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  • Panel says rescind policy on women in combat

    A commission established to study diversity among military leaders is recommending that Defense Department officials rescind the policy that prevents women from being assigned to ground combat units below the brigade level.In a report issued today, the Military Leadership Diversity Commission

  • Gates urges new Air Force leaders to think creatively

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Air Force Academy cadets here March 4  to have the courage to speak up as they move forward as the next generation of military leaders."As officers, you will need to show great flexibility, agility, resourcefulness and imagination," Secretary Gates said.

  • Aviano unit earns top maintenance award

    Members of the 31st Maintenance Group recently earned the 2010 Air Force Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance Trophy, excelling in all graded areas."This was not just a group win, but a win for the entire wing," said Col. Fredrick Plaumann, the 31st MXG commander. "Our

  • 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

  • Dr. Biden pledges support for Guard families

    Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, promised National Guard members and their families here that she will support them during every deployment."As family members, we honor and support our (Guard members), but we also know that we will miss them each and every day they're away from us,"

  • Airmen deliver weather gear to Iraqi air force

    Members of an Air Force weather team set up a new tactical weather radar and tactical meteorological observation system for the Iraqi air force at Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq, March 2.The job, which took about four hours, is part of an ongoing process to set up a stable weather program for the

  • Air Force Reserve legislative goals presented on Capitol Hill

    "Force readiness, force rebalance, and force support" are the three top legislative priorities unveiled by Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. to more than 60 congressional staffers and military liaison officers at the Senate and House Feb. 25."The new priorities are designed to focus congressional

  • 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.

  • U.S. military aircraft bring displaced Egyptians home

    Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, joined Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft March 5 in airlifting displaced Egyptian citizens here from Djerba, Tunisia. More than 300 passengers traveled on four flights. The aircraft and teams conducted the humanitarian shuttles in

  • Air Force mentor-protégé team wins Nunn-Perry award for cyber applications

    A mentor-protégé team earned the Nunn-Perry award March 2 for achievements in cyber applications for the Air Force, officials from the service's office of small business said here March 4. Ball Aerospace, Colorado Engineering, Inc. and Florida International University were recognized at the annual

  • Chief Roy visits with Airmen at F.E. Warren Air Force Base

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here March 2 and 3, the first of two planned visits to Air Force Global Strike Command bases."Here you man and guard our nation's most lethal weapons," he said. "Likewise, I see our Airmen as the Air Force's most important weapons. We must take

  • Air Force technicians launch second unmanned spacecraft

    In the latest step to improve space capability and further develop an affordable, reusable space vehicle, Air Force technicians launched the second X-37B here March 5, officials said.The Orbital Test Vehicle-2 launch comes on the heels of the successful flight of OTV-1, which made an autonomous

  • Airmen deliver aid to Libyan evacuees

    Airmen from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivered humanitarian aid March 4 to Libyan evacuees and foreign nationals, who have fled here due to recent political uprising in Libya.The Airmen, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, piloted two C-130J Super Hercules and received 2,000 wool blankets, 40

  • Air Force accepts delivery of final MQ-1 Predator

    The Air Force accepted MQ-1 Predator tail number 268, the final MQ-1 manufactured for the service, in a ceremony March 3. Col. James Beissner, the chief of Air Combat Command's Irregular Warfare Division, accepted the aircraft on behalf of the Air Force."This event marks a milestone in Air Force

  • 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

  • Red Flag cyber operations: Isn't Red Flag a flyer's exercise?

    As Airmen from Air Force Space Command participate Red Flag from Feb. 21 through March 11 at the Nevada Test and Training Range complex, Nev.Red Flag is a realistic, combat-training exercise involving the air forces of the U.S. and its allies in simulated air combat."Red Flag continues to adapt and

  • Airmen improve capability of Iraqi medical clinic

    With only three people working in a building no larger than most American apartments, the Iraqi medical clinic here is constantly operating at maximum capacity to provide care for more than 700 Iraqi airmen."Healthy airmen are essential for the Iraqi air force to successfully complete its missions

  • 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

  • C-5s provide 'muscle' for helicopter swap-out missions to Afghanistan

    The Air Force's biggest airlifter -- the C-5 Galaxy -- and the Airmen who maintain and fly them are part of a U.S. Transportation Command "multi-modal" effort to move Army helicopters to Afghanistan.The operation under way in Western Europe features two C-5B and two C-5M Super Galaxies and crew and

  • Contractor delivers first new E-8C Joint STARS production engine

    The U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or Joint STARS, achieved a significant objective March 3 as part of the ongoing System Design and Development Re-engining effort. A First Engine Delivery Ceremony was held at the Pratt & Whitney production facility in Middletown,

  • 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,

  • U.S. military aircraft to aid Egyptians leaving Libya

    President Barack Obama announced March 3 that he has approved the use of U.S. military aircraft to help Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border get back home to Egypt.Speaking from the White House, President Obama said the United States and the world continue "to be outraged by the appalling

  • President signs continuing resolution extension

    President Barack Obama signed legislation March 2 that will keep the government funded and running through March 18.The new continuing resolution cuts $4 billion from the previous continuing resolution funding. None of the $4 billion is taken from Defense Department programs. Extending 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.

