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U.S. Air Force News

  • Fight against holiday depression

    The holiday season is viewed by many celebrants as a time of "peace on earth" and a sudden influx of packages through the post office.But for some servicemembers deployed during the holidays, peace and packages might be hard to find, or replaced entirely by depression or even thoughts of suicide.

  • Air Guard top enlisted Airman addresses force

    The training and experience level of the Air National Guard's enlisted force has expanded during the past decade and, as a result it, has made considerable contributions to both the overseas and domestic missions, said the Air Guard's top enlisted leader Nov. 18."In the E-1 to E-4 category,

  • Council works to end life insurance compensation confusion

    A special advisory council has agreed to provide family members and survivors of fallen servicemembers and deceased veterans more options for how they receive life insurance compensation.The agreement paved the way to end confusion for survivors and family members of fallen troops, John Gingrich,

  • Nuclear assignments, manning focus of briefings

    Officers and enlisted members assigned to nuclear enterprise and other related career fields will be visited by one of five Air Force Personnel Center teams during the next three months to outline force development, assignments, education and training for the nuclear force.Maj. Gen. Alfred J.

  • Network Integration Center team shapes future of AF cyberspace operations

    The Air Force Network Integration Center may be an organization that many Airmen aren't familiar with, but it has a very significant charter that ultimately affects every Airman, every day.The center, located here at Scott Air Force Base, is a direct reporting unit of Air Force Space Command at

  • World's largest military aviation museum launches virtual tour

    Air Force history buffs now can walk by JFK's Air Force One or the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force from their living rooms. Museum officials recently launched the first phase of an interactive, 360-degree virtual tour available on the museum's website. Users now can

  • Program easing medical separation rolls out forcewide

    A pilot program that eases medical separation and speeds benefit payments for servicemembers too wounded, sick or injured to stay in the military will soon roll out to the entire force. "We are proud that the disability evaluation system is making progress," a senior defense official said this week.

  • VA officials launching new personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are testing a new, personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks. The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled veterans with the most relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility. In essence, each handbook will be written

  • Cyber attacks present 'huge' threat, Gates says

    Leaders are taking steps to bring defense industrial and domestic partners under an umbrella of protection from cyber attacks, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Nov. 16."There is a huge future threat and there is a considerable current threat (from cyber attacks)," Gates said during a

  • Remote device to monitor health on battlefield

    Pararescuemen and other medical technicians will be able to remotely determine a warfighter's health status on the battlefield with sensors designed to be worn and ingested.The Battlefield Automatic Life Status Monitor, or BALSM, is being developed by QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions

  • Secretary Donley lauds Air Guard's capability, reach

    The secretary of the Air Force spoke to approximately 2,000 attendees at the Air National Guard's 2010 Senior Leadership Conference here Nov. 16.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said the Air National Guard leads the way in providing "maximum combat power when and where the nation needs it,

  • Air Force officials select preferred alternative base for C-17

    Air Force officials announced their preferred basing decision for eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs Nov. 16. The preferred base, approved by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force, is Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y. Along with the C-17 basing action, 12 C-5 Galaxies assigned to Stewart

  • TRICARE provides answers to behavioral health questions

    Whether it's "butterflies in the stomach" or a quickened heartbeat, most people feel anxious at some time or another. While it's normal to worry or feel nervous before public speaking or an important event, or with unexpected news, some people constantly feel on edge and panicky. Similarly, sadness

  • Air Force officials to host Renewable Energy Industry Day

    Renewable energy companies, innovators and entrepreneurs will get the chance to learn about potential energy project opportunities at the Air Force's Renewable Energy Industry Day Dec. 8 at the Wyndham Hotel in Irving, Texas.Air Force officials, including Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the

  • Deployed servicemembers can read their children a bedtime story

    United Through Reading offers parents the chance to read to their children every day, an opportunity many servicemembers haven't had in the past.The reading is recorded onto a DVD and sent with a copy of the book to the servicemember's child. "United Through Reading's partnership with the USO has

