Randolph, Civil Air Patrol kick off new support program

A new pilot program between the Air Force and Civil Air Patrol officials is set to kick off with a meeting and orientation tour Jan. 28 at Randolph Air Force Base. "The new program called Volunteer Support to the Air Force will provide greater opportunities for citizens through the CAP while

Trouble can't hide

Senior Airman Zachary Felten examines minuscule circuits on a of the circuit cards from an FCC-100 multiplexer Jan. 22 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Each card can receive upwards of 50 signals at any moment and send them to air traffic control scopes which projects an image of the air space. No job is

Swimming: Air Force falls to BYU

The U.S. Air Force Academy men's and women's swimming and diving teams both dropped a contest to Brigham Young University Jan. 24 at the Cadet Natatorium in Colorado Springs, Colo. The men fell to the 23rd-ranked Cougars by a score of 147.5 to 93.5, while the women lost 155 to 82. The men drop to

Surf the Internet, discover benefits

Military beneficiaries can find the latest information at their fingertips at the Defense Commissary Agency's new and improved Web site.DeCA has retooled its Internet site to include fresh new graphics that change with each season and a new section that promotes health and wellness. The single

Mother replaces son on Kirkuk's front lines

As many parents anxiously await the next phone call from their sons and daughters fighting the war on terrorism in Southwest Asia, one mother journeyed across the Atlantic to not only see her child, but also to replace him on the front line. Staff Sgt. Tammi Johnson, a reservist with the 507th

AF team addresses local province women's needs

The needs and issues of the Afghan women of the Kapisa Province were addressed for the first time Jan. 22 in an unprecedented meeting with the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team. More than 20 women representing six districts in the province traveled various distances to not only bring their

Elmendorf Airmen move toward initial operational capability

Airmen in the 90th Fighter Squadron are completing steps to declare initial operational capability, with the overall goal of declaring full operational capability. The 90th FS and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit exercised a mock bomb drop over the Alaska training range Jan. 16. "This was an excellent

General shares successes, challenges of Afghan air corps

The Afghan army air corps is going through rapid growth, but it will take eight years for the force to be self-sustaining and independent, the commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force said from his headquarters in the Afghan capital of Kabul Jan. 24. Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell told

TV chef cooks up a winner for Sheppard Airmen

It took him 10 grueling hours of work, a frantic trip to a Wichita Falls retailer for ingredients, and the help of dozens of Airmen, but Chef Robert Irvine fed 1,000 people at the Air Force's 60th Anniversary banquet at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. In an episode of the Food Network's hit series,

Dover housing to claim award

The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management team here and the civilian partners of Pinnacle and Hunt Development Group were selected as the 2007 Professional Housing Management Association Outstanding Housing Installation Team Award winners and are scheduled to receive the award Jan. 31 in

Jan. 23 airpower summary: A-10s strike enemy positions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers conducted shows of force in

Shield represents past, future mission

The shield of the Air Force Flight Test Center concisely defines its past, present and future. The center was established in 1951, and its shield was approved May 14, 1953. The ultramarine blue and yellow represent Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force

Army, Air Force leaders discuss interoperability

The chief of staffs for the Army and Air Force along with other senior leaders from both Services met to discuss issues of mutual interest regarding interdependency and interoperability Jan. 23 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Gen. T. Michael Moseley spent the

Weather watchers

Air Force develops friend vs. foe identification system

Air Force Research Laboratory officials here recently have developed a technology that helps identify friendly forces during combat exercises. Working with Lumitex Inc. of Strongsville, Ohio, members of AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate developed and fielded the Target Recognition

Air Force funds research into oil repellent surfaces

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here currently are funding investigations into super oil repellent surfaces because of their potential utility in cleaning up jet fuel spills and protecting aircraft or rocket parts from fuel absorption. Drs. Gareth H. McKinley and Robert E. Cohen,

C-17 pilot auditions for 'American Idol'

A C-17 Globemaster III pilot with the 317th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base recently lived out one of her dreams -- to audition for "American Idol." Capt. Lyndsey Goodman, a Reserve pilot who has flown the half-million pound airlifter into combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, also

