Deployment Essentials, LLC

Category: Tips

5 Signs You Need Executive Protection

If your business is big, you probably want to ensure security. You’re probably also asking yourself why you should choose executive protection.

Many businesses invest a lot of money in safety. You’re probably wondering why are companies willing to dedicate so much time and spend so much money on safety. We’ve written this article to give you some reasons why you need to take into account some executive security services for your organization.

The first step you need to take is to conduct a risk analysis. Make sure you take a look in your firm and see who the target might be – most likely those who are really important for the business. Ask some questions, like “Were they ever attacked?”, “do they go to dangerous places?”, “which are the attacks that they are vulnerable at?”.

After you have identified the persons who need protection, you need to get to know them more – their public and their private lifestyles, in order to help them reduce the risks. You will need to understand all the details about the life of the person, so that person will need to be cooperative.

After you have learned everything you need to know about that person, you will get a clear picture of the risks you have to face and what are the security factors you need to take. You also need to keep in mind that risks are changing, and you need to establish a level of security for executives, that could be increased at all times if you need to do it.

The entire analysis should begin with their home life, where they spend most of their time, and in the current crime space from their area. see if they have a home security system.

However, keep in mind that some of them will not be happy about someone knowing all of the details of their lives, but there is really nothing you can do in this matter. To make things better for everyone involved, you need to demonstrate to that person why he or she is so important for the company and why it is crucial to have them secured. You can do this by simply searching that person’s name on Google.

You are everywhere on the news

If you are an important person and you have a huge organization, you are probably everywhere on the news. Most people want to avoid exposure to all kind. Executive protection can help you with that.

In case you’re attacked

If you are attacked or harassed, and the threats won’t stop, you’d better get a safety. And if people find out, this might have an impact on your business. If you decide to get executive protection, you will be able to control what the public sees. All the media exposure could be plannedin order to get what you want for the public to see.

Make the leader a good one

Being a good leader means everything for your business. It can unify the business. A bad leader would divide it. It’s important to keep a good leader at the helm – it’s crucial for your business’s future.

The way your business is led can affect your entire organization, especially if we’re talking about a business with large transitions. Security can help in keeping those people in their positions for as long as possible. You can get bodyguards that will help you stop attempts on the lives of the leaders. It’s much more than just alleviating attacks. They can also help in handling medical emergencies. They are the first responders when it comes to a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening situation. This is a huge benefit.

Classified information

You probably want your organization to be the best in your field. This means that you need to be higher than your competition. This means that if crucial info leaks, you will lose some of the advantages that you had when it came to your competition.

Your competition is smart enough to know they need to get to your business leader in order to steal your ideas. If you decide to get executive protection, then you’ll be able to sleep better at night.

The tools you need for success

Stress is definitely one of the factors that limit the productivity of the worker. It’s true, you won’t be able to get rid of all the stress, but if you have executive protection, you can reduce the stress by feeling safe.

For example, when you travel, it is easier to have someone else with you who will make sure you are safe at all times.

Also, daily errands can be done by your security team, and not by you. This way, you’ll also be able to focus on your tasks and responsibilities.

February 15, 2019
6 Things Event Managers Look for In a Security Company

Do you offer security services? And you want more business? It’s time to rethink your approach. If you are not getting enough business, this doesn’t mean your services are subpar. Its possible you are not marketing yourself in the right way.

Following, we are giving you six tips to help fix that.

1. First Aid

It’s good if the security officers are well-armed and prepared for anything. But if they know basic healthcare and how to treat injuries, it will give you a competitive edge. In case someone gets injured, the security officer should be able to use emergency first aid until proper help is available.

Such instances are rare when it comes to event securities, but Frist aid training offers peace of mind.

2. Previous Experience

When it comes to security services, no one is willing to take a change. Therefore, your company should have some previous experience providing security solutions to an industry or an area. Apart from the staffs personal experience on the field, the company must have experience security events.

This shows potential clients that the company is committed and possess the mental capacity to tackle tough situations.

3. Client List

Apart from experience, your company should offer a diverse client list. It will show you are well-versed in different security issues instead of being a single trick pony.

In event security, the ideal company should have experience protecting clients from different backgrounds. Yes, they must have protected business magnates, politicians, athletes, celebrities, social activists and much more.

This shows the company and its team is capable of adapting to any given situation.

