Banner Health Plans (BHP) is committed to supporting Veterans, Military Service members, their families, and caregivers. As part of our ongoing commitment, we aim to empower you with resources that will ensure our provider network and community partners are equipped with tools to support bridging and connecting our Veterans, Military Service members, their families, and caregivers to supports and services to best meet their needs.
BeConnected
BHP has partnered with Arizona Coalition for Military Families | BeConnected. BeConnected is the Arizona state approved Veteran resource provider. The BeConnected team provides quality resources for Veterans, Military Service members, family members and caregivers, as well as provide trainings to help aide other individuals within the Veteran space. BeConnected offers resources and supports that cover the entire spectrum of the Social Determinates of Health (SDoH) | Health Related Social Needs (HRSN).
Help us continue to ensure our BHP Veterans, Military Service members, their family members and caregivers are getting connected to the right resources at the right time by using the BHP specific referral link when referring our members to BeConnected.
Basic Military Acronyms List
Every culture throughout history has had their own unique language. The military is no different. It is important to know how to communicate with our military service members, veterans, and their families. Here is a little help on understanding some of the more commonly used acronyms by our military service members, veterans, and their families.
- AFB – Air Force Base. Designation used to identify Air Force Bases.
- AFSC – Air Force Specialty Code. This is the same as MOS but specific to the Air Force
- Article 15 – Non-Judicial Punishment. This term describes punishment issued by a commander for infractions that does not meet the standard of a court martial proceeding.
- ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This is the aptitude test taken by services members before they enter service which helps them find a focused skill within the military.
- BAH – Base Allowance for Housing. This is a financial housing entitlement for those individuals living off post or off base.
- BAS – Base Allowance for Sustenance. This term is a financial food entitlement for those who are living off base or off post.
- BX/PX – Base Exchange/Post Exchange. This is the on base shopping center. Much like a Target or Walmart, but with no sale taxes.
- COLA – Cost of Living Allowance. This is a financial entitlement used to offset the increased costs of living overseas.
- CONUS – Inside the Continental United States. This term is used to describe being stationed inside the continental U.S.
- DD214 – Record of Service. This form is the record of service for all veterans. It is the proof of service, containing the record of decorations, locations served at, as well as the discharge status. Discharge status can be Honorable, General, or Dishonorable. A Dishonorable Discharge can only be given by a guilty verdict from Court Martial proceedings.
- DEERS - Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting Systems. This is the database to active duty, guard, reserve and retired individuals and their family members showing eligibility for Tricare.
- DOD – Department of Defense. This is the main governing body for the armed forces, except the U.S. Coast Guard which falls under the Department of Homeland Security.
- EPR – Enlisted Performance Report. This is an annual performance report of USAF enlisted members.
- FITREP – Fitness Report. This is an annual performance report for U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy personnel.
- FOB – Forward Operating Base. This is an operating location isolated from larger military installations located with the battlespace.
- LES – Leave and Earning Statement. This is a service members pay stub. It contains many of the same things that are on a civilian pay stub like, allowances and deductions as well as the number of available vacation days.
- MCAS – Marine Corps Air Station. The designation used for Marine Corps Air Bases
- MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Stations. This is where all service members receive physical exams, take the ASVAB, and swear into their respective services before entering basic training.
- MOS – Military Occupational Specialty. This term describes an alpha numeric code the links to a military specialty or job.
- NAS – Naval Air Station. The Designation used for U.S. Navy Air Bases
- NCO – Non-Commissioned Officer. This is a mid-level enlisted member. E-5 or E-6
- OCONUS – Outside the Continental United States. This term is used to describe being stationed outside of the continental U.S. Which includes places like Alaska and Hawaii.
- OHA – Overseas Housing Allowance. This term is the same as BAH but for those stationed overseas.
- OP – Outpost. Much the same as a FOB, only much smaller and minimally manned.
- OPR – Officer Performance Report. This is an annual performance report for USAF officers.
- OPSEC – Operational Security. This term is used to describe the security measures used to maintain secrecy around an operation, mission, or task.
- PCS – Permanent Change of Station. This is a term used to describe moving from one base to another. This could be from on place to another in the same state or even a move to the other side of the world.
- PT – Physical Training. This term describes the act of exercising while in the military.
- SNCO – Senior Non-Commissioned Officer. This is a senior enlisted member. E-7 thru E-9
- TDY – Temporary Duty. This term is used to describe going to a different location for a small amount of time for work.
- TSP – Thrift Savings Plan. This is a financial investment entitlement.
- UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice. This is the governing regulation for all service members. It is the laws that are applicable while they are servicing in the military.