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  • Mullen: Communities, veterans can help each other

    The United States owes a debt to its veterans and their families that America's communities and their leaders can help repay, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Oct. 1.Speaking to hundreds of people during a town hall meeting at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

  • Exercise aims to change game

    A training exercise held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord recently might change how Air Force and Army units conduct close air support.Pacific Strike 2010 demonstrated capabilities that could vastly improve close-air-support operations for deployed units as well as in garrison, said Army I Corps' Chief

  • Website is one-stop shop for deployment-related issues

    Airmen can access information about their upcoming deployment at the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Online website. The AEF Online website, located at https://aef.afpc.randolph.af.mil/, provides a single access point for all AEF-related issues to include reporting instructions, tempo banding,

  • Registration now open for 2011 AETC Symposium

    Registration is open for the 2011 Air Education and Training Command Symposium, scheduled for Jan. 20 and 21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The two-day symposium is slated to feature more than 90 seminars on a variety of education, training and innovation topics by

  • Global Strike command reaches full operational capability

    Officials declared Air Force Global Strike Command to be at full operational capability Sept. 30, on schedule, and less than 14 months after its initial activation as a command.To reach that milestone, the command accomplished more than 700 action items identified by the secretary and chief of staff

  • DOD provides continued support for military children

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are keeping on the cutting-edge of sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, a Washington education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy Facon, the

  • Gates praises service, sacrifice of all-volunteer force

    The American people are losing contact with those who make up its military, and the nation needs to understand the service and sacrifices that U.S. military personnel and their families make, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at Duke University's Page Auditorium Sept. 29.The secretary spoke to

  • Leaders send energy awareness message

    The Air Force's top leaders released a joint "Letter to Airmen" to encourage Airmen to continue to be energy efficient at the workplace and at home.  "The Air Force is engaged in a long-term effort to improve our nation's energy security through energy efficiency and conservation," Secretary of the

  • Schriever Airmen get serious with Happy Hour

    Schriever Air Force Base Airmen were invited Sept. 24 to "Happy Hour" by base leadership where jokes about nagging wives, drugs, sex and drunken behavior filled the auditorium of Building 300 here.No, this wasn't a social-mixer, nor was it a happy hour, in the traditional sense."Happy Hour" is a

  • Agreement gives green light to ESC efforts in Kyrgyzstan

    A delegation led by Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds reached an agreement with Kyrgyzstan government officials recently on efforts that will benefit the nation of Kyrgyzstan and U.S. operators who rely on the Manas Transit Center there."This agreement marks the formal

  • ACE Cyber Security Boot Camp prepares future officers

    With constantly evolving threats to cyberspace affecting national security, the Air Force is coming up with new ways to enhance cyber security. Educating the force is one way to face the challenges of keeping cyberspace secure, and future officers are receiving this education before they earn their

  • Online development plan improving total force career roadmaps

    The web-based career tool for total force Airmen, known as My Development Plan, is undergoing changes aimed at positively affecting the Air Force and its members' futures, officials said Sept. 28.With a total force focus, MyDP is geared to help users make informed decisions about their career with

  • Air Force takes third in annual culinary competition

    An Air Force team took third place in the Military Hospitality Alliance's seventh annual Military Culinary Competition at the Marine Barracks here Sept. 25. The team of four Airmen and one Sailor ranked third out of 13 teams by a panel of military and civilian chefs who acted as judges for the

  • Balad first base to host resiliency training

    Deployments cause stress and stress, if not managed, can lead to consequences such as arguments, fights, mission failures and possibly suicide.Joint Base Balad is the first base in Southwest Asia to test the Flash Forward Resiliency Training Program, which is one of many programs that will be

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," pilots race around the globe on a mission to help the victims of flooding in Pakistan. Plus, you'll see where Airmen learn leadership skills that last a lifetime. Finally, Americans and Portuguese find a novel way to strengthen their international ties. The

