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  • F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

    Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth

  • Air Force wounded warrior rides from coast to coast

    A combat controller, who last year was laying in a hospital fighting for his life, is now riding his bicycle across America as part of his rehabilitation and to inspire other wounded warriors.Along with 19 of his teammates, Staff Sgt. Marc Esposito from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air

  • Airmen shut down 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 3

    The 732nd Security Forces Squadron, Det. 3, was inactivated during a ceremony July 3, at 7:32 a.m. "This ceremony marks the end of the Air Force's first, and longest, active police transition team in history," said Lt. Col. Dustin Sutton, the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander.

  • Cyber Command synchronizes services' efforts

    Leaders of the new U.S. Cyber Command have a long to-do list in creating central oversight for the military's computer networks, including synchronizing what the services already have in place, officials said June 8."We have lots of decisions to make in the cyber domain," said Vice Adm. Carl V.

  • Center diversity group looks to recruit, hire, maintain quality workforce

    Warner Robins Air Logistics Center officials here are taking steps to improve their commitment to diversity. What began as an effort to improve diversity training has led to the creation of a diversity steering group with an even bigger goal. The group's aim is not to implement hiring quotas, but to

  • PRT project could bring 35,000 new trees to Panjshir province

    Panjshir Governor Keramuddin Keram met with Provincial Reconstruction Team Panjshir officials July 1 to discuss a project that could bring 35,000 new trees to the province by the end of the year.U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, a Kentucky National Guard Agri-Business Development Team leader, and

  • Air Force's new 'virtual Finance' takes customers out of waiting line

    The Air Force's new "virtual Finance" is giving work time back to Airmen and civilians by providing a host of secure financial services that customers can access with a mouse click.Replacing the "Money - Finance Central" page on the Air Force Portal, the virtual finance page was developed with a

  • New ejection seat added to T-38

    The T-38 Talon is receiving an upgrade that officials said will improve aircrews' safety and comfort.Representatives from Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Inc. are in the early stages of installing their new escape systems in all T-38Cs at Randolph AFB after completing the same project at Laughlin AFB,

  • Restoration complete for Vietnam War Memorial statue

    The newly refurbished Three Servicemen Statue at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled July 8 after six weeks of restoration."This is a very noteworthy event," said Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. "It's very noteworthy for the history of the Vietnam

  • Upcoming VA forum to help build women veterans communities, networks

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials opened registration on July 8 for a women veterans forum that will address the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women and ways for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women veterans."The VA forum will bring

  • Thunder Lab teaches future Afghan pilots vital skills

    The Afghan air force base in Kabul is home to the Thunder Lab, an English immersion program designed to improve the English, aviation and professional skills of Afghan air force officers awaiting pilot training.The immersion lab was the idea Col. Creig Rice, the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing vice

  • Training prepares civilian employees for deployment

    A training program is equipping Defense Department civilian employees with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully deploy in support of humanitarian, reconstruction and combat-support military missions across the globe.The joint civilian expeditionary work force training, a 10-day

  • Medical center officials open state-of-the-art hemodialysis center

    The largest medical facility on the West Coast has seen major improvements in 2010 which have brought state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to the base.During the past few months, David Grant USAF Medical Center was amid a flurry of changes, upgrades and renovations.One of the most visible

  • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Ramstein Airmen, families

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, visited with Airmen here July 7. The chief and Mrs. Roy visited the 603rd Air Operations Center, 435th Contingency Response Group compound, the new Deployment Transition Center and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center."It's an

  • In-theater medical treatment keeps warriors in the fight

    A group of deployed Airmen stands around a table, carefully performing their jobs, as they've trained for years to do. Doctors stand over a patient, meticulously inserting a long, cylindrical laparoscopic tube through, what appears to be, the patient's abdomen. An anesthesiologist monitors his heart

  • Security forces Airmen teach English to Panamanian hosts

    Two bilingual security forces Airmen assigned to New Horizons Panama 2010 are spending their free time in front of a black board teaching English classes to members of the Panamanian Frontier Police (SENAFRONT).Master Sgt. Noland Rivera and Senior Airman Sheryl Job started out teaching a few words

