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  • Combat camera Airmen learn battlefield forensics

    It was a first for the Air Force when a cadre of instructors from Six3 Systems Inc. arrived here to teach a battlefield forensics course to 4th Combat Camera Squadron Airmen. In the past, company officials taught the course to only Army and Marine Corps units, but 4th Combat Squadron officials

  • VA program helps families help their veterans

    "Families At Ease" is a new program developed by Department of Veterans Affairs officials that works with family members and friends of veterans of any era to help them help their veteran get care.Many veterans are reluctant to get help for the symptoms or difficulties they are having, or may not

  • Operations security goes digital

    Click through any photo-sharing site and you will likely find at least one random shot of someone you know doing something highly inappropriate. While these photos may be hilarious, could they have the potential to reveal intimate details of your life to the world?Walk through a mall during a

  • Officials seek bilingual officers for training school

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations from bilingual officers to participate in the 2011 Inter-American Squadron Officer School Program. This program focuses on inter-Americanism and developing Latin American regional affairs specialists for the Air Force.Captains from all Air Force

  • 386th AEW first with all-AF customs team

    Due to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's all-Air Force customs team, a first in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, a process that would usually require Airmen who are redeploying to stay confined to the passenger terminal for more than 14 hours was greatly reduced.Senior Airman

  • DOD officials urge service members to stop using tobacco

    Each year, more than a million people successfully quit using tobacco, and Defense Department officials want more service members included in that number in 2011."In the tradition of New Year's, we are asking our active-duty and retired service members and their families to make a resolution to quit

  • NATO program enhances multinational tactical operations

    This year, six pilots from the 480th Fighter Squadron here completed Allied Command Europe's Tactical Leadership Program at Albacete-Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, for the first time."This training is essential for fighter squadrons in Europe that have active participation roles with NATO," said Lt.

  • Falcons coach fires up home crowd for Independence Bowl

    The term "home team" will have special meaning to the Airmen of Air Force Global Strike Command when two of the nation's top college football ground attacks take the field in Shreveport, La., for the Independence Bowl Dec. 27.The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons, with the nation's second best rushing

  • Veterans: Be aware of VA services during the holiday season

    The holidays are a traditional time of joy, laughter and sharing with family and friends. They are also a time of remembrance of past celebrations and anticipation of family gatherings. While the holiday season is often experienced as a season for celebration and giving thanks, for many, the

  • Congress extends Stop Loss application deadline

    The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for retroactive Stop Loss special pay has been extended to March 4, 2011, Defense Department officials announced Dec. 23.The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution bill that President Barack

  • Airmen ready to track Santa

    On Christmas Eve, members of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center will track Santa on part of his journey to deliver toys to children around the world.In conjunction with the North American Aerospace Defense Command's 'NORAD Track Santa' program, AOC volunteers will monitor jolly ol' Saint Nick

  • Fitness regulation changes based on Airmen's feedback

    As Air Force officials continue to sculpt their fitness program based on Airmen's feedback, service officials issued an AF Guidance Memorandum here Dec. 20 that provides policy changes to AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011. Compliance with the program is

  • Nellis AFB officials host joint training exercise for local canine units

    Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas Dec. 16 during an explosive detection training exercise.Handlers and dogs from local casinos; Las Vegas Convention Center; Hoover Dam; Las Vegas Monorail; University of Nevada, Las Vegas;

  • U.S. Southern Command opens new headquarters

    Officials from U.S. Southern Command opened their new $402 million headquarters here in an event that underscored the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Latin America, and marked a new phase of the command's history in South Florida.This facility "demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to our

  • Defense.gov names top stories of 2010

    Defense.gov administrators published nearly 3,000 stories ranging from Tricare health-care benefits to the status of gays serving openly in the military to the Defense Department budget. The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:10. "Pentagon Changes Don't Ask, Don't Tell

  • Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team earns validation

    Members of the Army and Air Force Hawaii National Guard all-hazards response team stood up a chemical, biological, nuclear, high-yield explosive enhanced response force Dec. 13 through 18 here to be evaluated by Joint Interagency Training and Education Center officials.The CERF team was validated

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • Academy band shares love of music, profession at Midwest Clinic

    Representatives of the Air Force Academy band spent three days sharing the Academy story through love of music and their military profession Dec. 15 through 17 here duringthe Midwest Clinic international band and orchestra conference. The Midwest Clinic is an annual conference focused on raising the

  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • Reese Technology Center: Research powerhouse in Lubbock

