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U.S. Air Force News

  • FYI: Blended Retirement System

    One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years took effect Jan. 1, 2018, with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS. Nearly 1.6 million current service members have the option to remain in the

  • AFJROTC launches Flight Academy program to address aircrew shortage

    Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC has launched a program aimed at potentially putting more pilots in the cockpits of military aircraft to help address the Air Force’s ongoing aircrew shortage.Beginning in the summer of 2018, select AFJROTC cadets who applied for a new Fight Academy scholarship will

  • Around the Air Force: Jan. 4

    On this look around the Air Force the 418th Flight Test Squadron assists NASA and Airmen can now enroll in the new Blended Retirement System.

  • Year-end review: 386th AEW remembers banner year

    As the world celebrated the passing of another year, and looked to the future with optimistic hope, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, and its leadership, reflected on its accomplishments.

  • Deployed parents see their children open toys

    Master Sgt. Shalenna Mitchell, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing finance budget analyst and Tech. Sgt. Randle Mitchell, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention, share their experiences and feelings during the holiday season while deployed at an undisclosed

  • Blended Military Retirement System to take effect Jan. 1

    One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years goes into effect Jan. 1 with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 13

    On this look around the Air Force, Airmen will soon have the option to use the new Blended Retirement System and Reserve Airmen at Little Rock Air Force Base, receive a new C-130J Hercules. Hosted by Airman Marqus Williams.

  • Double take: Brothers’ bond extends far beyond twin upbringing

    It is well known that twins share a unique bond that transcends other sibling relationships. It’s common for twins to live, work and recreate within close proximity to each other throughout their lives.But for one pair of Air Force twins, they’ve taken that commonality several steps further.

  • Chief Wright to Airmen: Know your retirement options

    If I had to pick just one thing I’m most passionate about as the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, without a doubt it would be taking care of our Airmen and their families professionally, physically, spiritually and financially. I’m a firm believer that these four things go hand in hand. In order

  • Heroic "Spooky 43" aircrew receives the Mackay Trophy

    On Nov. 2, 2016, fourteen AC-130U Gunship crewmembers provided close-air-support to a U.S. Special Forces team and 43 Afghan soldiers near Kunduz, Afghanistan. The crew's persistent fire support, presence of mind and courage during two hours of intense combat ultimately saved 50 lives.

  • Around the Air Force: Dec. 1

    On this look around the Air Force the preferred location for a new MQ-9 Reaper wing is selected, continuation pay rates are announced for the Blended Retirement System (BRS), and Exercise Lightning Focus is taking place in Australia. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Anastasia Tompkins.

  • Hill AFB’s F-35A, Airmen mastering first Pacific deployment

    More than 300 men and women of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings out of Hill Air Force Base, Utah and 12 F-35A Lightning IIs are conducting business for the next six months on the subtropical Japanese island of Okinawa during a deployment known as a Theater Security Package.

  • AFRL-Carroll High School iGEM team earns Gold in Boston

    A Carroll High School academic team, mentored by CHS teachers and Air Force Research Laboratory scientists, earned a gold medal at the 2017 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Boston, Nov. 9-13, 2017.

  • AFGSC wraps up innovation and technology symposium

    The 2017 Air Force Global Strike Command Innovation and Technology Symposium concluded today at the Shreveport Convention Center with a focus on leadership and the Airmen who make the mission happen. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Alston, former U.S. Strategic Command command senior enlisted

  • AU-ABC program expands enlisted education opportunities

    Airmen join the Air Force for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the most common is for the service’s vast educational opportunities. The Air University-Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative program, or AU-ABC, is perhaps a little-known opportunity that can reap big rewards.The AU-ABC was created to

  • Federal Benefits Open Season runs through Dec. 11

    This year's Federal Benefits Open Season runs from Nov. 13 through Dec. 11, 2017, and includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account program.

  • Air Force recognizes veterans in blue

    Veterans in Blue 2017 is now available online. First launched in 2010, Veterans in Blue is a portrait collection showcasing men and women who have contributed to the security of our nation and the legacy of the Air Force.

  • AMC commander hosts fireside chat with Airmen at A/TA symposium

    Reminiscing on heritage, taking a mission tour around the world and ending with a personal fireside chat were a few of the ways Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, Air Mobility Command commander, addressed Airmen during the closing remarks at the 2017 Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium Oct. 28, 2017, in

  • Burn Center offers new pain management approach for patients

    Doctors at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston are utilizing a novel method of administering pain medication to burn patients in the burn intensive care unit in hopes to mitigate opioid addiction and other complications associated with

  • AF announces 2016 Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award recipients

    Air Force officials have announced the recipients of the 2016 Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Awards.This Air Force-level award recognizes an individual or team whose actions demonstrate innovation in cost and manpower savings to improve efficiency, operational readiness and replication of the

  • Wright celebrates MTL legacy, tours Keesler

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, to celebrate a ribbon cutting for the new Military Training Leader Course schoolhouse and to tour the base Oct. 23 - 25.