  • 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

  • DOD improves troops' access to quality education

    Defense Department officials are taking extensive measures -- from education reviews to agency partnerships -- to ensure service members have access to quality education and learning opportunities in their off-duty hours, a Defense Department official said.Robert L. Gordon III, the deputy assistant

  • 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.

  • Intermediate network warfare training up and running

    In February, 17 students began the first intermediate network warfare training at the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.The 42-day course began Feb. 2 and features a syllabus geared to the needs of cyberoperators in the field, said 1st Lt. Michelle Buchholtz, the influence

  • COMUSAFE statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport

    Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport March 2:"Chief (David W.) Williamson and I are deeply saddened by the senseless attack at the Frankfurt International Airport that took the lives of two USAFE Airmen and left two others fighting

  • A break from therapy

    Airmen and Sailors took time to visit a children's hospital here March 1, as part of a community outreach event during the Avalon 2011 Australia International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition.Five Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and eight Sailors

  • UPDATE: USAFE Airmen killed in shooting were from Ramstein, Lakenheath

    One of the Airmen killed in the shooting at Frankfurt International Airport March 2 was a vehicle operator stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, while the other Airman killed was part of a security forces team stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. The two injured Airmen are being

  • CSAF talks cooperation, efficiency at defense conference

    The Air Force and the private sector must focus their collective efforts to ensure America's defense needs are met in the face of declining purchasing power, according to the Air Force chief of staff.Gen. Norton Schwartz made the remarks during a speech to defense industry leaders, service members

  • Air Force leaders express condolences following Frankfurt shooting

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy released the following statements following the killing and wounding of Airmen March 2 at the Frankfurt International Airport, Germany. The Airmen were en route

  • 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

  • Civilian employees should start education applications early

    Hundreds of professional development opportunities are available annually for civilian employees. Many of those slots go unfilled, in part because eligible candidates wait until the last minute to prepare and staff their application packages.For example, annually, 280 Civilian Acculturation and

  • USAFE Airmen killed, wounded in Frankfurt airport shooting

    The two Airmen killed and two Airmen wounded in the shooting March 2 in Frankfurt were assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe units.The shooting took place on a U.S. Air Force bus outside Terminal 2 of Frankfurt International Airport. The bus was transporting a security forces team assigned

  • Ellsworth B1s get new braking system

    It can generate more than 30,000 pounds of thrust and reach speeds greater than 900 MPH, but can it stop safely after reaching such speeds?Thanks to an ongoing brake modification of the B-1B Lancer, the aircraft has a new, more effective means of coming to a stop.The modification, which costs

  • Gates, Mullen urge swift action on budget

    Congress needs to take steps now to ensure troops in harm's way in Afghanistan get the gear and capabilities they need to face the Taliban, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told a congressional panel March 2 here.Secretary Gates told

  • Officials announce team bound for 2011 Warrior Games

    Twenty-five Air Force athletes are one step closer to gold after being chosen to represent the service at the 2011 Warrior Games.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style event open to all wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans. This year's event takes place May 16 through 21 in Colorado

  • TRANSCOM provides nation's greatest advantage, commander says

    The greatest advantage the U.S. has over any potential enemy is the ability to project and sustain forces anywhere in the world, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command said here today."No other nation can do what we do," said Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb.A decade of war has meant TRANSCOM

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials implement some cost-cutting measures in the wake of federal budget constraints. Plus, Airmen train with their host nation counterparts to make sure that when lives are on line, everyone's on the same page. And, get a look at some

  • Supreme Court decisions affect service members, vets

    The U.S. Supreme Court has issued three decisions with military connections recently.In what may be the most contentious of the cases, the court ruled that members of a Westboro, Kan., church have the right to picket at funerals for service members killed in action.The court reversed a lower court

  • Airmen harness radiation to search vehicles

    With a little bit of training and the power of gamma-rays, 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Airmen are developing their vehicle-search skills using the relocatable Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System.Eight Airmen were hand-selected to train on the VACIS, a gamma-ray imaging system made by Science

  • First MC-130J training program takes flight

    As the first MC-130J Combat Shadow II rolled off the Lockheed Martin factory line, a training flight class recently conducted sorties in preparation for transition to the new airframe.The Air Force Special Operations Training Center's first MC-130J training program flight class practiced air drops,

