays are to be certified by an
appropriate commander (at the lowest level of command).
Designated HFP/IDP areas may be obtained in DoD FMR
Volume 7A, Chapter 10, Figure 10-1 or .
HAZARDOUS DUTY PAY
Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay is a monthly payment
made to non-crew (officers and enlisted) <strong>for</strong> certain hazardous
duty, such as explosive demolition or flight deck duty.
HFP/IDP is currently $225, authorized through December 2004.
FLIGHT PAY
Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) is an entitlement
(continuous or conditional) while per<strong>for</strong>ming active duty. For
continuous ACIP, entitlement is based upon meeting aviation
gate requirements. Conditional ACIP, normally <strong>for</strong> flight
surgeons, requires meeting monthly flight hours. Flight pay is
entitled <strong>for</strong> allowable travel time when on orders <strong>for</strong> 30 days
or less.
SPECIAL PAY FOR MEDICAL/DENTAL
CORPS OFFICERS
Medical and Dental Corps officers on active duty <strong>for</strong> less
than one year may receive special pay <strong>for</strong> each month of AT,
ADT, or ADSW. Amount of special pay will be prorated <strong>for</strong>
periods less than one month. Also, see “Health Professional
Pays” on page 18.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
PROFICIENCY PAY
<strong>Reservists</strong> who have been certified (normally within 12 months)
proficient in a <strong>for</strong>eign language under criteria established by
the Secretary of the Navy may receive a prorated amount of
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) <strong>for</strong> each day of
duty. This includes inactive duty training (IDT).
TAX BENEFIT IF IN COMBAT OR
HAZARDOUS DUTY ZONES
Any monthly pay and bonuses paid to enlisted personnel are
excluded from gross income while serving any portion of
the month in a combat zone designated by Presidential Executive
Order. For a commissioned officer, exclusion is limited to the
highest enlisted pay plus hostile fire/imminent danger pay.
DD 214 – CERTIFICATE OF
RELEASE OR DISCHARGE FROM
ACTIVE DUTY
Normally, <strong>for</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> on any type of active duty
orders, a DD 214 is prepared only when the period of active
duty service is 90 days or more. However, <strong>Reservists</strong> ordered
and gained to active duty under a Presidential Reserve
Call-Up (PRC), partial mobilization, or orders specifing
support <strong>for</strong> a contingency operation shall have a DD 214
prepared regardless of the duration of active duty. If a
Reservist per<strong>for</strong>ms back-to-back orders of different types,
a DD 214 shall be prepared <strong>for</strong> each specified period
based on the above policy. Safeguard each DD-214 you
receive.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS
For orders to active duty <strong>for</strong> more than 30 consecutive
days, the Reservist is entitled to be issued a DD Form 2
(Active) identification card. If the Reservist is entitled to
an active ID card, then the dependents may be issued the
United States Uni<strong>for</strong>m Services Identification and
Privilege Card (DD Form 1173-Tan). With the tan DD
1173 ID card, the lawful spouse and unmarried children
under 21 are authorized medical care in Uni<strong>for</strong>m Services
or civilian facilities, unlimited exchange and commissary
privileges, and access to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
facilities.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

18
LEAVE ACCRUAL
The accrual of leave commences when a Reservist serves on
active duty with pay <strong>for</strong> periods of 30 consecutive days or
more. Leave accrues at a rate of two and a half days <strong>for</strong> each
month of active duty. The duration of active duty, <strong>for</strong> purposes
of accruing leave, includes allowable travel time.
LEAVE SELL BACK
The sell back of accrued leave <strong>for</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> beyond the
60-day career limitation is authorized, if on orders <strong>for</strong> active
duty of more than 30 days (but not beyond 365 days).
Effective 1 October 2001, leave sell back rate is based on
base pay only and is normally subject to taxation and withholding
tax, except when in combat zone or hazardous duty
area.
Leave Disposition
Since leave is an earned entitlement, what do you do with
leave after you earn it The simple answer is either use it, sell
it back, or lose it. Un<strong>for</strong>tunately, the latter happens to more
<strong>Reservists</strong> than you think.
Be smart and coordinate with the supported command
regarding your earned leave. Since no leave can be taken without
permission, the command is a player in the leave issue. If
you plan to take leave during the course of the orders, make
sure the command knows you are accruing leave and wish to
take leave during the period of the orders. If you plan to take
terminal leave at the end of the orders, plan ahead because
orders are not extended to account <strong>for</strong> accrued leave. If you
plan to sell back the leave, no real plan is required.
CAREER SEA PAY (E4 AND ABOVE)
Career Sea Pay is based on accrued years of sea duty. The
rate is based upon grade and years of accrued service while
serving on a ship whose primary mission is accomplished
while underway.
FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCE
Family Separation Allowance (FSA) applies only to <strong>Reservists</strong>
with dependents while on active duty with pay <strong>for</strong> periods of
more than 30 days. FSA is paid in addition to any other
allowance or per diem to which entitled. There are two types:
FSA I – Purpose is to pay added housing expenses resulting
from en<strong>for</strong>ced separation from dependents. Must be on
permanent duty outside the U.S. or in Alaska <strong>for</strong> 140 days
or more. FSA I rate is equal to BAQ without dependents
<strong>for</strong> your pay grade regardless of actual dependence status.
FSA II – Provides compensation <strong>for</strong> added expenses due
to en<strong>for</strong>ced family separation of greater than 30 days but
less than 140 days, normally. Paid only to <strong>Reservists</strong> with
dependents. Monthly amount is currently $250 until 31
December 2004.
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL PAYS
(OTHER THAN TRAINING ORDERS)
Medical Corps, Dental Corps, and Certified Registered
Nurse Anesthetists Nurse Corps officers on active duty
other than AT/ADT, <strong>for</strong> more than 30 days but less
than one year, are entitled, if eligible, to special pays
specified in DoD FMR, Volume 7A, chapters 5, 6, or 21,
as applicable.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE (OFFICER)
ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS
This allowance is payable each time of entry or reentry
on active duty or active duty <strong>for</strong> training (including travel
time) <strong>for</strong> more than 90 days. The period may be served
under two or more orders requiring a continuous period of
more than 90 days of active duty. The amount of the
allowance is $200. The allowance is not payable when the
tour of duty <strong>for</strong> which payment is being considered began
within two years after the end of a previous period of active
duty of more than 90 days, whether or not a uni<strong>for</strong>m
allowance was paid <strong>for</strong> the previous tour.
