HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Program promotes healthy lifestyles for children

    Kaitlyn Mayor prefers to hula-hoop while her brother, Tyler, skateboards to gain fitness points for a new Air Force Services Web-based program that promotes healthy lifestyles for children. The Florida siblings are among more than 5,300 Air Force youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 to sign up

  • Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

    The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

  • Program reduces disability benefits waiting period after separation

    Air Force officials held a training conference recently to teach those operating the Integrated Disability Evaluation System how to process service members who, because of medical conditions, may no longer be able to serve in the Air Force. The conference, held jointly between the Air Force

  • Program seeks foreign language, area experts

    People with international skills are becoming more valuable to many organizations, and the Air Force is no exception.The foreign area officer program develops line officers with certain skills used by the Air Force and Department of Defense in positions where they are needed, said Lt. Col. Mike

  • Program seeks to preserve history with playing cards

    Defense Department officials will issue decks of playing cards to deployed troops starting July 31, but not for Texas Hold 'Em tournaments. The cards are training aids designed to help the servicemembers understand the archaeological significance of their deployed locations. "It has been my

  • Program slashes maintenance time for the B-2 fleet

    A critical material scale-up problem that directly affected the operational maintainability of the Air Force’s B-2 Spirit fleet has been solved, thanks to engineers from the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, working with the B-2 Systems Group and material processing experts.Through this

  • Program speeds up complaint processes

    Air Force officials here recently extended an Equal Employment Opportunity pilot program from 31 test bases to all installations worldwide. The program, called the Compressed Orderly Rapid Equitable process, or CORE, focuses on cutting EEO’s case-processing time. In conjunction with the General

  • Program streamlines training for IMAs

    A partnership between Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Space Command may signal a change in the way individual mobilization augmentees train. A common training assembly at Patrick AFB, Fla., earlier this month allowed more than 200 IMAs to fulfill more than 20 hours of training and readiness

  • Program strengthens U.S., host-nation relationships

    More than 1,000 Manas Air Base servicemembers have a unique opportunity through the base International Tours and Travel office to get out of the base from time to time. Each week, the ITT office puts together off-base request trips to more than 40 locations ranging from hiking and dining trips to

  • Program supports military families with special needs

    About a year ago, Maj. Nicholas Sabula received word of an upcoming assignment following his deployment in Afghanistan.He became concerned, however, when he learned that his new duty station and the local area didn't have adequate services for his son, who was diagnosed with autism in 2006. But

  • Program takes safety, occupational health to next level

    Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials continue to focus on developing and caring for the safety of Airmen, civilians and their families to build a culture of safety with the Voluntary Protection Program, senior Air Force leaders said here recently. "The Air Force implemented VPP (a

  • Program takes safety, occupational health to next level

    In the last 17 years since operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 82 Airmen have died in combat, and 1,370 Airmen have lost their lives in the same timeframe in off duty incidents-- in their homes, in their cars or during recreational activities. William C. "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary

  • Program to improve IT core services achieves key milestone

    An Air Force program that will save money, save energy and improve core information technology services, such as email, has recently met a significant milestone.Hardware to consolidate four regional data processing centers into one area processing center has been delivered, installed and tested at

  • Program works to ensure absentee voting opportunities

    It's still not too late to register to cast an absentee ballot in the Nov. 4 general election in many states, a Defense Department official said Oct. 9."We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote, and that the vote is counted," said Polli Brunelli, director of the Federal Voting

  • Program works to reduce risk on next Air Force One

    The Air Force awarded a contract modification to Boeing July 15 to continue risk reduction activities for the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program, which will field the next Air Force One.

  • Programmers earn award for innovative tablet app

    Software development programmers with the 375th Communications Support Squadron here were nationally recognized for creating an innovative iPad application designed to decrease the time it takes for KC-10 loadmasters and boom operators to do their jobs during pre-flight operations.