  • Air Force officials seek Warrior Games participants

    Air Force officials are seeking 25 warriors to compete in the 2011 Warrior Games, an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans.The Warrior Games were developed through the partnership between the United States Olympic Committee and the Defense

  • Review aims to streamline ART hiring process

    Personnel officials from the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air Force Personnel Center met here Oct. 26 through 28 to begin steps in reducing the timeline of the hiring process for air reserve technicians, or ARTs.Leaders from AFRC and AFPC met with civilian force integration officials to

  • 'Real Warriors' campaign works to save lives

    Members of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury "Real Warriors" campaign are working to deliver the message that resources and tools are available for veterans seeking treatment for invisible wounds of war."My mission through the Real Warriors

  • Flu shot is essential preventive step to avoid illness

    In many places, flu season is already underway.And while the flu typically won't hit some regions for another few months, research shows it's better to get vaccinated early. "We want you to get the shot, which is an essential preventive service," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kimberly Johnson,

  • Portal helps vets, reserves, guardsmen land jobs

    Just in time for Veterans Day, a new, state-of-the-art Web portal is being rolled out tomorrow to help veterans -- as well as Reserve-component members, their families and wounded warriors -- land jobs with civilian employers who value their military experience.The user-friendly tools will enhance

  • Officials take steps to defend cyber domain

    In a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, the vice commander of Air Force Space Command discussed the Air Force's cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to Airmen in the field.Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla said the Air Force's mission emphasizes

  • Officials seek Spirit of Service Award nominees

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 American Legion Spirit of Service Award.The award is sponsored by the National Headquarters of the American Legion and is presented annually to an enlisted member from each of the military branches for outstanding volunteer service

  • Air Guard adds psychological health directors to wings

    Air National Guard officials have created a new position at the wing level to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments."The Air Guard is the only service component that does not have military members, who are mental health professionals or technicians,"

  • Air Force Medal of Honor recipients highlighted on AF.MIL

    The Medal of Honor is the highest award for heroism in military action that this nation can bestow. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. A special Web section has been developed on AF.MIL to recognize U.S. Air Force recipients

  • Nominations open for public administration award

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 7th annual Department of Defense David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award. This award recognizes non-managerial career civilian employees who demonstrate great leadership potential as future federal executives. To be eligible,

  • USAJOBS to be single source for Air Force job seekers

    Current civilian employees will have a single source to apply for vacant Air Force positions beginning Nov. 15 when they join other job seekers already using USAJOBS.Air Force civilian personnel officials announced the decision in October that almost all hiring will be accomplished through USAJOBS

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 500 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the November enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Officials stand up enlisted cyberspace defense operations career field

    Air Force officials added a new enlisted career field for cyberspace defense operators Nov. 1.The new specialty code, 1B4X1, is a retrain-in only specialty focused on computer network operations. The initial 1B4X1 cadre will comprise Airmen who are retraining from intelligence and cyberspace support

  • Are you ready for winter?

    If living in or traveling to a region that experiences snow and freezing temperatures, now is the time to make winter preparations. Please review the following preparation tips:Prepare a winter storm planKeep the following supplies on hand: Lantern/flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, potable

  • Nominations open for William A. Jump Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 62nd Annual William A. Jump Memorial Award.The Jump Award annually recognizes a federal employee for his or her outstanding service in administration and notable contributions to the efficiency and quality of public service. Nominees must have

  • Open season set for three civilian benefit programs

    Office of Personnel Management officials have announced open season for three civilian benefit programs beginning Nov. 8 and lasting through Dec. 13. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and the Federal

  • CMSAF visits Andrews, discusses Air Force issues

    More than 900 Airmen from Joint Base Andrews gathered to hear the Air Force perspective from the highest ranking enlisted Airman.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy spoke to JB Andrews Airmen about joint readiness, deliberate development and building resiliency during an enlisted call