  • AMC officials unveil concept to strengthen force resilience

    "Each of us has a flame inside of us that, when made stronger, can help us withstand life's storms," said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the commander of Air Mobility Command  June 16 .To strengthen force resilience, including Air Force civilians and family members, AMC officials launched the

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

    The latest issue of Airman magazine, "Special Ops at the tip of the spear," features Airmen flying and maintaining the CV-22 Osprey.The CV-22 can perform missions that normally require both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. This feature gives an inside look at the lives of the Airmen working with this

  • 'Bad guys' add realism to capabilities exercise

    An Army Special Forces team jumped out of an MC-130W Combat Spear and deployed their parachutes to slowly descend to the landing zone. After hitting the hard New Mexico soil, they fanned out and moved toward their objective.This began the scenario of the Cannon Air Force Base capabilities exercise

  • Improved physical fitness uniform coming to a store near you

    After much planning, anticipation and constructive feedback, the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Air Force Uniform Office officials have partnered to bring an improved physical training uniform to select military clothing sales stores in July.The IPTU, which consists of a running jacket,

  • Recruiting service films Lackland training

    Building on the recent success of its website's basic military training video, Air Force Recruiting Service officials returned to Lackland Air Force Base June 21 through 25 to film several technical school career fields for a new AirForce.com technical training video.The new video is part of the

  • Texas Air Guard prepares security forces Airmen for deployment

    On the desert ranges of Fort Bliss, Texas, there is a lot of open space for Soldiers to train and prepare for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army operations are well-known here, but active-duty, guard and Reserve security forces Airmen are on the range too.Texas Air National Guard members trained

  • Airmen help clear the battlefield

    As the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq picks up steam, there is a collection of Airmen, Soldiers and civilians ready to process billions of dollars in equipment for redistribution.The Redistribution Property Accountability Team was developed to process equipment bound for refurbishment in the United

  • All military medical training roads now start at METC

    The future of military medical training arrived here June 30 with the opening of the Medical Education and Training Campus.The METC is an integrated campus under a single university-style administration, with more than 100 courses available to students. "Today marks a significant milestone in the

  • Command's first-ever Global Strike Challenge under way

    Intercontinental ballistic missile, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer units are competing in the first Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen. "Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of

  • Three Airmen celebrate first Independence Day as U.S. citizens

    Three Airmen in the 23rd Mission Support Group here are celebrating their first Fourth of July as U.S. citizens. They are Airmen 1st Class Alexandra Fleig, Rangel Robinson and Christopher Canlas. Airmen Fleig and Robinson, both 23rd Force Support Squadron customer support representatives, and Airman

  • Air Commando One honored, remembered

    More than 500 friends, family members and servicemembers gathered at here to honor and remember "Air Commando One" during a memorial ceremony July 2.Airmen of all ranks, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. George "Bud" Day attended the

  • Official details foreign language program's progress

    The military's efforts to have more language-qualified servicemembers are beginning to pay off, the Defense Department's senior language authority said this week.Nancy E. Weaver testified June 29 before the House Armed Services Committee's oversight subcommittee.Knowing the language, knowing the

  • Air Force officials award cleanup contract for former Mather Air Force Base

    Air Force Real Property Agency officials announced July 1 the award of a multi-year performance-based contract to URS Group, Inc. to perform environmental restoration activities at the former Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, Calif. The $8.57 million contract runs through 2015 and saves the

  • Medical readiness center opens at Camp Bullis

    A new era in military medical readiness training opened at Camp Bullis June 25, as Air Force officials cut the ribbon on an $18 million Medical Readiness Training Center.Center officials will host all initial, sustainment and future medical readiness training. The center will also allow officials to

  • New military working dog facility built to highest "green" standard

    In an effort to be environmentally friendly, members of the 56th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section are currently undergoing green construction, which began in January with an estimated completion date at the end of July. While the project did not cost enough to be required to be

  • Tinker reservists to participate in Navy fleet exercise

    More than 180 reservists from the 507th Air Refueling Wing along with four KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft will join forces with the U.S. Navy during July to support a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise.The exercise, called RIMPAC, for Rim of the Pacific, is a series of multinational maritime exercises