  • Programs aim to reduce military divorce rates

    Recognizing the stresses military life and multiple deployments put on families, officials are stepping up their efforts to help servicemembers strengthen their family relationships and avoid divorce courts.A full range of outreach programs -- from support groups for spouses of deployed troops to

  • Programs aim to strengthen military marriages, curb divorce

    Servicemembers and their spouses are flocking to a broad array of programs to help them strengthen their family relationships as the services step up efforts to curb divorce rates.Military divorce rates rose by .1 percent -- to 3.4 percent -- during fiscal 2008, with 492 more divorces than the

  • Programs allow deployed Airmen to e-mail, chat with family

    Air Force officials continue to provide deployed Airmen and their families with Web-based communication tools, allowing e-mail and instant messaging from virtually anywhere in the world. The Air Force Instant Messenger and Global Internet Mail programs help ease the stress of deployments by keeping

  • Programs exist to minimize RIF impact on employees

    As demonstrated by the announcement of a third round of Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority beginning 1 May, the Air Force is committed to maximizing voluntary separation measures to the greatest extent possible. Despite this, some bases may find the need to

  • Programs help Airmen obtain financial success

    For Airmen wondering if the struggle for total financial success will ever end, there is good news. The Airman and Family Readiness Center's financial advisers help members reach their financial goals. According to James McDaniel, an accredited financial counselor here, financial readiness is a

  • Programs help Airmen pick up the pace

    With the new Air Force physical training standards, many Airmen are looking for ways to gain a few extra points on their scores.When it comes to the 1.5-mile run portion of the test, units are setting challenges and Airmen are starting programs designed to motivate testers and help them shave

  • Programs help Airmen, families prepare for deployment

    As part of ongoing efforts to inform Airmen about ways to manage stress, Air Force officials here introduced a monthly campaign to highlight initiatives to help Airmen and their families cope with life's difficulties, and the initiative for August is deployment readiness.Air Force officials employ

  • Programs help servicemembers save, manage money

    Defense Department officials want servicemembers and their families to be aware of in-house programs that can help them better manage their money and stay out of debt. For example, the 2-year-old Military Saves program is designed to teach servicemembers and families how to save and invest their

  • Programs promoted for people with disabilities

    October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Air Force officials want to ensure every Airman is aware of the ongoing efforts to support people with disabilities. "The Air Force hopes to increase awareness, promote opportunities for employment candidates with disabilities and become

  • Programs provide opportunities for internships, jobs

    Recent college graduates interested in federal employment can take advantage of current open recruiting for the Recent Graduates Program as well as three other programs offered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make becoming a federal employee easier.

  • Programs will suffer without adequate funding, Mullen says

    Military programs will suffer if the Defense Department's budget for fiscal 2011 isn't passed immediately, the nation's top military officer told the House Armed Services Committee here Feb. 16.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed the warning issued by Defense

  • Progress continues in Parwan, Afghanistan

    War-torn for more than 30 years, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan continues to take the necessary steps to strengthen and rebuild its government. Working hand-in-hand with groups such as the United States Agency for International Development and coalition forces-led provincial reconstruction

  • 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

  • Project builds bond between U.S., Kyrgyz Republic

    A symbolic ground-breaking ceremony was held April 14 in Birdik Village to signify the start of a school renovation project between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic.Nearly two weeks after work began on the $470,000 project to repair the school, a ceremony was held to recognize the

  • Project Crossbow enhances capabilities

    A collaborative U.S. Air Force and United Kingdom Royal Air Force program is making it easier for the two services to share information collected via intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.The program, dubbed Project Crossbow and modeled on the U.S. Air Force's Distributed Common

  • Project helps people ‘de-stress’ through training

    One unavoidable fact about military action is that servicemembers will have to deal with traumatic stress. Defense Department officials are working to find the best way to help troops deal with the harmful effects of the stress people face in combat. One part of that effort is a treatment trial

  • Project HeRO improves squadron health habits

    A new Air Force Health and Readiness Optimization program, or HeRO, seeks to partner with squadrons by using data to help Airmen improve health habits that impact readiness.HeRO represents a reboot of Air Force Health Promotion efforts. It is designed to target at-risk squadrons using data and

  • Project NEXUS: Empowering the USAF’s digital talent

    Designed by the AETC technology integration detachment and hosted by the AFWERX-Austin hub, the beta test program was designed to fuel organic technology problem solving efforts for Airmen in their day-to-day workplaces.