  • Affordable Care Act impacts federal benefits

    Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented Jan. 1 affecting eligibility and benefits for appropriated civilian employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Flexible Spending Account programs.One of the provisions of Public Law 111-148 changes FEHB

  • Nominations open for 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award.The award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Air Force members in the first sergeant special duty career field.Nominations must include examples of leadership and

  • DOD takes steps to stop bullying

    Bullying once was an issue that most chalked up to an inevitable rite of passage. It is now being re-examined for its true impact by Defense Department school officials who are taking steps to protect military children.Last year, the departments of Education and Health and Human Services joined with

  • CSAF honors hometown heroes at Air Force Week

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz helped honor some of central Florida's hometown heroes during a dinner Oct. 29 at Air Force Week Cocoa Beach 2010 here. Air Force Week is a public communication program that allows community members the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air

  • VA backs 19 million home loans

    With mortgage rates at historic lows, veterans and military members continue to use the Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program in record numbers to purchase a home or refinance their existing loans."Home ownership is one of the foundations of the American dream," said Secretary of Veterans

  • Online tool tracks Airman deployment readiness

    An online tool available to Airmen aims to reduce the workload of tracking appointments and training in preparation for a deployment.The Personal Deployment Processing Tool, found on the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website, allows Airmen to review and track their readiness status for

  • Energy initiatives, space capabilities top priorities for Air Force

    When the Air Force saves energy, it also saves money, the environment and possibly even lives, according to Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton. Ms. Conaton discussed ongoing service energy initiatives, as well as Air Force space programs, during a visit here Oct. 27 for Air Force Week

  • President proclaims November as Military Family Month

    President Barack Obama signed a proclamation designating November as Military Family Month.Here is the text of the president's proclamation:We owe each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our armed forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are

  • Air Force officials initiate service-wide upgrade to Windows 7

    In a continuing effort to meet emerging threats, Air Force officials initiated the service-wide upgrade of operating systems to Windows 7 Oct. 29. "This upgrade keeps with life cycle management best practices for information technology systems," said Col. Mark Ware, 24th Air Force director of

  • Airmen embracing fitness culture

    "Readiness," said the chief master sergeant of the Air Force, "is the primary purpose of developing the new fitness standard, and, so far, Airmen are stepping up to the challenge as the program normalizes." The new physical-training standard is a way to ensure Airmen are prepared to do the nation's

  • 'Stop Loss' special pay application deadline approaches

    Defense Department officials are working to remind veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the "Stop Loss" program to apply for special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.Servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was

  • Air Force school focuses on cybersecurity

    "The wars of the future will be fought in the cyber domain" sounds like a bad movie tagline from 20 years ago, but it's becoming truer by the day, and the Air Force is readying troops for that battle.Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, the commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at

  • DOD officials unveil smart phone mental health application

    A free smart phone mobile application that will help servicemembers, veterans and family members track their emotional health is now available, Defense Department officials announced this week. The application was developed at the National Center for TeleHealth and Technology at Joint Base

  • Tops In Blue to conduct talent search

    The Air Force's entertainment group, Tops In Blue, is seeking new performers for their 2011 team.Total force Airmen who think they have the skills to sing, dance, act or play musical instruments are encouraged to apply for the Worldwide Talent Search at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 6 to 13.

  • Space Fence design moves into next phase

    Electronic Systems Center officials released a request for proposal announcement Oct. 20, 2010, for the next phase of a program that will revamp the way space objects and debris are identified and tracked.The Space Fence program, with a total anticipated value of more than $3.5 billion, will deliver

  • Scammers prey on servicemembers

    Scams can include any trick used to gain information, money or resources. Scammers accomplish this by preying on a person until the scammer can piece together information or convince the individual to meet the scammers' needs. Even though servicemembers are a prominent part of the nation, they can

  • New voting options available to servicemembers

    As the Nov. 2 election approaches, servicemembers can take advantage of new options intended to make voting easier.For voters in many states, absentee ballots can be obtained electronically for printing and mailing.Additionally, according to officials from the Federal Voting Assistance Program,