ADVANCE PAY
Advance pay, when authorized, is provided to fund
extraordinary expenses incident to official orders. A
Reservist in receipt of orders <strong>for</strong> 140 days or more (normally
permanent change of station) is entitled to advance pay.
<strong>Reservists</strong> recalled involuntarily to active duty <strong>for</strong> more
than 30 days are entitled to advance pay. The advance is
normally one month, but under certain circumstances may
be up to three months of base pay. Repayment period
extends up to 24 months.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

19
HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG) SHIPMENT
When on TDY orders, other than <strong>for</strong> training, a limited HHG shipment may be authorized.
The following weight limitations apply: 225 pounds <strong>for</strong> E1-3, 400 pounds <strong>for</strong> E4-7, 500
pounds <strong>for</strong>E-8, 600 pounds <strong>for</strong> E9-O3, and 800 pounds <strong>for</strong> O4-O6. The above limitations do
not include accompanied baggage transported <strong>for</strong> free on a commercial ticket. Policies
regarding shipment or storage of HHG and POV storage <strong>for</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> recalled to active duty
in support of a contingency operation are normally contained in the mobilization policy and procedures
guidance message promulgated by DCNO (N1).
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE (ENLISTED)
For periods of continuous active duty <strong>for</strong> 180 days or less, an enlisted Reservist is not entitled
to a clothing monetary allowance.
SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT PAY (ENLISTED)
Although selective by design, enlisted <strong>Reservists</strong> may receive Special Duty Assignment
Pay <strong>for</strong> duty designated by SECNAV as extremely difficult or involving an unusual degree
of responsibility. This includes active duty other than AT/ADT <strong>for</strong> less than 180 days.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT FITNESS AND PERFORMANCE
REPORTS
The vast majority of <strong>Reservists</strong>
per<strong>for</strong>ming active duty fall
under the “general reporting
requirement” of BUPERSINST
1610.10 in regard to <strong>Reservists</strong>
on temporary active duty. For
<strong>Reservists</strong>:
On active duty <strong>for</strong> 10 days
or less, no report is required.
On active duty between 11
and 89 days, a Not
Observed/Detachment of
Individual report, with
comments, should be
prepared.
CONTINUED
HEALTH CARE
BENEFIT PROGRAM
(CHCBP)
<strong>Reservists</strong> who are released
from active duty are eligible
<strong>for</strong> temporary health care
coverage beyond the
180 days authorized in
Transitional Assistance
Medical Program. CHCBP is
not part of TRICARE but
operates similar to TRICARE.
Enrollment must occur
within 60 days following
loss of TRICARE or coverage
under the Military Health
System. Coverage
extends to 18 months,
and premiums of $933 per
quarter <strong>for</strong> individuals and
$1,996 <strong>for</strong> families are
paid by the Reservist.
More in<strong>for</strong>mation can be
found at:
.
LIFELINES
Regardless of the
question, LIFELines has the
answers you need.
LIFELines is an extensive
listing of links and articles
designed to keep families
up to date on Navy life.
Try LIFELines in<strong>for</strong>mation
services at:
For periods of 90 days or
more, specific reporting
requirements are contained in
Annex K, paragraphs K-4 and K-
5 of BUPERSINST 1610.10.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

20
UNIFORMED
SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT
AND
REEMPLOYMENT
RIGHTS ACT
(USERRA)
The Employer Support
of the Guard and
Reserve Web site,
,
contains in<strong>for</strong>mation
helpful in understanding
USERRA, including
employment and
reemployment rights
and limitations;
prohibitions; procedures
<strong>for</strong> assistance,
en<strong>for</strong>cement, and
investigation; and
miscellaneous
provisions.
SERVICE MEMBER’S
CIVIL RELIEF ACT
(SCRA)
The Act provides
protective measures
<strong>for</strong> service members
regarding certain
financial obligations.
A selected few include:
Interest Rate Protection,
capping rates <strong>for</strong>
qualifying debts at
six percent; Lease
Termination Protection;
and, Health Insurance
Reinstatement.
CONTINGENCY OPERATION
POLICY GUIDANCE
(MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION)
The updated Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom policy
guidance and demobilization policy guidance may be read in their entirety at
by clicking on “Volunteer and Recall News.”
Why is this guidance important to <strong>Reservists</strong> This guidance promulgates
important in<strong>for</strong>mation and procedures regarding the voluntary or involuntary
recall of <strong>Reservists</strong> in support of a contingency operation and their eventual
demobilization. Additionally, very few <strong>Reservists</strong> see or even know about the
guidance, primarily because it is directed at processing and supported
activities. If ever mobilized, review the recall policy guidance. Be aware of
your benefits on your entry to active duty and upon your release.
What is covered The guidance covers an array of topics necessary <strong>for</strong> the
Naval Reserve Activity, servicing PSD, Mobilization Processing Site, and
supported command to screen properly; gain to active duty; equip; transport
a Reservist at their ultimate supported command; and, at a prescribed date,
release the Reservist from active duty. Topic areas include: call-up authority; DOD
guidance and benefits; stop-loss guidance; orders preparation; funding lines;
screening and activation procedures; delay/deferment/exemption criteria;
mobilization reporting requirements; theater training/equipment requirements;
contingency operation entitlements; and demobilization guidance and
procedures.
Who is responsible <strong>for</strong> the guidance Ultimately, DCNO (N1) is responsible.
However, there is a dedicated team within the Navy Personnel Command that
does an extraordinary amount of work researching and ensuring that those
benefits authorized <strong>for</strong> <strong>Reservists</strong> are made known. Since Operation Desert
Storm, the Mobilization Plans and Policy Branch (PERS-4922) has done more
to bring to light, enhance, and provide equity in the area of Reserve benefits
than any other organization. Should you have policy questions regarding
mobilization, call (901) 874-4553.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

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22 Retirees’ Corner
HALFTIME
By Ben E. Girtman
CDR Sharon K. Kleinschmidt, USNR (Ret)
National VP <strong>for</strong> Retired Personnel
My guest writer <strong>for</strong> this month is CAPT
Ben E. Girtman, USNR (Ret). He prepared
this article <strong>for</strong> his 40th year high school
class reunion which was held in August
2003, and has been updated since then.
He has learned a great deal about “the
aging process” working with the
Tallahassee Senior Center and with the
Florida Department of Elder Affairs. At
age 59, he is getting an early start and
“ramping up” <strong>for</strong> his golden years.
– CDR Kleinschmidt
Ihave been thinking about football
games and tigers, and birthdays that
are coming in the next half-dozen
decades. To share some of those thoughts
with you requires some background so
please don’t skip over this part. And, it
really isn’t football that I’m thinking
about; it’s about halftime at the game.