4. Army Veterans

The client doesn’t care about the receptionists, or the representative as much as they care about the security officers. If you want the best, make sure your company employs Army Veterans with more than just one duty tour.

It’s true that not every situation needs you to have armed protection, but you better be safe than sorry. Most clients like to have veterans experienced in combat just in case something goes south.

5. Equipment and Uniform

We are not suggesting you spend a fortune updating your arsenal every year. But at least you can make sure your officers are well equipped for any pending situation.

Top Event Security Services equip their staff with Polymer Pistols (probably 9mm), Taser, Pepper Spray, First Aid Kits, Protective gear, and clean uniform. These are the mere basics, but they will impress potential clients. No, you don’t need to go berserk and equip Assault Rifles.

In case you are providing your services in an unstable area, SMGs and Shotguns will suffice. You are not the military.

6. Uniform Options

Well, this doesn’t (or shouldn’t) affect the prowess of your security team but clients love when a security company offers uniform options. It shows they have more control over the team, that’s all.

So instead of buying all blue or black uniforms, you need to invest in a bit and buy some colors that suit your local region, including night scene. Offering Uniform Option will make you a favorite among event organizers.

December 27, 2018
Best Auto Insurance for Military
A person cannot live without being involved with some form of insurance. Today some of the best auto insurance for military personnel is available. However, it is important to be aware of the different aspects that each insurance company has to offer, in order to get a good deal. Insurance is an integral part of an individual’s life.

After life insurance and health insurance, auto insurance is the next popular form of insurance. Being in the armed forces has several advantages, and one benefit is that of military-friendly insurance companies who offer special rates and discounts for military personnel. Let us take a look at some of the leading insurance companies and what each has to offer. This should help to determine the best auto insurance for military personnel.

The USAA office in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

United Services Automobile Association (USAA)

This Texas-based insurance company is also a Fortune 500 Company. Founded in 1924, this company was formed by a group of 25 military personnel at a time when no other insurance companies were willing to insure people from the armed forces. Today, the USAA is the undisputed leader in auto insurance for military members. Some of the key features that this insurance company has to offer are:
- Special discount up to 15% for military members
- Average annual savings over $400
- Accident forgiveness at a nominal monthly premium
- More flexibility in terms of payment options without additional charges
- Superior roadside assistance at USAA-approved garages, nationwide
- Guaranteed renewal
Embed from Getty Images

The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO)

This insurance company has been around since 1936. The company has an exclusive program for the special needs of military personnel. The salient features of GEICO auto insurance for military personnel can be listed as:
- Coverage while overseas
- Up to 15% discount for military personnel
- Emergency deployment discounts
- Storage protection plan for a period up to 30 days
- Dedicated motorcycle insurance program
- Wide range of third-party insurance coverage options
- Provision for covering legal charges in case of a lawsuit
Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)

One of the oldest Military-friendly insurance companies in the United States, this insurance company was started in 1887. The AFI offers a variety of special features specially tailored for members of the armed forces:
- All members of the armed forces are eligible
- Loss of wages coverage due to accident and injury
- Exclusive personal injury protection
- Comprehensive cover for damage incurred due to non-vehicle related causes
- Reimbursement for loss from vehicle rental when the vehicle is inoperable
- Towing charge refund during vehicle breakdown
Navy Federal Credit Union
- Affiliation to MetLife Auto and Home® Group Insurance, this program allows Navy Federal members to avail of special discounts on auto insurance with those two companies.
- Bodily injury coverage
- Personal injury coverage
- Coverage of loss due to damage of property
- Collision coverage
- Coverage for motorists who are uninsured
Esurance Insurance Company

Here is another military-friendly insurance company which specializes in auto insurance for military personnel. Esurance offers a wide range of choices to its customers. The main features are:
- Special cancellation and reinstatement terms and conditions for deployed people
- Provision to add and remove other cars and drivers to the policy
- Options to change coverage in the middle of the policy term
- Quick and easy online access to view and maintain policy information
- Regular alerts and updates through email
- Automatic policy renewal
How do I get the Best Auto Insurance for Military?