  • CSAF, CMSAF visit Offutt AFB

    Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Offutt Air Force Base, Oct. 18, 2017.Goldfein and Wright received a tour of the base, and learned more about the mission accomplished by the 55th Wing, U.S. Strategic Command and

  • Blended Retirement System Opt-In training now available to all Airmen

    The Defense Department will implement the new Blended Retirement System next year. While no one needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, 2018, all Airmen should take advantage of training and informational resources to research their options during the remainder of 2017.

  • ACS Internal Medicine keeping pilots flying, improves research

    The Aeromedical Consultation Service here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base reviews more than 2,000 waiver recommendation requests for Air Force pilots, navigators and other air crew annually. A staff of approximately 80 Airmen at the ACS ensures aviators get back in the sky as soon as possible.

  • Evolution of adaptive sports

    With the event coming to a close, thousands around the world turned their attention toward the 2017 Invictus Games, witnessing feats of incredible talent and hearing truly inspiring stories from world-class athletes.

  • Retired AF pilots welcomed back on active duty

    Retired Air Force pilots holding Air Force Specialty Code 11X are encouraged to apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty Program in order to fill rated staff positions to help alleviate the existing manning shortages within the Air Force rated pilot community.

  • Competition fuels hearts, ignites relationship

    In 2015, when a Naperville, Illinois girl met a small-town boy from Eagle River, Alaska, neither knew immediately how their relationship would evolve beyond teammates; however, the now engaged pair of retired Air Force athletes would still say “teammates” will always be a word that first comes to

  • The uniform, the rank, the badge – the attitude

    The colonel leaned back in his seat, pausing for just a moment as he scanned his memory. “Not really,” he said, recounting if the Air Force had always been a goal. “It was kind of tradition in the family – to serve. It was something the family did. I figured I’d get in, do five years and then get

  • AF expands Career Intermission Program opportunities

    The Air Force has changed the Career Intermission Program to expand participation opportunities for Airmen from one application window each year to three. In addition, Airmen with humanitarian circumstances may submit out-of-cycle CIP applications, as can dual-military married Airmen when a join

  • Air Force leaders address aircrew crisis

    More than 60 Air Force senior leaders discussed the Air Force’s aircrew crisis which has left the service more than 1,500 pilots short of its requirements Sept. 22, 2017, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

  • AFMC commander: Agility, innovation to fuel future of AF logistics

    The future of Air Force logistics will find Airmen tapping into a secure digital network of archived additive manufacturing specifications, allowing for the 3D-printed creation of a weapons system component whenever and wherever needed.This agile manufacturing approach is just one way Air Force

  • FLOTUS visits military children

    First Lady Melania Trump’s focus on the well-being of children led her to visit the youth center on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 15, 2017.

  • Air Force Marathon celebrates 70th birthday, community

    Partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures welcomed approximately 13,500 runners and walkers from all 50 states and 16 foreign countries to take part in the 21st annual U.S. Air Force Marathon at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Sept. 16, 2017.Gen. Ellen

  • 20th CSAF portrait unveiled

    A painting of retired Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the 20th Air Force chief of staff, was unveiled during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 14, 2017.

  • Caregivers play critical role in lives of wounded warriors

    Tech. Sgt. Eric Fisher was two months into a five-month deployment in 2011 to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, when he suffered a heart attack after an intense rocket attack, and a day of moving heavy pallets on the flight line.

  • Air Force announces 100 percent promotion opportunity to major

    In the latest move to restore the Air Force’s readiness and lethality, senior leaders are taking a closer look at officer performance management with a focus on developing leaders and retaining the talented professionals the service needs.

  • Dobbins ARB provides hurricane evacuation support

    Late on the evening of Sept. 6, 2017, the first of several KC-130 Super Hercules carrying evacuees landed at the Dobbins Air Reserve Base flightline. What began as a typical aircraft arrival scene with airfield managers guiding the planes in, became a bit more unique as Marine Corps aircrews

  • Airmen, family feedback sought for community resources

    The Air Force invites all Airmen and their dependents to participate in the 2017 Air Force Community Feedback Tool survey which runs through Oct. 2, 2017.The volunteer survey collects feedback directly from the total force and their spouses about their community needs. Those surveyed identify gaps

  • Writer, Airman finds beauty through adversity in flowers

    “Beauty comes in different forms. When we see beauty, we assume that it had a great life; but there is more than meets the eye. Even the most beautiful soul comes from a place of hardship and sorrow. There are many tragedies that happen to us all; whether it is domestic abuse or sexual trauma, we

  • Compass Call dominates OIR with electronic warfare

    Often times when we think about how air power is used in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, we think about cargo aircraft delivering critical supplies and personnel to the frontlines or bombs being dropped onto targets. What’s not often thought of is how the Air Force has the

  • Around the Air Force: Aug 29

    On this look Around the Air Force, Air National Guard Airmen support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and the Air Force has three new initiatives to retain pilots.