  • VA officials taking life-saving campaign to streets

    Nearly 1,200 life-saving advertisements are going up on city buses, bus shelters, rail and subway stations across the nation displaying a message of hope for those who have served their country and may be facing an emotional crisis. Department of Veterans Affairs officials are advertising the

  • Air Force poised for Expeditionary Combat Support System

    Touted as the largest change in Air Force logistics history, the Expeditionary Combat Support System will establish the service's first capability to globally view, standardize and manage logistics resources, officials said here during the program's kick off Oct. 22.Designed to close process gaps

  • New medical forms will streamline veterans claims process

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released three new disability benefits questionnaires for physicians of Veterans applying for VA disability compensation benefits. This initiative marks the beginning of a major reform of the physicians' guides and automated routines that will streamline

  • Program Fills Gap for Returning Guard, Reserve

    Though the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program has eased the post-deployment process for thousands of Guard and Reserve members and their families over the past two years, officials are hoping thousands more take advantage of the Defense Department program in the coming months, the program's

  • Flu shot options are many for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries

    TRICARE For Life beneficiaries have a wealth of options when it comes to staying protected during the fall and winter flu season. Influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare at no cost to TFL beneficiaries as long as they are administered by a Medicare provider who agrees to accept the

  • Secretary Gates memo changes discharge authority for 'Don't Ask' law

    Given the uncertainty over the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has directed that any discharges under the law be made by the service secretaries in consultation with the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness and the defense general counsel.More

  • Transition calls for employees to 'brush up' resumes

    Following the success of a seven-month pilot program using a resume-based system to fill vacant positions at 16 locations across the service, current Air Force civilian employees will now apply for vacant position using USAJOBS beginning Nov. 15.To search for Air Force vacancies, employees can visit

  • Proper nutrition, exercise is essential to mission success

    Like an aircraft needs jet fuel, a person's body needs proper nutrition to replenish itself and function at peak performance. In today's military environment, with increased deployments and new physical testing requirements, it's even more imperative that Airmen know the importance nutrition can

  • Nominations open for civilian humanitarian award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.The Fisher Award is presented annually to an individual or organization outside the Department of Defense that has demonstrated exceptional patriotism, generosity and

  • Officials tout Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

    With more than 260,000 students attending about 6,000 colleges and universities this fall under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, officials are continuing an active outreach effort to ensure current military members and veterans don't miss out on the new program's education benefits.Participation is up

  • Officials seek nominations for aerospace awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations in a variety of fields for the 2011 Air Force Association Aerospace Awards for outstanding contributions to national defense.These awards include:The Theodore Von Karman Award for contributions in the field of science and engineering relating to

  • Officials seek Vanguard Award nominees

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Noncommissioned Officers Association Vanguard Award.Nominees must be between the rank of senior airman and chief master sergeant who have performed a heroic act, on or off duty, which resulted in the saving of life or the prevention of a

  • AFPC officials conduct retirement webinars for Airmen

    Air Force Personnel Center officials are set to conduct a series of web-based seminars highlighting the retirement process for active-duty Airmen. These webinars are scheduled to be held every quarter to help Airmen successfully navigate through the retirement and separation processes.The

  • Family care plan change addresses custody questions

    A recent change in Defense Department policy highlights why servicemembers and deployable civilians, who also are custodial parents, may want to seek legal help in arranging their children's care during deployment.DOD Instruction 1342.19, "Family Care Plans," was revised in May to require such plans

  • CMSAF completes three-country African engagement

     Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with senior leaders here from the Senegalese air force as the final leg of a three-nation senior leader engagement Oct. 15. The tour, which included stops in Botswana and Djibouti, focused on sharing information on enlisted development. Besides

  • Cyberspace is the new domain of warfare

    With the creation of the U.S. Cyber Command in May and last week's cybersecurity agreement between the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, DOD officials are ready to add cyberspace to sea, land, air and space as the latest domain of warfare, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III