  • U.S. Airmen killed, wounded in shooting incident at Frankfurt airport

    Two Airmen were killed and two were wounded during a shooting incident March 2 at Frankfurt International Airport. The names of the deceased are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin. German authorities have the shooter in custody. The incident is currently under

  • General Schwartz: Austerity, strategic challenges call for true total force

    Austerity and the strategic environment make communicating and collaborating as a total force paramount for the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, the Air Force chief of staff said here Feb. 28.Efficiency and zero tolerance of fraud, waste and abuse are also critical priorities,

  • 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

  • Program cuts sustain health care, maintain quality

    Defense Department officials have recommended a number of ways to cut costs in the military health system, while still providing high-quality care and protecting the wallets of active duty service members and their families, a senior defense official said Feb. 28."We're trying to create a balanced

  • First female CV-22 pilot completes training

    After nearly three years of flight training with the Air Force, she recently became the first qualified female pilot of the CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. It started with pictures of aircraft in her grandfather's home. Then it was on to starting lessons to earn her private pilot's license as a

  • 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,"

  • Kuwait celebrates 50/20 anniversary with coalition forces

    Members of U.S. Central Command, and several coalition countries, helped commemorate Kuwait's 50/20 celebration with an airshow and parade Feb. 26.The event celebrated Kuwait's 20th year of liberation from invading forces from Iraq and its 50th year of independence from Great Britain.Some of the

  • Lynn: Continuing budget resolution puts security at risk

    The Defense Department is losing billions of dollars by Congress' failure to pass the department's fiscal 2011 budget, putting readiness, modernization and efficiency initiatives at risk, the deputy defense secretary said March 1.The department has gone five months into the fiscal year under a

  • 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

  • Key Resolve exercise begins at Osan AB

    Service members from the U.S. and South Korea kicked off Exercise Key Resolve Feb. 28 here.Key Resolve is a combined exercise that involves more than 2,300 U.S. forces and nearly 10,000 South Korean forces and is geared towards maintaining the readiness of the Combined Forces Command staff and

  • 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.

  • National Guard, U.S. Southern Command members build partnership capacity

    The National Guard State Partnership Program is a key element to building relationships within the U.S. Southern Command region, the combatant commander said recently during the 27th annual Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition here."(SOUTHCOM has) 28 different state

  • 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

  • First class graduates from aviation school at former George Air Force Base

    Forty-three student aircraft mechanics attending the Southern California Logistics Airport School of Aviation Technology, located at the former George Air Force Base, recently graduated with full certification in general aviation, powerplant and airframe maintenance. And their diplomas are paying

  • Airmen, German army team up for training

    Members of the 435th Contingency Response Group were invited by their German army counterparts from the 31st German ABN Brigade to join them on the Schϋtzenschnur range for two days of weapons and military familiarization training recently in Oldenburg, Germany. The 31st German Airborne Brigade

  • Airmen test contingency postal operations

    Airmen from the Yokota Post Office set up a contingency post office to test the agency's warfighting capabilities by using their mail contingency kit at the Yujo Community Center here Feb. 22.Master Sgt. Victor Negron, the 374th Communications Squadron postmaster, said the purpose of the CPO is to

  • 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

  • Mullen: Anniversary reaffirms U.S.-Kuwaiti bonds

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff joined in festivities Feb. 26 celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kuwait's liberation during Operation Desert Storm and the 50th anniversary of its independence."I am very proud to represent the United States here in Kuwait, as Kuwaitis celebrate their

  • 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

  • Vice CSAF emphasizes modeling, simulation integration during AFAMS visit

    Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove emphasized the need to standardize live, virtual and constructive modeling and simulation across the Air Force and the joint team during a recent visit to the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation here."We must build to a modeling and

  • Loadmasters hone skills during training, humanitarian mission

    When one C-17 Globemaster III left here Feb. 25, there were a few more loadmasters aboard than usual. A training mission was in the works, but the extra hands were put to use for a humanitarian mission that coincided with the training.The aircrew made stops at Langley Air Force Base, Va., MacDill

  • Developmental education deadline set for officers, civilians

    Officers considering intermediate or senior developmental education in 2011 have until March 31 to submit their applications for consideration by the selection board, officials announced. Civilians have until May 1 to submit applications.Officers apply using a Web-based application, while civilians

  • Officials extend community assessment

    Officials are extending the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment through April 3. More than 350,000 active-duty members, reservists and spouses as well as all appropriated fund civilian employees were randomly selected to participate in the anonymous survey. Those

