May 16, 2014 Take 'FIVE' to get free money for your TSP account The Thrift Savings Plan has launched the "Take FIVE for Your Future" educational campaign encouraging civilian employees to take advantage of free government TSP matching contributions by putting at least 5 percent from each paycheck into their account.
May 15, 2014 Air Force moves closer to KC-46A beddown The Air Force is a step closer to bedding down its anticipated fleet of KC-46A Pegasus aerial tankers. Officials recently announced Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma will serve as the Air Force's KC-46A formal training unit and McConnell AFB, Kansas will be the first active duty-led main operating base
May 15, 2014 Family's love of music drives win at AF competition The McSwains became the Air Force Worldwide Family and Teen Talent Contest family act winners after an October 2013 performance was submitted in the Air Force-level "You Got Talent" contest.
May 15, 2014 DOD shows science, technology success despite hard year for workforce Despite a year of workforce furloughs and dwindling budgets, the Defense Department’s science and technology enterprise reports advances ranging from a full hypersonic weapon system and high-energy lasers to light-based brain treatments and new core capabilities in cyber warfare, senior DOD
May 15, 2014 Aviano AB Airmen support Army mission to Poland Airmen from Aviano Air Base recently supported a series of troop movements in partnership with U.S. Army Europe's Land Forces Assurance Exercises.Aircraft services technicians assigned to 724th Air Mobility Squadron here, worked around the clock to provide air mobility operations and support to the
May 14, 2014 Air Force egress “godfather” visits Seymour Johnson egress technicians The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron egress shop recently welcomed a historical visitor to their workplace.
May 14, 2014 Comptroller notes progress in DOD financial management Despite financial uncertainties, the Defense Department has made significant progress in improving financial management, DOD Comptroller Robert F. Hale told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee May 13 while in attendance with military senior leadership.
May 14, 2014 Expeditionary group wraps-up Baltic deployment The 48th Air Expeditionary Group handed over the reins of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission to the air forces of Poland and the United Kingdom during a ceremony at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania April 30.
May 14, 2014 Hometown friends serve together on deployment For Air Force Lt. Col. Elizabeth Clay, Air Force Col. Brad Hoagland made a difference in her life and career more than 28 years ago, when the two were in high school. Today, they find themselves serving together halfway around the world -- he as the vice commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
May 14, 2014 Morale, welfare, recreation customer survey rolls out Does your base fitness center need new equipment? Do you want more recreational traveling opportunities? Do you think there aren’t enough recreational opportunities for single service members, or do you think there are too many?
May 13, 2014 ANG unveils new senior enlisted leader management office The Senior Enlisted Leader Management Office was unveiled by Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. James W. Hotaling to the state and wing command chiefs during the annual Command Chief's Huddle held here May 11-12.
May 13, 2014 PME, families, civilians focus of latest Chiefchat FORT MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody answered questions from Airmen, civilians and family members during his fourth worldwide CHIEFchat at the Defense Media Activity here April 29.CHIEFchat gives Airmen around the world the chance to directly ask their questions
May 13, 2014 Civil engineer Reservists train while building homes Reservists from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. assisted in constructing homes for the Navaho Nation, during Operation Homefront, operated by the Southwest Indian Foundation.
May 13, 2014 'Macho Spouse' creator represents AF at top spouse awards The husband of an Air Education and Training Command major represented the Air Force in the 2014 Military Spouse of the Year awards ceremony, honoring a spouse from each service. Christopher Pape, husband of Maj. Dana Pape, AETC resources section chief, was one of six representing the services to be
May 12, 2014 Air Force official testifies on dangers of 'space junk' One congresswoman summed up the issue succinctly during a House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing May 9: space junk is a growing problem.
May 12, 2014 AF doctor leads medical team in Belize Lt. Col. (Dr.) Steven Acevedo found himself tasked as the lead for a team of medical providers during the New Horizons Belize 2014 medical readiness training exercise, in the southern Toledo district in Belize. In Belize, Acevedo and his team of doctors, nurses, technicians and educators from
May 9, 2014 Oklahoma air support unit trains on advanced combat simulator Members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 146th Air Support Operations Squadron at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, recently started training on the first simulator designed specifically for their mission.
May 8, 2014 SecAF relates readiness to core values Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James spoke May 5 at Maxwell Air Force Base about her first four months in office, the current environment, expectations and how the Air Force core values relate to her own priorities.
May 8, 2014 President lands at Little Rock AFB to view Arkansas tornado damage President Barack Obama landed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 6, to tour the local communities damaged by the April 27 tornado.
May 8, 2014 French village memorializes US WWII aircrew The people of Avord, France, dedicated a memorial May 8 honoring the crew of a U.S. B-17 Flying Fortress shot down during World War II.
May 8, 2014 DDR design poised to serve as open systems architecture pathfinder The Air Force's Dismount Detection Radar, or DDR, pod underwent its first test flight above the Mojave Airport Civilian Flight Test Center in California, April 22.
May 8, 2014 DOD values civilian employees’ contributions The Defense Department greatly appreciates the contributions of its civilian employees as it works toward achieving more efficiency across the workforce, a senior personnel official told a Senate homeland security and governmental affairs panel May 6.