Those of us who played football remember
halftime as a real blessing. After a strenuous
first half, we got to take a break; go into
the locker room; have a cool drink of
water; and sit down to rest <strong>for</strong> a few minutes.
But a lot more went on at halftime than
just taking a break. With the help of our
coaches, we would go over the events of
the first half, examine and change the
plays that didn’t work so well – on offense
and on defense – and emphasize the things
we were doing most successfully. We
would also analyze the opposition’s
strengths and weaknesses that we had just
experienced during the first half. For
many football teams, their greatest
strength is not what happens on the field
during the first half when the players are
strongest and fastest, but rather what
happens during halftime and in the second
half. Often, that’s where the game is won
or lost.
You and I are now approaching a similar
opportunity, one that also might be called
“halftime.” People are now living to be
more than twice our age; and we can
expect eventually to live three, four, and
even more decades in “retirement.”
Whether it already has occurred, or is far
in the future, the word “retirement” means
something different to each one of us. It
also means something different at each
stage of our own lives. Perhaps retirement
is a concept that is out of date. We won’t
retire. We will simply “transition” between
different phases of an active life, through
our sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties,
and well beyond one hundred. It will bring
us opportunities <strong>for</strong> the enjoyment of life
that people don’t have when they retire.
Well over a century ago, life expectancy
was in the thirties. In 1900 America, life
expectancy was in <strong>for</strong>ties. Today, life
expectancy officially is in the late
seventies. Those expectations will rise
with improvements in medical technology
and changes in lifestyle where regular
exercise and a balanced diet really can do
wonders <strong>for</strong> longevity. In fact, even the
“late seventies” calculation is out of
date. Congress recently directed the
Internal Revenue Service to update its life
expectancy tables affecting pension plans
so as to reflect actual data, probably
putting the official – and more accurate –
life expectancy somewhere in our early
eighties. Of course, that’s just an average
expectancy, because many people live
much longer than that – and some die
younger. The over-85 age group is the
fastest growing segment of our population;
and hundreds of thousands of Americans
today are over age 100, with many more
surpassing that age every year. Today,
financial planners say that one of their
biggest challenges is that people are living
longer, so they have more retirement
years to fund. In the mid-1980’s, they
used to run a financial plan out to age 85.
At this point, they run it out at least to age
95. The National Association of Insurance
Commissioners just issued their updated
Commissioners Standard Ordinary (CSO)
which are actuarial tables used to determine
insurance premiums by estimating how
long people will live. In 1980, the tables
ran to age 100; but with the recent increases
in longevity, the tables now run to age 120.
Recently, <strong>for</strong>mer President Gerald Ford
celebrated his 90 th birthday. Comedian
Bob Hope lived to age 100. Periodically,
there are reports of people celebrating
birthdays at over age 120. How do they do
that
Well, when two people first meet at a
party, after “What’s your name” the
second question usually is “What do you
do” In the past, <strong>for</strong> some people, the
answer might have been, “Oh, nothing,
I’m retired.” Now, in response to the
question “What do you do” the answer
might be, “Everything I can. I’m still in
transition.” We won’t retire “from” anything.
Instead, we will retire (or transition) “to”
something; and, then, transition again
from there. Bob Hope often said that he
looked <strong>for</strong>ward to something new every
day. Whether it’s part-time work in our
current job or in a new field of endeavor –
starting our own small business (perhaps
a home-based business), volunteer work,
travel, some other endeavor, or a
combination thereof – we always will be
looking <strong>for</strong>ward to something that we
can enjoy and that we can include (or may
have already included) in our transition
plan. Any planning we do can be <strong>for</strong>mal
or in<strong>for</strong>mal; but that doesn’t mean that
we can’t be spontaneous, and on short
notice incorporate into our lives things that
are not in the plan. But planning should
begin long be<strong>for</strong>e the need arises. That
way, we can be better prepared, no matter
how young we are now. It has been said
be<strong>for</strong>e that, “Age is a matter of mind, and
if you don’t mind; it really doesn’t matter.
Age really doesn’t matter, unless you are a
glass of wine or a slice of cheese.”
So, what can we expect during our lifetimes
The first year of our lives is when
we wake up – and <strong>for</strong> some reason, it just
makes you want to cry! But what about the
rest of our lives – what I call “The Twelve
Cont’d. on page 28
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

Health Affairs
23
Arctic Care 2004
RADM Peter L. Andrus, MC, USNR
National VP <strong>for</strong> Health Programs
This month finds me serving as your
roving reporter sending copy from
above the Arctic Circle as I conclude my
visit to our Naval Reserve medical department
personnel and many others who are participating
in Arctic Care 2004. This also represents a
homecoming <strong>for</strong> me as well, since I first had
the opportunity to participate in Arctic Care
during 1996 as a team leader and primary care
provider in the Alaskan Native village of
Kivalina during my Annual Training that year.
My affiliation with this exercise is a strong one,
since I visited the exercise during the three
years I held command of the 4th Medical
Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, in
the late 1990’s, and during my two years as
Marine Forces Reserve Surgeon in 2001 and
2002. I hope my readers will <strong>for</strong>give these
personal references, as they are intended
merely to indicate my long-term involvement
in and appreciation of this endeavor.
Arctic Care has reached its tenth anniversary
this year and has come full circle, returning to
the Northwest Arctic borough <strong>for</strong> the first time
since its initial two years, with its command
post located in the town of Kotzebue, just north
of the Arctic Circle, and situated on the
Chukchi Sea. (Break open your atlases!) This
exercise is a Joint Medical Readiness and
Logistics training exercise conducted under the
aegis of the Innovative Readiness Training
(IRT) Program operated by the Assistant
Secretary of Defense <strong>for</strong> Reserve Affairs, The
Honorable Tom Hall, <strong>for</strong>mer National
Executive Director of the Naval Reserve
Association. The 4th Force Service Support
Group, a major subordinate command of
Marine Forces Reserve, is the lead agent <strong>for</strong>
the exercise; and the exercise is carried out
with the cooperation of the Maniilaq Health
Corporation, an Alaskan Native owned and
operated, nonprofit agency that provides all
health services in this area of rural Alaska.
The IRT program provides humanitarian
assistance to rural areas within the United
States that have no alternate sources <strong>for</strong> these
services. Arctic Care is joint, involving Active
and Reserve Components (including Guard) of
the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force,
Coast Guard, and USPHS. Teams providing
medical, dental, optometric, and veterinary
care are deployed by air (Blackhawks and
Chinooks) to remote coastal and inland villages
over an AOR the size of the state of Indiana.
