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  • Additional F-35s coming to Luke AFB

    Air Force officials announced June 27 that Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., has been chosen as the location for 72 additional F-35A Lightning IIs, bringing the eventual total number of the fifth-generation fighters expected here to 144. The Air Force's initial decision to establish an F-35 pilot training

  • AF encourages Airmen to be key part of SAPR solution

     In an effort to address the growing concern of sexual assault in the Air Force, the service has kicked off an initiative to give Airmen the capability for their voice to be clearly heard called "Every Airman Counts." "I believe Airmen are a key part of the solution to this," said. Maj. Gen.

  • VA announces $300 million in grants to help veteran homeless

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the award of nearly $300 million in grants that will help approximately 120,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants have been awarded to 319 community agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • AF chaplain, NASCAR team to help service members

    On April 27, 2012, Chaplain (Col.) Steven West went to Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., to speak about ministry; he left with a plan to change the world. He left his office as the chaplain for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to meet with Dell Hamilton, a partner of Hamilton

  • Iron Airman challenge promotes fitness resiliency

    All Airmen must maintain fitness standards as a mission readiness requirement. However, fitness can also be used as a great motivator for people to achieve higher levels of resiliency. The Iron Airman Challenge, which consists of timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and a distance run, is a new program

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Wounded warriors adapt, overcome at Andrews sports camp

    More than 30 Air Force wounded warriors gathered here June 26, to kick off a two-day adaptive sports camp designed to help them overcome challenges and enjoy a physically active lifestyle.This was the first Air Force Wounded Warriors Adaptive Sports Camp, held especially for the patients at here and

  • Air Force Food Transformation Initiative wins big award

    An Air Force food initiative was recently selected top in its class by a civilian association, as it progresses into its second phase of deployment. The National Restaurant Association recently held its second annual "Operator Innovations Awards," judged by a panel of 11 leading food industry

  • Tinker AFB, community develop cost-saving initiatives

    In light of defense budget constraints, officials from Tinker Air Force Base and the local community partnered to develop and implement cost-saving initiatives expected to save the base more than $4,000 annually.In November 2012, Tinker AFB and local community members from Del City, Midwest City and

  • Official explains tuition assistance quality assurance program

    To increase stewardship and optimize service members' educational experiences, Defense Department officials have developed a multifaceted quality assurance program to improve tuition assistance, the assistant secretary of defense for readiness and force management said on Capitol Hill June 12.In

  • Date of separation rollback phase II underway

    The Air Force has implemented fiscal 2013 force management enlisted date of separation rollback program phase II, Air Force Personnel Center officials said June 12.DOS rollback is one of several voluntary and non-voluntary programs implemented during fiscal 2013 to help bring overall force numbers

  • Satellite program finds savings while providing critical imagery

    An Air Force program at Hanscom Air Force Base that continually provides critical imagery to warfighters and first responders, is also reducing costs.Eagle Vision consists of five deployable satellite downlink stations that collect, process and distribute commercial satellite imagery in nearly real

  • 35 cats, 16 dogs - 1 Airman

    Fifteen years ago Samson, a Yorkie, found a home in San Antonio, Texas. The home was that of Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Spurling. Seeing Samson, she fell in love. Samson was the first animal adopted by Spurling, driving her devotion and love for animals. Living in San Antonio, she could not go

  • Siblings reunite for brother's retirement

    Being part of a large family is not that unusual, but the Maldonado siblings take being part of a larger family -- the Air Force family -- to new heights.That family got a chance to travel from around the world for Senior Master Sgt. David Maldonado's retirement from Det. 1, 552nd Air Control

  • Missile officer recertification program makes great strides

    Ten of the 19 missile crew members from the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB, N.D., have been recertified and are able to fully perform their alert duties.The remaining officers continue to progress through the retraining program with the remaining decertified crew members expected to return to

  • Combat communications group and wing inactivate

    Air Force Space Command and 24th Air Force officials announced inactivation of the 689th Combat Communications Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and the 3rd Combat Communications Group at Tinker AFB, Okla. Inactivation of both units is scheduled for September. The inactivations are part of overall

  • Families to join Airmen in Southwest Asia

    Fifteen Airmen assigned to U.S. Air Forces Central Command, the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing are taking advantage of a two-year accompanied tour opportunity -- and numbers continue to grow. In the next few years a total of 60 families will be here.