  • Ramstein Airmen pay St. Baldrick's $6,645 for haircut

    Does a free haircut sound like a good deal? Perhaps it sounds even better when a free haircut raises awareness and money to combat cancer in children. Ninety-eight people volunteered to give up their locks to participate in the first St. Baldrick's event at Donnelly Park here June 26. The

  • AFIT handbook wins engineering book-of-the-year award

    The Military Industrial Engineering Handbook, authored and co-edited by two Air Force Institute of Technology professors, Dr. Adedeji Badiru, head of AFIT's Department of Systems and Engineering Management, and Dr. Marlin Thomas, the dean of the AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management,

  • Database provides mission readiness information

    The Defense Department's readiness reporting system, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a unit's manpower, skill sets, equipment and capabilities as well as mission requirements, is nearing full operational capability, a top official said.Development of the Defense Readiness Reporting

  • New Horizons opening ceremony echoes spirit of friendship, cooperation

    New Horizons Panama 2010 officially opened at Santa Librada Elementary School June 29 with a ceremony featuring senior leaders from the Panamanian government as well as the United States.The motto for this year's New Horizons exercise, an annual U.S. Southern Command humanitarian assistance mission,

  • Reflections on the water: Outward Bound veteran expeditions

    Through a joint effort between various foundations, servicemembers who are veterans of operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom can receive a free Outward Bound expedition.Outward Bound offers white water rafting trips, cliff diving and group fitness, hikes and teambuilding exercises. Life on

  • Air Force trauma care center consolidates with Army

    As part of the move to the San Antonio Military Medical Center, Wilford Hall Medical Center, the Air Force's only level 1 trauma center, will discontinue trauma care beginning July 1.All severely injured trauma patients from San Antonio, Bexar and surrounding counties, and South Texas, will go to

  • Robots bring Ramstein warehouse into 21st century

    Air Force officials have replaced a conveyor belt system in the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron warehouse with the United States Air Forces in Europe Command first laser automated guided vehicle system, saving time and money.Today, according to Larry Head, that conveyor system has been replaced by

  • Tricare officials implement new formulary search tool

    Beneficiaries and providers can use the new Tricare formulary search tool to find the most up-to-date information about prescription medications.Located at http://pec.ha.osd.mil/formulary_search.php, the new formulary search tool allows beneficiaries to easily find which medicines are in the uniform

  • Ukrainian airmen visit Ramstein, gain knowledge of AF capabilities

    Airlifters from the Ukrainian air force visited here June 21 through 25 to participate in an engagement focused on airlift interoperability. The five-day trip showcased the 86th Airlift Wing's operation and support capabilities to the Ukrainian airmen."The goal of the visit was to assist the

  • Online program helps military families vote absentee

    Defense Department officials launched an Internet-based program June 28 to help servicemembers and other Americans living overseas vote more easily in November's elections. The new online voting assistant at www.fvap.gov will make the registration and absentee ballot application process "quick,

  • New medallion available for marking veterans' graves in private cemeteries

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced June 29 that the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased's status as a veteran. "For veterans not buried in a national or state veterans

  • Intrepid Center merges art, science for brain treatment

    When National Intrepid Center of Excellence officials opened the center's doors here last week, the sense of hope in reversing the rising tide of brain injuries and psychological illness in servicemembers was palpable. From its warm design and family-friendly amenities to its best-in-the-world

  • Space command officials embark on many firsts with tactical satellite

    The transition of Tactical Satellite 3 from experimental to operational mode June 18 marked the beginning of many significant firsts as U.S. Strategic Command accepted the hyperspectral satellite for operational use.During its first year in orbit, flown by officials from the Air Force Research

  • Polish team observes inspection

    Polish air force members visited here during the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection to gain an upper hand in inspection processes and procedures.Next year, Polish units will undergo a NATO tactical evaluation, and members from different specialties observed several

  • Air Force ramps up for Pacific exercise

    A C-17 Globemaster III from here dropped supplies to Marines on the island of Hawaii June 24 as part of the Rim of the Pacific exercise.This is the first year that C-17's are participating in RIMPAC, the largest maritime, biennial exercise in the world, which is in its 22nd year of existence.