  • Cyberspace critical to nuclear treaty monitoring

    The Air Force Technical Applications Center here is charged with ensuring each and every nation across the globe complies with the ban on nuclear weapons testing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members of AFTAC answer that call without fail – monitoring nuclear treaty compliance is their

  • Two-week summit takes aim at aircrew retention

    The Aircrew Crisis Task Force hosted a two-week aircrew retention summit here as part of a holistic approach to improve readiness and capacity by increasing retention of experienced aviators Aug. 14-25, 2017.

  • Around the Air Force: Aug. 22

    On this look Around the Air Force the new Space Operations Directorate has achieved operating capability, the Pathfinder Initiative protects cyberspace assets, and starting Sept. 1st, 2017, the Express Scripts Tricare pharmacy home delivery program begins.

  • AFwerX Vegas opens new doors to innovation

    The men and women of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center will once again be on the leading edge of testing, tactics, and training innovation, establishing the force’s most ambitious knowledge outreach program to date.Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced the launch of AFwerX during her

  • New Air Force Space Operations Directorate achieves operating capability

    The Air Force selected the senior civilian and mobilization assistant for the deputy chief of staff for Space Operations directorate, or "AF/A11," Aug. 17, 2017. Mr. Shawn Barnes will serve as the assistant deputy chief of staff for Space Operations, and Maj. Gen. Pamela Lincoln has been named as

  • AFSPC initiative destroys barriers to bolster Airmen innovation

    In a move to encourage Airmen to come forward with innovative thinking, a new decision panel will allow Airmen at all levels within Air Force Space Command to present ideas that could enhance the mission, save time, increase customer satisfaction, save the Air Force money, or anything that can

  • 182nd CES finishes construction rotation at Crow Reservation

    Thirty-five Airmen with the Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Civil Engineer Squadron completed their two-week annual training constructing homes for Crow Tribe veterans Aug. 6, 2017 in Crow Agency, Montana.The Peoria-based squadron provided services including drywall, windows, doors, siding,

  • Defender reunites with MWD

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.) After nearly a year apart, it was an emotional moment when Staff Sgt. Amanda Cubbage, a 355th Security Forces Squadron member and prior military working dog

  • BLUE: The Cyber Shield

    Air Force TV has released the latest episode of the Air Force's flagship television program, BLUE.

  • Enlisted Students Earn Advanced Degrees at AFIT

    In 2002, then Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. James Roche, championed an initiative to open Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management to senior enlisted personnel.  Secretary Roche truly believed in the importance of the enlisted force to military achievements

  • SECAF talks Light Attack Experiment, innovation at AFA dinner

    While speaking at an Air Force Association event in Arlington, Va., Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson highlighted the four aircraft that Air Force pilots will fly through a range of combat mission scenarios in the Light Attack Experimentation Campaign at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

  • The USAFWC leads the way for new AFwerX initiative

    The Secretary of the Air Force and the United States Air Force Warfare Center Commander discuss an exciting new Air Force innovation initiative called AFWER. The program will be modeled after the successful Special Operations Command initiative known as SOFwerX, which allows anyone with a good idea

  • AF extends Health Professions Loan Repayment Program

    Application packages for the Air Force’s Health Professions Loan Repayment Program will now be accepted until Sept. 1, 2017. Active-duty Biomedical Sciences Corps and Nurse Corps officers are eligible to apply.

  • Colonel promotes wife, then retires

    When military members hold their promotion ceremonies, many times their families enjoy the occasion alongside them. Spouses, children, parents, siblings and other relatives witness the time-honored ceremony and take part in the tradition of pinning or tacking on the next rank.

  • AF leaders cheer on Airmen at Warrior Games

    Air Force senior leaders attended the 2017 Warrior Games opening ceremonies July 1, 2017, in Chicago to show support for the athletes participating in the weeklong competition.

  • Around the Air Force: June 29

    On this look around the Air Force, a new parachute canopy is tested for the ACES II ejection seat, squadron revitalization teams visit Scott AFB, and special duty changes are coming.

  • Healing from invisible wounds: The other side of the story

    Chanda D’Angelo was in a frenzy; she quickly washed all the clothes in her home, zoomed the vacuum across every floor, wiped down every surface, cleaned out the refrigerator and stove and scrubbed the windows and mirrors until they were spotless. Exhausted, she had just enough time to get her hair

  • Wright-Patterson AFB goes to the bees

    Hundreds of base personnel and members of the public were buzzing about the same thing at the Wright Brothers Memorial June 21, 2017 – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s status as the first military installation nationwide to be declared a “Bee City USA.”

  • Some medically separated Airmen can have their disability ratings reviewed

    Airmen who were medically separated between Sept. 11, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2009, can have their disability ratings reviewed. Airmen medically separated with a combined disability rating of 20 percent or less and who received separation pay versus medical retirement may request a Physical Disability

  • Application window opens for Air Force undergraduate flying training

    Application packages for the next Undergraduate Flying Training selection board are due to the Rated Officer Assignments branch of the Air Force Personnel Center by Nov. 17, 2017. The board, set for Jan. 22-25, 2018, will consider active-duty officer applicants to attend training as early as spring