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  • Security forces Airmen teach English to Panamanian hosts

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

  • Latest issue of Airman magazine available

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

  • Recruiting service films Lackland training

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

  • Texas Air Guard prepares security forces Airmen for deployment

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

  • Gen. Alston takes reins of 20th Air Force

    Maj. Gen. C. Donald Alston assumed command of the 20th Air Force from Gen. Roger W. Burg July 1 on F. E. Warren's historic Argonne Parade Field in a ceremony which also marked General Burg's retirement from active duty after 32 years of service.Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff; Gen.

  • Airmen help clear the battlefield

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

  • Officials recognize contributions to diversity

    Air Force officials have selected the winners of the 2010 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for their contributions to the joint fight and role in enhancing an organizational culture that values diversity. The BIG Meritorious Service Award is awarded to a military member and a

  • Photo essay: Independence Day

    The Air Force celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades and celebrations worldwide.View slideshow from events in 2009.

  • Tricare Dental Program newsletter delivers

    The Tricare Dental Program newsletter, published three times a year, provides great information to enrollees about their dental benefits. Topics covered in Issue 2 of the dental newsletter include details about enhancements made to the Tricare Dental Program website, facts on getting dental care

  • Official details foreign language program's progress

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • Medical readiness center opens at Camp Bullis

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

  • Three Airmen earn career enlisted aviator award

    Air Force officials announced the selection of three Airmen for the 2009 Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Outstanding Career Enlisted Aviator of the Year Award July 1.The recipients are:--Senior Master Sgt. Michael A. Morris, of the 54th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.,--Tech.

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

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

  • Defense officials authorize medal for Chile relief efforts

    Airmen who participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Chile following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake Feb. 27, 2010, are eligible for the Humanitarian Service Medal.U.S. military members must have provided humanitarian assistance for at least one day between March 6

  • Total Force Service Center hours for Independence Day

    In observance of Independence Day, the Total Force Service Center will be closed from 12:01 a.m. to midnight July 5 and resumes normal operations at 12:01 a.m. July 6. The TFSC is available for all general personnel questions by calling 800-525-0102. Hearing-impaired employees who have access to

  • General Schwartz recommends reading selections

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest reading recommendations July 1, all from the CSAF reading list. "Defining events across the globe continue to shape our service in very consequential ways," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said. "Rising regional tensions, the oil spill

  • Ukrainian airmen visit Ramstein, gain knowledge of AF capabilities

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

  • Ramstein member becomes first AF civilian to reach 500 APEX milestone

    More than five years ago, Air Force Expeditionary Center officials started Aerial Port Expeditor courses, a program that changed the way loading and unloading operations were conducted throughout the Air Force. Kasper Chevalier, a member of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron here, became the first Air

  • Online program helps military families vote absentee

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

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

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

  • ROTC instructor vacancies available

    Opportunities are available for qualified officers to fill nearly 100 projected Air Force ROTC detachment instructor vacancies throughout the nation next summer, Air Force officials  announced. Eligible officers include line officers with the rank of first lieutenant, captain or major. First

  • Reserve program to grow by 400 by September

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

  • Wilford Hall conducts study to reduce premature births

    A research program is under way at Wilford Hall Medical Center to test the effectiveness of an investigational drug to reduce preterm delivery in women.Lt. Col. (Dr.) Andrea Shields, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the 59th Maternal/Child Care Squadron, along with investigators from eight

  • 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.

  • 13th AF hosts international engineering exchange summit

    The 13th Air Force hosted seven civil engineers from countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region during a subject matter expert exchange summit called Pacific Unity here June 3 through 17. The summit is a joint and combined military information-sharing forum that provides mid-level officers from

  • Voluntary separation, retirement deadlines near

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

  • Air Force cell phone plan changes to save $2 million per year

    Officials from the Office of Management and Budget have developed a plan to save the Air Force an estimated $2 million a year on government-issued cell phones.The plan is based on a suggestion for the President's SAVE program by the Air Force Information Technology Commodity Council. Beginning in

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

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

  • Military parents voice education concerns to leaders

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

  • Air Force takes steps against suicides

    The Air Force vice chief of staff testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee June 22 to address steps the service is taking to stem the rising suicide numbers. Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, in testimony alongside the other service vice chiefs and the assistant commandant of the Marine

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

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

  • Photo essay: NATO Jump Week 2010

    Military members together with their counterparts from five other countries participate in an airborne jump officially known as "NATO Jump Week," here June 17.View the slideshow.

