Groups urge TRICARE to provide credit monitoring for victims of records theft
Nextgov
The two largest associations for military officers urged TRICARE to provide credit and identity theft monitoring services to the 4.9 million beneficiaries whose personnel information was recorded on backup computer tapes stolen in September.More

Total Force key as budget pressures increase
DVIDS
Maintaining a highly capable Total Force will be key to the Air Force mission as the service faces the challenges of the future, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force said. "This is a tough time for all of us to serve our countries," Air Force Gen. Phil Breedlove said to members of the international Reserve forces community during the 2011 International Air Reserve Symposium.More

Father's quest for military gravestone for reservist son inspires bill
Poughkeepsie Journal
All 77-year-old Charles Ricotta wants is a stone to mark his son's decade of service as a Naval reservist. But, he says gaps in the law prevent the family of Joseph Ricotta from buying government memorial headstones and markers available to military reservists and National Guard members. Despite serving from 1997 until 2007 when he died of a heart attack, the government says Joseph Ricotta isn't eligible because he wasn't on active duty. More

New gear to aid Guard as missions at home grow
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Five years ago, the New Mexico National Guard had the lowest level of dual-use equipment on hand of any Guard unit in the country. Things have greatly improved for the unit, which has received 4,281 new pieces of equipment since 2008, said spokesman Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera. In addition to brand-new equipment, the unit also has received equipment that has been used by units in other states that have seen their missions change.More

Reserve mission expands, despite the drawdown
Military Times
Even in a time of economic uncertainty, and a drawdown looming for its active-duty force, the Marine Corps Reserve is still offering opportunities to men and women as it is actively seeking noncommissioned officers and junior officers in various career fields. According to Marine Forces Reserve's commanding general, Lt. Gen. Steven Hummer, the Reserve is seeking to have more large-scale exercises, including deployment to remote countries, a possible formation of specialize battalions, training with the active-duty, and the reorganization of units. More

New program will help Guard, Reserve members find jobs
Pacific Daily News
A collaborative effort between several federal agencies is aimed at helping members of the National Guard and Reserve get work. The Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Small Business Administration and Office of Personnel Management are trying to make it easier for members of the Guard and Reserve find jobs with the Employment Initiative Program, according to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It will do so by "connecting employers with the talented pool of service members and spouses, with the intent of facilitating meaningful employment opportunities," according to a news release. More

Support grows in Congress for Guard seat on JCS
Military Times
Sixty-one senators — more than enough to overcome any parliamentary roadblock — are now cosponsors of legislation that would give the National Guard a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For all its political clout, however, the co-sponsorship of the newest version of the National Guard Empowerment Act doesn't mean much unless the bill comes to the Senate floor for a vote.More

Fort Drum training complex for Reserves and Guard
The Associated Press via The Wall Street Journal
A new complex at Fort Drum for Army Reserve and National Guard training could be ready in about a year. The U.S. Senate announced the approval of the first phase of the new Operational Readiness Training Complex at the northern New York fort. The $46.4 million first phase consists of a battalion compound that will include a headquarters and an enlisted soldier barracks that will house up to 700 people. The new training area will replace World War II-era buildings.More