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  • Civilians given 60-day access to records after separating

    Air Force Civilian Service employees are now able to access their electronic Official Personnel Folder for up to 60 days following their date of separation.This new capability allows employees to log into the AFPC Secure website from a personal computer using a user ID and password and download a

  • 480th activated as Spangdahlem's newest F-16 squadron

    The 480th Fighter Squadron was activated as the 52nd Fighter Wing's newest F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron as of 13 Aug. at 1:48 p.m.The new squadron comes after the Combat Air Forces Restructuring plan transitioned 21 F-16s assigned to the 22nd and 23rd fighter squadrons here to the 148th FW at

  • Realignment, closure plan continues on track

    It's "all systems go" here as officials at this Army Installation prepare to receive three new organizations and about 5,700 of their employees as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission plan.Fort Meade is among hundreds of major focal points in implementing the most sweeping BRAC

  • Ramstein team takes on Little League World Series again

    The 11- and 12-year-old Kaiserslautern Military Community All-Star team will make its second consecutive trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., after winning the Europe Region Tournament Aug. 3. This is the sixth time a team from Ramstein Air Base has earned a spot in the

  • Modernization ahead for Defense Department schools

    A program to improve Defense Department schools and ensure 21st century learning environments for military children is set to begin in October, department officials said Aug. 12.Officials from the Department of Defense Education Activity will address some $3.7 billion in construction and renovation

  • Alaska Guard completes two missions, awarded 12 saves

    Members of the Alaska Air National Guard fought the ever-changing weather conditions in their state to complete two complicated rescue missions this week. Officials from the Alaska ANG and U.S. Coast Guard rescued four people from a crash of a single-engine float plane that occurred 17-miles north

  • 10,000th runner registers for Air Force Marathon

    Air Force Marathon officials registered runner No. 10,000 Aug. 12, surpassing a long-standing goal for the 14-year-old event.There is still a month before the 5K run Sept. 17, and the full marathon, half marathon and 10K run on Sept. 18. Registration for the half marathon reached its limit of

  • Aircrews practice capabilities during Global Gem

    More than 150 Airmen and 12 F-22 Raptors from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., arrived here July 31 in support of the Air Force's first Exercise Global Gem joint training.Members of the 389th and 43rd Fighter Squadrons will continue their training through Sept. 2, during

  • Follow me, save me, repair me: crash recovery

    The 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron's wheel and tire, transient alert, and crash recovery flight is a flight with three unique missions housed under one roof, that deals with out-of-the-ordinary aircraft, wheels and damage.Members of the wheel and tire shop handle all F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • Logistics system release transforms combat support

    A new age for Air Force logisticians began when a pilot version of the Expeditionary Combat Support System went live July 31 at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The Expeditionary Combat Support System will transform business processes, alter management and control systems, and affect personnel roles

  • First GPS IIF satellite on station

    Officials from the Air Force Space Command's Global Positioning Systems Wing at the Space and Missile Systems Center here have announced the first GPS IIF satellite arrived on station Aug. 1. This indicates the satellite is in its designated orbital position and ready for its final phase of on-orbit

  • Air Force Reserve officials designing new Force Generation Center

    Air Force Reserve planners are designing an organization that will serve as the single path to request and receive, as well as oversee and deliver, Air Force Reserve forces and capability. Called the Force Generation Center, the new unit is projected to begin initial operations in October and be up

  • VA officials obligate last of Recovery Act funds to help veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials committed the last of their $1.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds July 31, as one of the first federal agencies to achieve that milestone. Projects at more than 1,200 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will

  • Gates strives to change Pentagon's culture

    The initiative to reduce Defense Department overhead and to eliminate duplicative capabilities is part of a larger thrust to change the culture of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Aug. 9.The department must be more frugal with the taxpayers' money and must put what money it

  • Air Force Reserve officials streamline call-up process

    Air Force Reserve Command officials are proposing comprehensive changes to how reservists are managed and called to active duty based on lessons learned from nearly nine years of combat and surge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Collectively called "AFR 2012," this series of projects establishes a

  • More than 1,100 schools partner with VA on GI Bill

    Paving the way for recipients of the post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools, Department of Veterans Affairs officials have entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the upcoming academic year under the "Yellow Ribbon" program. Schools can enter into multiple