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Dog Handler brings her values to career

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It's 6 p.m., and Chrach, a military working dog whose name is pronounced "Crash," is anticipating his evening meal.His handler has been feeding him twice

  • Libraries launch 'Have Book - Will Travel' summer reading program

    Summer is just around the corner and it won't be long before the kids get bored. Head them off at the pass with adventures and activities hosted by your local library.Air Force libraries have launched the summer reading program, "Have Book - Will Travel!" and are planning a host of activities for

  • VA, veteran groups announce initiative to reduce claims backlog

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion today announced a new partnership to help reduce the compensation claims backlog for veterans.The effort, called the Fully Developed Claims Community of Practice, is a key part of the VA's overall

  • Afghan AF rises to combat test

    An Afghan national army soldier looks up from his post near Tarin Khowt in the Uruzgan Province. He's surrounded by rugged mountains, a flowing river, a green and vibrant valley and Taliban insurgents trying to overrun the area. The soldier, along with 39 other ANA commandos, is running low on

  • DOD Comptroller: Sequestration devastates U.S. military readiness

    During a Senate hearing yesterday on President Barack Obama's $9.5 billion military construction budget request for fiscal 2014, Defense Department Comptroller Robert F. Hale said the severe and abrupt budget cuts imposed by sequestration are devastating the U.S. armed forces.Hale and John Conger,

  • Air Force Food Transformation Initiative enters second phase

    Airmen at five installations will see a new era in food service operations as the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative moves into its second phase.The initiative, known as FTI, is a pilot program designed to provide Airmen greater variety, availability, and quality of food, while maintaining

  • AF energy chief 'service to America' finalist

    The nonprofit Partnership for Public Service announced their 2013 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America medalists, which included a senior Air Force official. Dr. Kevin Geiss, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for energy, was recognized as a finalist May 7 on Washington's Capitol Hill. The

  • DEERS locks down access to some information updates

    Base identification card issuing offices will no longer be able to manually correct or update certain types of personnel information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, Air Force Personnel Center officials said May 9.DEERS is the system used to enroll Airmen and their eligible

  • AF officials: Sexual assault has no place in the Air Force

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh III presented the service's fiscal 2014 budget request to the Senate Armed Services Committee May 7, but much of the discussion focused on the recent sexual battery allegations involving Lt. Col. Jeff Krusinski,

  • Breedlove to take command of EUCOM, SHAPE

    As Gen. Philip M. Breedlove prepares to take command of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, he acknowledged U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen and their importance to the United States' national defense strategy.More than 54,000 American

  • SecDef calls for culture of dignity, respect

    Allegations of misconduct against an Air Force officer in charge of the service's sexual assault prevention and response effort underscored the importance of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's effort to prevent sexual assault across the military. Hagel began his Pentagon news conference Tuesday by

  • Report Helps Military Deal With Sexual Assault Problem

    Sexual assault is a long-term problem for the military, and it will take time for military efforts to combat it, the director of the Defense Department's sexual assault prevention and response office said."We are not satisfied with where we are at today," Army Maj. Gen. Gary S. Patton said in an

  • MyPers to celebrate first anniversary

    Did you ever have a question about a specific personnel function and needed to be pointed in the right direction? The myPers website provides all Air Force members a source to search for information regarding personnel programs, to complete personnel transactions, and to chat live with a subject

  • Every Dollar Counts campaign to launch May 1

    Beginning May 1, Airmen can submit their cost-reducing ideas via the Airmen Powered by Innovation websites while at home, the office or on their smartphones. With budgets shrinking, Air Force leaders are calling on Airmen to share their best money-saving ideas through the "Every Dollar Counts"

