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  • Officials announce E-8 selection stats

    Air Force officials selected 1,274 of 12,378 eligible master sergeants for promotion to senior master sergeant for a selection rate of 10.29 percent.The average score for those selected was 665.57, with an average time in grade of 4.30 years and an average time in service of 19.76 years. The average

  • Stay TRICARE eligible: Keep DEERS up-to-date

    Beneficiaries who have recently experienced a life changing event, such as the birth or adoption of a child, or recent divorce or marriage should immediately record these changes in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS. If they wait, their TRICARE benefit coverage could be

  • Platform provides collaboration behind firewall

    The Defense Department's secure collaborative platform has expanded beyond the Army to include more members of the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, providing behind-the-firewall access to a collection of secure knowledge management tools mirroring popular social media platforms.DOD

  • AFA honors CE contributions to operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm

    The Central Florida chapter of the Air Force Association recognized four Air Force civil engineers Feb. 18 in Orlando, Fla., at the organization's 20th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm gala.The four were named Ira Eaker Historical Fellows in the AFA for their contributions to the successful

  • Secretary Gates sees progress in Afghanistan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said March 8 that he finds conditions here "very encouraging," as he ended his second full day of high-level meetings, troop visits and commander briefings in Afghanistan.Secretary Gates spoke to reporters at this outpost in the Arghandab district of southern

  • Panel recommends ways to improve military diversity

    A commission created to improve diversity among military leaders has issued 20 recommendations its members say will make the military better reflect the composition of the United States in its ranks.The Military Leadership Diversity Commission, created as part of the 2009 National Defense

  • Officials announce selections to captain

    Air Force officials selected 276 first lieutenants for promotion during the 2010D Line of the Air Force, Chaplain Corps, Judge Advocate General Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Services Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps quarterly captain selection process.The entire list can be found on the Air Force

  • Officials take unique approach to clean up Tyndall AFB

    Air Force officials will continue the cleanup of about 25 problem sites identified as potential threats to human health and the environment at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., officials said here March 7.Senior leaders determined the best approach for the cleanup would include evaluating each location

  • Air Force conservation programs score widespread victories

    The Air Force is trustee to more than eight million acres of land, water and air assets, and is home to more than 70 threatened and endangered species. Stewardship of these resources, in conjunction with sustainment of critical military mission activities, is a key priority for conservation programs

  • Photo essay: Exercise Red Flag

    Members of the Michigan Air National Guard participate in exercise Red Flag here Feb. 24. The exercise is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the U.S. and its allies. View the sideshow.

  • Some prior service officers eligible to retire early

    Air Force officials announced plans recently to allow some prior service officers the opportunity to retire earlier than expected.As a result of the Fiscal 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, eligible officers with prior enlisted service who have completed 20 years of total active federal

  • Progress continues toward Academy training facility groundbreaking

    Preliminaries to the construction of a training facility for the Air Force Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development are moving along briskly, and construction is expected to begin in late summer.The building will occupy much of the space on the Honor Court between Harmon Hall and

  • Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen go 'back to basics'

    A group of the Air Force Academy's enlisted Airmen observed retreat in formation for the first time in the Academy's recent history March 3.Chief Master Sgt. Todd Salzman, the Academy's command chief master sergeant, organized the event to acknowledge Air Force heritage and enlisted

  • Air Force officials identify Frankfurt Airport shooting deaths

    Air Force officials announced March 3 the deaths of two Airmen as a result of the March 2 shooting at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany.Killed were:Senior Airman Nicholas J. Alden , 25, of Williamston, S.C., assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath,

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Airforce.com adviser conducts life-saving live chat

    Airforce.com's internet advisers, or "chatters", answer a variety of questions from the online public, but on rare occasions, they are asked to help save a life.Brad Shimp, an Air Force Recruiting Service chatter, acted quickly when he received a request recently from someone concerned about their

  • Photo essay: Exercise Cope North

    The U.S. Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force conduct exercise Cope North annually at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to increase combat readiness and interoperability, concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force to launch second orbital test vehicle

    Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office officials announced the launch of the second X-37B March 4 with a back-up launch opportunity March 5. AFRCO is leading the Defense Department's orbital test vehicle initiative, by direction of the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in field training exercise

    Aerial porters from the 621st Contingency Response Wing participated in a field training exercise that simulated the unit's ability to rapidly deploy to remote locations and provide critical airlift support.View the slideshow.