Here, there are two aspects to be considered. The first aspect is that of consensus, based on public opinion and the track record of each auto insurance company. Secondly, the specific needs of an individual customer have to be taken into consideration. So, an auto insurance company gets graded on two levels – popularity and specific requirements. Based on these two parameters, we can rank auto insurance companies as follows:

USAA

This company is undisputedly one that provides the best auto insurance for military, with the best prices that no other company can seem to beat. When you call other companies for quotes and if you tell them you are a current USAA customer, they pretty much know they can’t beat USAA’s prices. USAA only caters to military personnel and their families, whereas a lot of other military-minded insurance companies also sell insurance nationwide. An inside advantage is that the services of this company can be passed down the family. If your grandfather was in the military and had a USAA auto insurance policy, you are automatically entitled to one. And, as an added bonus, USAA has an extensive and well-trained customer service staff that even refers to you by rank, when you are on active duty.

GEICO

The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) could be rated as number two at least in terms of overall popularity in terms of the best value and overall customer service. According to reviews, there were cases where customers were satisfied with reduced payments for the same coverage and service quicker than expected. One satisfied customer states, “I’ve been with GEICO for 27 years. I get a lot of junk mail to change companies all the time, and all I can do is giggle. GEICO is what I like in an insurance company…reliable, passionate, caring, informative, reasonably priced, and fair.” GEICO is a good second choice, especially if the service member or veteran has had a bad experience or simply does not want to go with USAA.

Armed Forces Insurance

Based on its capacity to deliver quality auto insurance services to a niche area, the US Military, the AFI is a clear choice and comes out among the best four companies in the market. Based on the popularity also, this company can easily be ranked at least number four. Says a retired air force Master Sergeant, “Whatever our situation is, Armed Forces Insurance is always there to help us. We get prompt and professional responses, with good advice and information to questions we didn’t even know we needed to ask. We always appreciate the customer service representatives from all the different service departments/areas.”

Navy Federal Credit Union

This insurance company is easily among the best five companies and could easily qualify as number three. The company is a well-established and trusted one, but a word of caution – the customer service department is not up to the mark. However, the general impression is a good one, summed up in the words of Scott from Plattsburgh, New York, “Navy Federal has been AWESOME to me and my family!!!!”

Esurance

Although not as top notch, Esurance is still a reliable car insurance company and could rate as number five, largely due to the flexible options available to customers. Shannon, a working mother, had a minor accident which was settled (including towing and repairs) within 45 minutes. By the time she reached the Esurance office, all the paperwork was completed, and she just had to sign the documents. Shannon says, “It’s going to be OK, they said, and those are the words that took everything away.”

Summing it up

Of course there are also other insurance companies like Travelers, Farmers, Nationwide, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and several other big names. It is always good to shop around, you never know when one of them may be running a special.

If you are a member of the US Armed forces, there are lots of options open to you for auto insurance. Here we have highlighted five of the best insurance companies in the United States, which should, we hope, make your task of finding the best auto insurance for military a lot easier. In the end, start with USAA as a reference point, then try GEICO and the other ones mentioned above to get a good understanding of prices and options.
November 19, 2014
Military Tuition – What You Need to Know
Just because you are a member of the armed forces, it does not mean that educational prospects need to be restricted – you are entitled to significant military tuition assistance. In fact, not only can you pursue your education after joining the military, but Congress has empowered each individual department of the armed forces with the capacity to pay up to 100% of the tuition fees for their personnel.

Another interesting fact is that if the TA benefit of an individual is not fully utilized, it can be shared with their family members. This sharing option is a new development which was not available to military personnel prior to the “Post 9/11 GI Bill”.

Here, we take a look at some of the ways in which a person can avail of their military tuition assistance entitlement. There are conditions attached for availing these benefits, so we also discuss that aspect.

Military Tuition with the Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the latest GI Bill for military tuition, and it mostly includes features of the previous GI bills, with a few new additions. This bill’s benefits are available to all military personnel who have a remaining aggregate of at least 90 days, after 10 September 2001. If a person chooses to avail of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for military tuition, they have to elect for the program by submitting an application in writing through form VA Form 22-1990. This form can also be submitted online on www.gibill.va.gov.

US Navy 090714-N-2468S-001 Robert Bailey, a veterans benefits coordinator for the Biloxi Veterans Hospital, briefs active duty Sailors and retirees on the new Post 9-11 GI Bill at Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Features of the Post 9/11 GI Bill

The salient features of military tuition under this program are:
- 100% fees are paid to your institution if your course is for 36 months or if you have 30 continuous days and are discharged through a service-related disability.
- Other than the above conditions, a percentage will be paid.
- An annual stipend of up to $1,000 is paid for books and supplies.
- Tuition fees are paid directly to the educational institution.
- A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is available to residential students (but not for those military personnel who are on active duty).
There is a list of the various courses available for military tuition on the official website of the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

The normal eligibility for military tuition assistance is 36 months and is available to an individual over a period of 15 years.