  • Project promises economic boost for Afghans

    A recently-approved $300,000 construction contract promises economic growth for Afghans here, according to the Airman leading engineering efforts for the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team. The contract for the construction of four new agricultural buildings in the Mehtar Lam agricultural

  • Project Sanctuary provides retreat for military families

    Whether it's sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows in the winter or standing in the middle of a creek fishing during the summer, a Colorado troop-support group is promising a week-long retreat full of fun and relaxation for 80 deserving military families this year. Project Sanctuary will

  • Project upgrades quality of life at Bagram

    Innovation and initiative by 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen upgraded a temporary living area into a cheery, hospitable cyber café.“Our new café projects a welcoming feeling,” said Staff Sgt. Tina Ross, a services representative with the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron and

  • Promotion release 'virtual' success

    It was deathly quiet at 7:45 a.m. at the Air Force Personnel Center here June 26. Both here, and around the world, noncommissioned officers eligible for promotion to technical and master sergeant hit the Internet, hoping someone had posted the promotion list prior to the 8 a.m. scheduled release. At

  • Promotion study guides arrive in May

    The 2003 promotion fitness exam and supervisory examination study guides are expected at Air Force locations worldwide in May.Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron officials here said Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241, Volumes 1 and 2, Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory

  • Promotion study guides hit streets in May

    The latest edition of enlisted promotion study guides will hit the streets by the end of May, Air Education and Training Command officials here said.Both the Promotion Fitness Examination and the U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination, officially known as Volumes 1 and 2 of Air Force Pamphlet

  • Promotion study list now available

    Promotion-eligible enlisted Airmen can now find which materials to study for the 2005 testing cycles.The most current Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog, which lists the materials used by test writers to develop the 2005 promotion tests, is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center Web

  • Promotion study list now available

    Promotion-eligible enlisted people can now find out which materials to study for the 2004 testing cycles.The most current Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog, which lists the materials used by test writers to develop the 2004 promotion tests, is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Promotion study list now available

    Promotion-eligible enlisted people can now find out which materials to study for the 2003 testing cycles.The most current Weighted Airman Promotion System catalog, which lists the materials used by test writers to develop the 2003 promotion tests, is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Promotion takes to airwaves

    Separation proved no obstacle for a couple here May 26 as they were promoted to first lieutenant together via computer-based video conference while geographically separated by more than 7,000 miles.First Lts. Eric Johnston, who is deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, and Sheila Johnston, of the 47th

  • Promotion test change impacts deploying airmen

    Commanders of technical and master sergeants facing short-notice deployments now have greater flexibility as to when their airmen test for promotion.New overseas manning requirements and the freezing of the air and space expeditionary force cycle prompted officials at the Air Force Personnel Center

  • Promotion testing windows expand for E-5 through E-7

    Air Force officials are expanding the testing windows for Airmen beginning with the 07E6 and 07E7 cycles. The changes are part of an ongoing process to improve the enlisted promotion testing system, according to officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "Some factors that drove this change

  • Promotion to E-8 to require resident Senior NCO Academy

    Completion of the resident Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy or a sister service equivalent becomes a requirement for promotion to senior master sergeant effective Jan. 1, Air Force officials announced Dec. 9 as part of a policy change.The change in the professional military education

  • Promotion, developmental education releases combined

    Air Force officials here recently announced they will begin combining the public releases for officer promotions and developmental education announcements as part of an ongoing effort to streamline personnel processes. The new initiative will start later this year with the September 2008B lieutenant

  • Propane plant fuels utility alternatives for Moody

    Members of the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron are using a new propane-air mix system to create an alternative source of fuel, allowing the base to avoid paying high contract fees for natural gas. The system, which Moody AFB officials began using in November, substitutes propane for the natural gas