  • First Lady announces certification plan for veteran jobs

    First Lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the new Information Technology Training and Certification Partnership to put thousands of service members to work with industry-recognized IT certifications in hand before they leave the military.Obama, who made the announcement at the White House Forum on

  • AF uses innovative tactics to tackle sexual assault

    As part of an innovative initiative to reduce sexual assault across the Minot Air Force Base has partnered with the Gracie Academy to certify 100 men and women of the U.S. Air Force in the Gracie Women Empowered program, April 15 to 19. In 2012, the U.S. Air Force saw a 30 percent increase in sexual

  • Official discusses Transition Assistance Program at House hearing

    The Defense Department, in concert with the military services and interagency partners are successfully implementing the department's revamped Transition Assistance Program, a senior DOD official told a House Armed Services Committee subcommittee here April 24.Dr. Susan S. Kelly,  the principal

  • Timbouktu and back: ANG med unit conducts 'irregular' operations

    "Have you heard of Timbouktu? Well, our medical personnel have been there, providing military support in some unconventional ways," said Lt. Col. Kevin Hinkle, 193rd Special Operations Medical Group chief of medical operations.Timbouktu is a region in Mali, located in the northwestern part of

  • SecAF announces departure

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley has announced his plan to step down June 21 as the Air Force's top civilian after serving for nearly five years. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve with our Air Force's great Airmen," Donley said. "Their accomplishments have been nothing short of

  • Senior leaders testify on health of personnel programs

    Air Force senior leaders, along with counterparts from each of the services, testified about the current state of military personnel programs before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee April 24.Daniel B. Ginsberg, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Lt. Gen.

  • Langley selected for 'better foods, better bodies' pilot

    The "Better Foods, Better Bodies" campaign recently selected Joint Base Langley-Eustis as a pilot base for its promotional initiative. From how Airmen shop at the commissary, to the meals they choose to eat, this movement is designed to help service members and their families make healthier

  • SecAF: Readiness, modernization in flux

    The Air Force will see few force structure changes this year, but readiness and modernization accounts will be in flux this year and next, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today.The secretary also told the Defense Writers' Group that now is the time for another base realignment and

  • SecAF discusses Airmen morale

    Deployed airmen are ready and motivated, but those based in the United States face fiscal challenges that sap morale, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said here today."The Airmen that we send downrange are well-trained -- they are pumped," Donley told the Defense Writers Group. "There's no

  • AF earns top DOD environmental awards

    Two Air Force units have been recognized as the best in the Department of Defense at being "green."The 673rd Air Base Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the 78th Civil Engineer Group, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., were among the winners of the 2013 Secretary of Defense Environmental

  • VA expedites decisions for long-standing claims

    The Veterans Affairs Department is expediting compensation claims decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer, VA officials announced today.Effective today, VA claims raters will make provisional decisions on the oldest claims on hand, officials said, which will allow veterans to begin

  • Air Force Combat Talons fly for last time

    The Air Force's last four MC-130E Combat Talon I's spread their wings for a final mission from their home at Duke Field on April 15.The Talons will be officially retired in a ceremony at Duke Field on April 25 and the aircraft will then be flown to the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base,

  • Program launches to educate communities on family needs

    A new publication series designed to educate civilians on the specialized needs of military and veteran families in their neighborhoods launched here April 15.Charles E. Milam, the acting assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, spoke at the launch event at the

  • 'Every dollar counts' ushers in new savings culture

    With budgets shrinking, Air Force leaders are calling on Airmen to share their best money-saving ideas through the Every Dollar Counts campaign.In the wake of sequestration, the initiative marks a cultural shift that empowers Airmen to find and recommend areas for savings that may be used to support

  • SecAF discusses $114.1 billion budget proposal

    The Air Force's top civilian leader today presented his service's fiscal 2014 $114.1 billion baseline budget request to Congress and shared some of the fiscal challenges the Air Force has faced."As with all budgets, our FY (2014) request represents a snapshot in time," Secretary of the Air Force