  • Spending reforms top Defense priorities

    Pentagon officials should start seeing results from major spending reforms launched by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in the summer of 2010, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said Oct. 14.The entire Defense Department is working to change the way it does business to become more

  • LEAP program grows with second selection board

    The Air Force Language and Culture Center added 260 participants from more than 400 active-duty officer and cadet applicants to the Language Enabled Airman Program during its selection board in September, officials said here Oct. 15.The Air Force program has grown since its first board, when 192

  • Secretary Donley addresses challenges ahead during Kirtland visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Kirtland Air Force Base Oct. 13 and 14 to meet with base leaders, speak with Airmen serving here and address members of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.During his visit, Secretary Donley visited numerous base organizations, including the

  • Air Force to quadruple solar energy production

    For nearly three years, a 14.2-megawatt solar array spanning 140 acres at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., has held the title of the largest renewable-energy project in the Air Force. Hundreds of media outlets have published stories featuring the vast display of solar panels, and President Obama visited

  • DOD, VA healthcare officials combine specialties to provide 'one-stop shop'

    Through a joint venture between Defense Department and Veterans Affairs officials, medical professionals here are offering DOD and VA patients a combined clinic for heart, lung and vascular care.The Heart, Lung and Vascular Center at David Grant USAF Medical Center, which opened Oct. 13, is the

  • Don't 'bank' on COLA

    A cost-of-living allowance is designed to help offset expenses incurred from living in a local economy. However, officials stress that Airmen should not view COLA as a reliable source of income, and they encourage them to save it where possible for times of spikes in the exchange rate or for

  • Officials publish cyberspace operations doctrine

    The LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education approved and published the newly developed Air Force Doctrine Document 3-12, Cyberspace Operations.Maj. Gen. David S. Fadok, the LeMay Center's commander, said cyberspace operations are critical to effective operations across the range of

  • Air Force officials announce C-27J aircraft basing proposal

    Air Force officials announced Oct. 13 that Great Falls International Airport, Mont., is the preferred alternative to be the seventh operational location for bedding down four C-27J Spartan aircraft. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • CMSAF visits Botswana, shares view on deliberate development

    Deliberate development is a topic the chief master sergeant of the Air Force discusses throughout the Air Force and in many corners of the world. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy touched down in Botswana Oct. 11 to share his view on deliberate development with senior NCOs from the

  • TRICARE official: Early flu shots key to prevention

    With flu season already under way, the top TRICARE military health plan official encourages the system's almost 9.7 million beneficiaries to get their flu shots as early as possible at a military medical facility or network provider, or at any participating pharmacy.Military hospitals and clinics

  • General Schwartz discusses change in the U.S. Air Force

    The world has changed and the United States Air Force must change too, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said Oct. 12 at the National Press Club here.General Schwartz made the point that political leaders have been dealing with the effects of globalization since the 1970s, but that the

  • Air Force officials reinstate captain central selection board

    Promotion opportunities for active-duty line of the Air Force first lieutenants competing for promotion to captain is being adjusted to 95 percent, Air Force officials announced Oct. 13 here. Since the promotion opportunity to captain will now be less than 100 percent, the Air Force officials will

  • Spouse jobs program set to relaunch

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Program Accounts program is set to resume Oct. 25, but with significant changes.Changes include limiting the availability of financial aid to spouses of active-duty servicemembers in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2. Financial aid also will be

  • 2010 Air Force Climate Survey under way

    Total force Airmen and Department of Defense civilians have an opportunity to voice their concerns to Air Force leaders during the 2010 Air Force Climate Survey.The purpose of the survey is to assess the opinions and perceptions of Air Force active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel on a

  • Postal Service sets holiday mail deadline

    The recommended mailing deadline for sending economy-priced holiday packages to servicemembers in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world is Nov. 12, officials at the U.S. Postal Service said."Shipping holiday packages early helps ensure that they arrive in time for the holidays," said

