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  • Mental health clinic works to help Airmen, families

    Members of the 673rd Medical Group Mental Health Flight here have been working hard to meet the mental healthcare needs of military members and their families.The military life can be a stressful one, said Maj. Alexsa Billups, a member of the 673rd MDG. "It's up to the individual people to come to

  • AF surgeon general issues warning about safety of electronic cigarettes.

    The Air Force surgeon general has issued a memo alerting all Airmen about safety concerns regarding electronic cigarettes, a new type of nicotine product.Also known as "e-cigs," electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like conventional cigarettes. The e-cig contains a cartridge

  • Keeping social networks free-speech friendly

    So, you think Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are just for fun and games? Think again. Since Department of Defense officials authorized military personnel to use these sites, social networking has become serious business. With every new freedom comes new boundaries and more opportunities to get into

  • 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.

  • Airman earns $10k through IDEA program

    A staff sergeant here had a good idea that led to a $10,000 payday. Staff Sgt. Jonnie Deitz, a 4th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, is the most recent member of the Seymour Johnson AFB community to receive an Innovative Development Through Employee Awareness Program

  • 2011 retraining program in full swing

    Airmen have almost a month remaining to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can

  • Photo essay: Southwest Asia C-17 crew tests airdrop capabilities

    Crewmembers of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing take part in Operation Everest here Aug 13. The operation is a week-long effort delivering 837 of bundles of supplies and equipment to forward operating bases across the area of responsibility.View the slideshow.

  • Department officials announce July recruiting, retention data

    Three of the four services met or exceeded their active-duty recruiting goals for July, and the one that fell short did so intentionally, Defense Department officials announced today.The Marine Corps intentionally slowed down recruiting efforts by 1 percent last month because the service already is

  • Photo essay: Moody gets ready for desert warfare training exercise

    A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots and maintainers here prepare for desert warfare training at the Enhanced Mojave Viper Exercise in Arizona Aug. 13. The preparation ensures that the A-10Cs will provide close air support for the U.S. Marines and Navy during the event. View the slideshow.

  • Expeditionary Medical Support training a first at JB Elmendorf-Richardson

    Eighty-one Airmen from around the Pacific Air Forces participated in the first Expeditionary Medical Support Training here Aug. 9 through 13.The course, typically held at Brooks City Base, San Antonio, is a mandatory pre-deployment requirement, where participants are taught what is expected of them

  • Photo essay: Southwest Asia Airmen perform engine run

    Members of the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare for a max-power engine run on a C-130E Hercules here Aug 11. The squadron is one of the busiest electronic attack maintenance units in U.S. Air Forces Central Command.View the slideshow.

  • 8,800 Air Force employees transition out of NSPS

    The first two waves of Air Force employees have successfully converted out of the National Security Personnel System, leaving less than 30,000 to make the transition.Approximately 8,800 employees were converted out of NSPS during phases I and II on July 4 and July 18. Phases III and IV are scheduled

  • Realignment, closure plan continues on track

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

  • Alaska Guard completes two missions, awarded 12 saves

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

  • 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.

  • Photo essay: Airmen train at Allied Strike 10

    Allied Strike 10 conducts an annual robust and realistic close air support training here Aug. 3. The training helps build partnership capacity among allied NATO nations and joint services refining the latest operational tactics. View the slideshow.

  • Airman receives top honors from American Bar Association

    The 3rd Air Force-United Kingdom director of legal services here was named the top Air Force judge advocate by officials from the American Bar Association.Col. James Durant III accepted the 2010 Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award from Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force

  • Photo essay: Guard unit improves communications

    Airmen from the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron improve the grounding system on a communications tower here July 22. They are assigned at nearby Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y.View the slideshow.

  • Air Guardsmen work to recover victims from Alaska crash site

    Alaska Air National Guard Airmen are aiding victims of a plane that crashed near Dillingham, Alaska, Aug. 9.A downed plane reportedly carrying nine passengers was spotted 285 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Flight service officials in Dillingham contacted the Alaska ANG's 11th Rescue

  • Photo essay: McChord Airmen keep wheels turning

    Airmen assigned to the 62nd Maintenance Squadron perform tire maintenance on C-17 Globemaster IIIs here Aug 5. Tire maintenance is essential in ensuring the safety of the aircraft crew and integrity of the airframe. View the slideshow.