  • Proper hygiene keeps coalition fit to fight

    Proper hygiene is critical to remaining combat-ready.To ensure servicemembers stay healthy, most forward-deployed locations throughout Afghanistan offer plenty of opportunities for good hygiene, like running water for showers and hand-washing stations next to the chow line.However, the situation

  • Proper nutrition, exercise is essential to mission success

    Like an aircraft needs jet fuel, a person's body needs proper nutrition to replenish itself and function at peak performance. In today's military environment, with increased deployments and new physical testing requirements, it's even more imperative that Airmen know the importance nutrition can

  • Proper precautions can prevent skin cancer

    Air Force health officials are reminding Airmen that simple precautions during the summer can help lower the risk of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed yearly are considered to be sun-related. While short-term

  • Proper protection can negate bioterror weapons

    The Air Force Medical Service's biggest challenge in saving lives and sustaining combat capability after a bioterror attack hinges on rapidly translating complex biological systems data into "operationally significant information," according to the Air Force surgeon general."It can take from days to

  • Proper training, protection help prevent hearing loss

    Hearing loss can be due to personal choices such as firing a weapon without wearing proper hearing protection, listening to loud music or riding motorcycles. To help prevent hearing loss, people should wear hearing protection devices as taught and trained by public health personnel, and by their

  • Proposal would save $3.2 billion in health care costs

    The Defense Department's proposal to reform the TRICARE health plan and the military health system would save at least $3.2 billion between 2012 and 2016, the Pentagon's chief financial officer told Congress yesterday. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee,

  • Proposed B-1 program aims to speed maintenance

    A team of high ranking Air Force officials visited here recently in an effort to determine whether to change the way maintenance is performed on the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber. Called the "Red Team," the group from Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Staff are considering

  • Proposed budget boosts DOD housing program

    The Defense Department is set to replace all of its substandard military family housing units by 2009, a senior DOD official told a congressional committee March 3.The proposed fiscal 2005 DOD budget "allows the department to stay on track to eliminate nearly all of its inadequate military family

  • Proposed budget shows AF path

    The fiscal 2005 Defense Department budget provides the foundation upon which the Air Force will continue the war on terrorism.Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for budget, discussed how the service’s budget priorities would allow airmen to be a better air and space

  • Proposed leave rule would provide for warrior care

    Defense Department federal employees could receive up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a military family member injured in the line of duty if an Office of Personnel Management proposal is adopted. The proposal would allow eligible federal employees to take 26 "administrative work weeks"

  • Proposed Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability rules explained

    With Department of Veterans Affairs representatives ready to begin accepting sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill May 1, Defense Department officials are working to get word out on the proposed policy regarding the bill's transferability provisions to help servicemembers decide if the new benefit is

  • Propulsion flight improves maintenance process on C-130s

    Members of the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Propulsion Flight have implemented a new process that reduces the propeller maintenance repair cycle time for the C-130 Hercules here. "We are really excited about this process because the new two- and three-day flow processes we implemented

  • Propulsion shops work together, eliminate waste

    In the name of increased combat capability, the 388th and 419th Fighter Wing propulsion shops are working side by side to take advantage of expertise from active-duty and Reserve technicians, while eliminating redundancy."The move enables us to work leaner, meaner and more concise, as well as

  • Propulsion team doubles capacitor capabilities

    The viability of powerful directed-energy weapons on future Air Force aircraft just got a shot in the arm with a greater than two-fold improvement to key electrical components that are needed to make the lasers work.Air Force Research Laboratory propulsion directorate researchers involved in the

  • Pros, families ride in 2011 Air Force Cycling Classic

    Hot and humid weather didn't deter the more than 2,300 cycling enthusiasts from around the world and the approximate 600 on-lookers, who came out to cheer for teams and riders in the 2011 Air Force Cycling Classic held June 11 and 12, in Northern Virginia.The goal of the two-day event was to foster

  • Protecting the force day in and day out

    It takes Airmen from every base and job to execute the deployed mission at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. This same concept applies to the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron’s Force Protection unit, where Airmen from every Air Force specialty code to help carry out the mission.