These teams are resupplied as necessary by
tactical rotary aircraft; and, in many cases,
teams are displaced during the exercise from
one location to another during the conduct of
the exercise. The local populations receive
convenient primary medical, dental, and
optometric care that is not otherwise readily
available. Our military teams operate in
cooperation with the local community health
aides in the local network of community health
clinics. Veterinary teams conduct immunization
and spaying/neutering programs as well as patient
education programs on animal bite prevention
<strong>for</strong> the children in the villages. All participants
learn to live and work in the austere, cold
weather environment of rural Alaska in April-
May. In addition to the health care that is
provided, the exercise provides excellent
training <strong>for</strong> flight crews and Marines involved
in running the logistical support aspects of the
mission under often challenging weather
conditions, over long distances, and with realistic
challenges of communication and command
and control over widely dispersed operational
elements.
As of this writing, the exercise is about to
begin its second week of operations. To date,
the exercise has provided over 900 medical visits,
over 500 dental visits, over 350 optometric visits,
and over 500 veterinary visits. Over 2000
children have received animal bite and hand
washing education. These services were provided
by 59 officers and 84 enlisted personnel,
including 50 Navy, 16 Marine Corps, 16 Air
Force, 53 Army, and 8 USPHS members. The
teams of health care providers and support
personnel are deployed to 11 remote villages and
coordinated by a command element located in
Kotzebue. In addition, a gastroenterologist and
dental teams are providing services at the central
hospital (Maniilaq Health Center) in Kotzebue.
Teams operate in health clinics that are
connected to the central hospital by phone, fax
and e-mail. The environment is challenging,
with temperatures typically ranging from freezing
downward. This year, the exercise has been
blessed with favorable weather (clear skies) and
warmer conditions than usual (40’s-50’s); and
there are signs of the ocean ice pack readying <strong>for</strong>
breakup and of melting of the rivers in the
interior. <strong>While</strong> transportation is only by
helicopter at this time of year <strong>for</strong> the participants
and living conditions relatively Spartan, the
scenery can be spectacular. During the weekend
past, RADMs Duret Smith (current MAR-
FORRES Surgeon), Mo Hill (Assistant Chief
of the Dental Corps), and Lew Libby (current
MARFORRES Dental Officer), and I had the
chance to visit three sites by helicopter, along
with other visiting personnel. Sites visited
included the coastal village of Point Hope, the
farthest north site at about 145 miles northwest
of Kotzebue, as well as Noorvik and Kiana
which are interior villages, the latter located at
the confluence of the Kobuk and Squirrel
rivers. The caribou were in full migration and
easily seen on our helicopter journeys to these
latter sites. Uni<strong>for</strong>mly, the people of the
villages that we met were highly complimentary
and appreciative of the military personnel and
their contributions. Equally effusive comments
were made by team members in commenting
on their sense of satisfaction in providing care
<strong>for</strong> the local populations, and the training they
were receiving in living and working in rural
Alaska. Morale was uni<strong>for</strong>mly high, and the
neighborly reception of being invited into local
homes and participating in fishing and other
activities during off-duty hours was deeply
appreciated by team members.
Arctic Care has operated in several different
areas of Alaska over the last decade. In addition
to this year’s exercise in the Northwest Arctic
borough, earlier exercises have taken place in the
Yukon-Kuskokwim and Bristol Bay areas of
southwestern Alaska, as well as in the Aleutians,
and last year in the interior regions surrounding
Fairbanks. With its unique blend of care <strong>for</strong> our
fellow American citizens, operational training
in an austere, cold weather environment, and
under challenging logistical and communications
circumstances, and with the benefits of jointness,
and active-reserve integration and interagency
cooperation, Arctic Care embodies all the
elements which have made it the highly
successful and long-term endeavor in the
IRT program that it is. My hope is that Arctic
Care will enjoy yet another decade (and more)
of success in achieving the unique blend of
excellence that it has enjoyed to date.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

24 Membership
Retention –
Our Key to Success
LCDR Lawrence M. Miller, MSC, USNR
National VP <strong>for</strong> Membership
No organization can exist without
members. This sounds like a
simple statement, but can be a
huge problem. The data shows that we lose
about 90 or so current members EVERY
MONTH! No organization will survive if
members are lost at this pace.
What we have to ask is, what do we have
to offer our members that is different from
other organizations This brings us to
Member Services. I know that LCDR Gail
Hollsworth, National VP <strong>for</strong> Member
Services, continues to work hard to offer
our members benefits that cannot be
found with other organizations.
This cannot be done in a vacuum. We
need your help. So, this month, I would
like get an E-mail from anyone who has an
idea or a service that you think we need to
add to our list of member benefits.
I need your help to retain our valuable
members. At the Spring Conference, I
have asked my stand-in to bring up my
ideas on retention. They include a new
program to offer a new kind of life
membership. It will take everyone from
budget and finance and the elected board
to help me find the right mix to stop the
bleeding of our membership. We need to
retain; it is our KEY TO SUCCESS.
We are pleased to welcome the following individuals
as our newest Life Members:
CDR Monica L. Allen-Perin, SC, USNR
LCDR Steven D. Bartell, CHC, USNR
CAPT Mark W. Bauckman, USNR
CAPT James D. Berens, USNR (Ret)
CDR Edwin H. Blackwell, USNR (Ret)
CAPT M. T. Bohannon, Jr., JAGC, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Frederick S. Bossard, CEC, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Paula C. Brown, CEC, USNR
ENS Stephen James Gustafson, USNR
CDR Pierre J. Heroux, Jr., USNR (Ret)
LCDR Colleen D. Horne, SC, USNR
CAPT Richard S. Kopp, USNR
CDR Dean L. Middour, USNR (Ret)
LTJG Teresa E. Namenek, NC, USNR
CAPT Jeffrey C. Nicholas, USNR
CDR Ron L. Page, USNR
CAPT Erik G. Pettersen, USNR (Ret)
CAPT Donald E. Pichler, MC, USNR (Ret)
LCDR David Peter Platte, USNR
LCDR Teresa L. Smith, NC, USNR
LT John F. Stuart, SC, USNR
CDR Michael M. Teague, USNR
From April 2004
TAP INTO A VALUABLE MEMBER SERVICE:
PROMOTION INFORMATION
Have a question about your promotional opportunity or the promotion selection board
system Remember, the Headquarters staff has significant knowledge relating to the
promotion of Reserve officers and welcomes your call. Additionally, the Association is
proactive when it comes to the promotional status of its drilling members. Based upon the
data contained in our new in<strong>for</strong>mation system, we in<strong>for</strong>m members by E-mail or letter that:
- They may be inzone <strong>for</strong> promotion based on a zone estimate.