  • Officials release new environmental restoration policy

    Changes to the Air Force's environmental cleanup program will focus on cleaning up more sites more quickly, officials said here Feb. 25. The intention is to shift emphasis from partial cleanup solutions that often require decades of expensive follow-up to complete cleanups that free up property more

  • AFNIC engineers assist in Global Hawk beddown

    When Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., officials needed to establish a more robust communications infrastructure to support a new tenant unit's Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft mission, they knew just who to call."Pat Katzer is the best network engineer in the business ... we needed the best,"

  • Army to assume responsibility for Pope Air Force Base

    Pope Air Force Base became Pope Field March 1 as it transitioned to be an Army operated facility supporting Air Force operations.Several Air Force units were redesignated or inactivated, marking a significant moment in Air Force history.The signing of a proclamation marked the handover of

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in operational readiness exercise

    Airmen participated in an Operational Readiness Exercise here Feb. 22 to 25. The exercise trained Airmen on the proper procedures for self-aid and buddy care, field stripping a weapon and how to wear and use chemical gear and gas masks. View the slideshow.

  • CMSAF strengthens ties with Colombian partners

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy visited Colombian military sites here Feb. 1 to 4.He said the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm U.S. Southern Command officials' commitment to a strong nation-to-nation partnership and to explore professional military education exchange

  • Air Force personnel services migration under way

    Air Force technicians migrated the first component of the Air Force Personnel Services website to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center Feb. 23 to 27.This is the first phase in centralizing all total-force personnel services and creating a single access platform for

  • Photo essay: 386th AEW participates in Kuwait 50/20 celebration

    February marks major milestones for one of the Unites States' allies, the nation of Kuwait. Throughout the entire month, the people of Kuwait have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of their independence from Great Britain as well as 20 years of liberation from Iraq. The 50/20 celebration, which

  • Deadline near for first sergeant of the year award

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 First Sergeant of the Year award to the Air Force Personnel Center is April 22. The award recognizes the important contributions and leadership qualities exhibited by Airmen in the first sergeant special duty career field.Nominations must include

  • Air Force leads the way as Green Power Partner

    The Air Force is one of the nation's top purchasers of green power, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Top 25 list of Green Power Partners released this month.The Air Force is being recognized for its purchase and on-site production of 243.9 million kilowatt-hours of green power

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in exercise Cope North

    U.S. and Japanese airmen take part in exercise Cope North Feb. 21, 2011, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The exercise helps joint forces increase combat readiness and interoperability, concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures.View the slideshow.

  • Historic firsts for AFNORTH sergeants lead to distinguished honors

    It had all the markings of a historic event with firsts on several fronts.  As well it should; it was a historic event.At a ceremony held Jan. 28, two Air Forces Northern technical sergeants were the first U.S. Airmen to graduate from the Canadian Intermediate Leadership Program at the Canadian

  • Thunderbirds host the Blue Angels

    The Thunderbirds hosted three members of the Navy Blue Angels team here Feb. 23 as part of a traditional exchange program between the two units. Blue Angel No. 2, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing; and Blue Angel No. 4, Lt. Rob Kurrle, slot; had the chance to fly in the back seat of a

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • McChord Airmen survive New Zealand earthquake unscathed

    About 35 McChord Airmen, 15 of them from the Air Force Reserve Command's 446th Airlift Wing, are in Christchurch, New Zealand, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Feb. 22. The remaining McChord Airmen in Christchurch belong to the active-duty 62nd Airlift Wing here.Based in Christchurch with their

  • Photo essay: CV-22 Osprey training mission

    Crewmembers from the 8th Special Operations Squadron participate in a CV-22 Osprey training mission here Feb. 1. The primary mission of the CV-22 is insertion, extraction, and resupply of unconventional warfare forces and equipment into hostile or enemy-controlled territory using air-land or airdrop

  • Agency chief outlines threat reduction strategy

    Defense Threat Reduction Agency people are at work around the clock to protect American forces and citizens from nuclear, chemical and biological threats, the agency's director said Feb. 23.Speaking to the Defense Writers Group, Kenneth A. Myers III, who also is director of the U.S. Strategic

  • Air Force Network Integration Center officials launch IA education tools

    Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently introduced new information assurance education tools to help Airmen stay up to speed in the constantly evolving cyberspace environment. The initiatives, which include a robust community of practice, webinars and computer-based training, are

  • Photo essay: Combined Team Zabul

    Dog handlers from the Air Force, Army, and Navy and their explosive detection canines work together as part of a Combined Team Zabul training session here Feb. 18.View the slideshow.