  • Reserve program to grow by 400 by September

    With 400 new funded billets and recent attrition rates in fiscal 2010, Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program officials are expecting to hire 1,600 people by September. "We're hiring and that is terrific news on several fronts," said Col. Nancy Zbyszinski, the Readiness

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen and civilians celebrate an historic upgrade in satellite communications capabilities. Plus, an Air Force couple gets ready to deploy together. Also, glimpse a solemn ceremony as pararescue Airmen say goodbye. The 30-minute, weekly news show can be seen

  • Two Airmen save Soldier's life outside gym

    Two Airmen credited their pre-deployment training for recently saving the life of an Army lieutenant colonel who was having a heart attack outside the camp's gym.Tech. Sgt. Aaron Gufford and Staff Sgt. Jeffery Kirker, both of the 392nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion at Camp Liberty, were on their

  • Belgian Air Component participates in first Red Flag-Alaska

    Twenty-seven members from the Belgian Air Component participated in their first Red Flag-Alaska exercise here. The BAC 15th Air Transport Wing 20th Squadron arrived here June 8, with two C-130 Hercules, and will be participating until June 25, when the exercise ends. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air

  • CSAF stresses importance of Airmen and mission

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer made a visit June 24 to meet with Airmen, talk about his priorities, and listen to the concerns of those living and working here."Let me begin by reminding you that everyone matters," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "It's like a team;

  • Delivery of new F-16s to Pakistan shows deepening relations

    Three F-16 Fighting Falcons are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan June 26 with 15 more to be delivered later this year and next, said Maj. Todd Robbins, the Pakistan country director in the office of the undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs. "This is the most visible part of a

  • Information Protection Workshop 2010 examines security issues, goals

    With a focus on training, education and force development, professionals from major commands, wings, field operating agencies and direct reporting units from across the Air Force gathered here for the 2010 Worldwide Information Protection Workshop June 21 through 25.Hosted by the Air Force

  • Voluntary separation, retirement deadlines near

    As the window to voluntarily separate or retire closes, Air Force officials urge Airmen impacted by force management who are interested in transitioning from the active-duty force to do so quickly before the cutoff dates later this month."Volunteering ahead of retention boards will give officers

  • Lajes supports YoAFF campaign with quality-of-life improvements

    In the midst of many budget cuts, Lajes Field, Azores, officials are improving the quality of life for Airmen and their families, with a focus on improving programs geared toward areas of concern for Air Force families.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

  • Opportunities exist for active-duty Airmen to become IMA Reservists

    Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee program officials are currently looking for Airmen from all career fields to fill worldwide taskings, according to a Reserve management group official. "Airmen who are leaving the active-duty force are encouraged to consider opportunities along the

  • Military parents voice education concerns to leaders

    Top U.S. and military leaders took part in a roundtable discussion with parents at the elementary school here today to gain greater insight into the education challenges military families face. Among the participants were Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III; Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice

  • General McKinley: Medical field key to future battles

    The Air National Guard's medical professionals are uniquely suited to respond to any asymmetric challenge that confronts our nation in the future, the National Guard's top officer said here June 19."All of the missions that the medical field has done over time ... have put it into a position to be

  • Air Force civilians set for transition from NSPS to begin in July

    The majority of Air Force civilians will begin to transition from the National Security Personnel System to the General Schedule beginning July 4 and continuing through Sept. 12. Mandated by the Fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, the conversion to the GS by the end of this fiscal year

  • Services, VA use technology for stress, resilience outreach

    Officials from the military services and the Veterans Health Administration of the Veterans Affairs Department increasingly use digital technology to reach out to identify and treat servicemembers with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The second-ranking officers of each

  • New officer course boosts cyberspace transformation

    A new undergraduate cyber training course for officers launched here June 15.Air Force officials allocated $11.7 million to establish the course, and about $7.6 million has already been spent to upgrade facilities and purchase the computer infrastructure, simulators and laboratory networks to

  • A-10C pilot, family headed to Argentina through Olmsted Scholar program

    An A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 358th Fighter Squadron here was one of 17 military officers selected by the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation to be a student in Olmsted Scholar Class of 2011. Maj. Sean Baerman, his wife Mandy and their 3-year-old-son, Teague will move to Buenos Aires