One new feature of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is transfer of benefits to spouses and dependents. You can transfer unused benefits to your spouse or dependent, usually on the condition that you agree to at least another four years of service.

Another new feature is the Yellow Ribbon Program. The basic concept of this program is that the concerned institution makes a contribution to the tuition fees which are matched by a contribution made by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill also now includes members of the National Guard, although the Coast Guard Reserve members are not included.

English: CORONADO, Calif. (April 29, 2011) Beth Juachon, a Veterans Affairs military services coordinator, explains details of the Montgomery G.I. Bill for active-duty service members to Naval Special Warfare Sailors at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. The Post 9/11 Montgomery G.I. Bill offers tuition and fees, yearly books and supplies, and a monthly housing allowance to qualified service members. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Megan N. Anuci/Released) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Montgomery GI Bill

Another alternative to military tuition is the Montgomery GI bill. Passed in 1984, this was a path-breaking advancement in the history of military tuition assistance. The basic eligibility to the Montgomery GI Bill is that an active member of the military contributes $100.00 per month to the program for a year. There are two categories for those eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).

Who is eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill?

You are eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill if you have:
- Paid $100 per month for the first year of your active duty
- Completed high school or equivalent
- Completed a minimum of two years of active duty
Although the Montgomery GI Bill is a great benefit for active service members of the military, it is also important to realize its limitations which are compensated for in the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The advantages of the latter bill are transfer of benefits to a spouse and other family members, MHA, the Yellow Ribbon Program and the inclusion of the National Guard to the program.

Yokosuka, Japan (March 21, 2006) – Seaman Ruth Pipke assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Clinnt Favo assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, fill out the required forms for tuition assistance at the Navy College Office, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The Navy’s College Program offers Sailors the opportunity to receive tuition assistance for up to twelve credit hours per year. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Crystal Brooks (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Other Alternatives to Military Tuition

Although the programs offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs are great sources of military tuition assistance, if you still have further requirements, you may like to consider vocational rehab funding or loans.

Vocational Rehab Funding

Although not specifically designed to cater to the needs of the US Military, this program called Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants founded and sustained by the US Department of Education. However, this program is meant for people with physical or mental disabilities. There is a fair percentage of military personnel with physical disabilities that could be eligible for this program. Grants are given on the basis of the extent of the disability.

Loans, Private and Public

The US Department of Education runs a department known as Federal Student Aid, which covers the specific needs of military personnel. Some of the highlights of these loans are:
- Special interest rates of 6% during periods of active duty
- Military Service Deferment (loan repayment can be postponed during or just after active duty)
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (Subject to conditions, part of the loan is waived)
- 0% interest while serving in a hostile area
- Part or whole loan repayment by the Department of Defense under certain conditions
- Heroes Act Waiver
- Discharge of student federal loans for disabled personnel
Private Military Tuition Assistance

If there are some specific educational requirements which are not covered under the programs mentioned above, you might have to seek a private educational loan. Although the interest rates may be higher, there are special rates for military personnel, and there are some other added benefits. However, caution should be exercised while registering for a private loan as all private lenders are not military-friendly.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, it is possible to continue with education while still in military service. Moreover, you can avail of benefits even after leaving the Armed Forces. It’s just a matter of choosing a suitable program and getting the paperwork in place. You can soon be well on the way to improve your career options, once you enroll with a program that provides you suitable military tuition assistance for earning your degree.
November 17, 2014
Mesothelioma Navy Veterans – Tips to Help Your Claim
Between 1930 and 1970, asbestos was used heavily in several areas of the US Army, US Air Force, and the Marine Corps and mostly in the US Navy, over the years, resulting in mesothelioma Navy veterans. Millions of people who served in their respective military units were exposed to asbestos over the legal permissible limits. In fact, for most of the period, the hazard of asbestos was not even known, meaning that for quite a time during this period, there were no threshold limits to asbestos exposure at all. It was in the early seventies that asbestos began to get banned from use in various fields. But the damage had already been done. And, here is the fatal twist in the tale of asbestos exposure by Navy Veterans.