- Their name is on a list of officers selected <strong>for</strong> promotion (upon public release).
- Their new date of rank has been promulgated.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

Letters
25
Dear Admiral Keith:
A number of unin<strong>for</strong>med folks (including
some participants) seem to think the Naval
Reserve has not changed – or perhaps not
changed enough – to meet their own peculiar
requirements. I urge all such rush to read
CAPT Mark Hardy’s latest professional
development piece, “Stupid APPLY Tricks,”
in April NEWS, and if willing – also read his
August 2003 article, “How the Apply Board
REALLY Works!” Not only these two
superb articles provide valid guidance, but
they illustrate how far the Naval Reserve
officer assignment process has progressed
since DC area <strong>Reservists</strong> dropped by NRA
Founder Frank Pohanka’s famous garage to
gain drill pay slots – or even a generation or
so later, when several of us in the <strong>for</strong>mer NR
Readiness Command SIX pioneered in
establishing objective boards to choose billet
holders as had been done <strong>for</strong> some years – but
ONLY <strong>for</strong> CO’s! I might inquire if our active
<strong>for</strong>ce does this non-CO task as thoroughly
As a professional writer myself, I also
compliment CAPT Hardy <strong>for</strong> his clear,
succinct writing quality, while still including
quips, such as in the last sentence of his first
paragraph. I suspect the NEWS has not
included much bright, light, and humorous
prose since the days of the late-LCDR Lee W.
Douglas. Lee, however, held a BA in English
from Harvard – although his folksy style
belied that training.
Looks like many of us were lucky to pass
through the program when we did, although
CAPT Tom McAtee’s calculations reveal my
long-sought $0.25 a point, has now more
than doubled to $0.575!
Dear Admiral Keith,
David L. Woods
Captain, USNR (Ret.)
NRA life member #75.
Thank you very much <strong>for</strong> your email
notification today. I am honored and humbled
to have been selected <strong>for</strong> promotion to Captain
in the Naval Reserve because I am aware of
the important trust that accompanies this
rank. I am reminded of the tens of thousands
of men and women of all ranks who selflessly
served our nation. I give daily thanks to the
hundreds of thousands who suffered and died
<strong>for</strong> the cause of liberty.
I am also grateful that the Naval Reserve
Association (NRA) provides such ongoing
and positive service to officers in the U.S.
Naval Reserve. The NRA provided in<strong>for</strong>mation
and guidance on how to prepare <strong>for</strong> selection
boards, and the organization has clearly made
my Naval Reserve experience more positive
and productive. I recommend membership
in the NRA to every officer I come to know.
Thank you again, sir, <strong>for</strong> your kind words.
Steven G. Keating
Commander, USNR
CORRECTION TO
LAST MONTH’S FEATURE ARTICLE BY
ASSISTANT SECRETARY NAVAS.
The Web site <strong>for</strong> the
Office of the Assistant Secretary of the
Navy (M&RA) is:
.
As a reservist your job
might change,
but ours stays the same.
Compare SGLI to the
Navy Mutual Family Plan
This plan includes $250,000 coverage <strong>for</strong> you, the
service member, and $100,000 <strong>for</strong> your spouse,
assuming you are both healthy non-smokers, and
$10,000 coverage <strong>for</strong> your children.
✪ From part-time service to active duty, we’re always
there <strong>for</strong> you and your family.
✪ Call 1-800-628-6011 ext. 105, e-mail counselor@navymutual.org
NAVY MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION
Serving: Navy • Marines • Coast Guard • NOAA • Public Health Service
A Veterans Benefit Association Since 1879
w w w . n a v y m u t u a l . o r g
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

26
News Notes
MOVE TO INCLUDE MARINES IN
OFFICIAL TITLE GAINS SUPPORT
OF NAVY SECRETARY
A move is gaining momentum that would
change the title of the Secretary of the Navy
to recognize his role as manager of two
separate armed services.
Legislation that would change the title to
“Secretary of the Navy and the Marine
Corps” received ringing endorsements at a
House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Both witnesses and committee members
said the change would be a symbolic but
important shift reflecting the reality that the
Marines are much more than the “sea
soldiers” they were in the 18 th century.
“The whole issue is that the Marine
Corps has been designated by past
Congresses as the fourth armed service,”
said the bill’s author, Rep. Walter Jones
(R-NC). “It is not part of the Navy.”
“The team has worked together from the
Revolution to the current operations in
Iraq and Afghanistan,” said committee
chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.).
“But while both teams have made
tremendous contributions to the cause of
freedom, only one service is recognized in
the title of the secretary.”
Rep. Jones said the change in title
would not affect the Navy Secretary’s
authority or any of the legal functions of his
department, but would give the Marines
equal status.
PLANNING FOR FAMILY CARE IS
THE KEY TO COMBAT READINESS,
OFFICIAL SAYS
Planning ahead <strong>for</strong> family care is essential
to combat readiness by ensuring that Navy
people and their families are prepared <strong>for</strong>
deployments and ready to execute their
military and professional duties.
To provide Navy people clear guidance
<strong>for</strong> developing reliable family care plans
and to assist commands in creating effective
family care programs, the Navy recently
revised the Family Care Policy instruction
(OPNAVINST 1740.4B).
“The new revision simplified and clarified
many of the requirements of the policy,”
explained CAPT Carol Schmidt, USN,
Branch Head of Women’s Policy. “We
included a simple checklist to guide Sailors
through the development of a plan.”
Among topics included in the checklist
are:
Financial preparations, such as
establishing allotments, fund transfers,
and/or automatic bill paying.
Logistical concerns, such as family
contacts, school arrangements, use of
government services, etc.
Medical/dental in<strong>for</strong>mation, such as
location of records, names of providers,
medication requirements.
Legal provisions, such as wills, powers
of attorney, ID cards, social security
numbers, and insurance policies.
The instruction requires Navy people to
arrange <strong>for</strong> support of their family members
during deployment, normal and extended
working hours, TAD assignments, and
weekend duty, regardless of whether the
member is on shore or sea duty.