Center's core mission remains constant during the years

By the time the Air Force Flight Test Center was established here on June 25, 1951, Edwards AFB had already become well known as the place where "the rubber meets the ramp" and the de facto center of American flight research, development, test and evaluation. The turbojet revolution in America had

Brooks to serve as initial venue to test fit new service coat

About 150 Airmen from Brooks City-Base, Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases in Texas, will participate in a fit test of the new Air Force Heritage service dress coat here Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. Subsequent fit tests in February and March are slated for the Air Force Academy and Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala.

Defense Department works to eliminate gaps in medical care

The trauma care that U.S. servicemembers receive is the best in the world, but Defense Department officials must continue to eliminate gaps in the medical process as patients move from DOD facilities to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to private hospitals, a senior Pentagon medical official

Directing traffic

Jan. 22 airpower summary: F-15s conduct show of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed enemy observation

Top rollers: Air Force takes first in bowling championship

The Air Force Bowling Team finished first place in interservice play for the seventh consecutive year at the Armed Forces Bowling Championship held in early January at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The Air Force women finished first in division play as the Air Force men finished second in their

Ammo keeps fighters supplied in quest for Iraqi freedom

Airmen can fly, fight and win in any wartime situation, but being able to do that is only possible if pilots are properly equipped with the right munitions for their target. Ensuring there is no shortage of munitions for combat aircraft are the Airmen here in the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance

Mobile readiness team gets pallets back into the system

The Airmen assigned to Task Force 586 here recently took on an additional tasking to redistribute equipment and supplies for the Army. Mobile redistribution teams go to forward-operating bases throughout Iraq to collect excess supplies, and the Airmen searched for pallets crucial for the air

Aviator pay details to be released

Details on the retention bonus offered to experienced aviators should be released soon, Air Staff officials here said. The aviator continuation pay incentive is in the final coordination stages and once Congress finalizes and the president signs this year's annual National Defense Authorization Act,

Airman's Roll Call highlights recognizing Airmen

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on ways to recognize Airmen and their accomplishments. Recognition can come in a variety of ways. A supervisor who takes the time to submit his or her Airmen for local awards, an Airman who points out a job well done at an office meeting, a commander or chief

Cope Tiger set to kick off in Thailand

More than 100 Airmen from across Pacific Air Forces are gearing up for the field training exercise Cope Tiger 2008 set to kick off Jan. 26 here and at Udon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. Members of the 18th Communication Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Airmen from the 35th Communication

Warrior school

Predators keep vigilant eye on Iraq

Taking center stage in helping win the war on terrorism in Iraq are unmanned aerial vehicles such as the MQ-1 Predator. Although the plane is small compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, it packs a punch with its vigilant purpose and silent victories. Since October 2007, the 361st Expeditionary

Air Force band kicks off tour in Djibouti

The nine-piece U.S. Central Command Air Forces Band Live Round kicked off their tour in Africa with a one-hour show for American servicemembers and local law enforcers Jan. 22 at Djibouti's national police academy. The ensemble performed before about 100 members of the nation's police force and

Defense authorization bill impacts potential degree programs

With the finalization of the 2008 defense authorization bill, Air University will have the authority to grant a new master's degree in flight test engineering to graduates of the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. That program, which already resembled an academic degree

Gathering biometric data

Airmen compete for spot on Air Force boxing team

The Air Force Box-Off  was held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 18 and 19 at the Bennett Fitness Center. Matches featured 16 Air Force members hoping to make the Air Force Boxing Team, which will compete in the Armed Forces Boxing Championship. The main event featured Rodney Ellison

Providing shelter is a BEAR

Air, water, food and shelter are the basic essentials for life. But when Airmen deploy to an environment where no one has lived before, these essentials need to be brought in. Anywhere in the world and within a matter of days, a Base Expeditionary Airfield Resource, commonly referred to as a BEAR

Jan. 21 airpower summary: F-16s provide show of force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an