    Pilots trained to fly at the former Reese Air Force Base here may remember the "interesting crosswinds" in the area. The military pilots are gone, but the blustery winds are placing this northwest Texas city on the renewable energy map.These winds, as well as other hallmarks of the area, such as

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Intrepid Center provides new level of warfighter care

    When it officially opened its doors in June, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the National Naval Medical Center here set out to provide a new level of care for warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders.Six months later, as it continues to build staff to

  • Obama calls on Senate to ratify new START

    President Barack Obama called on Congress Dec. 20 to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority.""Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an

  • Don't Ask' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama

  • Department prepares for 'Don't Ask' repeal

    The Defense Department is preparing for passage of a law that overturns the ban on gays serving openly in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said Dec 17.The U.S. Senate is expected to vote -- possibly as soon as Dec. 18 -- on a bill the House of Representatives passed Dec. 15 that would repeal the

  • Officials award production contract for fourth advanced frequency satellite

    The Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate announced Dec. 17 the award of a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification valued at approximately $1.4 billion to Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., for production of the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite.

  • Pentagon spokesman addresses strategy review, budget

    The U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is yielding results that are "trending in the right direction," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Dec. 17.During an MSNBC television interview, Mr. Morrell responded to questions on Pakistan's role in establishing regional security, the purpose of the

  • Santa's new address: No. 1 Santa Claus Lane, North Pole

    The city of North Pole, Alaska, with the assistance of the North Pole Economic Development Corporation, has erected a permanent candy cane marker designating "No. 1 Santa Claus Lane" as the address to which letters to Santa should be addressed.The recent installation of the candy cane marker, along

  • 'Twas a Night in December

    Servicemembers stationed from Antarctica to Afghanistan lent their talents and time to craft a video for a poem titled "'Twas a Night in December," based on Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas," but rewritten with a military twist. Servicemembers from more than 40 commands around the

  • Select CDCs become available online

    Airmen in select career fields can now complete their career development courses through Air University's AU Online website -- a derivative website of Air Education and Training Command's Advanced Distributed Learning System -- that provides course access from work or home computers.Electronic CDCs

  • Reports of sexual harassment, assault rise at service academies

    The number of reported sexual harassment and assaults at the armed forces' three service academies is up from last year, but the rise could be due to an increase in education and training at the schools, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Forty-one incidents were reported for the 2009-2010

  • VA's homeless intervention program nears roll out

    A Department of Veterans Affairs homeless-prevention program, which seeks to help veterans and families who are on the verge of becoming homeless, has moved closer to implementation. The program marks the first time that VA officials will fund services for the spouses and children of veterans at

  • Airmen turn aeromedical staging facility into 'home-like atmosphere'

    Your plane lands after multiple flights and long hours. The door of the C-17 Globemaster III opens, and the cold air hits your face. It's the middle of winter in Southern Illinois, and several men and women in uniforms escort you to a bus that will take you to your room. When the bus comes to a

  • Partners build high-tech hands for wounded warriors

    Scientists and technologists are working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to give arms and hands back to warriors who lose them in battle.Army Col. (Dr.) Geoffrey Ling, the DARPA program manager, talked about the program Nov. 19 to a TEDx Pentagon audience. TEDx Pentagon is a

  • Gates urges Congress to pass omnibus appropriation bill

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress Dec. 16 to approve an omnibus appropriation bill rather than requiring the Defense Department to operate under a year-long continuing resolution."To do otherwise would leave the department without the resources and flexibility needed to meet vital

  • Communications Airmen prove vital to Regional Command-West mission

    Imagine a small group of elite Soldiers on patrol in the mountains of the northern Herat province of Afghanistan coming under heavy attack by a large group of insurgents.What if these outnumbered and outgunned Soldiers called back to camp for close-air support but found no answer on the receiving

  • Airman wins for big IDEA

    It wasn't a contest or a lucky roll of the dice that earned Tech. Sgt. Justin Burt $7,633; it was a good idea.The 28th Maintenance Squadron structural maintenance craftsman was rewarded because he thought of a new way to repair the rubber seals on a B-1B Lancer's landing gear doors. He received a

  • 'Today's Air Force' features birth of military aviation

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" features the 100th anniversary of Lt. Benjamin Foulois' first solo flight, which marked the birth of military aviation. Tune in for a look at some of the major aviation milestones from the past century and the men who achieved them.The 30-minute, weekly news show

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

    Some Airmen destroy promising careers, and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their careers for many reasons: from voyeurism to disloyal