  • Services, VA use technology for stress, resilience outreach

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

  • Accountability system proves vital during natural disasters, crises

    With hurricane season under way, the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System continues to help leaders take care of Airmen and their families affected by any natural disaster or crisis. Implemented in April 2009, AFPAAS aligns Air Force reporting with Department of Defense

  • Air Force to host joint library workshop

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

  • Line officers face revised reclassification procedures

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

  • CWID tests latest in communications for warfighters

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

  • 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 officials announce OTS selection board results

    Air Force Recruiting Service officials announced the selection of 123 applicants as part of Officer Training School Selection Board 10OT03 here June 17. Of the 132 selected, 26 enlisted members earned the chance to attend OTS and trade their stripes for gold bars as second lieutenants. As part of

  • Air Force outlines developmental education programs for officers

    Officers have until Aug. 31 to apply for special developmental education programs available for the 2010-2011 academic year. The four programs include the Olmsted Scholarship Program, White House Fellowship Program, Mansfield Fellowship Program and Information Assurance Scholarship Program.Olmsted

  • Savings bonds deductions move to direct deposit Sept. 30

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

  • Officials seek Flemming award nominations

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here are seeking nominations for the 62nd annual Arthur S. Flemming Awards. The award is sponsored by the George Washington University in conjunction with the Arthur S. Flemming Awards Commission. It honors outstanding federal

  • Officials announce O'Malley Award winners

    Two Airmen from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, are the recipients of the 2010 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award.Officials announced Brig. Gen. Thomas and Lt. Col. Pamela Bergeson as the winners of the award that recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to

  • Patient care top priority during Pacific Angel in Bangladesh

    A total force of military doctors, dentists and optometrists participating in Operation Pacific Angel have provided medical care for more than 1,000 patients over the first three days of medical operations at the Monirampur Regional Training Center here. Operation Pacific Angel, scheduled here

  • Services meet or exceed May's active-duty recruiting goals

    The military services reported across-the-board active-duty recruiting successes in May, a traditionally slow recruiting month just before high school graduations.The Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps all met or exceeded their May accessions goals while achieving year-to-date retention goals,

  • Photo essay: Ramstein Airmen participate in NATO jump

    Airmen from the 435th Contigency Response Group here take part in activities for the fifth annual NATO jump week June 14. Five NATO countries participated in the jump in an effort to learn from their coalition partners and build better relationships. View the slideshow:

  • Air Force MIAs from Vietnam War are Identified

    The Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office announced June 14 that the remains of four Airmen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors.They are; Capt. Peter H. Chapman, II, Centerburg,

  • Surgeon wins Armed Forces Triathlon Championship

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

  • Libraries inspire military children to read

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

  • Officials extend voluntary separation pay, reduce separation pay

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

  • Air Force officials announce AFROTC detachment commander vacancies

    Opportunities are available for officers to fill Air Force ROTC detachment commander positions throughout the nation. Air Force Personnel Center assignment teams will review developmental team recommendations to determine the release of eligible officers to compete for AFROTC detachment commander

  • Photo essay: Tyndall Airmen prepare for morning dive

    Combat controllers in training prepare to head out for an early morning dive during a combat dive course held at Panama City Beach, Fla. June 10. The Airmen are assigned to the 342nd Training Squadron Det. 2.View the slideshow:

  • Airmen missing from Vietnam War identified

    Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office officials announced June 11 that the remains of nine servicemembers, missing in action from the Vietnam War have been accounted for and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. Col. William H. Mason, Camden, Ark.;

  • Latest 'Perspective' features nuclear enterprise priority

    The Air Force's top enlisted Airman released his latest "Enlisted Perspective" and it focuses on strengthening one of the service's priorities, the nuclear enterprise. Over the last few months, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy has visited some of the Air Force bases involved with the

  • 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.

  • Applying for Air Force NAF jobs goes virtual

    A new centralized online tool is making it easier for job seekers to find and apply for federal careers in various nonappropriated fund activities, including Air Force clubs, golf courses, child development centers, youth centers, bowling centers and outdoor recreation centers. On May 24,

  • Air Force to release technical sergeant promotion list

    Air Force officials here June 10 selected 7,752 of 37,185 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant for a selection rate of 20.85 percent.The average score for those selected was 317.63, with an average time in grade and an average time in service of 5.65 years and 10.69 years,

  • Officials announce plans for third DOS rollback

    Air Force officials announced June 8 plans for a third enlisted date of separation rollback with a mandatory DOS of Aug. 31, 2010. This program is part of an overall effort by the Air Force to maintain a quality enlisted force and meet the congressionally mandated end strength.Under the third DOS

  • Photo essay: Ellsworth Airmen ready for any emergency

    Emergency management Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron participate in an emergency management exercise to help hone their skills in identifying chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. View the slideshow:

  • Council tackles Air Force retiree concerns, issues

    The Air Force Retiree Council meets annually at the Air Force Personnel Center here to discuss and act upon concerns and issues affecting nearly 790,000 retired Airmen and surviving spouses. This year's council met May 3 through 7 to review topics such as pay and benefits, medical care, and

  • Air Force website offers legal assistance

    Next time clients need a will, power of attorney or just have a legal question, they can visit the new Air Force Legal Assistance website at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. The website is designed for active-duty and reserve component members, retirees and dependents. Officials created the