  • VA officials announce test of paperless claims processing system

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have selected their regional benefits office in Providence, R.I., to test a paperless system and new procedures to improve processing of veterans' claims for disability compensation."This test program marks a major milestone in VA's move to paperless

  • Couple's path to marriage winds through deployment

    Young girls often dream about what their perfect wedding will be like. They dream of the perfect dress, cake, ring and who their dashing groom will be.Senior Airman Sheri Nolen spent her childhood in Denver more interested in playing in the dirt and running around. "I never really thought about a

  • McKinley tells Guard enlisted force to prepare for prolonged overseas role

    The National Guard likely will continue to play a significant role in overseas contingency operations for the foreseeable future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Aug. 8."Just like we have in Kosovo for 14 years and the Sinai (and) the Horn of Africa, I think the National Guard will

  • TAP helps Airmen transition to civilian life

    Airmen planning to separate or retire are encouraged to participate in the Air Force transition assistance program to help them make informed decisions on life after active-duty service.Department of Defense officials partner with Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs officials to provide TAP

  • Vice chief describes airpower's key role in Pacific at Tinian symposium

    Sixty-five years after a single bomber launched from a U.S. air base here changed the course of history, airpower continues to play a key role in regional security, the Air Force vice chief of staff said during a speech here Aug. 5.Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler spoke at an educational symposium

  • Airman missing in action from WWII identified

    Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office officials announced Aug. 6 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. John P. Bonnassiolle of

  • Sea turtle eggs get shipped to Atlantic coast

    The BP oil well may finally be capped, but biologists here are still digging up sea turtle nests and moving the eggs to the East Coast as a safety precaution. To date, three of Eglin Air Force Base's nine nests have been excavated and more than 300 eggs have been transported to Cape Canaveral, Fla.,

  • Air war architect reflects on Operation Desert Shield 20 years later

    The day retired Gen. Charles A. Horner received the call 20 years ago that eventually launched Operation Desert Shield he was flying his F-16 Fighting Falcon, engaged in an air-to-air training mission near the North Carolina coast with two F-15 Eagles from Langley Air Force Base, Va. General Horner,

  • Major learns to get back up after fall

    Waking up alone, face down and bleeding, on the sun-baked granite rock after falling face-first 50 feet from the top of a mountain is where U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet David Garay found himself June 2, 1997, only one day after his 19th birthday.Garay, now a major, lived through the fall and

  • Senate confirms Mattis for top CENTCOM post

    The Senate unanimously confirmed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as commander of U.S. Central Command.General Mattis, who previously served as NATO supreme allied commander for transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., received the Senate nod Aug. 5.In his new

  • Airmen perform first deployed PMP

    Airmen performed the first accelerated packaged maintenance plan on an F-22 Raptor in a deployed environment here Aug. 4.Members of the 27th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit completed what has never been done with a fifth-generation aircraft before. A PMP is a scheduled, long-term, heavy

  • New employees to be automatically enrolled in TSP

    New legislation that called for automatic enrollment of newly hired and eligible civilian federal employees, as well as certain rehires, into the Thrift Savings Plan began Aug. 1.This automatic enrollment feature is in compliance with the June 22, 2009, TSP Enhancement Act that authorizes federal

  • Fightin' Fifty-Fifth on the cusp of historic milestone

    Historic, monumental and simply incredible are just a few ways to describe the milestone soon to be attained by the men and women of the 55th Wing.On Aug. 9, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth will surpass 20 years of continuous deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility by its personnel and

  • Air Force Cycling Team rides across Iowa

    More than 160 men and women of the U.S. Air Force joined thousands of bicyclists for the 38th Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known by the cyclists as RAGBRAI. The Air Force Cycling Team, or AFCT, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joseph Robinson, donned their team

  • Joint Base MDL goes 'green' with automotive fuel

    Officials here held a ceremony at the base service station July 30 to launch the use of E85 fuel in all government vehicles that are designed for ethanol-based fuels.The fuel contains a higher percentage of ethanol than regular fuel, with a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded

  • Air Force primed to adopt official motto

    Seeking an enduring and distinctive way to reflect the Air Force's cultural identity and adapt to changing missions, senior leaders have solicited feedback from Airmen to help develop potential mottos, officials said Aug. 2."The intent is to create a phrase that captures the spirit of the Air Force,

  • Richmond track officials announce plans for 'Air Guard 400'

    Track President Doug Fritz and Master Sgt. Matt Leas jumped from an airplane and parachuted onto the pit road here at Richmond International Raceway Aug. 4 to announce the name of this year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.The Air Guard 400 will be held here on the second day of the "One Last Race to

  • Acquisition Improvement Plan recaptures excellence

    When the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff signed the Acquisition Improvement Plan in May 2009, they launched a significant effort to help the service recapture acquisition excellence."A key element of this plan was the revitalization of the (Air Force) acquisition workforce," said Lt. Gen.

