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January 30, 2013

News for Reservists

Top Story

Allen: Afghan forces are prepared to take over security
Afghan forces will be ready to take the lead on security operations in the spring, when violence in the region typically becomes more frequent, says Marine Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. The Afghan troops "are further along in their capabilities than we had anticipated, and I'm very comfortable frankly with their being in the lead in 2013," Allen said. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (1/30)

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In the Pentagon

Pentagon wants to upgrade armored vehicles
The Pentagon is looking to upgrade escape hatches on 500 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles as troops in Afghanistan contend with massive roadside bombs. The escape hatches would make it easier to rescue troops in vehicles that have been hit by explosions powerful enough to flip them over. USA Today (1/28)

On the Hill

Lawmaker backs increased mental health care access for veterans
Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, would like veterans to be able to look beyond VA hospitals to the Tricare network of service providers for timely access to mental health care. Miller believes increasing the availability of providers could help combat the rising number of veteran suicides. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (1/29)

Kerry is confirmed as secretary of state in 94-3 vote
The Senate voted 94-3 to confirm President Barack Obama's nomination of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to be the next U.S. secretary of state, replacing Hillary Clinton. Fellow senators said Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and the son of a diplomat, has been preparing for the job his entire life. Kerry will have a major role in deciding whether the government approves the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada. Reuters (1/29) , The Christian Science Monitor (1/29) , Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/The Associated Press (1/29)

Service Section News

Italians recover apparent wreckage from missing F-16
Italian search teams have discovered what is believed to be wreckage from an F-16 that disappeared off the coast of Italy on Monday during a training exercise. A search is still under way to find the pilot, Capt. Lucas Gruenther. Stars and Stripes (1/28)

Reserve Life

Tricare changes will go into effect Friday
Prescription copayments for Tricare members are set to increase on Friday. Copays for prescriptions at retail pharmacies will increase to $17, and copays for drugs not listed in Tricare's formulary will increase to $44. Air Force Times (free registration) (1/28)

SmartQuote

Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

--Malachy McCourt,
Irish-American actor, writer and politician

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