The Army C. ombat Fitness Test was scheduled to become the test of record on Oct. 1, but it is suspended due to gym closures amidst COVID-19. The suspension is until further notice and the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is still the standard, so those passing scores are valid for use. These measures are also to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
2. AUSA Discounts
With so many of us working and learning from home this week, it’s a great time to use your AUSA member discounts at Apple, Dell and HP. The Apple discount is 2-10 percent off almost all of the products on their website. The Dell discount is 3-5 percent PLUS an additional 10 percent off coupon. HP’s member savings program provides a variety of special deals for members only. You’ll also find $60 in savings at Costco, 15 percent off 1-800-PetMeds, up to $84 off Blue Apron meals, 15 percent off Columbia Sportswear, 20 percent off Keurig pods, 25 percent off KIND snacks, 15 percent off Spalding products, 20 percent off at The Honest Company, 20 percent off Vista Print and much more. Visit www.ausa.org/savings and click their logos to learn more about the discounts.
3. Tenants’ Rights
The Defense Department is putting final touches on a tenants’ rights pledge for military families living in privatized military housing. The policy requires having working appliances, meeting health and environmental standards, providing prompt and professional maintenance and repair, and having easily understandable leases that lay out fees, set a process for resolving disputes and identify the military tenant advocate for each installation.
The Tenant Bill of Rights is scheduled to take effect May 1 after a few more details are resolved, including providing a maintenance history to families before they move in, creating a dispute resolution process, and maybe letting tenants withhold rent under some circumstances.
4. National Army Museum Opening Delayed
On April 16, the U.S. Army announced it will postpone the museum’s June 4 public opening. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, some of the exhibit gallery finishing work was suspended, impacting the project timeline. The museum will open when the conditions can ensure the health and safety of museum visitors and staff, and the museum is ready to begin daily operations.
5. Virtual Hope Box: Mobile app may offer hope in times of distress
Covid -19 has individuals connecting more on their smartphone. A mobile app on their device may offer a way for the military community to cope with the changes to their daily lives brought on by COVID-19. Virtual Hope Box is one mobile app solution that may help. The award-winning app provides users with an opportunity to manage distress in a personalized and immediately accessible way.