  • FY 14 budget: Sequester puts key Air Force objectives at risk

    Upon release of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2014 budget here April 10, the services' senior leaders said the shadow of sequestration in 2013 and on-going fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come.While Air Force officials have scrambled to minimize impacts on

  • New resources promote fitness culture

    To help improve Total Force fitness levels, Air Force Personnel Center officials are fielding new fitness resources accessible online, in person or on DVD.These resources, including the Operational Fitness Program, Xtreme Wednesday Workouts, the Air Force Fitness DVDs and the Fitness on Request

  • AF officials select new fire chief

    The Air Force has a new top firefighter.Jim Podolske has been named chief of Fire Emergency Services, a division of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Readiness Directorate here. As the Air Force fire chief, Podolske will manage a force of more than 9,200 military and civilian firefighters as

  • Navy recognizes Andersen firefighters

    Navy Fire and Emergency Services recently named two Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Airmen Firefighter of the Year and Fire Officer of the Year for 2012.The all-encompassing awards recognized Tech. Sgt. Arnold Castro, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Station captain, and

  • MilPDS upgrade complete: Review emergency contact information

    If you married, have a new address or experienced significant life changes in March, you should review your emergency contact information to ensure it is accurate, Air Force Personnel Center officials advised.The Military Personnel Data System manages such military personnel and pay information as

  • Voluntary separation programs continue through August

    Eligible officers and enlisted members have until Aug. 1 to submit their application for separation under the fiscal 2013 voluntary force management programs, Air Force officials reminded Airmen today.Announced in February, FY13 force management programs support the Air Force effort to reduce

  • Nuclear deterrence remains key STRATCOM mission, commander says

    Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and with the United States and Russia committed to deep cuts in their already-reduced nuclear arsenals, some might be tempted to think U.S. Strategic Command's most important mission is fading into the history books.Maintaining a credible nuclear

  • AF announces Installation Excellence award recipient

    Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2013 Air Force Installation Excellence awards and Special Recognition program March 27.Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., is the recipient of this year's award, with McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., receiving runner-up. "It is our distinct privilege to

  • Military children express sacrifices through art, writing

    Life through the eyes of military children through their paintings, drawings and writings was on public display at the Education Department here today to celebrate the Month of the Military Child.Since 1983, the Defense Department has officially recognized military children for the support they

  • Space mission continues despite restructure

    Critical Air Force missions continue from their current locations after today's restructure of Air Force Space Command's Space Innovation and Development Center at Schriever AFB, Colo.The SIDC restructure and realignment of subordinate organizations is part of the Air Force response to meet future

  • Air Force reservists and retirees eligible for TRICARE healthcare programs

    TRICARE has affordable healthcare programs available for all Air Force Reserve retirees - including "gray-area retirees" and actively-participating Air Force reservists, no matter what orders they are on.Reservists who retire before age 60 are eligible for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage while they

  • AF scientist earns DOD's top civilian award

    Dr. Boris Tomasic from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was named a recipient of the 57th annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.The highest honor given by the Secretary of Defense to career civilian

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman, Vietnam POW looks back

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.) Forty years have passed since the United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War, and 40 years have passed since many of its sons who engaged in

  • AF to implement force structure changes

    The Air Force released its plan Mar. 28 to implement force structure changes mandated by the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill authorized the service to complete actions approved in previous years, such as aircraft retirements, and directed execution of

  • Nominations accepted for Portraits in Courage

    Now through May 1, nominations are being accepted and reviewed for Portraits in Courage, Vol. 8. "Portraits in Courage is a Chief of Staff initiative designed to tell Airmen's stories of courage, valor, and heroism. Our Airmen do the impossible every day. These narratives embody our warrior ethos

  • Congress reviews reserve forces equipment needs

    Senior Army and Air Force leaders for the Reserve and National Guard were on Capitol Hill to testify March 19 and answer questions about updating and replacing their combat-worn equipment.Chairman Michael Turner, R-Ohio, and Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., led the hearing at the House Armed Services