  • AFAF campaign ends in success

    The 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund wrapped up recently with $7,492,512.94 in total contributions. This exceeded last year's contribution record by more than $20,000."This was a phenomenal year," said Bill D'Avanzo, the Air Force voting action officer and fundraising chief. "We have a remarkable Air

  • MyAirForceLife.com photography competition

    Air Force Services Agency officials are accepting photograph entries on MyAirForceLife.com, now through July 4, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.This is an opportunity for Airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force morale, welfare and recreation programs to express through photos what Air

  • How the Air Force Uniform Board works

    Throughout the years, Air Force uniforms have evolved to meet modern day operational requirements, but few Airmen know the process involved or who is responsible for these changes.The biggest misconceptions seem to center around the uniform board. Contrary to what some believe, the board is not the

  • Officials announce 2010 LULAC award winners

    Air Force officials have selected the winners of the 2010 League of United Latin American Citizens Excellence in Military Service Award. The award recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of minority groups and the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity in

  • Air University students, faculty honor past, celebrate Eagles

    "Eagles" from across the history of aviation are sharing their stories with Air Command and Staff College students here this week. The "Gathering of Eagles" program, sponsored by Air University officials and held on site at ACSC, is a weeklong capstone graduation event during which historic figures

  • 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.

  • New cyber chief: People key in meeting cyberspace challenge

    Cyberspace will provide "tremendous opportunities for the future, but also tremendous vulnerabilities," the commander of U.S. Cyber Command said June 3 in his first public appearance since assuming his new post.Citing the explosion in use of the Internet, e-mail, social networking and instant

  • Officials identify Air Force pilot missing from Vietnam War

    Officials from the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 2 that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.Col. Elton L. Perrine of Pittsford, N.Y., was

  • Selective early retirement board to be held in July

    Air Force leaders will hold a selective early retirement board here July 19 through 23 to consider select officers who must retire by Jan. 1, 2011, or upon retirement eligibility.The SERB is part of Air Force officials' expanded force management measures announced in March.Colonels and lieutenant

  • Technology drives new, better ways to educate Airmen

    Cell phones could soon be the ticket to keeping up with professional development requirements. That's just one concept being explored by officials at Air Education and Training Command, the Air Force's training and education component. Like their counterparts in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, AETC

  • Vietnam combat lessons apply today, Mullen says

    The military's top officer called on Vietnam veterans to stay connected with today's servicemembers, saying their lessons learned, especially with post-traumatic stress disorder, can help veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made

  • Units make history with Air Force's first homeland defense ORI

    Three units representing each component of the Air Force made history here May 16 through 23 when they successfully completed the first homeland defense operational readiness inspection.The ORI, held at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center here, was administered by the Air Mobility Command

  • Air Guard successfully tests back-up for messaging systems

    Air National Guard members teamed up with contractors and other industry partners to create and execute a back-up system for their messaging systems."Until now, the survivability of (Non-classified internet protocol router) e-mail was dependent upon restoring data from backup disks and tapes," said

  • Photo essay: Airmen honor the fallen

    This photo feature highlights Airmen worldwide paying their respects to those who have died in service of their country honoring their heroism, courage and ultimate sacrifice.View the slideshow.

  • Air Force chief of staff encourages Airmen to embrace energy efficiency

    The Air Force's top uniformed officer urged the integration of energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the service's mission at the close of the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum here May 28.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed more than 500 attendees including wing and

  • Photo essay: Schriever security forces compete

    Airmen from the 50th Security Forces Squadron here compete during a Security Forces Guardian Challenge obstacle course and race at the nearby U. S. Air Force Academy training area May 18. Guardian Challenge is Air Force Space Command's premier bi-annual competition to determine the best units within

  • Senior leaders issue Memorial Day message

    In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff send their Memorial Day message to Airmen and their families worldwide.  Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz ask Airmen to take this time to honor those who have made the ultimate

  • Scott AFB converts to new defense accounting system

    Air Force and U.S. Transportation Command officials began a new era of financial management May 27 when Spiral 2 of the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System, or DEAMS, deployed to users at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. There are nearly 1,100 initial users at or associated with Scott AFB.

  • AFPC officials seek public service award nominations

    Awards and decorations officials at the Air Force Personnel Center are seeking nominations for the 2010 Government Employees Insurance Company's Public Service Awards. The GEICO Public Service Awards were established in 1980 to recognize the contributions of hard-working and talented government

  • 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.

  • Undersecretary delivers energy forum keynote

    The Air Force's senior energy official delivered the keynote address May 27 to the USAF Energy Forum III in Washington,  D.C.Undersecretary Erin C. Conaton spoke to attendees about energy as an operations enabler. Read the speech.

  • Air Force leaders send summer safety message

    The Air Force's top leaders have issued a Critical Days of Summer safety message to alert Airmen to exercise good personal judgment to avoid engaging in a reckless manner. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of