  • Collaboration improves treatment of unseen scars of war

    Several times every week, a team of about 50 specialists gathers around a conference table at the National Naval Medical Center here to assess the progress of every wounded warrior undergoing treatment at the hospital. They bring an array of expertise to the discussion, with specialties in

  • Officials urge protection against identity theft

    Defense Department officials are urging servicemembers to be aware of identity theft and are providing ways for them to protect themselves, the director of DOD's personal finance office said.Dave Julian said officials take the problem very seriously. "We equate it to service readiness," he

  • Senegal president praises Guard partnerships

    The National Guard State Partnership Program is increasing understanding between people in African countries and the United States, the president of Senegal said here Sept. 19."Each country can learn something from another," President Abdoulaye Wade said in an interview at the end of a two-day visit

  • Filling civilian vacancies easier with advanced recruiting, online resources

    As Air Force officials work to streamline and expedite the hiring process for the civilian workforce, they are encouraging hiring managers to initiate the recruitment process prior to an incumbent's departure.If the position being vacated is already funded, properly classified and serviced by the

  • Air Force officials select 2010 team excellence award winners

    Air Force officials recently selected five teams to receive 2010 Chief of Staff Team Excellence awards for finding creative ways to enhance mission capabilities, improve operational performance and create sustained results. The innovations and business solutions the competing Air Force teams

  • 36th LRS Airmen support Valiant Shield

    Airmen from the 36th Logistical Readiness Squadron stepped up their game during Valiant Shield 2010 by acting as master planners for all support, vehicle coordination and aircraft fueling needs.During Valiant Shield, an additional 1,300 personnel were here, and the 36th LRS Airmen ensured

  • Reserve, active duty couple complete African service projects

    For Maj. Jonathan Gration, an active-duty pilot assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, and Capt. Julie Gration, a Reservist assigned to the 477th Fighter Group here, the trip wasn't so usual, took them across the world and gave them an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate.

  • Technology improving veterans' access to health, benefits information

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management, or VRM, that will greatly improve veterans' access to health care and benefits information. "VRM will transform veterans' interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century

  • DOD supports military children in public schools

    Department of Defense Education Activity officials are sharing resources and training tools with public schools supporting military families, particularly those heavily affected by deployment, an education official said."Our goal is to reach military children who attend public schools," said Kathy

  • 'Pioneers in Blue' highlights Airmen's contributions

    On Sept. 18, the official birthday of the Air Force, Air Force Public Affairs Agency officials launched a project showcasing 38 veterans from different career fields and backgrounds who have contributed to the greatness of the Air Force. "Pioneers in Blue," a series of photographic portraits on

  • NCO trains for mixed martial arts fight on base

    The first thing a visitor to the FIT NHB Fight Gym in downtown Albuquerque, N.M., notices is the steady series of staccato thumps echoing off the walls. It's the sound of solid blows landing squarely on padded targets. In this converted warehouse, fighters train in mixed martial arts, practicing

  • Defense Department officials launch annual CFC drive

    The Defense Department's 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here Sept. 20, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000 pre-screened charities.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III launched the department's annual CFC drive in

  • Medal of Honor recipients speak at AFA conference

    Three Medal of Honor recipients answered audience questions as part of a panel at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.Joe Jackson, George Day and Leo Thorsness all began their military careers as enlisted

  • Outstanding Airmen honored at dinner

    Air Force Association officials held a formal dinner honoring the 2010 Outstanding Airmen of the Year was held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14 during the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition."This is a proud moment for our honorees," said

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Improved weather technology on the way to warfighters

    Officials at the Electronic Systems Center's Aerospace Management Systems Division Weather Systems Branch here are working to provide Air Force decision makers improved weather sensing and viewing capabilities. Officials within the branch are working to bring the Portable Doppler Radar system to Air

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • McKinley: National Guard is a national treasure

    The National Guard is a national treasure that we need to preserve and protect, the guard's senior officer told attendees at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference here Sept. 14. "The dual mission of the National Guard, and its ability to combine and work with local, state and