  • Air Force vice chief of staff visits Andersen AFB

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler stopped here Aug. 2 through 4 to see firsthand how the 36th Wing Airmen furthers regional security in the Pacific theater.General Chandler was joined on his trip by Maj. Gen. Douglas Owens, the Pacific Air Forces vice commander, a former

  • Joint: The new 'buzz word' in family support

    National Guard officials are willing to help family members around the country, no matter which branch or component their servicemember belongs to, the Guard's top family programs official said Aug. 3."Families' needs are the same across the board, and we can't afford to work within just our own

  • Wilford Hall is 'baby-friendly hospital'

    Wilford Hall Medical Center has been designated a "Baby-Friendly Hospital" through the Texas Department of State Health Services' Texas Ten Step facility program.The announcement coincided with World Breastfeeding Week 2010 Aug. 1 through Aug. 7. The Texas Hospital Association and the Texas

  • Air Force Facebook page reaches 100,000

    The official United States Air Force Facebook page reached new heights over the Aug. 1 weekend when the number of fans who "like" the page topped 100,000. The page went live in mid-2009 as a way to share the latest Air Force news and to network with current Airmen, veterans, family members,

  • Defense panel calls for more force structure changes

    Defense Department officials must plan to maintain recent additions to the ground forces for the foreseeable future and boost their long-range strike, maritime and cyber capability to confront global trends and threats, the Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel told Congress Aug. 3.William

  • Lavelle posthumously nominated to general

    Department of Defense officials announced Aug. 4 that retired Maj. Gen. John D. Lavelle has been nominated posthumously by the president for advancement on the retired rolls to the rank of general. This follows an Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records decision and recommendations from

  • Chairman's Corner: Pride in the Coast Guard

    Two hundred and twenty years ago today, the United States Congress created the U.S. Revenue-Marine to safeguard our young nation's shores. We proudly celebrate this as the day the United States Coast Guard was born. Over the years, generations of men and women have bravely stood the watch in our

  • Nonappropriated fund human resources issues addressed during conference

    Nearly 100 Air Force human resources professionals met here recently for the 2010 Nonappropriated Fund Human Resources worldwide conference.This was the first time the conference has been held since 2003, and it included topics on NAF employee recruiting, labor relations, retention methods and new

  • Honor, dignity and grace: USAF honor guard trains Tyndall Airmen

    A slow procession of Airmen dressed in immaculate blue uniforms carries a large wooden box with a flag draped over the top. A trumpet sounds. Shots ring out. Carefully, the Airmen fold the flag, salute it and present it. For nearly 29 Airmen serving in the Tyndall Air Force Base Honor Guard, this is

  • Leaders say volunteers key to Guard's success

    National Guard leaders said that if citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen continue to deploy in support of overseas missions, their family readiness groups will need to be supported at the same pace."If we allow these rotations and what we do to become common, accepted and routine, then we need to

  • Air Guard officials focus on equipment for domestic operations

    Hundreds of Air National Guard members are meeting here Aug. 2 through Aug. 6 to discuss and prioritize the Air National Guard's equipment requirements for future natural and manmade disasters.The Domestic Operations Equipment Requirements conference provides Air Guard leaders, subject matter

  • Airmen treat children from local orphanage to day of fun

    Airmen here invited children from the local orphanage to the base and treated them to a day of fun and activities July 24.More than 64 children from the Il Mag Won Orphanage were treated to activities such as Humvee and fire truck static displays, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, swimming in the

  • Mullen: Family support vital to war effort

    Military readiness is directly tied to family readiness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told National Guard family program volunteers here Aug. 2."This is our ninth year at war," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "We continue at a level that has generated extraordinary results from the best