GUARD, RESERVE,AND EMPLOYERS
NAMED “CITIZEN OF THE YEAR”
The Congressional Medal of Honor
Foundation has named Reserve and
National Guard <strong>for</strong>ces and their employers
as the “Citizen of the Year” during its
annual Circle of Honor dinner at the New
York Stock Exchange.
“We are privileged to honor as our citizen
of the year America’s citizen-soldiers and
their employers <strong>for</strong> their sacrifices on
behalf of the nation and <strong>for</strong> being ready
when the nation calls,” said retired COL
Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient and
foundation board member.
Assistant Secretary of Defense <strong>for</strong>
Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall and Dr.
Henry McKinnell, chief executive officer
of Pfizer Corp., jointly accepted twin
crystal plaques on behalf of the 1.2 million
members of the Reserve Components and
their employers.
“America depends on its National Guard
and Reserve, and the Guard and Reserve
depend not only on the individual members
but also their families and their employers,”
said Secretary Hall. “I am deeply humbled to
accept this award from the Congressional
Medal of Honor Foundation on their
behalf.”
DOD CONTINUES TO PRESS
CONGRESS TO CLOSE MORE
MILITARY BASES
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld
has told Congress that the military has
about 24 percent excess capacity to support
the armed <strong>for</strong>ces, with the Army having the
most that need to be closed (about 29
percent), followed by the Air Force (about
24 percent), and the Navy-Marine Corps (at
about 21 percent).
His report states that if the 2005 round of
base closures produces a 20 percent
reduction, DoD would see a net savings of
about $5 billion by 2011 and reoccurring
annual savings of about $8 billion.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PUTS
CLOSURE OF COMMISSARY
STORES ON HOLD
Last December, the Defense Department
indicated that eight commissaries were
being considered <strong>for</strong> closure in FY 2004. The
list included three located in Germany –
Idar-Oberstein, Newbreucke, and Panzer; two
in Japan – Camp Kure and Sagamihara; one
in Korea – Chinhae NAS; and one at the
Dugway Proving Ground in Utah.
During hearings held by the Total
Force Subcommittee of the House Armed
Services Committee, several associations
presented a strong case regarding the
commissary benefit in general and these in
particular which resulted in the Defense
Department backing away from the closure
plans.
After the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman
John McHugh (R-NY) expressed his concern
regarding DoD’s potential change to a
variable pricing structure in commissaries
and plans <strong>for</strong> the consolidation of military
exchanges.
FORE AND AFT:
Uni<strong>for</strong>med Services University of the
Health Sciences President Dr. James A.
Zimble has announced he will retire from
federal service in August. Zimble, a retired
Navy vice admiral has been the university’s
president since retiring from active duty 13
years ago as the 30th Surgeon General of
the Navy . . . . Veterans looking <strong>for</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mation
on benefits earned in service, records
requests, VA <strong>for</strong>ms, and transition in<strong>for</strong>mation
can find the in<strong>for</strong>mation they are looking
<strong>for</strong> on-line in one location – the
Military.com Veterans In<strong>for</strong>mation Center
which provides veterans with a one-stop
hub with up-to-date in<strong>for</strong>mation and
useful tips to help veterans make the most of
their military experience . . . . The newest
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile
destroyer, Nitze, was christened April 17 at
Bath Iron Works; Bath, ME . . . . The Navy
has announced that it will transfer the
<strong>for</strong>mer aircraft carrier Oriskany to the State
of Florida <strong>for</strong> use as an artificial reef.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

Info That You Can Use
27
Taking It to the Next Level:
Customer Service Survey 2004
CAPT Larry Kirwan, Director, Customer Service (NOOQ)
As a result of Commander Naval Reserve Forces Command’s continued focus on delivering world-class customer service, the
newly <strong>for</strong>med Customer Service Unit (CSU) has provided detailed analysis on your responses to the 2003 Customer Service
Surveys. The Survey results demonstrate specifically:
What is most important to you.
How compliant your Reserve Center is to the established Standards of Service (*).
The gap analysis below highlights your reported “pain” in the Naval Reserve and gives leadership an indication of where they
need to concentrate improvement ef<strong>for</strong>ts (the greater the gap, the greater the need <strong>for</strong> attention, resources, and training). The chart
below highlights the largest gaps.
As a result of your feedback and these metrics-driven results, the following changes have occurred:
Improved communication: toll-free numbers available to NRA’s
Prompt E-mail notification of orders
Web site Usability Group (WUG) <strong>for</strong>med to improve layout, content, and functionality of the Naval Reserve
Web site (on-line Apr 04)
Retirement points now linked to pay system (Retroactive to Oct 01)
Progress towards a consolidated, single Web sign-on
Customer Service practices are becoming a “daily culture” <strong>for</strong>ce-wide
Uni<strong>for</strong>m supply process is undergoing review
To continue to improve the delivery of customer service you deserve in the Naval Reserve, the CSU will bring the baseline analysis to
the next level in “Customer Service Survey 2004.” Survey 2004 will roll out during the months of May and June. A few of you
will be randomly chosen (to ensure a statistically significant sample) to participate in this Web-based survey. Remember, your
input drives the metrics that drive the change!
Watch <strong>for</strong> Survey 2004 . . . and be prepared to “speak-up and be heard”!
*View the 2003 Customer Service Survey Results and NRA Customer Service Standards at
under the “Customer Service” tab (private side).
NOTE: Soft certificates, and eventually, Common Access Cards (CACs) and CAC-readers will be required to access DOD sites
in the near future. For further in<strong>for</strong>mation, refer to the March 2004 issue of The Naval Reservist. Our contact in<strong>for</strong>mation is:
UNIT PH (504) 678-6832; Web ; E-mail .
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

28
Info That You Can Use
Vietnam Veterans
Memorial
Visitor Center
On 17 November 2003, President George W. Bush
signed a bill to authorize the design and construction
of a visitor center at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial. No federal funds will be used.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center will
provide a thought-provoking educational experience with
exhibits working in synergy with the Memorial. The center
will contain photographs of those who were killed or
remain missing, some of the more than 60,000 items that
have been left at The Wall, and other engaging displays
that will be developed over the next year.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most visited
memorial in the nation’s capital with more than four
million visitors each year. For in<strong>for</strong>mation on how to
donate by E-mail, fax, or mail, go to .
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is a nonprofit
organization.
NRA members: Order your
NEW 2004 Military Almanac!
Discover all the benefits you are entitled to
with your NEW 2004 Military Almanac! These
fact-filled 256 page reference books provide
military members and their families with vital
in<strong>for</strong>mation on:
Insurance
VA benefits
Retirement
Federal/State taxes
Space-A travel
Statistics
Personal affairs
Only
$12.00!