  • Thunderbirds announce 2011 officer selections

    The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Thunderbirds, recently announced incoming officer selections for the 2011 demonstration season.Capt. Ryan Riley, an F-16 pilot stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, will join the team as the left wing for the squadron as

  • June 19 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.Air Operations in AfghanistanAsmarAir Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews and an Air

  • Air Force to host joint library workshop

    Department of Defense library professionals will exchange ideas, explore new technology and develop strategies for future library programs during a workshop June 22 through 25 in northern Virginia.The Air Force, Navy and U.S. Marines Corps Librarians' Training Workshop will feature speakers from

  • Education center saves Air Force time, money

    Success and savings on national testing at the Lackland Air Force Base Education Center are forming a program model for the Air Force.Last December, a partnership between Lackland AFB and the San Antonio branch of Wayland Baptist University computerized the testing program that is taking the

  • Tinker squadron extends service life of first aircraft in Navy E-6 fleet

    Airmen from the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron completed work on extending the service life of the first of 16 Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft June 15.The E-6Bs are flown by members of the Strategic Communications Wing ONE, whose primary mission is airborne communication with Navy submarines. It

  • Air Force triathlon team wins at 2010 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

    The Air Force triathlon team recently excelled in all athletic categories at the 2010 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship June 5 at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Calif. The Air Force team took first place in every category, including the fastest male (Capt. James Bales at 1 hour, 46 minutes,

  • Puerto Rican troops, families need new birth certificates

    Servicemembers and their families who were born in Puerto Rico will need to obtain a new birth certificate starting July 1, although the Defense Department will honor the certificate they used to establish their identity and to enroll for military benefits prior to that date, a defense official

  • RED HORSE port team equips New Horizons Panama mission for success

    A 12-person logistics support team moved more than 200 pieces of cargo 250 kilometers (more than 155 miles) from the port in Panama City to Meteti for New Horizons Panama 2010.The team, a division of the RED HORSE contingent deploying to Panama for New Horizons, arrived May 11, and worked furiously

  • Airmen mentor Afghan porters at Kabul airport

    For the Afghan National Army, the aerial port at the Afghan National Army Air Force base at Kabul International Airport is critical to resupplying troops in the field. The concept of an aerial port has been around for a long time, but increasing the capabilities is the job of the 438th Air

  • Academy's wave energy research faces major test in 2011

    If a U.S. Air Force Academy scientist's idea is proven correct, his research could tap into energy from ocean waves that could supply a large chunk of the world's electricity needs. A typical North Atlantic deep ocean wave is about 126 meters long and 3.5 meters tall, which could yield 100 kW per

  • Line officers face revised reclassification procedures

    To better manage the force and address the needs of critical and stressed career fields, Air Force officials have revised procedures for line officers eliminated from initial skills training.Line officers eliminated from training are now being considered by a panel at the Air Force Personnel Center

  • CWID tests latest in communications for warfighters

    Airmen and Soldiers brought their experience from Afghanistan and Iraq to test the latest communications systems in the Colorado Springs portion of the joint Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration on June 16.The demonstration is designed to improve and enhance command and control;

  • Gates reviews military spouse career program

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is grappling with the best way to reopen the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program to new applicants, concerned that the program has morphed beyond its original intent and cost estimates, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said June 18.Secretary

  • 'Making rank' has special significance for Global Strike general

    When Brig. Gen. Sandra E. Finan held her promotion ceremony here June 15, it gave new meaning to the expression "making rank."General Finan's rank was made by her father, who crafted her metal general's stars at his home worktable. In fact, he's made one of every rank insignia for her since she made

  • Scott agencies join to test new airframe

    More than 20 Airmen from Scott Air Force Base continued production qualification testing on the C-27J Spartan here June 8 and 9. The C-27J was originally an Army development program until April 2009 when Defense Secretary Robert Gates shifted the program to the Air Force. As such, Air Force-specific

  • Air Force officials discuss mental health options, confidentiality

    Airmen in need of psychological intervention or counseling have myriad options available through a number of Air Force programs, officials said here June 16.Although psychological screening occurs throughout an Airman's career by way of annual preventive health assessments and post-deployment

  • Airmen reach 250K flying hours with remotely piloted aircraft

    Members of the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here reached a significant milestone recently when the Air Force's remotely piloted aircraft flew their 250,000th hour in Afghanistan at the end of May.The 62nd ERS is home to the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Kandahar Airfield.