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

    Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on

  • Military members, veterans with disabilities learn life-changing skills

    More than 120 wounded military personnel, disabled veterans and their families traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando for the 6th Annual Road to Recovery Conference.  The conference took place from Dec. 7 to Dec. 11.  The week-long event was presented by The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

  • Most housing rates dip for 2011 as pay, subsistence increase

    Most military housing allowance rates will decrease slightly for 2011, but servicemembers will receive, on average, as much or slightly more money than they did this year, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Cheryl Anne Woehr, a housing allowance program analyst, said overall rates are fairly

  • New 'bird' finds home with 76th AS

    Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron here receieved a C-37A Dec. 7 to help increase the flying capabilities of the distinguished visitor mission.The new aircraft is the military version of the Gulfstream V ultra-long-range-business aircraft and is the first C-37A to be stationed here. The C-37A

  • Application deadline approaching for Warrior Games

    The application deadline for the 2011 Warrior Games is Jan. 11. With the holidays approaching, Air Force officials encourage qualifying Airmen to submit applications as soon as possible.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans "The

  • Commander retires after 41 years of service

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen bid farewell to Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander since 2008, who retired Dec. 13, as the longest-serving Air Force officer currently on active duty. "Being the commander of USAFE is really something; it just doesn't get much better than this," General Brady

  • Air Force emergency managers "walk the walk"

    A team of 481 Air Force emergency managers representing all the major commands, recently joined 2,000 of their colleagues at the 58th annual International Association of Emergency Managers conference in San Antonio.This year's IAEM conference theme was, "Talk the Talk, now Walk the Walk," and the

  • Officials complete GPS software upgrade ahead of schedule

    Officials with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., have completed their sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule. The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead

  • National prevention month highlights dangers of drunken driving

    As the end-of-year holidays approach, Airmen, like the rest of America, are busy planning, shopping and preparing for those few days when family and friends gather to relax and celebrate. Some may not care to think about tragedy at this time, but December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving

  • TRICARE assistance program is here for beneficiaries during the holidays

    The holidays are a great opportunity to bond with family members and reconnect with old friends, but this time of year can also present significant stress, particularly if a loved one is deployed for the holidays. An empty seat at the dinner table, holiday shopping minus one or unwrapped gifts under

  • Brain tumor survivor cross-trains to aid recovery, improve health

    Tech. Sgt. Carmen Colon-Alemany knew what to expect going into her second brain surgery. She'd been on the operating table before when the doctors first found a mass on the left side of her brain, around her temple, and when an aneurysm that hadn't burst was removed.This second surgery, five years

  • Reservist awarded the Airman's Medal for off-duty heroism

    An Air Force reservist pulled injured and panicking passengers from a smoking airliner that crashed upon takeoff December 2008. For his heroic actions, the 10th Air Force commander presented this Airman with an Airman's Medal here Dec. 10.The military decoration is awarded for "heroism not involving

  • New program connects wounded warriors with loved ones

    Members of the 455th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility staff teamed up with Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron to offer wounded warriors a way to communicate with loved ones as the wounded warriors make their journey home.The 455th ECS completed the installation of a

  • Officials seek enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering six NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The NCOs will be selected in February to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide

  • NMFA honors military families, names family of the year

    An Air Force family was named the National Military Family Association's 2010 Family of the Year Dec. 7, for selfless service to the nation and the community.The association honored a family from each service before announcing that the Mullin family, of Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, had earned the

  • Caring for People Survey still open

    Air Force members looking to voice their concerns about community support programs and services still have time to complete the 2010 Caring for People Survey.The survey allows total-force Airmen, civilians, retirees and spouses an opportunity to tell Air Force leaders how they can better address

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

    Air Force officials are seeking active-duty enlisted Airmen to apply for the fall 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The program offers enlisted members an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need academic major. Air Force Personnel Center officials will conduct the annual NECP

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against

  • Air Guard strengthens stance for homeland defense, civil support

    The 2010 Domestic Operations Equipment Requirements conference prompted Air National Guard officials to position themselves to provide an even stronger stance for homeland defense and civil support missions, the National Guard Bureau's director of plans and requirements said recently."This is how we

  • Officials select potential base for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 training unit

    Air Force officials announced today that Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, is their preferred alternative to potentially host a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA maintenance and flying training unit in the U.S.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz validated

  • Sun sets on Keen Sword exercise

    Servicemembers at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding the country wrapped up a seven-day joint, bilateral field-training exercise with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts as Exercise Keen Sword 11 came to an end Dec. 10.Identified as the