  • One year later: JB Charleston helps keep multinational wing operational

    A C-17 Globemaster III pilot from Pápa Air Base, Hungary, completed simulator training here recently, as part of a multinational mission.Maj. Brian Nicosia, a U.S. pilot and chief of tactics for the Heavy Airlift Wing, is part of the first multinational partnership for Strategic Airlift Capability,

  • Obama reaffirms commitment to veteran care

    Caring for veterans is a moral obligation, President Barack Obama said Aug. 2 in a speech at the Disabled American Veterans National Convention in Atlanta. "Every American who has ever worn the uniform must know this: your country is going to take care of you when you come home," President Obama

  • Knowledge operation managers lead the way

    Air Force senior leaders in the Knowledge Operations Management career field recently recognized KOM personnel at Wilford Hall Medical Center for their outstanding work in realigning information managers under one central office. Prior to 2008, the 59th Medical Wing KOMs were called information

  • Combat communications team supports New Horizons Panama 2010

    An 11-person team from the 32nd Combat Communications Squadron from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is deployed to Meteti, Panama, to bring phone and data service to engineers and support personnel participating in New Horizons Panama 2010.New Horizons Panama 2010 is a U.S. Southern Command sponsored

  • Suicide solution involves leadership, Mullen says

    While no easy answers exist to a military suicide problem that has reached "crisis level," a big part of the solution is tied to leadership, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Addressing the National Guard Family Program Volunteer Workshop Aug. 2 in New Orleans, Navy Adm. Mike

  • Defense Department officials launch 'Lessons Learned' blog

    For anyone who has served in the military, whether in uniform or as a family member, the concept of sharing lessons learned is a familiar one. A new Defense Department blog that launches Aug. 2 seeks to bring those lessons to an accessible online platform.Titled "In Their Own Words: Lessons Learned

  • Maintainers resurrect F-16s that will become targets

    Maintainers are towing F-16 Fighting Falcons out of retirement from the "boneyard" here July 29 and preparing them to become the Air Force's newest platform for target training. Specialists with the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group are regenerating F-16s so they can be flown to a

  • Global Strike Command director briefs upcoming logistics changes

    The Air Force Global Strike Command's director of installations, logistics and mission support visited here July 21 through 23 to discuss the base's transformation from the current logistical process to the Expeditionary Combat Support System.During her site visit, Ann Mitchell stressed the

  • Airman gives of himself to save son

    An Airman from Hurlburt Field, Fla., donated a portion of his liver to help save the life of a two-year-old boy.Senior Airman Mario Webb, a ground radio maintainer from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, acted as a living donor to give his son, Genghis, a liver transplant in April. Airman Webb and

  • DOD officials announce school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy

    Department of Defense officials announced July 30 the school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy. The policy will adjust fee ranges in child care programs across the services and will be implemented no later than Sept. 30. Changes will impact families who have children enrolled in DOD child

  • Child care fees change to maintain quality services

    The Defense Department is adjusting its child care fees, adding categories for its highest income earners, to compensate for six years without fee range increases, Pentagon officials announced July 30.The department's Military and Community Family Policy Office has added three categories to the top

  • VA officials approve $2.8 million for Gulf War illness research

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have approved $2.8 million to fund three new research projects that focus on testing or developing new treatments for illnesses affecting veterans who served in the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. The research incorporates recommendations of the department's Gulf

  • Innovative training aids support EOD mission

    Explosive ordnance disposal technicians are trained to apply classified techniques and special procedures to lessen or remove hazards created by the presence of unexploded military, criminal, biological, nuclear or terrorist homemade ordnance. Airmen here help provide this training by fabricating

  • Airmen, engineers execute groundbreaking satellite test

    Airmen with the 3rd Space Operations Squadron, along with engineers from Lockheed Martin and The Aerospace Corporation, successfully demonstrated the capability to correct a wayward satellite using the spacecraft's reaction wheels. The successful procedure represents an important achievement and

  • Lynn: Guam tours provide insight, perspective

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said a series of tours he'd taken on and above the island of Guam gave him broader insight into the challenges that lie ahead for that U.S. territory, as well as an appreciation of the historical significance of the region."It's very helpful to see the