  • Online personnel services limited during migration

    Air Force customers will have limited access to online personnel information and applications from Feb. 23 to 27 while officials here migrate the Air Force Personnel Services website and knowledge management platform to the Defense Information Systems Agency's Enterprise Computing Center. During

  • Photo essay: Atlantic Strike exercise

    Members of the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron take part in exercise Atlantic Strike here Feb. 15. Atlantic Strike is a coalition air-to-ground training exercise that simulates a deployed environment.View the slideshow.

  • Air traffic advisers aim high for Iraq's future

    As U.S. forces continue to draw down to meet the Dec. 31 deadline, Air Force air traffic control advisers have their eyes fixed on the sky above Iraq.Maj. Rudolf Kuehne and Capt. Maureen Trujillo, senior ATC advisers for Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air, are tasked with ensuring their Iraqi

  • Officials announce military service awards nominees

    Air Force officials recently announced its four nominees for the 2010 Government Employees Insurance Company Military Service Awards.The annual GEICO Military Service Awards recognize enlisted service members from all military service branches, active duty, National Guard and Reserve, for their

  • Lady Falcons outlast UNLV, 91-87

    The Air Force lady Falcons outlasted the University of Nevada - Las Vegas women in a game at Clune Arena here Feb. 16 to improve to 8-16 overall and 3-8 in the Mountain West Conference.The team's record under first-year head coach Andrea Williams now exceeds the number of wins the team earned in its

  • New deployable air traffic control system program taking shape

    Electronic Systems Center officials intend to call for proposals within the next few months for development and production of a new deployable air traffic control system. Referred to as the Deployable Radar Approach Control the system could be used at forward operating locations, however austere,

  • Space-A travel: Did you know?

    Every day hundreds of military and military-contracted commercial aircraft travel the world delivering troops and cargo. These missions allow hundreds of thousands of military personnel, retirees, family members and other Department of Defense-eligible travelers to fly at almost no cost, courtesy of

  • AFSO21 makes improvements for AF

    With the help of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, Airmen all around the globe have been coming up with ways to work smarter, not harder. And saving big bucks in the process.The AFSO21 program is the Air Force's process improvement program to help make its mission run as

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Stop loss pay application window closing March 4

    The deadline for eligible members or legally designated beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is coming to a close March 4.Nearly 6,000 current and former Airmen have received a total of more than $19 million in special pay since Air Force Personnel Center officials here began

  • U.S., Polish military enhance partnerships through training

    Airmen from Ramstein Air Base traveled to the 33rd Air Base in Powidz, Poland, Feb. 4 to 12 for a joint training mission with Polish military forces.More than 60 Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participated in the week-long, off-site training aimed at sharing

  • DOD program offers leadership development opportunities

    Department of Defense officials seek active-duty officers to participate in the 2012 Executive Leadership Development Program beginning in September.This DOD program is designed for officers who have demonstrated strong leadership, commitment to public service, integrity and who have an interest in

  • Exhibit features work of Tuskegee Airman turned artist

    In the 1930s, a teenage boy paid 50 cents for a "barnstormer" flight aboard a Ford Trimotor plane that carried him across the sky of rural Pine Bluff, Ark.That boy was Roy LaGrone, and the flight sparked his passion for aviation. Mr. LaGrone would go on to serve as one of the original Tuskegee

  • Deployed firefighters induct fallen teammate into "Department of Heroes"

    The overhead radio crackled to life. "Firefighter Kozorosky, fire dispatch." Five seconds of silence passed, and the radio again sounded the call, "Firefighter Kozorosky, fire dispatch." Again, there was no answer. After the third, unsuccessful attempt, mayday tones sounded in the fire station at

  • Fiscal year recruiting, retention remain on track

    Fiscal 2011 recruitment and retention remained high throughout the services through January, with all active and reserve-component services meeting their recruiting goals, Pentagon officials announced Feb. 15.The fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2010, and ends Sept. 30.All four active-duty services met or

  • Fuel savings officials plan to broaden impact with AF-wide summit

    Members of the Air Force's Fuel Efficiency Office plan to host their first service-wide Aviation Operations Energy Steering Group summit here Feb. 16 and 17.Representatives from all Air Force major commands were invited to attend the summit. The event will be the first major meeting across the

  • DOD officials ask service members to kiss the spit goodbye

    When the Department of Defense weighs in on kissing and spitting, it's with good reason - two good reasons, in fact: love and health. Using smokeless tobacco - spit, dip, chew, snus, etc. - can pose a stinky, unsavory obstacle to sharing a kiss with a loved one, parent, child or sweetheart. It also