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

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

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

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

  • Air Force officials to release staff sergeant promotion list

    Air Force officials selected 13,518 of 28,510 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 47.41 percent.The average score for those selected was 282.88, with an average time in grade of 1.97 years and an average time in service of 4.55 years, respectively. The

  • TAP helps Airmen transition to civilian life

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

  • Airman missing in action from WWII identified

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

  • New employees to be automatically enrolled in TSP

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

  • Air Force Cycling Team rides across Iowa

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

  • 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.

  • Air Force primed to adopt official motto

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

  • Air Force Facebook page reaches 100,000

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

  • Nonappropriated fund human resources issues addressed during conference

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

  • Air Force officials name 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

    Air Force officials selected the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2010. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and the Air Staff. The board selected the 12 Airmen

  • Knowledge operation managers lead the way

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

  • Combat communications team supports New Horizons Panama 2010

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

  • Photo essay: Ellsworth welcomes back deployed Airmen

    Base leaders, co-workers, family and friends welcome back Airmen returning from a six- month deployment in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom in Southwest Asia here July 28 at different times of the day.View the slideshow.

  • Photo essay: Academy cadets participate in Scan Eagle operations

    U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participated in a remotely piloted aircraft, or RPA, course of instruction here July 6. The cadets familiarized themselves with RPA operations by launching and controlling a Scan Eagle over a "village" during six 40-minute training periods of actual flight. View the

  • Global Strike Command director briefs upcoming logistics changes

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

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

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

  • Air Force officials release preferred aircraft basing alternatives

    Air Force officials released several announcements regarding five different aircraft July 29. Michael Donley, the Secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, approved C-27J operations and training candidate bases and announced the transition of Holloman

  • Photo essay: Ramstein Airmen test skills at Allied Strike 10

    Joint terminal attack controllers test their skills in directing combat aircraft to enemy targets and providing close air support to units here July 23 during Exercise Allied Strike 10. Before they worked with aircraft, they tackled the obstacle course.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.

  • Lynn: Guam tours provide insight, perspective

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

  • Photo essay: Cadets learn skills in summer camp

    Combative instructors teach ROTC cadets non-lethal, close-range combat techniques during the cadet summer camp here July 22. The cadets are sent through a month-long summer camp which prepares them to become leaders of tomorrow's Air Force. View the slideshow:

  • Current, former Airmen eligible for stop loss special pay

    Thousands of current and former Airmen remain eligible to receive $500 in retroactive special pay for each month they were affected by stop loss. Airmen have until Oct. 21 to apply through the Air Force Personnel Center here. Air Force people eligible include active, retired and former members as

  • PHOTO ESSAY: U.S., Japan aeromedics collaborate during bilateral exchange

    Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron hosted more than 30 Japan Air Self Defense Force Airmen during a two-day bilateral exchange July 22-23. Flight medics, flight nurses and loadmasters showed off their unique aeromedical capabilities and equipment used inside the 353rd Special

  • Officials recommend Eglin as preferred alternative F-35 base

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

  • Officials select LATINA award winners

    Air Force officials recently selected two winners of the 2010 National LATINA Symposium Distinguished Service Award. The award honors the servicemember and civilian employee who demonstrate distinguished performance and display exceptional character as role models representing the Hispanic community

  • AF Academy instructor positions available

    Opportunities are available for active duty officers to apply for vacant U.S. Air Force Academy instructor positions for the 2011-2012 academic year, Air Force officials have announced. Officers may apply by Sept. 30 for positions on the faculty and in the preparatory school and athletic department.

  • Photo essay: Refuelers keep aircraft flying during RIMPAC exercise

    Tanker aircrews help keep participating aircraft flying during the Rim of the Pacific exercise. RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, is a biennial event which stresses interoperability of all partner nations as a key element of regional stability The exercise, which runs from June 23

  • Electronic Systems Center enhances Air Force network

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

  • Improved physical training uniform sized for both sexes

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

  • Man's best friend not immune to stigmas of war; overcomes PTSD

    When four-year-old Gina, a 21st Security Forces Squadron military working dog, returned from her five-month tour in Southwest Asia, she wasn't the same.She was anti-social. Every sound, even the radio, bothered her. She was jumpy. And, she showed no interest in her work, which was to detect drugs

  • Reserve board seeks nominations for in-residence schools

    The annual Air Force Reserve Developmental Education Designation Board will convene at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here in November to select Reserve officers for in-residence developmental education schools for the 2011-2012 academic year.The board will select qualified Airmen to attend

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

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

  • Service chiefs gather to address children's conference

    Service chiefs from each branch came together to lend their support to the cause of helping military children July 23 here.Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Deadline for voluntary separation pay applications draws near

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

  • 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.