  • Airmen take crash course in defensive driving

    Airmen participated in a defensive driving exercise July 23 on the Eglin Range, Fla. The exercise is part of the tactical force protection module during the Air Force Special Operations Training Center's Air Commando Baseline Course."It's basically an ambush from hell and you all are going to

  • August is National Immunization Awareness Month

    Air Force medical officials are encouraging Airmen, their families and all beneficiaries to raise their personal awareness of immunization health during National Immunization Awareness Month in August. Vaccines are one of the best public health interventions for the prevention of infectious

  • Gates shares common experiences, vision with Scouts

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shared his personal experiences and passion for Boy Scouting July 28 with tens of thousands of Scouts and their families gathered for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Boy Scouts of America."Scouting has been a big part of my life and my family's life,"

  • Officials recommend Eglin as preferred alternative F-35 base

    Air Force officials announced July 28 its proposal for basing 59 F-35 Lightning IIs at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The draft supplemental environmental impact statement, which Air Force officials plan to release in September, includes the preferred alternative of basing the 59 F-35 aircraft at Eglin

  • Moody AFB engine mechanics cross train on different engines

    Air Force aircraft engine mechanics fall into a single career field, but they are usually limited to repairing the one type of engine on which they originally trained.Now, with the opening of the 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron's new engine repair facility, mechanics here will have the

  • Electronic Systems Center enhances Air Force network

    The Cyber/Integration Division, formerly known as the 753rd Electronic Systems Group, has recently improved the way information flows to and from Air Force computers worldwide, saving approximately $24 million in the process. This was accomplished through modernization projects that upgraded both

  • Improved physical training uniform sized for both sexes

    The new, improved physical training uniform, or IPTU, has seen many improvements from the current PTU and sizing also has improved for both sexes."We have received much feedback from the field," said Maj. Eric Habersberger, the deputy chief of the Air Force Uniform Office. "We have made a strong

  • Chairman appalled by WikiLeaks release

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he is "appalled" by the breach of security represented by the WikiLeaks case.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters traveling with him that the leaks could put American servicemembers at risk. Investigators are still sifting through some 90,000 classified

  • Security forces Airmen, Sailors learn new active shooter techniques

    Air Force requirements for improved active-shooter training allowed security forces Airmen and Sailors to attend the Pacific Air Forces command's High Risk Response Training program here July 19 through 23. The PACAF HRRT program, taught throughout the MAJCOM's nine bases, helps base security

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen work with Afghan villagers and officials to rebuild the country.  Plus, see what land navigation training is like for Airmen who usually work indoors. And also, adjusting to the new PT standards, see what Airmen are doing to stay in shape. The

  • Newer F-15s enhance maintenance training

    Months of coordination, several temporary deployments, and a large parking space define only a few of the factors that fell into place to bring 13 newer-model F-15 Eagles to update the F-15 aircraft maintenance course here.The course currently utilizes A and B model aircraft to train today's F-15

  • Scientists envision robotic aerial port

    Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron might see the addition of robotics to their team in the not-so-distant future, according to Air Force scientists. Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory, accompanied by Air Mobility Command's chief scientist, visited July 16 to explore the notion

  • Airman pleads guilty during 'Trust' court martial

    A member of the 55th Communications Squadron here pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and knowingly providing false information to a peace officer during his judge-alone court martial July 20.After accepting the plea of Airman 1st Class Corey Hernandez, Military Judge Lt. Col. Nancy J. Paul

  • Wounded warriors complete 'Sea to Shining Sea' journey

    A group of wounded veterans amassed at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco May 22 for a two-month cross country ride that ended July 24 in Virginia Beach, Va. The nearly 4,000-mile trek was called Sea to Shining Sea, and it showed 17 veterans who've overcome life-changing injuries such as

  • Closest thing to combat: Allied Strike 10

    Air Force, Army and NATO joint terminal attack controllers and tactical air control party members joined together to participate in exercise Allied Strike 10 July 23 through Aug. 5 here.Allied Strike is Europe's premier close air support exercise, which is held annually to conduct robust, realistic

  • Tricare beneficiaries overseas to get transition letters

    Tricare beneficiaries living outside of the United States soon will begin receiving letters updating them on the Tricare Overseas Program Contract that begins Sept. 1. However, beneficiaries will receive the letter only if their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System address is