  • New element assists special forces trainees

    Trainees in two Air Force Basic Military Training squadrons now have a "BATTLE" plan in place.Battlefield Airmen Technical Training Liaison Element was recently incorporated for trainees in the 320th and 331st Training Squadrons in the tactical air control party, combat controller and pararescuemen

  • Iraqi airmen train on tool calibration system

    Iraqi airmen expanded their maintenance capabilities at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Iraq, after wrapping up a three-week U.S. Air Force training session on a new torque-wrench calibration system.Iraqi air force officials recently purchased the calibration system so maintainers here could become

  • Leaders explain Air Force manning impacts on Academy

    Air Force officials are implementing a strategy for force management, and the Air Force Academy is included in those efforts.Under the plan, the size of the cadet wing will be reduced from roughly 4,500 to 4,000 cadets by Oct. 1, 2012. Enrollment for each incoming freshman class will be shrunk

  • Athletes vie for spot on Air Force Warrior Games team

    More than 25 wounded, ill and injured athletes participated in the 2011 Air Force Team training camp here Feb. 7 through 11. In January, Air Force Services Agency officials invited 32 athletes to the training camp. Twenty-five athletes will be chosen to be part of the Air Force team in the 2011

  • Air Force 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal training detailed

    Air Force officials will soon begin training Airmen in anticipation of the repeal of the law and policy commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This training will help Airmen understand what is expected in a post-repeal environment, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz."I know our

  • Opportunities available in financial management

    Air Force line officers interested in applying for the Financial Management Leadership Program must submit their nominations to the Air Force Personnel Center by March 3.The four-year program specializes in Air Force leadership development by providing an opportunity for line officers outside of the

  • Air Force officials warn: 'Spice' harmful to health, career

    A recent spate of incidents involving service members abusing the herbal mixture "spice" has prompted uniformed service leaders to stress the ramifications of using the drug and other prohibited substances, officials said here Feb 11. Marketed and sold as incense, and closely resembling potpourri,

  • Air Force undersecretary lauds deployed Airmen, addresses force management

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton discussed the importance of regional partners, professionalism of Airmen and the service officials' ongoing efforts to maintain manning within congressionally authorized limits during a visit Feb. 8 through 9.Ms. Conaton's visit marked her first here as

  • Photo essay: Airmen participate in aircrew decontamination training

    Airmen with the 700th Airlift Squadron participate in chemical and biological decontamination training here Feb. 6. The training takes them from start to finish through an Air Force decontamination line and provides preparation for staying safe after a chemical attack.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 200 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the February 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

  • Photo essay: 'Spooky' training at Hurlburt Field

    Members of the 4th Special Operations Squadron participate in a training mission aboard an AC-130U Spooky here Feb. 3. The AC-130U is the primary weapon for members of Air Force Special Operations Command. The gunship's primary missions are close-air support, air interdiction and armed

  • ISOC class helps turn Airmen into air commandos

    They all come from different careers fields, but have one thing in common -- they work in, or with, special operations. More than 1,200 students fill the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School auditoriums annually to participate in the Introduction to Special Operations course. Students spend

  • Photo essay: Water survival training

    Aircrew members from the 94th Airlift Wing participate in water survival training at the Cobb Aquatic Center here Feb. 4. Crewmembers are required to receive this type of training once every three years to stay proficient with the equipment and techniques used in various water survival

  • 316th Training Squadron wins award two years in a row

    Officials recently announced the 316th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, earned the Command Language Program of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The squadron will go on to represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense level.The 316th TS is responsible for

  • AFRS program provides information on special-duty assignments

    Members from the Air Force Recruiting Service hosted "Recruit the Recruiter" Jan. 27 here.The event was designed to inform prospective special-duty Airmen about the requirements and quality of life for individuals who assume a special-duty assignment. Representatives from the military training

  • Petraeus discusses troop transition options

    As the start of the drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan approaches, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the senior commander of U.S. and coalition forces there, said the transition of forces could take a number of forms."Progressively over time, obviously, we do want to reduce our numbers in specific

  • Leaders call operational Reserve 'a new DOD efficiency'

    The new role and future direction of the Department of Defense's reserve components was the focus of the Reserve Officer Association gathering attended by more than 600 people at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel here Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.Senior DOD leaders here discussed how the Reserve programs