(Price
includes
shipping)
Burial
Pay tables
New legislation
including
Disability payments
Survivor benefits
Facilities listings
Spouse protection
To order: Send check <strong>for</strong> $12.00 ($8.50 each plus $3.50 s/h) to
Uni<strong>for</strong>med Services Almanac, PO Box 4144-NRA, Falls Church, VA
22044. Please add $1.00 shipping <strong>for</strong> each additional book. VA residents
please add 4.5% sales tax. Call 1-888-872-9698 or visit
www.militaryalmanac.com <strong>for</strong> credit card orders.
Please allow 10-12 business days <strong>for</strong> delivery.
Uni<strong>for</strong>med Services Almanac National Guard Almanac
Reserve Forces Almanac Retired Military Almanac
Name
Address
City
State
New and updated
<strong>for</strong> 2004!
Ages of Humankind.” * Well, age . . .
10 is when you want to wake up – and then go right back to sleep.
20 is when you want to wake up – romantic.
30 is when you want to wake up – married.
40 is when you want to wake up – successful.
50 is when you want to wake up – rich. Most of us are still working
on that one. On the other hand, as the saying goes, “We really
can’t have it all. If we did, where would we put it”
60 is when you want to wake up – really excited about the coming
day, and perhaps consider “Halftime.”
70 is when you want to wake up – adventurous, so you can go out
and begin to explore all the things you missed during the first half.
80 is when you want to wake up – healthy.
90 is when you want to wake up – contented.
100 is when you want to wake up – with fireworks so you can
celebrate the whole century.
110 is when you want to wake up – and look back over all the really
neat things you’ve done during your lifetime and all the
wonderful people you’ve known, and maybe write a book about them.
120 is when you – just want to wake up. And, remember – even if we
had it all, “We can’t take it with us. If we could, where would
we . . . .” Well, you already know about the storage problem.
So, as we approach “Halftime,” it helps to keep
age and other things in proper perspective. During
our lifetimes, each of us has been made better by
our association with others. Whether in friendship
or in competition, win or lose, we learned – and
grew – and became better <strong>for</strong> each experience. As
Oprah Winfrey has said on her television talk show,
“We did then what we knew how to do then. And,
as we grew older, we learned better; and we did
better.” Hopefully, we are still learning – and growing
– and doing better. And, if people really do tend to
live up to expectations, perhaps, we should further
develop and encourage our own expectation of a
long, active, healthy, and productive life.
Perhaps the beginning of “Halftime” is also a
Zip
Retirees’ Corner –
Cont’d. from page 22
good time to say “Thank you,” or “I’m sorry.” Over
the years, most of us have left a few of those
unsaid.
So, consider “Halftime.” It may take a few
weeks, a few months, or even a few years. But give
some thought to the first half, and do like the football
team does. Take a break, go over the events of
the first half, emphasize the things you did most
successfully, and change the things that perhaps
didn’t work so well – on both offense and defense.
The second half will be a lot more fun; and with a
little thought and planning now, it actually can be a
lot more spontaneous later on. So, go get ’em, tiger.
You’re just hitting your best stride.
Phone
Print clearly or use address label.
––Copyright by CAPT Ben E. Girtman, USNR (Ret)
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

<strong>Reservists</strong> in Action
29
U.S. Seabees Reestablish Connection with
Philippine Navy Seabees During “Balikatan”
By CDR Meg Reed, USNR, 9th Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs
FORT MAGSAYSAY,
Philippines. For U.S.
and Philippine Navy
Seabees, the annual multitiered
“Balikatan” exercise
offered them a chance to get
reacquainted. Although the
Philippine Navy modeled
its Seabees after U.S.
Navy Seabees during the
Vietnam era, it has been
awhile since the two <strong>for</strong>ces
have worked together.
During “Balikatan” ’04,
U.S. active duty and
Reserve Seabees, led by
the 9th Naval Construction
Regiment (a Reserve
regiment headquartered in
Fort Worth, TX), teamed
with their counterparts to
share training methods in
various exercises and
projects and to learn about
the roots they share. In the
late 1960’s, with a U.S.
Seabee presence in the
Philippines during the war in Southeast Asia, Philippine Navy
flag officers thought a Seabee organization would benefit them,
too. In 1967, the first Philippine Naval construction battalion
was modeled after the American Seabees, and a few years later a
Naval construction brigade was <strong>for</strong>med. In those early days,
Philippine Seabees trained at both Navy and Army bases in the
U.S.
Late in 2003, Chief Warrant Officer William Johnson, Exercise
Officer <strong>for</strong> 30 th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), made
contact with the Philippine Seabees to request that they join the
U.S. Seabees <strong>for</strong> this year’s “Balikatan.” CAPT Joe Furco,
Commander 9 th Naval Construction Regiment, NRA Life member,
and lead <strong>for</strong> the Naval construction element of “Balikatan” and
Commodore Margarito Sanchez, Commander of the Philippine
Navy Seabees, met to cultivate further the relationship. The 9 th
NCR offered shared training opportunities during “Balikatan” in
the Kedge Hammer command post exercise, cross-training and
field exercise series, exercise-related construction projects, and
civil-military operations. Builder First Class Petty Officer Alec
Caligagan, Exercise Project Leader from Camarillo, CA, points
out, “This exercise has provided a lot of cross training <strong>for</strong> our
Seabees and the Filipino Seabees and engineers.” CDR Spiro
Colaitis of New York City, NRA member, and Task Force
Magsaysay’s Operations
Officer agrees, “The
Filipino equipment
operators are very seasoned
relative to our younger
Seabees and have given
them focused hands-on
training. The teams
complement each other,
and the interoperability is
working very well.”
As is the current trend
<strong>for</strong> many other exercises,
the Seabees on both sides
were augmented with
Army and Marine Corps
members from each
country <strong>for</strong> “Balikatan.”
CAPT Furco says,
“Future collaboration
ef<strong>for</strong>ts in staff planning
and organization are
being planned to further
this relationship that
began in shared history
and continues to grow
from mutual training
objectives. It’s extremely important that we continue to maintain
interest and involvement with the Philippine Seabees to meet the
intent of our bilateral agreement.”