Coalition forces pound al-Qaida stronghold in Iraq

Aircrews of B-1B Lancers, Navy F/A -18 Hornet pilots, Army 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi forces cleared out an al-Qaida stronghold 30 miles southeast of Baghdad late night Jan. 20 and early morning Jan. 21. Coalition aircraft dropped more than 30,000 pounds of bombs on former al-Qaida

Hockey: Falcons beat 4th-ranked Denver, 5-2

U.S. Air Force Academy sophomore Matt Fairchild scored his first career hat trick as the Falcons defeated fourth-ranked Denver 5-2 Jan. 18 at the Cadet Ice Arena here. The Academy earned their first win over Denver since 1980, breaking a 19-game losing streak to the Pioneers, and it was also the

Total force provides seamless airlift support

Nearly 60 Air National Guardsmen finished a 10-week tour of duty Jan. 11 with the 38th Airlift Squadron here where they'd collectively hauled more than 283 tons of cargo throughout Europe in 109 sorties on C-130 Hercules aircraft.Their mission was a testament of how seamlessly Guard, Reserve and

Contingency Wartime Planning Course prepares Airmen for duty

As the supreme allied commander of allied forces in Europe during the Normandy invasion in World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower explained the importance of military planning when he said, "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless but planning is indispensable." A course

Reserve Airmen train Guardsmen on Raptor

Reservists here are training members of the Air National Guard as part of total force integration. Airmen from the 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here trained 13 Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing Jan. 13 on take-off and recovery procedures for the F-22 Raptor.  The Air

Air-to-ground missile launched from drone

For the first time, an air-to-ground missile was launched from a full-scale aerial target drone, or FSAT.  The test was performed Jan. 9 by Airmen here with Detachment 1 of the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. The FSAT is an unmanned QF-4 Phantom drone that was operated by remote control from a ground

'Today's Air Force' features the F-15 return to flight

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights how the Air Force carried on its mission while more than seven hundred of its F-15 Eagles were grounded.  See its return to flight -- the Eagle flies once again! Also featured is the F-16 Fighting Falcon with its twenty-millimeter cannon and

Jan. 20 airpower summary: E-3s provide eye in sky

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on

Military absentee voting 'primary' concern for officials

For Federal Voting Assistance Program officials, getting deployed troops and their families engaged in the current election season is a primary goal. Ahead of the November general election, officials with the FVAP, which fosters voting participation by uniformed and U.S. citizens abroad, are

Joint exercise accomplishes historical achievements

For the past week Airmen have been participating in an operational readiness exercise alongside South Korea airmen and soldiers, testing the combined mission of the two allies stationed here. Even though the ORE is a regular occurance, the exercise made history with two separate events. The first

Weather center offers Web-based broadcasts

In an effort to offer servicemembers, their families and other Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas access to timely weather updates, American Forces Network Weather Center weathermen here now include daily forecasts on their Web site. In what is a typical 11-forecast daily programming

Policy changes to delay some Reserve field grade officer promotions

Starting this year, policy changes will result in some Air Force Reserve officers having to wait longer before becoming eligible for promotion. One major change will require lieutenant colonels to serve four or more years' time in grade before meeting the colonel board. Air Force Reserve officials

Kunsan, Eielson swap F-16s

Officials from the 8th Fighter Wing received 18 modified F-16 Fighting Falcons in mid January from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, as the two bases exchange fighter aircraft. Currently, 80th Fighter Squadron pilots at Kunsan AB are flying Block 30s, which will transition to the aggressor squadron

General Brady assumes command of USAFE

General Roger A. Brady ceremonially assumed command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe Jan. 17. General Brady, who previously worked as the deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, begins his term as USAFE commander eight years after he last left the

480th Intelligence Wing realigned

Air Force officials announced Jan. 14 the transfer of the 480th Intelligence Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland AFB, Texas. Formal realignment of the affected units will occur on or before March 1. The 480 IW,

Jan. 17 airpower summary: A-10s provide air support

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a show of force was performed by an Air Force A-10

Museum unveils F-22 public display

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force officials here unveiled the new F-22 Raptor exhibit Jan. 17 available to be viewed by all visitors to the public museum.Several high-ranking officials, distinguished guests and many employees from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, gathered to witness

Maintenance unit completes upgrade of 100th A-10

An upgraded A-10 Thunderbolt II, which took off in early January for Moody Air Force Base, Ga., represents another production milestone for the Air Force.Aircraft 80-0172 is the 100th A-10 to go through the Precision Engagement program, started in the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group in July 2006.