  • Air Guard a more cost-effective, operational force

    For the Air National Guard to continue as an operational force, it should be fielded concurrently with the same equipment as its active-duty counterparts, the director of the Air Guard said Sept. 13."Now that costs money, but it doesn't cost nearly as much money as trying to maintain an operational

  • Air Force undersecretary reinforces value of acquisition estimate tool

    The Air Force relies on numerous vendors for critical supplies and everyday items, and the Long-Range Acquisition Estimate helps ensure that the Air Force gets the highest-quality products and services at the lowest prices. Through better requirements identification and planning, and use of the

  • Suicide: Never knowing why

    "I know you'll grieve and wish that I was still here. I am here in the memories you hold dear.  Remember how much I love you and know I took your love with me. I do not wish for you to cry nor feel sad." -- excerpt from Kelvin Burford's poem Gone Away, written for Anthony ArlineAirman 1st Class

  • Air Guard exterminator handles pests

    As the lone pest management specialist in the Nevada Air Guard, it's one Airman's job to eliminate all of the creepy-crawly nuisances here. Staff Sgt. Damien Falconer of the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron, continually works to eliminate insects, rodents, weeds and an

  • DOD acquisition chief outlines plan to help warfighters, taxpayers

    The Defense Department's $400 billion-a-year system for buying goods and services is about to undergo major changes designed to save taxpayer money without affecting mission readiness, a senior Pentagon official says."We're asking you to do more without more," Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of

  • Officials seek O'Malley Award nominees

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the nation, the Air Force and the local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive

  • DOD report urges increase in guard's civilian technicians

    Department of Defense officials recently submitted a report to Congress recommending an increase in the current legal limits on the number of civilian technicians who provide support to National Guard members and their units.About 52,000 technicians are spread across the across the U.S., while about

  • DOD to reduce fuel, water consumption

    Defense Department officials plan to reduce the military's water and fossil fuels consumption by more than 20 percent in the next decade, under an Obama administration plan to make government agencies better stewards of the environment.Ashton B. Carter, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition,

  • Pakistan flood aid tops 5 million pounds

    U.S. military aircraft supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts achieved a significant milestone Sept. 11, exceeding 5 million pounds of relief supplies delivered since U.S. military relief flight operations in Pakistan began Aug. 5.To date, U.S. military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have

  • Kadena's conservation efforts net federal award

    For the second consecutive year, civil engineers here have been awarded a federal energy and water management award for their aggressive conservation efforts on Okinawa.In 2009, the 718th Civil Engineer Squadron was honored for having one of the best 2008 energy efficiency and energy programs within

  • More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

    A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit."It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm.

  • Air Force's top uniformed leaders visit Shaw

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from across the installation here during a base visit Sept. 7 and 8.After touring areas and meeting with representatives of the 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central and the 20th Fighter

  • Officials extend spouse career program deadline

    Officials have extended a spouse employment program enrollment deadline to allow more military spouses to take spring semester classes.Effective Sept. 13, spouses currently enrolled in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, commonly known as MyCAA, will be able to request financial

  • Officials welcome new Air Force chief of safety

    In a Sept. 1 change-of-command ceremony here, Maj. Gen. Gregory A. Feest assumed command of the Air Force Safety Center from Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz presided over the change of command. In his comments, he highlighted AFSC's performance under the

  • Airmen bestow highest enlisted honor

    Airmen from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe came together to induct USAFE Commander Gen. Roger A. Brady into the Order of the Sword during a ceremony here Sept. 8.As the 19th recipient of USAFE's Order of the Sword, General Brady was given the highest honor someone can receive from the Air Force's

  • U.S., Philippines host Asia-Pacific military nursing symposium

    Officials from the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines co-hosted the 4th annual Asia-Pacific Military Nursing Symposium for more than 200 nurses from 13 countries in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, Aug. 29 through Sep. 4. The conference, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Office of