  • Air Force officials offer cross commissioning opportunities

    To obtain the right balance of skills across the total force, Air Force officials will begin offering alternative commissioning options for specified career fields, officials said Oct. 7. Air Force ROTC cadets slated to commission in fiscal 2011 may volunteer and compete for positions in the Air

  • Officials announce new initial enlistment bonuses

    Pentagon officials recently released the fiscal 2011 initial enlistment bonus program list. Three Air Force specialty codes had bonuses decrease, but only for those enlisting for six years. Those AFSCs seeing decreases were airborne linguist, crypto linguist and tactical air control party. No AFSCs

  • Strategic leadership courses available for civilians

    Civilian leadership development officials here are seeking nominations for an out-of-cycle selection board to identify senior-level civilians for strategic leadership development opportunities in the 2011 academic year.Strategic Leadership Education Level I is open to Air Force civil service

  • Air Force officials kick-off energy awareness month

    The undersecretary of the Air Force helped launch the federal government's energy awareness month at the U.S. Air Force Academy here Oct. 1.Erin C. Conaton, accompanied by Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, chose the Academy as the

  • Amendment provision could put more money in spouse's paycheck

    Military spouses in states that collect state income taxes could be able to pocket a little more of their paycheck under an amendment that allows spouses to retain their legal residency in their home state.A November 2009 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act included a provision that

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published a demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of Sept. 30 and can also be found on the Air Force personnel statistics Web page.Statistics are rounded to the nearest

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • Armament Symposium brings DOD, industry together

    For the 36th year, the Air Armament Center partnered with the National Defense Industrial Association to host its annual Air Armament Symposium here Oct. 5 and 6.The symposium, a two-day forum for both industry and government personnel, was an opportunity to exchange information, recognize

  • Secretary Gates urges servicemembers to claim Stop-Loss pay

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged servicemembers whose military service was involuntarily extended between 2001 and 2009 under the "Stop Loss" program to claim their special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.More than 145,000 people are eligible for the special pay, but fewer than half have

  • VA Secretary announces $41.9 million to help homeless

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has announced that 40 states will share more than $41.9 million in grants to community groups to provide 2,568 beds for homeless veterans this year. "These grants wouldn't have happened without the extraordinary partnerships forged with community

  • Exchange ID check goes hi-tech

    Implementation of an updated point-of-sale system that leverages the technological advances available through "smart" Common Access Cards is streamlining the identification process for age-restricted items at Army and Air Force Exchanges.AAFES new point-of-sale system, which rolled out to

  • Military launches domestic violence awareness campaign

    Defense Department officials are observing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reminding the military community about resources and programs to help in preventing or stopping domestic violence.President Barack Obama issued a National Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation Oct. 1,

  • Tests to compare CCAF, civilian degrees

    Education offices at 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases around the world will test Community College of the Air Force graduates to determine how they compare to counterparts in civilian institutions.The testing begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 15.First-time CCAF degree recipients who have

  • 'Huffing,' using 'Spice' is dangerous, officials say

    While they may be legal in some states, "designer drugs," often marketed as herbal remedies, are banned under military law and policies by the Defense Department and all of the services. Military officials, having seen a spike in servicemembers' use of otherwise legal substances, including

  • Website is one-stop shop for deployment-related issues

    Airmen can access information about their upcoming deployment at the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website. The AEF Online website, located at https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/, provides a single access point for all AEF-related issues to include reporting instructions, tempo banding,

  • Registration now open for 2011 AETC Symposium

    Registration is open for the 2011 Air Education and Training Command Symposium, scheduled for Jan. 20 and 21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The two-day symposium is slated to feature more than 90 seminars on a variety of education, training and innovation topics by

  • National Guard launches mobile education lab

    As part of the president's "Educate to Innovate" initiative, National Guard officials debuted The Energy Lab -- a mobile classroom featuring interactive learning tools focusing on the science and technology behind alternative energy sources.Unveiled Oct. 1 at the Ronald Reagan Building and