Airmen up in arms

Communications agency looks to protect data

Air Force Communications Agency members here are aggressively developing a solution to protect personal and other sensitive information from being stolen and misused. Several government agencies have been victims of compromised data stored on stolen or lost computers during the past few years,

New Airmen 'do something amazing' in the snow

Thirty-four new Airmen joined the Air Force Jan. 12 at a World PowerSport Association Snowmobile Tour event in Shakopee, Minn. More than 25,000 fans at the Air Force Canterbury SnoCross event witnessed the young adults take the Air Force oath of enlistment for the first time, led by Brig. Gen.

Leaders announce policy changes for Airmen in AOR

Changes are on the horizon for Airmen serving in the Central Command area of responsibility. In an effort to standardize policies among those assigned and those deployed to the CENTCOM AOR, Air Force officials will implement several changes beginning as soon as February 2008. "There are several

Air Force weapon system roadmap released

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley has released the Air Force's weapon system "roadmap," a long-term plan for providing Air Force capabilities the nation needs in the 21st century to meet threats to the nation's security. As part of the Air Force's strategic planning efforts, senior

Web site links, educates squadron commanders

A Web site developed by Air University's Air Command and Staff College members here is now empowering commanders through a familiar concept -- communication. Known as the Commanders Connection, the site provides squadron commanders a safe environment to discuss issues -- sometimes sensitive in

Pilot mushes dogs for noble cause

A pilot with the Alaska Air National Guard and a team of 27 Siberian Huskies are currently breaking new strides while mushing through the icy Interior of Alaska to help children in need. Maj. Blake Matray, 168th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 pilot and weapons and tactics chief here, joined forces

Troops, civilian employees must follow rules for political activities

As U.S. servicemembers and Defense Department civilians ponder candidates during the election season, they should realize there are limits placed upon their involvement in certain political activities. Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to military members of all service branches are

Don't overlook airpower in joint counterinsurgency doctrine

The counterinsurgency manual used by U.S. Soldiers and Marines undervalues the role airpower plays in fighting insurgencies, stated a monograph recently published by Air University officials. That guidance, designated Field Manual 3-24 by the Army and Warfighting Publication 3-33.5 by the Marine

Jan. 16 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fleet

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, a total of two close-air support missions were flown as part

Squadron deployment tests Kunsan's readiness

A South Carolina-based unit began arriving here Jan. 15 as part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment as a measure to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in the Pacific region. The 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, one of three flying squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing

U.S., Thailand, Singapore prepare for Exercise Cope Tiger

Aviation and ground units from the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and Republic of Singapore Air Force will participate in the Exercise Cope Tiger 2008 field training exercise in Thailand Jan. 26 to Feb. 5. Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral large force

National sports program features female general

A female Air Force general will be one of the people featured during an episode of CBS Sports Spectacular titled Pride, Passion and Power.  The show will air  Jan. 19 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. EST. Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, the deputy director of the Joint Staff's War on Terrorism, Strategic Plans

Airman takes top honors among Marines

An Airman became an "honorary gunnery sergeant" after graduating at the top of her class at the Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy Advance Course graduation Dec. 12 at Quantico, Va. "My peers were surprised, but mostly impressed at how well I did without any Marine Corps

Fixing the 'hole' thing

Mirror therapy shows promise in amputee treatment

Army Sgt. Nicholas Paupore is using a large mirror  to help adjust to the loss of his leg after suffering injuries in an explosion while on duty in Iraq. By using the mirror, the right leg that was destroyed when an explosively formed penetrator ripped through his Humvee just south of Kirkuk, Iraq,

