The White Falcon - 26.02.1993, Blaðsíða 3

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Armed Forces News Briefs
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RS publications make tax matters easier
Washington, D.C. (NNS) — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has
published two free booklets to help military members file their federal
income taxes.
The first publication, “Tax Information for Military Personnel,”
(IRS publication 3), covers topics such as: which pay and allowances
are taxable and nontaxable, reenlistment bonuses, moving and travel
expenses, hazardous duty pay, separation pay and itemized deduc-
tions.
The second booklet contains tax information for those affected by
Operation Desert Storm, (IRS publication 945), and includes details
on combat pay exclusion, when to file tax returns and other tax-
related matters, as well as the latest administrative and legislative
changes relating to Desert Storm veteran’s tax issues.
Copies of these two publications and others are available by writing
to: Internal Revenue Service, Forms Distribution Center, P.O. Box
25866, Richmond, VA 23289.
Air Force captain, major and colonel SERBs
Washington, D.C. (AFNS) — The Air Force will conduct selective
early retirement boards (SERBs) May 3 for approximately 900
captains and 1,200 majors, and could select up to 30 percent of those
eligible, Air Force officials announced. In addition, a SERB will be
held May 17 for approximately 900 colonels.
Future end-strength requirements have made SERBs necessary to
increase Air Force officer losses in fiscal 1994. Current plans call for
RBs through 1995. Under the current game plan, the mandatory
Virement date for the boards will be no later than Jan. 1, 1994.
Following an analysis of force structure requirements, the specific
number of selectees will be determined, not to exceed 30 percent of
each grade. Eligible are both active-duty and reserve captains and
majors with military service dated of Nov. 30, 1973, or earlier and
commissioned service dates of Nov. 30,1985, or earlier. Officers on
a promotion list prior to the board date, and those with approved
retirement dates in fiscal 1993 or 1994, will not be considered.
Separate boards will be held for active-duty and reserve colonels in
the 1966 year group with Jan. 1, 1987, to July 31, 1988, dates of rank
(DOR), and the 1968 year group, DOR Nov. 1, 1989, to April 30,
1991.
Eligible officers will receive a special brief about 60 days before
the board convenes. At that time, they can write a letter to the board
calling attention to any matter they believe the board should consider.
BuPERS clarifies Navy Times stories
Washington, D.C. (NNS) — The Bureau of Naval Personnel
(BuPERS) is putting out clarifications on two stories in the Feb. 15
issue of Navy Times. Navy Times is published by Army Times
Publishing Company and is not affiliated with the U. S. Navy.
Contrary to a front-page headline and feature story, results of chief
petty officer (E-7) promotion boards from 1987 -1992 do not indicate
any bias against African-American sailors of other minorities. In fact,
BuPERS officials said that:
— selection board opportunity for minorities has been comparable
of better than the overall selection rate consistently since 1987,
— the selection rate for black candidates has exceeded the overall
selection rates in three of the past five years. In 1989 the rates were
identical, and last year’s selection rate for blacks was 11.3 percent.
The Navy Times story, and the study on which it was based,
incorrectly used other data comparing E-7 exam-eligible populations
to those selected for advancement to conclude that Navy E-7 selection
boards are affected by racial bias. The study also criticized Marine
Corps, Air Force and Army selection boards at several advancement
levels.
Another story in the Feb. 15 edition of Navy Times wrongly stated
that 300 Navy officer promotions effective on Feb. 1 were delayed by
possible connections to the 1991 Tailhook Symposium. In fact, the
300 promotions authorized on Feb. 1 constituted the planned monthly
increment officer promotions; none were delayed by Tailhook.
The newspaper correctly stated that the promotions of about 600
active-duty and reserve Navy officers have been delayed in FY-93 in
connection with Tailhook.
Changes to overseas abortion policy
The Secretary of Defense, under the direction of a Presidential
Order, reinstated the DoD overseas abortion policy on Feb. 4. The
policy was previously in effect in 1988.
This now authorizes only those military medical treatment facili-
ties outside the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska (with
the exception of the Aleutian Islands) to perform pre-paid abortions.
The cost is $477 based on the established rate for same-day surgery
and there are some qualifications. For more information, contact
your physician.
In addition to the above option, counseling concerning abortions
will also be available at the Family Services Center for off base
referrals.
AECP selection board convenes May 4
Randolph AFB, Texas (AFNS) — The Airman Education and
Commissioning Program (AECP) selection board originally set for
Feb. 2 has been delayed until May 4, Air Fome personnel officials
announced.
Applications for the program should be submitted to the Air Force
Military Personnel Center by April 9. The cutoff date for sending
letters of academic eligibility to the Air Force Institute of Technology
is March 29.
The program is currently open to people who want to earn a degree
in meteorology, computer science, or computer, electrical and civil
Ilngineering. Air Force Regulation 53-20, Airman Commissioning
Bograms, lists the eligibility factors, documents needed to request a
^tter of eligibility, and application procedures.
56th RQS, 4557th MSSQ
Change of commands
Lt. Col. Jerry W, Cruitt, a native of Atmorc, Ala., will be
relieved today as Commander of the 56th Rescue Squadron by Lt.
Col. James A. Sills. Cruitt reported to Iceland in August 1991, and
will be stationed in Hurlburt Field, Fla., at the Air Force Special
Operations Command. Lt. Col. Sills, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.,
native, is joined in Iceland by his wife Alii.
Maj. Constance L. Meade was relieved by Maj. Beverly C.
Wright as Commander, 4557th Mission Support Squadron re-
cently. Maj. Meade is going to Wright Patterson Air Force Air
Force Base, Ohio. Maj. Wright, a Georgia native, comes to
Iceland after a tour at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas.
February 26,1993
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