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November 21, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

Army opens career paths to Reserve officers
Warrant officers in the National Guard and Army Reserve can apply for transfer to the Regular Army through the 2013 Call to Active Duty program. In particular, the Army is looking for candidates with expertise in science, technology, engineering and math. Army Times (11/20)

In the Pentagon

Gaza crisis threatens U.S. relations with key allies
Fighting between Gaza Strip-based Hamas militants and Israeli forces in recent days has strained U.S. relations with Turkey and Egypt, two of America's strongest allies in the region. A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was announced today by Egypt Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr. The Washington Post (11/19) , The Wall Street Journal (11/21)

On the Hill

Lieberman skeptical that defense bill will pass this year
Senate Committee on Armed Services member Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said this week that it would be difficult for Congress to pass a defense authorization bill before the end of the year. Senators from both sides of the aisle have filed or are preparing to file amendment motions to the bill that could delay a final decision. Roll Call (free content) (11/19) , Politico (Washington, D.C.) (11/20)

Service Section News

Marines welcome fifth 4-star general
The Marine Corps got its fifth four-star general Monday when Marine Lt. Gen. John Kelly added a star and assumed control of the U.S. Southern Command. The addition gives the branch the highest number of four-star generals in its history. AOL Defense (11/20)

Navy deploys warships to waters off Israel
The Navy's USS Iwo Jima, New York and Gunston Hall warships are being deployed to the coast of Israel with Marines aboard. "This is being done as a precautionary measure to allow the Marine team to respond to any crisis or contingency, whatever is out there. It is a prudent measure," said Cmdr. Marc Boyd, spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa. Stars and Stripes (11/20)

Reserve Life

Court case could speed up appeals process for benefit claims
A case that might be heard by the Supreme Court could give the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims more power to issue decisions. The court of appeals often remands cases for further review, which prolongs the appeals process to an average of almost two and a half years, James Dao writes. "There are massive, unconscionable delays in the system," said William Fox, a distinguished scholar at Pennsylvania State University. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/At War blog (11/20)

Army education campaign takes aim at PTSD, TBI myths
Army officials have launched the Hire a Veteran awareness and education program to encourage companies to employ veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD or traumatic brain injury. A Society for Human Resource Management survey found that 42% of employers believe hiring a veteran with PTSD would create challenges. The organization has partnered with the Army on the campaign, which includes a video and an employer toolkit and aims to dispel fears about the impact of PTSD and other conditions on veterans' ability to perform jobs. The Washington Post/Federal Eye blog (11/20)

Editor's Note

SmartBrief will not publish Thursday and Friday
In observance of Thanksgiving in the U.S., SmartBrief will not be published Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22 and 23. Enjoy the holiday!

SmartQuote

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'thank you,' that would suffice."

--Meister Eckhart,
German theologian and philosopher

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