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September 21, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

VA job-training program moves into second phase
The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to fill 54,000 slots for the second phase of its Veterans Retaining Assistance Program after filling 45,000 openings in the program's first year. The program provides veterans enrolled in approved schools up to one year of Montgomery GI Bill benefits to learn skills associated with high-demand jobs. Air Force Times(free registration) (9/20)

In the Pentagon

Withdrawal of surge troops from Afghanistan is complete
All 33,000 U.S. troops sent to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of a surge strategy have now left the country, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said today. The surge accomplished its objectives of "reversing the Taliban momentum on the battlefield and dramatically increasing the size and capability" of Afghan security forces, Panetta said. CBS News/The Associated Press (9/21)

Analysis: Afghanistan faces uncertain future after U.S. withdrawal
Afghan National Security Forces have made progress toward becoming self-sufficient, but it's unlikely they will be ready to take over counterinsurgency operations when U.S.-led coalition troops fully withdraw in 2014, security experts say. Afghan military officers say the loss of U.S. air support will make it difficult to transport supplies and will put security forces at a combat disadvantage. USA TODAY (9/20)

On the Hill

House OKs tax relief on forgiven loan debt of troops killed in action
The House voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of legislation that would excuse families of service members who have been killed in action from paying taxes on forgiven student loans. The Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act, which still needs to pass the Senate, would be retroactive to the start of the Afghan war on Oct. 7, 2001. Stars and Stripes/Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tenn.) (9/20)

Reserve Strength

Democrats want to work on sequestration through recess
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., are asking House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to cancel lawmakers' six-week recess to work on preventing sequestration budget cuts. "[B]efore we return to our districts we must pass a comprehensive and balanced plan to prevent sequestration and responsibly reduce the deficit," the Democratic leaders said in a letter this week to Boehner. Defense News (9/20)

Reserve Life

Proposed changes in non-VA care raise questions
A Department of Veterans Affairs plan to overhaul the way veteran care is managed outside VA facilities is being questioned by Congress and the VA's inspector general's office. The Patient-Centered Community Care program would make services available through provider networks. Air Force Times(free registration) (9/20)

New laws in Calif. expand benefits for veterans
California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed 18 bills that aim to enhance benefits for veterans and their families related to education, licenses and mental health treatment. Stars and Stripes/The Associated Press (9/21)

SmartQuote

Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there."

--Virginia Burden Tower,
American writer

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