DOD officials select new government travel charge card

Department of Defense officials announced the selection of Citibank to provide travel charge card services for its members under the General Services Administration's umbrella SmartPay® 2 master contract Jan. 16. The new official travel cards will activate on Nov. 30, 2008. DOD currently has 1.2

New financial manager-comptroller sworn in

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne swore in the Air Force's new assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller in a ceremony at the Pentagon Jan. 15. John H. Gibson is now the Air Force's trusted advisor on all matters financial. His mission is to provide

Tops In Blue names 2008 team members

Officials of Tops In Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment group, have announced the names of 25 new members of the 2008 "Deja Blue" tour. "Our 2008 team is made up of some of the most talented members we have had join us in many years," said Jeri White, production manager for Air Force

PACAF receives Air Force maintenance award

The vice chief of staff of the Air Force presented Pacific Air Forces the Gen. Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence award Jan 16 at the Pentagon. Gen. Duncan J. McNabb presented the award to Chief Master Sgt. Robert L. Norcross II and Master Sgt. Jeffrey Soots for the more than 10,000 maintainers

German airman assists with Holloman ceremony

Attendees at the 49th Fighter Wing change-of-command ceremony were treated to a strange sight if they looked closely at the honor guard detail that was presenting the colors Jan.11 here as one member of the six-man team stood out, due to the fact that he was wearing a different uniform and carrying

Airmen featured on Food Network's 'Dinner: Impossible'

Television viewers nationwide will see a renowned chef attempt to feed 1,000 people at Sheppard Air Force Base when the Food Network airs a new episode of "Dinner: Impossible" in the coming weeks. Chef Robert Irvine and his culinary crew were given 10 hours to feed members of the base and visiting

4 new pilots begin F-22 training

The first Air Force pilots selected to fly the F-22 Raptor without previous fighter experience entered the 63rd Fighter Squadron for the Raptor Lead-in course Jan. 14 here. The four pilots are 1st Lt. Austin Skelley, 1st Lt. Ryan Shelhorse, 1st Lt. Marcus McGinn, and 1st Lt. Dan Dickinson. Prior to

Jan. 15 airpower summary: Fighting Falcons fly successful missions

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, shows of force were conducted by Air Force F-15E

Officials search for POW/MIAs on Wake Island

A team of anthropologists sent by Joint Prisoner of War Missing in Action Accounting Command officials began to dig on Wake Island to determine if they have found World War II prisoners of war. When a contractor doing asbestos abatement work on the island discovered what appeared to be human

Personnel center leadership changes hands

Air Force Personnel Center officials welcomed their 23rd commander during a change-of-command ceremony here Jan. 16. Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, a 30-year career Airman, succeeds Maj. Gen. Anthony F. Przybyslawski, who was selected for reassignment as director of operations for Air Education and

Air Force announces top recruiters for 2007

Fourteen Air Force recruiters were named tops in their field for fiscal 2007 by Air Force Recruiting Service officials here Jan. 14. The Air Force Blue Suit recruiters for 2007 are: -- Master Sgt. Russell Benigno of the 337th Recruiting Squadron at Fayetteville, N.C., -- Master Sgt. Brian Clark of

F-16 crashes in Gulf of Mexico

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at about 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in the Gulf of Mexico near Key West, Fla. The pilot was picked up by a Navy helicopter crew and flown to a local hospital, where a physician examined him.He was released from the hospital. The pilot was flying a training mission at

Airmen participate in dedication ceremony at South Pole

Two Airmen attended the Jan. 12 Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station dedication ceremony, the culmination of the National Science Foundation's 12-year effort to construct a new station on Antarctica.Maj. Gen. Robert A. Knauff, the New York Air National Guard chief of staff and commander, and Col. Ron

Airman's Roll Call highlights professional associations

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on the benefits of professional military association membership. Professional military associations play an important role in the development of Airmen and the Air Force mission. Many private organizations provide Airmen with oppourtunities for mentoring and