  • Tuskegee Airman dies

    Retired Lt. Col. William H. Holloman III, 85, one of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen" who broke the military's color barrier by becoming a World War II fighter pilot, died June 11 in Kent, Wash.Colonel Holloman continued to serve during the Korean War and became the Air Force's

  • Wing commander, spouse team humbled by recognition

    The 3rd Wing commander and his spouse were recognized for their contribution to the nation, the Air Force and the local community. Brig. Gen. Thomas Bergeson and his wife, Lt. Col. Pam Bergeson, are the 2010 winners of the Gen. and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award, which recognizes the best wing

  • Jump week brings five NATO countries together

    More than 100 paratroopers from five NATO countries conducted about 300 personnel drops June 15 here.The three-day airborne jump training is part of International Jump Week meant to build partnerships and capabilities needed to meet future challenges. The paratroopers from Belgium, Germany, England,

  • Savings bonds deductions move to direct deposit Sept. 30

    Airmen and Department of Defense civilians will use a new way to purchase savings bonds beginning Sept. 30 as part of the Department of Treasury's cost-effective plan to issue savings bonds electronically.Instead of payroll deductions, savings bonds will be available through a direct-deposit

  • Gates: Budget request reflects Pentagon's reform agenda

    The fiscal 2011 defense budget request continues and builds on the reforms of the fiscal 2010 budget, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense June 16.The proposed base budget request is $549 billion, a 3.4 percent increase over the current

  • Afghanistan timeline not a withdrawal date, officials say

    President Barack Obama's directive calling for the start of a conditions-based drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in July 2011 shouldn't be considered as an exit date, but rather the beginning of the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghans, the top U.S. military commander in the

  • Joint team construction projects follow Afghan priorities

    Airmen and Soldiers are encouraging Afghan government officials to determine their own priorities for construction projects that will benefit people in the Zabul province."We recognized a need for the people of Zabul to be connected with their government and the desire of the population to build

  • New systems make military moves more efficient

    With the busiest season for permanent-change-of-station moves under way, officials at U.S. Transportation Command are encouraging servicemembers to take advantage of new systems designed to make the process more convenient and efficient.Transcom launched the new Personally Procured Move, or PPM,

  • Surgeon wins Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

    If at first you don't succeed, then try, try again. For Capt. James Bales, a Wilford Hall Medical Center orthopedic surgeon, it was eight 'tris' before success: winning the Armed Forces Triathlon Championships.The Air Force captain traversed the Olympic-distance course at Naval Base Ventura County,

  • USAFE officials invest $240 million in housing

    The continuing investment in military family housing and dormitories is keeping U.S. Air Forces Europe in line with the Year of the Air Force Family theme of building a great place to live, work and play.During the year, USAFE officials completed the construction or renovation of numerous family

  • Libraries inspire military children to read

    Defense Department library officials have embarked on their first departmentwide summer reading program in hopes of encouraging military children to keep their reading skills sharp during the summer. More than 250 base libraries will soon set off on "Voyage to Book Island," an activity-packed

  • Officials extend voluntary separation pay, reduce separation pay

    Air Force officials are extending the application period for eligible officers to apply for voluntary separation pay through July 31, but are lowering the multiplier to 1.5 times the authorized separation pay effective July 1."The window to apply for two times separation pay is rapidly closing,"

  • Officials announces initial test transmissions from GPS satellite

    Officials from the Space and Missile Systems Center's Global Positioning Systems Wing announced that the first GPS IIF satellite, launched May 27, has begun test transmissions of the new safety-of-life (L5) navigation signal. The L5 signal is a key element of efforts to modernize the GPS

  • Air Force officials select 45 Airmen for nurse program

    Air Force officials have selected 45 Airmen to attend the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The May 2010 NECP Board met at the Air Force Personnel Center to consider 53 applicants. Those attending training in fall 2010 are: Master Sgt. Sheniqua D. FortuneTech. Sgt. Pamela A. BradshawTech. Sgt.