The symptoms of excessive exposure to asbestos manifest themselves after decades. So, even if a person were exposed to asbestos during the course of their service tenure in the armed forces, the symptoms of any asbestos-related disease would only appear several years after they returned to civilian life. This occurrence has led to numerous court cases featuring Navy veterans.

English: Mesothelioma of the left lower lung. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are restrictions imposed on military personnel and their families who seek compensation from the US armed forces, by law, specifically outlined on the “Feres Doctrine”. Due to this reason, there is very little public information regarding mesothelioma claims for navy veterans. Although some cases have been cited, there is no specific information available, and usually names and dates are not publicized.

However, there was a recent case which came to light, where a law firm by the name of Weitz & Luxenberg managed to get a sizeable settlement for a Navy veteran from 26 companies who had supplied asbestos material to the Navy. The specific details are not available, but the amount that the court instructed to be awarded to the family of the Navy veteran who died in 2011 was a total of $10 million.

Although Navy veterans are unable to enter into litigation against the US Navy, it is possible to get a settlement through the Department of Veteran Affairs, VA. There is great activity in the in the area of VA compensation, and we highlight later in the article the benefits that are available from this department for Navy Veterans afflicted with asbestos-related diseases and how one can avail of these benefits.

An aerial view of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) in a graving dock at the shipyard Long Beach Naval Shipyard, California (USA), on 6 October 1993. Moored in the background are the amphibious assault ships USS Essex (LHD-2), left, and USS Tarawa (LHA-1), right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

History of Asbestos Exposure in the Navy

By the 1970s, the hazards of exposure to asbestos became known and its use was discontinued on naval vessels. However, the vessels still continued to be used, and the Navy personnel onboard those ships continued to be exposed to this hazardous substance. This was further exacerbated during the process of renovation or demolition of these ships. Boilermakers, boiler tenders and boiler technicians were considered to be the highest risk group, due to the excessive use of asbestos in boiler rooms.

Another high-risk group was the sailors who slept in bunks beneath pipes that were covered with asbestos. Over an extended period, these men would have inhaled very high levels of asbestos.

High reliance on asbestos for building materials during the early years is another cause for concern. For example, residential naval quarters in Klamath County, Oregon were built using a high volume of asbestos sheets. In 2011, the EPA declared these quarters as asbestos contaminated.

VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Free Help is at Hand with the Department of Veterans Affairs

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has a dedicated Mesothelioma Center where VA-Accredited Claims Agents are available to give free advice and assistance on Mesothelioma claims. These agents are retired Navy officers, so they have a good grasp of the ins and outs of VA claims with a specific focus on Mesothelioma cases. These agents provide an effective bridge of communication between Navy veterans, their families and the VA. This speeds up the process of getting VA claims under way.

How do I file a VA Claim?

The best way to file a VA claim is to log on to benefits.va.gov and follow the steps to file a VA Claim. You need to follow the steps mentioned below, to ensure that your claim is valid.
- First, you will need to document your service, get your medical records, document any doctor visits you have taken, and ensure you have all your Navy documentation showing the ships you served on.
- Then you should seek one of the representatives at the VA mentioned on their website (above), or go to a VA Hospital near you to help you to file your claim.
- If you need help filing a claim, contact one of the Veteran Service Organizations who volunteer to help vets with their packet submission. Some notable ones are Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warriors.
- Once you tried all of these and if you are still having trouble, you could always Google a mesothelioma claim lawyer to help you. But they don’t come cheap and will take a good chunk of your benefits over the next few years.
Social Security Benefits for Mesothelioma Navy Veterans

If a person has made payments to Social Security and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, they will be able to get Social Security benefits. The condition is, however that they should not already be taking retirement benefits from Social Security. Several claims are reviewed individually, but in the case of Mesothelioma, the disease is considered to be severe enough to receive Social Security benefits without much delay.

Mesothelioma Benefits from Medicaid

Medicaid is another viable source of getting benefits for those suffering from Mesothelioma. Medicaid is usually applicable to the lower income bracket, but then, a major chunk of retired Navy personnel do come under this category. Your VA disability and any other entitlement programs you receive typically do not count toward your income when calculating Medicaid income thresholds. The process for claiming Medicaid assistance is quite similar to that involved in claiming Social Security benefits.