  • 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

  • Federal pay freeze also impacts NAF employees

    The recently implemented two-year pay freeze for federal employees applies to Department of Defense nonappropriated fund, or NAF, employees in crafts and trades and pay-banded pay schedules. Under legislation signed in December 2010, the pay freeze impacts basic pay, special pay rates and

  • Airmen demonstrate massive airdrop, teamwork in joint exercise

    Nine Little Rock Air Force Base C-130 Hercules and twice as many aircrews, along with maintainers and planners from the base, participated in Joint Operation Access Exercise Feb. 9 through 12 here and at Fort Bragg, N.C.JOAX is a two-week exercise to prepare Airmen and Soliers to respond to

  • CONR team supports successful shuttle launch

    Officials with the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or CONR, and Air Forces Northern provided crucial airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery Feb. 24.CONR representatives ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the

  • NAF employees eligible for new health incentive credit

    Nonappropriated fund federal employees who participate in the NAF Department of Defense Health Benefits Program are now eligible to earn a health incentive credit.Beginning Jan. 1, health plan participants may earn a $100 health incentive credit when they complete the Simple Steps to a Healthier

  • Landing zone safety officers trained at austere location

    At an austere airstrip here, air mobility liaison officers are conducting landing zone safety officer certification training to U.S. and coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. Twenty-six students from the U.S. Air Force and Army and the Romanian army attended a two-day class that featured

  • 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

  • Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max

    Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.Solar max is actually the name for the sun's most active period in the solar cycle, consistently producing solar emissions, solar flares and sun spots.For a little background on the sun's activities, the

  • Air Force gains new mission

    The Air Force gained a new mission when the 1st Space Operations Squadron accepted satellite control authority of the Advanced Technology Risk Reduction satellite Jan. 31 here. Handed over from the Missile Denfense Agency, ATRR is the newest space-based space situational awareness platform to ensure

  • Japanese, American NCOs work together to gain insight

    Kadena Air Base officials began a NCO exchange program Feb. 18, giving eight Japanese Air Self Defense Force airmen the chance to see how their U.S. Air Force counterparts operate."The JASDF airmen did an ice-breaker with the chiefs, flew the KC-135 (Stratotanker) flight simulator and worked with

  • Deadline approaching for civilian humanitarian award

    Airmen are reminded that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is April 16.The Fisher Award is presented annually to an individual or organization outside the Department of Defense

  • Air Force Medical Service officials announce 2010 award winners

    Air Force Medical Service officials have announced individual, team and military treatment facility awards for 2010. According to the award message, the Air Force Recognition Ribbon is authorized for individual award winners only. Winners of individual awards may take a copy of the attached message

  • 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.

  • Future initiatives discussed during fuel efficiency summit

    Air Mobility Command members set the course for cultural change during a fuel efficiency summit here Feb. 16 and 17 that included participation by representatives from 11 Air Force major commands. AMC leaders hosted the summit to share and collaborate on ideas and initiatives that will help promote

  • 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

  • Air Force announces next tanker aircraft

    Air Force and Defense Department officials announced the award of an engineering and manufacturing development contract valued at more than $3.5 billion for the KC-46A aerial refueler to The Boeing Company Feb. 24.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said in the briefing that many factors were

  • USAFWS takes new approach to generating leaders

    U.S. Air Force Weapons School officials recently modified their syllabus to reflect that it is not only the Air Force's most challenging tactical training, but also a program designed to produce the Air Force's next generation of great leaders.The USAFWS has commonly been thought of as a leadership

  • 'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Air Force officials tighten their belts as they find ways to save $33 billion dollars.  And, motivational speaker Andy Christiansen gives Airmen a lesson in mentorship. Plus, an Airman and his canine companion team up to keep their base safe from

  • 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

  • Fairchild Airmen climb ice-covered tower to retain communications

    Transmission systems radio Airmen with the 92nd Communications Squadron here left their heated offices to work on top of a snow-covered mountain where the average temperature is below zero.These Airmen journey to the Calispell Mountain Peak in Cusick, Wash., to de-ice a radio tower that provides

  • 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

  • Three Academy graduates to fly STS-133 shuttle mission

    Three Air Force Academy graduates are leading Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission, which is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Feb. 24. Retired Col. Steven Lindsey, Class of 1982, is mission commander, while 1987 graduate Col. Eric Boe is the pilot and

  • 'Military Saves Week' spotlights importance of saving

    Service members and their families should "start small and think big" when kick-starting a savings plan, a financial expert said Feb. 23."It's not what you make, it's what you keep," said Pam McClelland, a senior program analyst in the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth. "A

  • ROTC bonuses 'beef up' services' language capacity

    A Defense Department pilot program to add foreign language proficiency to its officer corps is growing dramatically, the department's head of foreign languages said.The department began the ROTC Skill Proficiency Bonus in 2008, at the request of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, to encourage the

  • 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