  • Congress reviews reserve forces equipment needs

    Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve, joined other Reserve and National Guard senior leaders on Capitol Hill March 19 to testify and answer questions.The Air Force and Army reserve component flag officers went before the House Armed Services Committee's Tactical Air and Land Forces

  • Efforts continue for spouse professional license portability

    Defense Department officials recognize that an unemployed spouse can affect a service member's retention, so efforts continue to allow spouses' professional licenses to transfer from state to state as military families move from one duty station to another, a Pentagon official told American Forces

  • Cody testifies to quality of life in the Air Force

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody testified on quality-of-life issues in the Air Force before House Appropriations Committee members March 19.The biggest challenge currently facing the Air Force is the nation's fiscal situation, Cody said, citing the looming furlough of 180,000 civilian

  • Barksdale AFB Reserve unit passes critical test

    The 307th Bomb Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit here, is now nuclear certified following an Initial Nuclear Surety Inspection March 14 - 18.The 343rd Bomb Squadron and 707th Maintenance Squadron, units under the 307th BW, are tasked to support the 2nd Bomb Wing's nuclear and conventional

  • Lessons from a pro: Invest for retirement now

    A member of the Air Force Civic Leader program and financial expert recently addressed several ways Airmen can prepare better for retirement.John O'Connor, the chairman of J.H. Whitney Investment Management, spoke about what Airmen can do now, in order to take away a substantial pension by the time

  • Keesler personnel chief named Air Force's best

    The personnel chief at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has been named the top Air Force manpower and personnel flight chief of the year.Becky Green, 81st Force Support Squadron, leads a 68-member flight that includes military and civilian members, is responsible for planning, development and

  • DOD announces pilot sites for Healthy Base Initiative

    Thirteen pilot sites will participate in the Healthy Base Initiative, a demonstration project for the Defense Department's Operation Live Well, Pentagon officials announced March 18.Among the 13 chosen were Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Yokota Air Base,

  • Young girl's love of flying leads to history-making missions in space

    As a young child, Eileen Collins loved to sit with her dad in the family car and watch airplanes take off and land. The roar of the powerful engines and the grace of the aircraft as they seemed to float in the air always held excitement and enchantment for the young daughter of Irish immigrants.That

  • AF extends Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit transfer phase-in period

    Some Airmen will be able to transfer all or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their family members without incurring a four-year active duty service commitment thanks to a program phase-in extension implemented this month.When initially implemented, the Post-9/11 GI Bill education

  • Furlough to affect thrift savings plan contributions

    Federal civilian employees could see their Thrift Savings Plan contributions reduced if furloughs take effect.The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve."Employees who have selected

  • Thrift Savings Plan officials warn against unsanctioned app

    A free iPhone app for the Thrift Savings Plan available at the Apple App Store could pose a security risk, program officials warned.A notice on the Thrift Savings Plan website says the "TSP Funds" app, which asks participants for their account login information, is not sanctioned."This app is not

  • Troop financial readiness important to force, official says

    "It's never too early to start saving for retirement no matter how young you are," said a top Pentagon official, reminding those in uniform of how important it is to act now to ensure long-term financial readiness.The message from Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of Family

  • Time now to get smart on sequestration, furlough

    Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta notified Congress recently that should sequestration occur, the Department of Defense will initiate furlough for its 800,000-plus civilian employees. Congressional notification is required at least 45 days from a planned furlough, with implementation anticipated

  • Arlington museum showcases military women's contributions

    A living legacy to women who served in all branches of the U.S. military honors their service and sacrifice inside the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.The museum in the memorial depicts the "duty, honor and pride" of the 2 million women who served to defend the United States, from

  • AF personnel chief: 'sequestration sends wrong signal to workforce'

    The Air Force's top personnel chief testified to Congress on the impact to military end strength in a budget constrained environment on Capitol Hill Feb. 27 during a House Armed Services Subcommittee military personnel hearing.Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, the Air Force deputy chief of staff for

  • Pacific Air Forces wins highest AF safety award

    Pacific Air Forces earned the Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award, Feb. 12, recognizing the most effective safety program in the Air Force for fiscal 2012. "Receiving this top safety award is a testament to our professional Airmen, both on and off duty," said Lt. Gen. Stanley Kresge, the PACAF