Conclusion

So, in retrospect, it becomes quite clear that even though this deadly disease, mesothelioma manifests itself literally decades after the last exposure to asbestos, there are sufficient legal channels for getting assistance and be awarded a settlement. Hence, Navy veterans who fall ill to mesothelioma and their families should not lose hope, as help is at hand and by following these basic guidelines, it will pave the road for a settlement.
November 6, 2014
Military Online Education – Which Colleges to Choose?

There are several reasons why a person must attend a military online education course instead of an in-class or in person class. They may be posted abroad or working aboard a ship or on some remote location without access to regular facilities for a long period. Hence, with internet access, and with government funding via the Montgomery GI Bill, the GI Bill for the 21^st Century and other military online education funding, an online military degree is a possibility today.

Military online education is much more flexible than regular full-time education. The basic infrastructure consists of email, message boards, chat rooms, compact discs and many more multimedia aids. Attending a military online education course for just a couple of hours each day could result in earning a respectable degree within a short period.

Today, there are several colleges that offer military online education, and it can prove to be quite a difficult task to select a college suitable to specific, individual requirements when it comes to distance education. Here we take a look at some of the top colleges which offer military online education, which should help a person in making a suitable choice.

Choosing the Right University

Enrolling for an online degree is not like joining a regular university, where you get to visit the campus, meet the faculty members and even get a guided tour around the campus. You are dealing with people you have never met or may never meet. Due the unknown factor, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution before signing up for a course.

If you are looking for a “military friendly” university, there are some vital issues that need to be addressed. In short, you should check to see if the school has a military culture, whether financial assistance is available if there is enough flexibility and most importantly, whether adequate support services are in place.

You need to ask questions like if classes are held on base or not, are transfer credits from other universities possible and whether active duty students get “in-state” tuition or not. You can visit guidetoonlineschools.com which has an exhaustive list of online universities where you can compare the pros and cons of one against another.

Here, we have filtered the options down to some of the universities that are best-recommended by virtue of their reviews.

Bowling Green State University

This is by far one of the highest recommended online universities. Bowling Green State University offers more than 35 online programs in the various categories of bachelor degrees, master degrees and endorsement programs. There is a dedicated department which looks into matters regarding transfer of existing credits from other universities. The university has an excellent faculty, which has national and international experts who are available to distance education students whenever required.

Reviews

The feedback received about this university is that because it is not too huge, personalized attention is possible for each student. According the EDU in Review, “BGSU offers distance education, which is an innovative form of education where technology is used to facilitate the learning process via the internet.”

Capella University

Here is another university offering various degrees in business, technical and criminal Justice, as well as in homeland security. Capella University got mentioned in the G.I. Jobs Magazine in 2010. It was categorized as a Military Friendly School. The State of Minnesota has named Capella University a “Yellow Ribbon” organization. Therefore, a person with a military background will be comfortable in pursuing a degree from this university.

Reviews

This university has some rather good reviews on the internet. The consensus is that the courses are challenging and on par with the level of difficulty faced while pursuing a full-time course. There has also been a good amount of positive feedback from housewives who wished to pursue their higher studies after having a family. An anonymous poster on onlinedegreereviews.org, “Am loving my Ph.D. and so proud that Capella is my alma mater!”

Colorado Technical University

This university offers technical and business degrees with the addition of criminal Justice and security. The Colorado Technical University does not offer the range of degrees that some other universities offer, but it makes up for this shortfall with the degree of specialization that is offered under each course. It is, however, a military friendly institution.

Reviews

The reviews on Colorado Technical University are largely positive. Of course, there are a few negative ones as well, but positive reviews seem to out-rank the negative ones. Says police officer Matthew Vincent Blackstock, “I really enjoyed my time there and it assisted me in obtaining a position as a Criminal Investigator in a State Police agency in Texas”.

Drexel University

This university has conducted online education programs for over ten years, now. If you want to specialize in business technology, Drexel University is the place to go. However, the quality of degrees offered in general studies, criminal justice, education and communications are also superb. It is also possible to study for certain offbeat degrees like property management. Drexel University has a very good reputation for its professionalism and is highly respected among business circles.

Reviews

It has been pointed out that this university is expensive, but then, it has also been stressed that it is a highly professional institution with well-qualified instructors. The negative feedback is that the faculty is rather old-fashioned, but those who were able to adjust to the teaching culture had an overall good learning experience.