  • Air Force, industry leaders brainstorm at Renewable Energy Industry Day

    During the U.S. Air Force Renewable Energy Industry Day on December 8, Air Force senior leaders joined more than 250 industry professionals to exchange ideas about partnering to increase renewable energy supplies and achieve energy goals.Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • Cross-country training pools experience, skills

    Members of the 100th Air Refueling Wing united with their Royal Air Force counterparts to build cross-service relationships and military skills during Leadership, Ethos and Air Power Day here Dec. 6.Participants in station LEAP Day were taken from all sections of Royal Air Force Marham and

  • 'Portraits in Courage' Vol. V highlights Air Force heroes

    The latest "Portraits in Courage" released Dec. 10 highlights 18 Airmen who demonstrated bravery and heroism in the crucible of war as they repelled air and ground enemy fire, led convoys through perilous terrain and assisted injured comrades.The stories describe ordinary Americans who accomplished

  • Spice illegal for Airmen, produces dangerous side effects

    Although it is banned from use by Airmen and scheduled to soon become illegal for all U.S. citizens, not much is known about the drug known as "spice."Spice, considered by some to be a marijuana alternative because it has the same effects, is a mixture of potentially dangerous herbs coated with

  • 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 December 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

  • AF researchers showcase integrated training capabilities

    Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando,

  • DOD officials to expand community-based child care options

    Defense Department officials plan to launch an initiative early next year aimed at expanding the quality and quantity of community-based child care options for geographically dispersed reserve and active-duty families and for families facing long waits for on-base care.Through the initiative, DOD

  • First Iraqi enlisted chief visits Air University

    The first chief master sergeant of the Iraqi air force visited Air University here Dec. 7, to examine how U.S. officials educate their Airmen.The visit marks the first time the Iraqi chief has been to the U.S., and was designed to give him a sweeping look at enlisted and officer education across the

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Airmen graduate from first Guard, Reserve survival component course

    Two reserve component Airmen were the first to graduate from a new course specifically developed for guardsmen and reservists Dec. 2 here.Staff Sgt. Andrew Dunn, from the 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., and Airman 1st Class Brian Alfano, from the New York Air

  • Scholarships for Military Children Program seeking applicants

    Scholarship applications for the 2011 Scholarships for Military Children program are now available in commissaries worldwide and online at www.militaryscholar.org by clicking the "News & Info" tab and then the "Scholarship Info" tab. Since the program was announced in 2000, it has awarded $8.3

  • Combat rescue officers celebrate 10-year anniversary

    Officials celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the combat rescue officer career field Dec. 8."Our personnel recovery forces need to be organized, trained and equipped to operate across the full range of military operations, including humanitarian operations, irregular warfare and

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • Air Force selects preferred alternative base for C-27J training aircraft

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 8 that it has chosen Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss., as the preferred alternative base for the C-27J Spartan training aircraft.The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force considered the site survey results, mission-specific

  • Stanley: Pentagon must do better in hiring disabled

    Defense Department officials are doing a "pretty good" job at hiring talented, disabled people for their civilian work force, but they needs to do much better, the Pentagon's top personnel official said Dec. 8 here during his keynote remarks at the 30th annual Disability Awards Ceremony and Forum."I

  • C-17s deliver firepower to Afghanistan

    An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III and its crew delivered the first of 17 M1A1 Abrams tanks to military forces in Afghanistan recently. The delivery marked the first time U.S. tanks have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.The tanks were requested by Marine Corps Maj. Gen.

  • Photo essay: Kadena Airmen stage rescue for Keen Sword

    Airmen with the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons perform a water rescue here during the Keen Sword exercise Dec. 6. Units from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps are conducting training with their Japan self-defense force counterparts at military installations throughout Japan, Okinawa and in

  • Recruiting commander expands community relations at bowl game

    The Air Force Recruiting Service commander visited Columbus, Ga., Dec. 3 and 4 to show support to the community and share knowledge about the Air Force's career opportunities.During his stay, Brig. Gen. Balan R. Ayyar attended the 2010 Pioneer Bowl at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium where the Fort

  • First cyber class graduates

    The Air Force took a significant step forward in its cyberspace training transformation Dec. 6, as 15 officers graduated from the first undergraduate cyberspace training course at here."It's time to leave here and provide the Air Force, and the nation, with real options and opportunities based on

  • 18th Air Force, Expeditionary Center restructures

    Air Mobility Command officials announced plans Dec. 7 to restructure some command and control functions, commonly referred to as C2, effective Jan. 7, 2011. The command's 18th Air Force will focus on C2 of air mobility, contingency response and en route operations, including the 618th Air and Space