  • Directory links wounded warriors, families to resources

    From benefits and compensation, to education and training, an online directory is providing wounded warriors, veterans and their families a direct connection to thousands of state, local and national resources. "There's so much information on the Web right now; it's nice to have one place to access

  • Center officials award Space Fence preliminary design contracts

    Electronic Systems Center officials have issued two competitive contract orders, each worth $107 million, for preliminary design of the Space Fence program. They awarded the contracts to Raytheon Corp.'s Integrated Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin Corporation's Mission Systems & Sensors Division.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • Chaplain assistant bolsters morale, mission focus from a unique perspective

    While the chapel staff here offers worship services and a seemingly endless supply of steaming hot coffee, there's one thing that sets it apart from all the rest. As the 447th Air Expeditionary Group's only chaplain assistant for the hundreds of service members here at Sather Air Base, Staff Sgt.

  • Air Force Medical Service officials launch new Facebook page

    Air Force Medical Service officials announced the launch of a new Facebook page Feb. 2.  This communication tool will provide a venue for service members and their families, retirees and their families, and interested organizations and individuals to receive health-related information and resources

  • Air Force officials announce FY11 additional force management measures

    Air Force leaders announced involuntary force management programs Feb. 2 to reduce personnel as a supplement to the voluntary programs announced in December. These measures are part of the Air Force's multi-year Force Management Program aimed at shaping and sizing the force. With more Airmen

  • Photo essay: Air Force Box-offs

    Participants in the Air Force Box-off tournament fight in lightweight, light heavyweight and super heavyweight bouts here Jan. 22.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force Reserve has opportunities for separating Airmen

    Air Force Reserve officials want separating Airmen to consider opportunities as a reservist.  Becoming a traditional reservist or an individual mobilization augmentee offers them the opportunity to pursue a civilian career and still serve their country.Traditional reservists join a Reserve unit,

  • New website promotes military info sharing

    Whether they're moving into a new contingency operation or upgrading operations for an existing one, U.S. forces have a new weapon at their disposal when setting up or reconfiguring their command-and-control architectures.Thanks to the new "C2 Central" website established by U.S. Joint Forces

  • Photo essay: Osan Airmen take part in operational readiness exercise

    Airmen participate in Beverly Bulldog 11-01, an operational readiness exercise here Jan. 28. The exercise allows Airmen to demonstrate their ability to complete the mission in simulated chemical environments while executing their primary duties, practicing self-aid and buddy care, and conducting

  • Officials announce Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials announced the winners of the 2010 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.The Sijan Award annually recognizes four Airmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities. Officer and enlisted honorees are chosen in senior and junior categories.Lt. Col. Tony Millican of Nellis Air Force

  • 'Today's Air Force' features Operation Deep Freeze

    In this edition of Today's Air Force, you'll be taking a trip down South. Way down South, to the South Pole, where you will get an inside look at how Airmen are supporting scientific research in Antarctica. See how pilots take off and land in the snow and ice, and find out what it takes to survive

  • STOMP brings together parents, educators of special needs children

    When Tech. Sgt. Emily Smith and Staff Sgt. Todge Smith were blessed with a baby girl nearly six months ago, they immediately recognized signs of Down syndrome and epilepsy in her. With early intervention and physical therapy, their daughter Renee is now meeting all developmental milestones.Sergeant

  • Air Force officials announce NASCAR sponsorship for 2011

    Air Force recruiting officials announced Jan. 21 that they are renewing the NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43 car for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "This is our tenth season in NASCAR and we look forward to competing and winning with the Richard Petty team," said

  • Photo essay: Whiteman's T-38 Talons get ready for flight

    Crew chiefs and maintainers perform final preflight checks on the T-38 Talon high-altitude supersonic trainer here Jan. 26. The T-38 is used by pilots to conduct sorties and accumulate flight hours and training time.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force Week in Photos

    This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

  • First U.S.-trained Afghan helicopter pilots begin Mi-17 qualification course

    The first two Afghan air force helicopter pilots to complete basic pilot training in the U.S. recently began the initial Mi-17 qualification course meant to convert them into Mi-17 helicopter pilots at the Afghan air force base in Kabul. A hybrid of Croatian and U.S. helicopter training syllabi, the

  • Program helps service retain RPA, rated pilots

    Air Force officials announced their plans Jan. 26 for the fiscal 2011 Aviator Continuation Pay program to help retain active-duty pilots and combat-systems officers who are trained as remotely piloted aircraft pilots.The ACP program allows some active-duty, rated aviators to qualify for a monetary