University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts is a well-known university has a remarkably vast range of distance education programs to offer. Not only does the University of Massachusetts have all the required courses in the business and technical category, it also has several other degrees in fields like liberal arts and journalism among several other courses and specializations. There is a lot of flexibility in the learning pattern, which allows the student to organize their study in a highly personal and customized way.

Reviews

The general opinion of those who have attended the online courses of the University of Massachusetts is that it is a good university, compared with the rest. The online site thebestcolleges.org highlights the fact that the faculty is made up of national award winners of prizes like the Pulitzer, the Draper (for excellence in engineering) and even some Nobel laureates.

The Final Analysis of Military Online Education

With the plethora of universities offering military online education today, one has to be very careful in choosing a university that will be suitable to you in all respects and above all, will be military friendly. Once you have enrolled with the school, you don’t want to be looking to transfer to another one within a year. With all this in mind, and seeing the success rate of several universities, it is possible to come out on top with a degree of your choice, and have a good studying experience with a course in military online education.

October 25, 2014
3 Ways to Reduce Your Military Moving Woes

Military life, to include military moving, can be very stressful. From deployments, promotions, training and field time, service members and their families have quite a bit to juggle during day to day life. Of all of the things that service members and their families have to deal with, a permanent change of station (PCS) can instantly invoke dread in even the most stalwart of veteran families.

Why?

Housing.

Upon receipt of PCS orders, the fun begins. Off to transportation to arrange for shipping, checking availability of on-post housing, and then the two biggest questions for folks who already own their home. Where are we going to live at our new assignment, and what are we going to do with our current home?

Owning a house is a challenge for military personnel because military assignment cycles happen during the summer. Orders usually come after the the springtime, which is the best time to sell a house. This forces service members to usually buy a house when prices peak in the mid to late summer.

What a headache!

So here are a few tips on preparing for your move.

List early

On his morning talk show in Washington DC, Real Estate guru Eric Stewart recommends that homeowners list as soon as they know they have to move. Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting until everything is “perfect” before they list.

I made this same mistake in 2010, and it cost me thousands. So if you are absolutely determined to sell, find a realtor who can advise you on the things to get fixed while your house is listed, and take advantage of an early market.

In many cases, renting your home may be a better option than selling it. Most rental markets around military bases are strong (meaning that there is a large demand and small supply), so you can generally cover your mortgage, and the property management fees with a lease. Make sure to set aside money for maintenance issues, and be picky about who you get to manage your property.

Send out your advanced party

There is only so much that you can learn from Zillow and other real estate data mining sites. Remember one thing about a listing on a home, the pictures will not give you the whole story.

While we were getting ready for our move to Virginia, my wife and I scoured various real estate websites for a nice rental. We simply weren’t in a position to buy, nor were we ready to settle in the area. We found a nice house on a 1.5 acre lot in a quiet neighborhood.

Awesome!

We signed the lease, sight unseen. Well, the pictures didn’t do a good job showing the massive gutter in the front yard, and the steep creek bed in the back yard. For a family with two kids and two dogs, this was a difficult transition. (And it was a pain to mow!)

If at all possible, send your spouse to check out the local housing market and work with an area realtor. If not, find a trusted friend or family member to do your recon. You’ll be glad you did.

Avoid long term leases

Finally, there is a certain allure to signing a long-term lease with either a potential tenant for your house, or a prospective landlord. While turning over tenants is often stressful, it forces you to keep up with the maintenance of your home. By doing so, you maintain its value and protect your investment.

If you lock yourself into a long term lease, you rob yourself of the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. I recommend keeping yourself on a yearly lease cycle, but make sure that you can lock in your lease rate with your landlord if you renew.

So, there you go. There is a great deal more, but the bottom line, like any military operation, moving takes research, recon, and planning.

Good luck, and contact us at Garry Owen Homes if you find yourself moving into the National Capital Region. We’ll take care of you and give you a free consultation regarding your transition need.

August 12, 2014
6 Tips For Those Transitioning Out of the Military

Transitioning out of the military is becoming a hot topic these days. Recently, 1,100 Army captains and 550 Army majors received word that they are being released from the military early. Secretary Chuck Hagel proposed a plan in February to drop the active Army by 130,000 troops (from 570,000 to 440,000 troops). Most of these officers and a lot of the noncommissioned officers (NCOs) had planned to stay 20 years in the Army so that they can receive their full retirement and medical benefits but are being released early and therefore cannot meet their full retirement.