CAPT Ben Alba, of Vancouver, WA, and NRA Life Member,
has a special connection to the Philippines and “Balikatan.” He
grew up in Camiling in the province of Tarlac and migrated to
the U.S. where he graduated from Berkeley University and
received a commission in the U.S. Navy. He later became an
Engineering Duty Officer and is currently the commanding
officer of a Reserve Support Ship Building unit in Detroit. His
assignment in the “Balikatan” ’04 exercise was as the Military
Liaison Officer to assist the 9 th NCR and its Philippine counterparts
in executing their joint military missions. “In any multicultural
exercise, it is necessary to learn to go beyond the inherent and
perceived differences among the personnel involved to carry out
the military mission. A big part of my function was to balance
the cultural sensitivities of all parties involved while making
sure that the mission was being accomplished according to plan,”
says Alba. When CAPT Alba reported aboard Ft. Magsaysay,
he was astonished to recognize the name of the 7 th Infantry
Division commander, GEN Cristolito Balaoing, as a <strong>for</strong>mer
classmate from his hometown. After CAPT Alba made a courtesy
call on GEN Balaoing, they planned together to make memorable
U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, Philippine
Seabees from the 1st Naval Construction Brigade, and Philippine
Army engineers from the 51st Engineer Brigade stand together at
the project site where they are working together to reconstruct a
mile runway and build a 100 X 50 foot K-span building during and after
“Balikatan” ’04. (Photo by CDR Meg Reed, USNR).
Cont’d. on page 30
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

30
<strong>Reservists</strong> in Action
U.S. Seabees Reestablish Connection . . .
Cont’d. from page 29
experiences <strong>for</strong> both countries’ participating <strong>for</strong>ces. The
General hosted a special fellowship dinner and explained that
because troops are focused on training, they are not always able
to experience the local culture of a place. For this reason, he
brought some of the Philippine culture and military tradition to
the troops through the dinner, which featured a full buffet of exotic
foods, traditional singers, and dancers at the Officer’s Club at Ft.
Magsaysay.
The official exercise phase of “Balikatan” has ended, but U.S.
Seabees are in country <strong>for</strong> a few more months to complete full-scale
reconstruction to a mile runway at Ft. Magsaysay, a 100 x 50 foot
K-Span storage and maintenance building, and other exerciserelated
construction (ERC) projects. CAPT Alba will continue to
work with U.S. and Philippine humanitarian assistance program
project planners to help identify schools in the Philippine communities
<strong>for</strong> future rehabilitation. Seabees from both countries
want to foster their partnership based on a renewed dedication to
U.S.-Philippine military cooperation and friendship.
Mr. Ray Hann’s Memorial
By JO2 Auburn Hutton, NAVAIRES Public Affairs
“Balikatan” – In Filipino language, the word means,
“shoulder by shoulder.”
POINT MUGU, CA.––On February 26th,
2004, Mr. Raymond E. Hann, Naval Air Reserve
Point Mugu (NAVAIRES) Human Resources
Specialist and a plank owner, passed away suddenly.
The Hann family lost a loving husband,
father, grandfather, and great grandfather; and
the Navy lost a valued member.
Mr. Hann came to NAVAIRES Point Mugu in
1970 after retiring from the Navy as a First
Class Petty Officer. Finishing out his career at
Naval Air Station New York where he met his
wife, Blanche, the couple set out on a crosscountry
move to Cali<strong>for</strong>nia where Mr. Hann had
been offered a job opportunity in which he
could continue to work closely with the Navy,
which he greatly adored. The Hann’s started
their new life in Cali<strong>for</strong>nia, and Mr. Hann continued to work
at NAVAIRES Point Mugu <strong>for</strong> almost 34 years.
Mr. Hann’s dedication and hard work, as well as his charming
personality, will be greatly missed. Enrique “Gonzy” Gonzales,
NAVAIRES Facilities Mangager, also came to NAVAIRES in
1970 and worked with Mr. Hann <strong>for</strong> over three decades. “Ray
cannot be replaced. Sure, someone can come in and do his job,
but the character that this man displayed cannot be replaced,” said
Gonzy. Mr. Hann was an extremely punctual person who did
everything with precision and timeliness.
“Every day at four o’ clock, I’d look out in the hallway; and he’d
be walking down the hall with his coffee cup to go rinse it off.
Then ten minutes later, he’d leave out the front door. Every day he
did this––like clockwork. He was very set in his ways.”
“He always listened to the old-time music, too. There was a
radio station that played 50’s and 60’s music, and he always had
it tuned in,” said Gonzy.
Besides being a man of habit, Mr. Hann was extremely loyal to
the Navy and his country. His wife Blanche said he adored the
military and wanted nothing more than to be a part of it. “His
door was always open to help counsel, guide, and advise anyone
who walked into his office. His chair is empty now, but all the
Navy personnel who needed him <strong>for</strong> the last 34 years should
know that his heart and spirit will always be with them,” she said.
AO2 Erika Wolfe, who worked with Mr. Hann
in the NAVAIRES Training Department, said
things aren’t the same without him around. “He
was such a nice person. Seeing his door closed
now bugs me because it was never closed be<strong>for</strong>e.
He was always there <strong>for</strong> people to talk to,” said
Wolfe.
AZ1(AW) Jill Stack worked in the Training
Department with Mr. Hann <strong>for</strong> about three years.
She said he was an easygoing person who was up
<strong>for</strong> almost anything. “The first memory I have of
him was when we were trying to change out his
office with new furniture. He just kept trying to
drag all his old furniture back in there, and we
kept having to tell him, ‘Mr. Ray, it’s old; it’s no
good anymore.’ And he’d say, ‘But it just fits.’
Then, finally, he gave in. I just adored him from that moment
on,” said Stack.
Not only did Mr. Hann remain extremely loyal to the Navy,
he was also very close to his family. Besides his beloved wife,
he left behind four children, two stepchildren, and several grandchildren
and great grandchildren. They will all miss him tremendously.
“It wasn’t fair to take such a gentleman away from so many
people who needed him. It’s like I said, his door was always
open,” said his wife.
One of Mr. Hann’s daughters, Kathy Hann, said her dad was an
all-around helpful and loving man.
“Just the same way people loved him at work, he was a
wonderful father. He was always there <strong>for</strong> me,” she said.
The Hann family have plenty of pictures, keepsakes, and Navy
memorabilia around their houses to remember Mr. Hann, but one
in particular stands out. In a small frame on a shelf, there’s a
small quote typed on plain white paper-not just any quote, but
one that Mr. Hann lived by.
It reads as follows: “If you treat an individual as he is, he will
stay as he is. But if you treat him as he ought to be and could be,
then he will become what he ought to be and could be.” Although
Mr. Hann is gone, these few precious words are a reminder of this
extraordinary man.
NRA NEWS/JUNE 2004

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