  • Protection from the storm

    Crew chiefs assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, spot an F-16 Fighting Falcon May 9 as it is pushed into a hardened aircraft shelter during a major dust storm here. Protecting flightline assets from dust damage or destruction is important to

  • Protective armor plate exchange underway

    A small number of Air Force-issued enhanced small arms protective insert plates are being exchanged this summer due to an unauthorized modification by the manufacturer, according to an Air Force logistics official. Initial records review indicates fewer than 600 plates are affected. While the armor

  • Protein study a real eye opener

    Warfighters will never have the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but a specialized whey protein supplement under study here could enhance mental and physical performance. A double-blind Air Force Research Laboratory study was launched Feb. 3 as part of an operational readiness

  • Protesters offer training for security

    Security forces here responded to nearly 50 protesters at a base gate March 22 and arrested three.Another group of military supporters gathered at the gate to lend their encouragement to the base and its people.During the weeks leading up to the protest, groups informed the base they would exercise

  • Protocol staff provides first-class service all the way

    Although they primarily work behind the scenes, staff in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing protocol office works hard to ensure distinguished visitors have a positive experience while visiting the base. Protocol personnel achieve this goal by providing a variety of services to allow DVs a chance to

  • Protocol, aide de camp special duties move

    By May, the special-duty positions of protocol officer and aide de camp will become regular duty as part of the Air Force services career field.Those officers holding these positions will gain a new Air Force specialty code -- 34M -- services April 30. The change is part of an Air Force move to

  • Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

    A high-flying prototype “Airman” is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force

  • Prototype PT uniforms undergo wear tests

    A prototype physical training uniform for the Air Force is undergoing wear testing here, the Pentagon and MacDill AFB, Fla. The new design was introduced last month at the three sites for 185 males and females of various sizes, ethnic backgrounds, officers--including 42 general officers, and

  • Prototype saves fuel, money, environment

    It is economical, environmentally friendly, and definitely fuel-efficient. And so far, only the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard is using it.It is the PH1000EL Self-Contained Fuel Transfer Unit, better known as the "fuel buggy." Members of the 149th Maintenance Squadron are using

  • Prototype UAV tested at Northern Edge

    Thanks to technology advances in small, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, servicemembers on the ground may be able to get an inside track on what lies ahead, literally. The Air Force Research Laboratory tested the Arcturus unmanned aerial vehhicle prototype May 7 at Northern Edge 2008 in the Pacific

  • Providing ‘red carpet’ service, without the carpet

    Day and night they arrive -- four-star generals, ambassadors. congressional leaders and even Vice President Dick Cheney. Whether they stop for a formal visit or are here en route to another location, a two-person protocol team is there to greet them with a salute and a smile. “We are the first

  • Providing a FAST deployment role

    Air Force FAST teams play a crucial role in protecting aircrews and airplanes in hostile areas. They fly on specific missions to various deployed locations to ensure the safety and security of aircraft and crew members.

  • Providing access to space through innovation

    The U.S. Air Force and Space Command are powered by innovation. Because of this, Vandenberg Air Force Base is continually making improvements to base facilities, equipment and the way Airmen and mission partners do their job in order to complete the space mission.

  • Providing critical support to the AOR

    A team of nearly 40 Airmen at Al Udeid Air Base loads and off-loads thousands of pounds of cargo into aircraft almost daily. The Airmen assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron’s Ramp Services section are responsible for loading and unloading a wide variety of cargo including

  • Providing eyes for another

    2nd Lt. Samantha Morrison has competed in hundreds of races before, but never has she competed in one quite like this.

  • Providing reconstructive assistance, hope to Afghan homeland

    The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team is providing assistance to rebuild Afghanistan, as well as give the local Afghans a chance to overcome incredible odds to achieve a foothold back into the economic forefront. Housed within the walls of a traditional Afghan qalat, a mud and straw compound, on

  • Providing safer blood products faster to wounded warriors

    A new whole-blood donation process here will now be forwarded on to the Armed Services Blood Program as a suggested technique to be implemented throughout the Department of Defense. The process, implemented by Capt. Ronni Leslie, the 332nd Expeditionary Aeromedical Squadron laboratory officer in