  • Air Force architects receive leadership excellence award

    The Air Force Enterprise Architecting Division was recognized for excellence in leadership and results during the EA 2010 Conference and Exhibition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center here Sept 8.Air Force EA Division Chief Col. David Geuting accepted the 2010 Excellence in EA Award from

  • Nonprofit groups step up to help military families

    America's support of our troops and their families has been a welcome theme during this past decade of war. The stories of support are abundant, from top leaders encouraging Americans to salute troops to neighbors pitching in to help a deployed family.Some people have taken this support even a step

  • Pope senior NCO wins interservice chess tourney

    A senior NCO assigned to Pope Air Force Base recently defeated top chess players from each service to take home the top prize during the 2010 Interservice Chess Championship. Master Sgt. Dan Ranario, of the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, will join the U.S.-led team participating in the 2010 NATO Chess

  • Airmen assist BLM during wild horse round-up

    Members of the 366th Operations Support Squadron and 266th Range Control Squadron recently supported the Bureau of Land Management during its emergency gathering of 198 wild horses after a wildfire charred the land the animals usually roam. To perform this rescue mission, BLM officials needed access

  • Chief scientist describes future technology

    "Humans today are still more capable than machines, but by 2030 that is absolutely not going to be the case anymore," said Dr. Werner Dahm, the Air Force Chief Scientist, in describing one of the conclusions he reached during the Air Force's first in-depth look at future technology in more than a

  • Academy firefighters win DOD awards

    Two Air Force Academy firefighters received Department of Defense awards during the Defense Fire and Emergency Services Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago Aug. 27.Senior Airman Jessica Morehouse was named the 2009 DOD military firefighter of the year, and Deputy Fire Chief Ken Helgerson received the

  • Air Force officials seek nominees for Ph.D. program

    Air Force officials are seeking to develop officers as strategic thinkers through a program that will allow them to obtain a doctorate in strategic studies.The Air Force Chief of Staff Ph.D. program will allow officers to attend a top-tier university to complete their doctorate in studies such as

  • AFNORTH EPLOs deploying for Hurricane Earl

    Officials from the Air Forces Northern National Emergency Preparedness Directorate are deploying emergency preparedness liaison officers to provide assistance to emergency relief forces as required as Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona approach the U.S. coastline.The EPLOs, in concert with

  • Combat, hardship pays remain for troops serving in Iraq

    The change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn does not affect the pays and entitlements troops serving in Iraq receive, a Pentagon spokeswoman said Sept. 1.Servicemembers deployed to Iraq will still receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay, hardship-duty pay and incidental expenses.

  • Tricare Retired Reserve health coverage launches

    For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called "gray area" retirees, can purchase Tricare health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with the Sept. 1 launch of Tricare Retired Reserve. "This new program offers a health coverage

  • Six installations test consolidated food service operations

    Air Force Services Agency officials are slated to begin testing a re-engineering of Air Force food services this fall with a pilot program at six Air Force installations across the U.S. The pilot program, called the Food Transformation Initiative, will test a food delivery model aimed at improving

  • E-8C flies final OIF mission

    Airmen from the 7th Expeditionary Air Command and Control Squadron here flew their final mission in support Operation Iraqi Freedom Aug. 31 before the Department of Defense officially transitions to Operation New Dawn Sept. 1. The 7th EACCS has flown E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar

  • Joint aviation coordination cell established to aid Pakistan flood relief

    A number of Pakistan, U.S. and international organizations, both military and civilian, gathered at Pakistan Air Force Base Chaklala, Pakistan, Aug. 28 to form a joint aviation coordination cell aimed at streamlining air operations supporting Pakistan's flood relief efforts. After torrential rains

  • Airmen provide critical air battle management

    A team of 140 U.S. and coalition force Airmen make up the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here, providing command and control over the sky in Afghanistan and air defense of the Arabian Gulf. The 71st EACS, better known as "Pyramid Control," operates the 24-hour a day Battlespace Command and

  • Officials moving forward with cleanup at Tyndall

    Air Force officials announced plans to continue with environmental cleanup efforts in place at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, directed that the work move forward expeditiously and within the framework