  • AF implements enlisted date of separation rollback

    The Air Force will implement the enlisted date of separation rollback program this fiscal year, in addition to several voluntary force management programs that were announced Feb. 5, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.The rollback will accelerate the date of separation for senior master

  • East Coast joint training goes international

    "Under Air-Sea Battle, we will take 'jointness' to a new level, working together to establish more integrated exercises against more realistic threats." Following those words from former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, retired Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan

  • AF implements voluntary FY13 force management programs

    The Air Force will implement several voluntary officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal year 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.Announced in the January release of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013, the authorized active duty Air Force

  • VA issues new report on suicide data

    The Veterans Affairs Department today released a comprehensive report on veterans who die by suicide.In the past, data on veterans who died by suicide was only available for those who had sought VA health care services. Today's report also includes state data for veterans who had not received health

  • Airmen gear up for largest B-1 modification

    Members of the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron are gearing up for the largest B-1 Lancer modification in program history, as part of the Integrated Battle Station and Sustainment-Block 16 upgrade. Because of the magnitude of this upgrade, additional work is being done to make sure members of the

  • Air National Guard director retires

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Air National Guard director, retired after more than 40 years of military service during a ceremony Tuesday hosted by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin at Joint Base Andrews, Md.The Air Force Chief of Staff Air Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau Army

  • DOD, USDA partner in 'win-win' distance learning program

    A new education program offers a "win-win" approach to helping military community members further their careers while aiding the Defense Department's family support and child and youth development services, a Pentagon official said.Barbara Thompson, director of DOD's office for family policy,

  • DOD to begin review of family, military community programs

    A new task force will start work next month on a 120-day review of all family and military community programs across the Defense Department to determine their effectiveness and identify gaps and potential efficiencies, a senior defense official said.Charles E. Milam, acting deputy assistant

  • Reserve announces revised force structure actions

    Air Force Reserve Command officials are moving forward with force structure changes authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013.Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard leaders collaborated to develop one Total Force Proposal in response to concerns raised by

  • Afghan air force advances battlefield support tactics

    The commanders of the Afghan air force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan signed two operational decrees Jan. 23, implementing procedures to improve air response to Afghan battlefield casualties by the AAF's new Cessna C-208 Caravan fleet and its Mi-17 helicopters. The decrees address the

  • Retired officer describes personal impact of King's ideals

    A retired officer who blazed trails in her Air Force career told the audience at the Pentagon's 28th annual observance of the holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 24 that she drew inspiration from the slain civil rights leader.Retired Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris, who left the service in

  • CMSAF transition: Airmen say goodbye to Roy, welcome Cody

    The Air Force appointed its 17th chief master sergeant of the Air Force during a transition and retirement ceremony here Jan. 24.In his last official act before retiring, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy relinquished the duties and responsibilities of the Air Force's highest enlisted

  • KC-135 tankers get a boost from innovative, fuel-saving engines

    Some decades-old KC-135 Stratotanker are drinking from the fountain of youth -- or at least the engines are.Airmen installed the first of 1,440 upgraded Stratotanker engines at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 15. The 1970s engine parts will be replaced with modern engines that burn less fuel and

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: The Airman and James Bond

    (Editor's Note:This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Quartermaster "Q" supplied Skyfall's 50-year anniversary James Bond with a radio and a Walther PPK handgun, but Sean Connery's 007 relied

  • Interactive benefits phone system deactivates

    The interactive voice response system that enabled civilian employees to accomplish some benefits-related actions will be deactivated Jan. 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said."Low usage and high maintenance costs resulted in the decision to deactivate the system, but the benefits team is

  • DOD official lauds veterans commercial license effort

    Maryland has joined 33 other states in agreeing to waive the skills test for veterans and service members who have military training that would entitle them to a commercial driver's license, a senior Defense Department official said today.Frank C. DiGiovanni, director of training, readiness and