The White Falcon - 19.11.1993, Page 6

armed forces news briefs
Aids testing for blood recipients
Washington (AFNS) - The recent uproar over Aids-contamination of
blood in Germany could become a medical issue for the military.
“If there are any dependents or military personnel who were
stationed in Europe who are concerned about this, they can contact
their appropriate medical personnel and get an HTV test, which will
settle the matter,” said Pentagon spokesman CAPT Michael Dou-
bleday during a press briefing Nov. 4.
There is the possibility of an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syn-
drome epidemic that has generated the blood scare in Germany. HTV-
contaminated plasma has been discovered in some of the country's
hospitals.
The German government is asking that everyone who recieved
blood since 1980 be tested for Aids.
Although the Pentagon said they have been testing the military's
blood supply for Aids since 1985, some military people were treated
in German Hospitals.
“What we are doing on this is, we are surveying those who may
have been treated at off-base clinics and hospitals, and contacting
those individuals so they can be tested for HIV to make sure they are
not infected,” Doubleday said.
“Military personnel stationed overseas, and most of their depend-
ents are treated at U.S. miliitary hospitals facilities,” he said. “There
are, however, some who were treated in civilian hospitals off base.
The exact number at this point is not known to us, but we believe that
it is a very small number.”
Doubleday said the Defense Department maintains its own blood
supply which goes through "rigorous tests" to ensure it meets Federal
Drug Administration requirements.
New info available through BUPERS Access
Washington (NNS) - Articles on personnel and manpower programs,
key dates for the current and upcoming months, and up-to-date facts
on Navy people will be available to commands and interested Navy
personnel through BUPERS Access, the electronic information serv-
ice and communications system offered by the Bureau of Naval Per-
sonnel.
A new forum called “BUPERS News and Information Service,”
managed by the Bureau of Naval Personnel Public Affairs Team
(PERS-05), will contain four sections: news and information, facts
and figures, public affairs guidance and communications (electronic
mail). Under “news and information" are stories prepared for Navy
jy date
its.
News Service, Navy Editors Service, Shift Colors (Information for
retirees) and other internal media. There also will be a list of key dati
for the current and upcoming month, with dates for selection
application deadlines, night detailing service and other events,
From the “facts and figures” section, BUPERS Access users can
read or download up-to-date statistics and fact sheets on topics
ranging from women in the Navy and equal opportunity to the current
number of people in the Navy and Naval Reserve. The “Public
Affairs Guidance” section will offer current guidance on subjects of
special interest, such as the temporary early retirement authority
(TERA, or 15-year retirement program). The account also offers two-
way communication with the BUPERS PA Office (PERS-05).
Navy announces changes to TNWO program
Washington (NNS) - The Secretary of the Navy recently approved a
six year extended phase out of the Technical Nurse Warrant Officer
(TNWO) program. The extended phase out will allow an opportunity
for current TNWOs to complete eligibility requirements for appoint-
ment as nurse corps officers.
The TNWO program was created in 1990 in response to a shortage
of nursing care providers. Since then, however, numerous actions
have corrected the shortage, thereby removing the rationale for the
program. In an effort to honor commitments to current TNWOs,
educational opportunities have been expanded for them to obtain a
baccalaureate degree in nursing through the addition of a full-time
outservice training (FTOST) program.
The FTOST program will select 25 TNWOs annually to be &s4
signed as full time students beginning in Aug. 1994. Selectees m»
attend a national league for nursing accredited institution near their
current or follow-on duty station on or about their projected rotation
date. Participants will receive full pay and allowances of their
paygrade, but will be personally responsible for tuition, books, fees
and other school expenses. While Navy Tuition Assistance cannot be
used to pay tuition fees, eligible students may use the Department of
Veteran’s Affairs GI Bill or Veteran’s Education Assistance pro-
gram.
Individual TNWOs who do not desire to pursue a baccalaureate
degree may be released at the end of their obligated service. Those
with significant prior enlisted service who do not wish to pursue a
nurse corps commission may remain in the TNWO community
during the six year phase-out period. For more information, see
NAV ADMIN 191/93.
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The White Falcon
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