  • CSAF ends Turkey visit at Incirlik

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz capped a multi-day visit to Turkey by meeting with U.S. and Turkish airmen here July 21. The Air Force's top uniformed officer visited with Airmen around the base and addressed issues affecting the Air Force with more than 500 Airmen during an all call

  • Secretary of the Air Force visits RAF Lakenheath

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited the 48th Fighter Wing here July 22 to meet with wing leadership and speak with Airmen serving in England.Secretary Donley also had lunch with base Airmen."This is my first visit to the 48th Fighter Wing," Secretary Donley said. "With 30 percent of

  • "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" survey a must to let Airmen viewpoints be known

    "Your opinion matters" is the view of Air Force officials on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" survey released July 7 to more than 98,000 randomly selected active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members. Selected Airmen have received an e-mail with the survey from Westat, a

  • 502nd ABW breaks ground on new headquarters

    The 502nd ABW got a little closer to establishing itself July 14 here as Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, the 502nd ABW commander, was joined by various local and military officials in breaking ground for the wing's new headquarters.The 25,733-square-foot building will cost approximately $7.4 million and

  • Spouse jobs program to relaunch in October

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced today.Changes include a reduction in the amount of financial aid, a change in the population eligible to receive that

  • Deadline for voluntary separation pay applications draws near

    The extended application period for eligible officers to apply for voluntary separation pay at one and a half times the authorized separation pay rate comes to a close July 31.Officers eligible to apply for VSP include those in year groups 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2004, in the grades of major and

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits key to recruiting and retention

    Proposed changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill would improve military readiness, a senior Pentagon official said July 21 at a Capitol Hill hearing.Robert E. Clark, assistant director for accessions policy in the office of the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, also said education

  • C-130J Super Hercules provides unique look at Air Force mission

    Approximately 285,000 spectators are catching a glimpse of the C-130J Super Hercules at the Farnborough International Air Show here July 19 through 25.Many people's idea about the U.S. military is fighter pilots putting bombs on target and fast-flying jets. The C-130J Super Hercules, however, offers

  • Air Force shooters score well at national pistol championships

    Col. Mark Hays won the General Twining Trophy and Lt. Col. Thomas Reardon captured the General Curtis LeMay Trophy for the second consecutive year to lead the Air Force National Pistol Shooting Team at the 2010 Pistol and Rifle Championships at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio.The team placed second

  • Balad Airmen move helicopters for Iraq drawdown

    As the drawdown and redeployment of assets continues in Iraq, helicopters from bases in Northern Iraq have made their way here to be inspected, prepped and shipped to new operating locations with the assistance of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Aerial Port team."We have about

  • Spouse jobs program to relaunch in October

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes to the popular spouse employment program, a defense official announced July 20.Changes include a reduction in the amount of financial aid, a change in the population eligible to receive

  • U.S. and South Korean defense leaders announce Exercise Invincible Spirit

    Officials from the U.S. and South Korea announced July 20 a series of military exercises designed to send a strong, clear message to North Korea to stop its provocative and warlike acts.U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Tae-young released a joint

  • Language Institute's mission reaches for the future

    With the buzzing of chatter, some in English, some in another tongue, and people moving about the building, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center here is a beehive of activity. The international military students attending the resident program here have a purpose, and the

  • Chief master sergeant of the Air Force visits Grand Forks AFB

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited Airmen here July 14 through July 16.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from the 319th Air Refueling Wing and toured base facilities, which allowed him to witness firsthand how Grand Forks Air Force Base is preparing for its

  • Joint medical team prepares local officials during disaster training

    A joint team of medical instructors is working with local medical, government and emergency officials here July 19, to help them practice and coordinate their response efforts in the event of a disaster or mass casualty incident.The Defense Institute for Medical Operations team, composed of Air

  • 447th ELRS Airmen help Soldiers get home as drawdown continues

    Airmen from the air terminal operations center and aerial porters helped move more than 100 Soldiers from Charlie Company of the 67th Expeditionary Signal Battalion onto a C-17 Globemaster III for redeployment July 10 as part of the responsible drawdown of forces here.The responsible drawdown of

  • Cancer survivor takes on challenge of open road

    A C-130 Hercules flight engineer with more than 700 deployed flying hours who is also a cancer survivor is riding his bike 4,000 miles across the U.S.Senior Airman Brian Petras from the 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is participating in the Sea to Shining Sea ride hosted