  • CMSAF emphasizes Air Force core values

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights how the Air Force core values should guide all Airmen in rising to meet challenges of today as Congress considers changes to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy."As military men and women, the American people count

  • CJCS calls on China to help curb North Korean aggression

    The top U.S. military officer cited growing security challenges created by North Korean aggression and called on China to join other regional nations to help counter it."The regime in the north continues to isolate itself and to act in a manner detrimental to ... security," Adm. Mike Mullen, the

  • US, Japanese servicemembers partner for Keen Sword 2011

    Airmen from across the Pacific Air Forces are teaming up with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts in support of a Japan-wide, week- long exercise Dec. 3 through 10 here. Airmen from Misawa and Yokota Air Bases, Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived here, where they will

  • Officials introduce new patient care concept at medical town hall

    Beginning in June 2011, officials from the 21st Medical Group will launch the Air Force Surgeon General's Family Health Initiative program here, which aims to lower the number of patients assigned to an Air Force medical provider and assigns a back-up team that knows each patient's medical history,

  • First Reserve unit conducts TASER training

    The 482nd Security Forces Squadron here recently became the first unit in the Air Force Reserve Command to complete training with TASER guns, adding a new, nonlethal option to their arsenal. Security forces members must undergo extensive training to be qualified to carry a TASER. Training includes

  • U.S., Japanese servicemembers partner for nationwide training exercise

    Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are teaming up with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts at this central-Japan air base in support of a Japan-wide exercise Dec. 3 through 10. Airmen from Misawa and Kunsan air bases in Japan, and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, arrived at Komatsu AB

  • Airmen connect US, Japan during Keen Sword 11

    More than 25 members of the 644th Combat Communication Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are working to provide communication capabilities to Airmen here. The Andersen AFB Airmen are teaming up with Airmen from Osan Air Base, Korea; Misawa AB, Japan; and Langley AFB, Virginia. Together,

  • DOD seeks to better support disabled employees, official says

    The Defense Department employs about 45,000 workers with disabilities, but needs to boost awareness of a program to support, hire and retain them, the DOD's director of disability programs said Dec. 7.On the eve of the 30th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony, "Talent Has No

  • PACAF specialized medical team conducts first peacetime mission

    Pacific Air Forces deployed the first peace-time, Critical-Care, Air-Transport Team to transfer a critically ill patient from Naval Hospital in Guam, to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Nov. 17. The team was alerted and within three hours, boarded a commercial airliner to meet the aeromedical

  • Sexual assault response coordinator helps all callers

    Unlike many base agencies, the sexual assault response coordinator's office is a one-stop shop. No matter what service or component, one number is the right number."We are truly joint," said Peggy Moore-McCoy, the SARC here. "We are not dividing ourselves. We will never say 'I can't help you.' We

  • Contingency response wing returns from Pakistan relief mission

    Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing have completed operations in Pakistan in support of flood relief distribution efforts after torrential rains and flooding affected more than 20 million people and left one-fifth of the agricultural country under water.The last seven members of the 37

  • Behavioral specialist evaluates military working dogs

    Military working dogs are a special breed and so is a specialist who works with them.Dr. Walter Burghardt, the chief of Behavioral Medicine and Military Working Dog Studies at the  Daniel E. Holland MWD Hospital here, jokingly calls his specialty "an Army of One." But right now, there are no

  • FBI hosts blast investigation training at Eglin

    Improvised explosive devices ripped through three vehicles, sending debris up and out as far as 1,500 feet, creating a sprawling scene of devastation across the ranges Nov. 30 here.The explosions initiated the FBI's Large Vehicle Bomb Post Blast School for approximately 67 state and local law

  • Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

    A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff

  • U.S. responds to Israeli request for help

    Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered 20 tons of fire retardant to Israel Dec. 4. The mission was part of a joint U.S. European Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe effort to assist the Israeli government deal with what is

  • Air Force rugby team continues successful streak

    The Air Force men's rugby team won its seventh consecutive Armed Forces Rugby Championship tournament  Nov. 6.Players on the team are active-duty, Air National Guard and Reserve Airmen of all ranks and career fields from across the Air Force. They all play in local rugby clubs and on base intramural

  • Nominations open for Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award.There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. Major commands and the Air Force District of Washington will each nominate three candidates, one per category, to the Air Force 12 OAY

  • Obama: Servicemembers prove America's best days are ahead

    The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of U.S. servicemembers proves that America's best days lie ahead, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 3.The president thanked the servicemembers and civilians for their sacrifices during a visit to the headquarters of