  • Airmen 'lean' on AFSO21

    Senior leaders from the 37th Training Wing spent a day learning how to reduce waste, maximize resources and improve efficiencies by using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program.AFSO21, a standardized approach for improving work processes and combat capabilities across the Air

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in

  • Senators weigh in on renewable energy at Nevada Forum

    Two senators addressed Nevada Forum attendees here Aug. 25 to laud the Air Force for its leadership in green initiatives and offer support in finding safe, compatible ways to continue renewable energy without impeding military training missions.During the second day of the three-day forum,

  • Air Force officials urge operations security vigilance

    Fraudsters continue to hijack accounts on social networking sites and spread malicious software, FBI officials said. One technique entices users to download an application or view a video that appears to be sent from users' "friends", giving the perception of being legitimate. Once the user responds

  • Airmen respond to Pakistan relief efforts

    Active duty and Reserve aircrews assigned to the 62nd and 446th airlift wings departed here Aug. 23 for Pakistan humanitarian relief operations.Officials said the U.S. has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started

  • New York civic leader earns highest Air Force public service award

    The secretary of the Air Force awarded a public relations pioneer with the highest public service award given to a civilian here Aug. 24. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented Chester Burger the Distinguished Public Service Award for his 15 years of volunteer service as an Air Force

  • Air Force officials announce changes to space functions

    Air Force officials announced the realignment of some Headquarters Air Force space functions Aug. 26, following the recent completion of a review of Headquarters Air Force space management and responsibilities, which was directed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley in December 2009. In a

  • 13th AF concludes Asia-Pacific civil engineering summit

    A 13th Air Force-hosted civil engineering subject-matter expert exchange that included officers from 14 Asia-Pacific countries concluded here Aug. 22.The exchange allowed mid-level officers from regional Asia-Pacific partner nations to exchange views related to civil engineering operations, to tour

  • Airmen help beautify New York landmark

    More than 30 Airmen helped clean up one of New York City's well-known military memorials as part of Air Force Week here Aug. 25.Despite rainy weather, Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst donned gloves and ponchos while they beautified the 11-acre Grand Army Plaza. This plaza is the opening

  • Space Logistics Group passes compliance inspection

    The Space Logistics Group, a subordinate unit of the Space and Missile Systems Center, received an overall grade of "in compliance with comments" on a compliance inspection conducted Aug. 16 through 23. This was the first time the group had undergone a CI.CIs are conducted to assess areas mandated

  • Direct communication between Airmen key to suicide prevention

    More than a decade in the making, the culture of the "wingman" approach to suicide prevention is still evolving as risk factors and causes of suicide are becoming more widely understood. The wingman concept should be very familiar to most Airmen. Suicide prevention training has been incorporated

  • Empire Challenge pulls worldwide resources for exercise

    Representatives from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan and many more partner nations, recently participated in the annual Empire Challenge 10 here and at locations worldwide simultaneously July 26 through Aug. 13. The

  • Air Force encourages employees to cash in on ideas

    Highlighting a new Department of Defense-led program designed to produce money-saving ideas that improve the way the DOD operates, Air Force Undersecretary and chief management officer Erin C. Conaton is encouraging civilian and military employees to share their ideas online at

  • Deployed aircrew brings relief to flood-torn Pakistan

    As Air Force operations in support of flood relief operations in Pakistan resumed, aircrew and support personnel from the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia prepared to forward deploy to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to ease the workload of the local

  • Air Force chief of staff thanks Airmen, families in accepting award

    The Air Force's highest ranking officer was awarded one of the Air Force Sergeants Association's top honors during the organization's Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention here Aug. 18.In pre-taped remarks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz accepted the 2009

  • Tyndall officials unveil 'green' fitness center

    Tyndall Air Force Base officials opened the first building in the Air Force expected to reach the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum level here Aug. 20. The platinum level is the highest rating possible under the group's green building rating

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • Center seeks paperless Air Guard, Reserve records