Air Force center receives recycling award

In recognition of significant waste diversions achieved from October 2006 through September 2007, the Arnold Engineering Development Center will receive the Government Recycler of the Year award Jan. 18 from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition. In her award notification to AEDC, Gail Randolph, chair

Air Force receives 4 Presidential Rank Awards for intelligence

White House officials here recently chose four career intelligence senior executives for 2007 Presidential Rank Awards for their exceptional long-term accomplishments. Winners of this prestigious award are strong leaders and professionals who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength,

Fellowship offers spouses portable skills

Frequent military relocations can take a toll on spouses' careers unless they have a portable skill, which is exactly what one foundation has set out to provide them. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation has partnered with the Association for Financial Counseling

Dover, McGuire raise money for CFC in hockey game

Members of Dover Air Force Base and McGuire AFB, N.J., raised $1,500 for the Combined Federal Campaign in the first-ever ice hockey fundraiser Jan. 13 in Philadelphia. The event drew about 300 spectators and saw the Dover AFB team topple McGuire AFB's team 9-4. Michael Ramos, one of the offensive

Tops In Blue 2008 needs musicians, technicians, drivers

If you play the trumpet, trombone, saxophone or guitar you could be the person the Air Force's premier expeditionary entertainment group is searching for. In addition, if you have technical skills or can drive a truck then you have an opportunity to become a member of Tops In Blue. "Our 2008 team is

New ALS curriculum creates new challenges

Airmen attending Airman Leadership School here and at all Air Force bases come into the new year with many changes to its core curriculum that may create a more challenging course for students ready to become NCOs. ALS institutions Air Force-wide are required to have a "historic, total rewrite" of

It's better to give

January is National Blood Donor Month and the Armed Services Blood Program extends a worldwide thank-you to all blood and platelet donors. The ASBP manages the colossal responsibility of supplying more than 1.3 million troops and family members with blood worldwide, said Ralph Peters, an ASBP Blood

$92 million facility slated for trauma research

The groundbreaking of a $92 million research center Jan. 11 marked the first Base Realignment and Closure construction project at Fort Sam Houston directed by the 2005 BRAC legislation. Once completed, the 150,000-square-foot Joint Center of Excellence for Battlefield Health and Trauma Research will

Airmen airdrop 80,000 pounds of food, supplies for Afghans

Airmen of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here airdropped nearly 80,000 pounds of food and water through the Afghan sky Jan. 14 as part of humanitarian efforts in the region. The supplies were pushed out the backdoor of a C-17 Globemaster III and the cargo landed at the feet of

Biomedical maintainers ensure combat medical success

Airmen of the 332nd Medical Support Squadron Biomedical Maintenance Flight here help save lives by ensuring proper preparation of patients prior to air evacuation from the theater of operations every day.The Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base is the hub for en-route patient care, and

Air Force official alters cold-weather gear policy

The deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel here recently authorized commanders to use their discretion to authorize deviation from policy for wear of cold-weather battle dress uniform outer garments with the airman battle uniform during the coming winter months. "The original guidance was

Falcon comes to nest in Kunsan

Jan. 14 airpower summary: A-10 shows force

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 on

Kadena F-15s returning to flight

Officials from the 18th Wing anticipate resuming flight operations here Jan. 14 as 39 Kadena Air Base F-15 C and D model Eagles are cleared to fly again after remaining on the ground for more than two months as a result of a fleetwide stand-down. The order to resume flight operations came from Gen.

Exercise trains next Horn of Africa task force leaders

Leaders preparing to deploy to Djibouti as the next headquarters staff at Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa are wrapping up a week-long exercise to prepare them for the challenges they'll face.The mission rehearsal exercise is under way at U.S. Joint Forces Command's Joint Warfighting Center

Closing enemy windows of opportunity

The team is huddled around a laptop outside an enemy compound. One of the team members adjusts the image on the laptop and the picture becomes clear. Now the team can see the display of the enemy's computer, on a secure network, on the fifth floor of the building. After a decade of information