As someone who transitioned out of the Army in 2008, I have some tips I would like to share with my fellow soon-to-be veterans. First of all, you are all heroes. I salute you and would personally like to thank you for your service. If you were hit by this draw down, know that it has happened to a first class group of officers and NCOs. You all have been through a lot and are the best this nation has to offer.

Without further ado, here are the tips.

Keep Your Medical Records

When you are going through out processing, keep all your medical records. You will need them time and time again and the military will lose them time and time again. Between the medical clinic, the hospital, the VA, Human Resources Command, and the National Guard or Army Reserve, someone is going to lose your records. So when it comes time to turn your records in, make a photo copy and turn in the photo copy. Keep all originals.

Consider the National Guard or Army Reserve

When you get out of the Army, you are losing your basic allowance for housing (BAH), your basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), your Commissary benefits, your PX/BX benefits, your medical benefits, your dental benefits, your retirement and any other benefits that go along with your service. That is a big hit to take and to make up for on such short notice. Healthcare coverage on the outside of the military is running $800 a month with a $10K deductible – not very attractive or worth it. If you join the reserve component, you will have access to ~$200 a month Tricare Reserve Select that has a very generous reimbursement plan. You will receive $700ish a month from one weekend a month as well. Plus, you get to serve your country again and have the comradery, which are usually things people miss (I know I do). Lastly and finally, you earn points toward getting retirement you worked so hard to try and obtain while active. The reserve component uses a points system and those with active duty time do very well once they hit 20 years.

Apply for an Advanced Degree Now

Use the Post 9-11 GI Bill. They help you with BAH and with full funding of your degree. Whatever level you are, you can go to school for up to 3 years. I personally recommend an executive MBA program (like the one at the University of South Florida) if you can get into one. That type of program is tailored toward those who are working professionals and meet on weekends or once every two weeks. This way you can earn a living and you can get your degree. The MBA is a very versatile and respectable degree that can be used to help you in any industry or as an entrepreneur. I recommend finding where you want to go now so that you can apply and know where you are going. This will give you an idea for your job search and where you want your residence.

Get on LinkedIn

To help you with your job search, LinkedIn is a great resource. Besides that it helps you connect with your network, other professionals, and recruiters, it also helps you learn what people are doing and what credentials and experience they have. It is a good measuring tool to help you gauge yourself. LinkedIn offers a free 1 year premium membership that helps you stand out above the crowd. Also, you should add as many people from your past from high school, college, every unit you have ever been in, family, friends, etc. Also add me, (Spence Rogers) I would gladly accept your invite. Be careful to only add people you know. And, you send up to 3,000 invites before you hit your limit. However, you can also request for more invites once you hit that point and LinkedIn usually gives you 3,000 more. Fill your profile out with everything you can. Take a look at mine and you will see how complete it is. Get endorsements by endorsing other people (they will turn around and do it for you). Most importantly, if you are seeking a job (which most will be), put “Seeking New Opportunity” or “Available for Job Opportunities” in your description tag line that shows up under your name. This will let recruiters know you are available for hire.

Reach out to Military Recruiters

The big two military recruiting companies are Lucas Group and Orion International. They have special relationships with Fortune 500 and 100 companies that can quickly help you get placed. Most major corporations have military recruiting departments. Reach out to them too. One key point, you will want to pick up the phone, not just send a bunch of emails. A phone call makes you more real to the recruiter and to the hiring manager. Here are some companies to check out that have military sections for their HR:

Walmart
USAA
Amazon.com

Here is a more comprehensive list of 100 companies that are friendly to military.

Square Away Your Real Estate Requirements

If you have a house you are needing to get out of or you are needing to buy one, call my friend and fellow veteran Eric Balough. He is CEO of Garry Owen Homes, a real estate investment company. He will give you all sorts of advice and will assist you with your real estate needs. His company is tailored for military real estate requirements. Also once you figure out where you want to live, it may be a good idea to use your VA Home Loan if you haven’t used it yet. Mortgage rates are at an all time low and there is no telling how long this will last.

Is there anything I forgot about transitioning out of the military? Do you have any other tips or updates for us? Please tell us below.

August 9, 2014