    Employees at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver are working to securely convert thousands of paper and microfiche personnel records to an electronic format for Air National guardsmen and Air Force Reserve Airmen. "These records represent reservists' careers from the moment they are gained to

  • Keeping social networks free-speech friendly

    So, you think Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are just for fun and games? Think again. Since Department of Defense officials authorized military personnel to use these sites, social networking has become serious business. With every new freedom comes new boundaries and more opportunities to get into

  • McConnell Airman helps save 8-year-old's life

    A McConnell Air Force Base Airman saved an 8-year-old girl from drowning recently while on a canoeing trip with his church at the Buffalo River in Arkansas. After spending the day navigating the river, Senior Airman Robert Fischer, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and equipment operator, and

  • 2011 retraining program in full swing

    Airmen have almost a month remaining to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can

  • Volunteer mentors support families of fallen

    The day Scott Warner saw Marines standing at his front door, his world came to a crashing halt.The servicemembers told Mr. Warner that his son, Marine Pvt. Heath Warner, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province.Mr. Warner and his family, including his two younger sons, tried to

  • U.S. continues to rush relief to Pakistan

    As monsoon rains continue to fall on Pakistan, U.S. officials are sending aid as fast as the flood-stricken country can absorb it, a Defense Department official said here Aug. 18. U.N. officials estimate that some 20 million Pakistanis are affected, with about 1,500 dead, as the Indus River and its

  • Academy repeats as 'Best in the West'

    The Air Force Academy received "Best in the West" ranking for the fourth-straight year in U.S. News and World Report's 2011 Best Colleges rankings released Aug. 17.The Academy also earned second place in the nation for best undergraduate engineering specialties of aerospace, aeronatical and

  • CMSAF shares perspective about readiness, development, resiliency

    The Air Force's top NCO spoke at the Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Airmen's Conference Aug. 17, citing readiness, deliberate development and resiliency among Airmen and their families as his main focuses.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy said statistics of 40,000 Airmen

  • General calls for network utility, security balance

    It's critical to find the right balance between the security and utility of an information technology network, the Air Force's chief information officer said here Aug. 13.Speaking at a Hanscom Representatives Association luncheon, Lt. Gen. William T. Lord described that balancing act as one of "yin

  • AMC officials approve funds for CAF initiatives across command

    More than 168 initiatives spread throughout 12 Air Mobility Command bases directly supporting Comprehensive Airman Fitness were approved for funding by command officials Aug. 11.Comprehensive Airman Fitness, or CAF, began July 1 at AMC. Officials said CAF is not a program, "but an approach to better

  • New integrated defense tool offers heightened security

    Airmen in the 23rd Security Forces Squadron recently hosted a team of specialists here who introduced base personnel to a new tool aimed at improving security at military installations around the world.The ForcePRO software, created by a civilian company, is designed to help security planners

  • 8,800 Air Force employees transition out of NSPS

    The first two waves of Air Force employees have successfully converted out of the National Security Personnel System, leaving less than 30,000 to make the transition.Approximately 8,800 employees were converted out of NSPS during phases I and II on July 4 and July 18. Phases III and IV are scheduled

  • Physician mentors Afghan doctors

    Maj. (Dr.) Robert Sarlay Jr. has become fond of a quote by T.E. Lawrence: "Better the Arab do it tolerably than you do it perfectly." Not that he considers himself a modern-day Lawrence of Arabia. Ordinarily, Dr. Sarlay is a man of less exotic tastes. When he's not practicing emergency medicine at

  • A year later, H1N1 flu and your summer travel plans

    Last summer, talk of the H1N1 flu virus dominated the news. It was described by World Health Organization officials as the first pandemic of the 21st century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 7,880 and 16,460 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April 1 and Dec.

  • Emergency management: Not just 'chem training guys'

    A few weeks ago, Airmen from the 332nd Expeditionary Communication Squadron were digging trenches for cables and they unearthed a strange blue powder.Unsure of just what the powder was, they contacted the 332nd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management section here, who responded, bringing a