  • Squadron provides 'electronic armor' to global warfighters

    Approximately 170 professionals at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, use complex systems and produce information to arm warfighters with the knowledge needed to safely perform their duty. Providing electronic warfare analysis and support down range to joint and coalition warfighters is the mission of

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

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

  • Language Institute's mission reaches for the future

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

  • Air Combat Command promotes CCAF degree

    Although having a Community College of the Air Force degree is important for all Airmen, Air Combat Command is encouraging its technical sergeants to achieve this educational goal. Currently, the command is seven points below the Air Force average of 42 percent, but the goal is to have 50 percent of

  • AF Personnel Center news service keeps Airmen informed

    An electronic news service featuring the latest Air Force manpower, personnel and services information is available to help Airmen make informed decisions about their careers.More than 15,000 members subscribe to the Manpower, Personnel and Services News Service.  However, Air Force leaders

  • New Horizons Airmen spend day at Panamanian school

    More than a dozen Airmen and Marines from Task Force New Horizons spent a day with local children building rubber-band airplanes and playing games July 12 at the elementary school in Sansonsito, Panama.The servicemembers were a welcome addition to the day, said Lisbeth Acosta Corella, the school's

  • Seven WWII Airmen buried at Arlington National Cemetery

    The remains of seven Airmen missing in action from World War II were buried July 15 at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.The Airmen are Capt. Joseph M. Olbinski, Chicago; 1st Lt. Joseph J. Auld, Floral Park, N.Y.; 1st Lt. Robert M. Anderson, Millen, Ga.; Tech. Sgt. Clarence E.

  • 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.

  • Hiring authority expanded to certain cybersecurity jobs

    Air Force managers hiring civilian federal employees for certain cybersecurity positions have been authorized to use the streamlined Schedule A hiring authority to help expeditiously fill more than 680 positions.The Department of Defense grants the use of Schedule A in specific cases, including when

  • Malmstrom Huey crew rescues injured hiker

    A UH-1N Huey crew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron here recorded the unit's 377th save when it rescued an injured hiker July 2 in the Mission Mountain Range, northeast of Missoula, Mont.A hiker slipped down a muddy cliff into downed timber, and his calf was impaled by a tree branch July 1

  • Officials announce NCO retraining program dates

    Approximately 4,345 Airmen will have the opportunity beginning July 15 to retrain as part of the fiscal 2011 NCO Retraining Program, Air Force officials announced.The NCORP is a two-phase program designed to sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career Airmen from overage Air Force

  • 56th Medical Group Airmen provide medical support in Haiti

    Airmen with the 56th Medical Group at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., provided general medical health care at the U.S. Army South New Horizons-Haiti 2010 Task Force Kout Men Ennery medical assistance site here June 13. New Horizons officials, in partnership with officials from the government of

  • Air Force officials launch new uniform website

    Air Force officials launched a new public website this month to help educate and inform Airmen about the service's dress and appearance standards and policies. Air Force Directorate of Service's Uniforms and Recognition Branch officials, in conjunction with officials from the Air Force Personnel

  • CSAF releases 'Vector'

    The Air Force's senior military leader released his vision for the future in a recent  CSAF Vector 2010 that outlined five priorities and the "way ahead" for Airmen to maintain these priorities. "Our Airmen are responding to the nation's call with agility, innovation and expeditionary presence --

  • Photo essay: Airmen refuel during RIMPAC mission

    A B-52 Stratofortress flies here July 10 after an air refueling mission in support of the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC.  RIMPAC includes more than 14 nations, 32 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and more than 20,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. View the

  • Photo essay: F-22 Raptors arrive in Hawaii

    The arrival of the F-22 Raptor here July 9 marks the beginning of a new era for fighter aircraft in the Pacific region. The Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron will serve as the only ANG-led joint guard and active-duty squadron in the Pacific. Hawaiian traditions gave the arrival

  • Hiring authority key in meeting goals, faster hiring

    As the Air Force continues to seek highly qualified employees to compliment its growing civilian work force, officials are promoting active use of the Schedule A hiring authority to fill these positions with qualified people.Schedule A hiring is a special streamlined hiring authority available to

  • 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

  • Information assurance scholarship available to officers, civilians

    Officers and civilians have until Jan. 31 to apply for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program, a special developmental education program available for the 2011 academic year. The program pays the full cost of tuition, select fees and required books for graduate degrees in subjects such as

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.