May 7, 2014 188th Civil Engineer Squadron builds hope, relationships in Guatemala's 'Beyond the Horizon' The 188th Civil Engineer Squadron of the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, recently deployed to Guatemala for one month in support of Beyond the Horizon, which is a U.S. partnership with the government of Guatemala conducting various medical, dental and civic actions programs.
May 7, 2014 Fiscal year 2015 reduction in force board to convene Oct. 1 The Air Force will convene a fiscal year 2015 force management reduction in force board Oct. 1, 2014, to evaluate some captains and majors for continued retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said May 6.
May 6, 2014 Majors, major-selects may be eligible for executive leadership program Active duty majors and major-selects interested in the Department of Defense 2014-2015 Executive Leadership Development Program must submit their application packages by May 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said May 6.
May 6, 2014 Eyes in the sky Security Forces Airmen at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, aim to enhance comprehensive base safety and security through its Small Unmanned Aircraft System, or SUAS, program.
May 5, 2014 SecAF visits Airmen at Pease Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited here to meet with Airmen and senior leaders of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, as well as New Hampshire state representatives May 2.
May 5, 2014 Academy beats Army, Navy as most innovative An Air Force Academy team bested the two other service academies in the first competition to design the most innovative project to address warfighter challenges. Sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the research-driven competition featured three teams from USAFA, the U.S.
May 5, 2014 AFMAO becomes Field Operating Agency Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations became a Field Operating Agency, May 1, at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del., aligning it directly under Headquarters Air Force leadership.
May 5, 2014 SecAF, AFRC commander visit Westover ARB The 439th Airlift Wing hosted Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Lt. Gen. James Jackson, the chief of Air Force Reserve, May 2.
May 5, 2014 Australian air force makes home at Luke AFB The buildup of F-35 operations at Luke Air Force Base has begun, and the Royal Australian air force will soon be Luke's first international partner to train here on the F-35A Lightning II.
May 5, 2014 Knowledge Management Centers roll out Air Force-wide The Air Force revamped the Knowledge Management career-field, aiming to make its Airmen into some of the service’s top innovators working in newly established KM centers Air-Force-wide.
May 4, 2014 Comprehensive Airman Fitness gains official AFI Comprehensive Airman Fitness is not a new term; however, Air Force Instruction 90-506 was released April 2 and further defines requirements for CAF in an effort to enhance the resilience of individuals, families, and communities.
May 2, 2014 Hagel: Numbers reflect victim confidence in reporting assaults A 50-percent increase in sexual assaults in the armed forces reflected in the Defense Department’s latest annual report indicates growing willingness among victims to report the crime and increasing confidence the military is providing them with support and taking action against perpetrators,
May 1, 2014 Wounded warrior finds new place in the AF family Words of acceptance are etched on retired Staff Sgt. Daniel Crane's skin, right above a scar that, by itself, embodies the journey he has undertaken. The spider web of pink lines starts midway up the inside of his right arm and continues nearly to his wrist, following the path doctors took as they
May 1, 2014 World War II internment camp survivors honored 70 years later Nine U.S. Army Air Force Airmen who were interned at Wauwillermoos, Switzerland, seven decades ago were finally honored with the Prisoner of War Medal April 30.
April 30, 2014 Enlisted members interested in attaché duty must apply by June 2 Active duty staff through senior master sergeants interested in attaché duty can apply for assignment opportunities with international affairs teams around the world, but those interested must submit their applications by June 2 to be considered, Air Force officials announced April 30.
April 30, 2014 Air Force secretary reports on total force balance Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James yesterday outlined the service’s progress in leveraging the talent and capabilities of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve within the total force concept.
April 30, 2014 April 28 – Pulse on AF force management The latest news on Air Force force management.
April 29, 2014 Legacy airframe and modern technology CONECT Air Force Global Strike Command took delivery of a significantly enhanced Boeing B-52H Stratofortress in a ceremony here, April 25.
April 29, 2014 On eight deployments per month, missileer provides nuclear deterrence Almost eight times a month, 1st Lt. Brittany Morton, 490th Missile Squadron missile combat crew commander, sits below a missile alert facility, for 24 hours, providing a hand of deterrence for the nation as a missileer at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.
April 28, 2014 Air Force tests new surveillance capability The Air Force successfully completed the first Maritime Modes program risk reduction flight April 14, 2014, as the service moves toward providing a new air-sea battle surveillance capability.
April 28, 2014 SGLI premium adjustment effective July 1, 2014 The Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program monthly premium increases by half a cent per $1,000 of insurance beginning July 1, 2014.
April 28, 2014 New Roll Call released: CMSAF addresses sexual assault prevention In his latest’s Roll Call, the Air Force’s senior enlisted Airman talked about having the commitment and courage to eradicate sexual assault from the Air Force.
April 28, 2014 Joint Coalition roars through Max Thunder Airmen from the Department of Defense and Republic of Korea joined forces to showcase and exercise its air power during the 12th Max Thunder exercise at Gwangju Air Base, ROK, April 11-25, 2014.
April 28, 2014 Airmen advise Afghan air force Airmen from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing/NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan, are playing a vital role in Operation Enduring Freedom as advisers tasked with aiding the Afghan government in establishing an operational and sustainable Afghan air force.
April 25, 2014 95th Fighter Squadron declares initial operational capability The 95th Fighter Squadron here took another step toward an increased ability to protect global airpower, unit officials said.
April 25, 2014 With final approach, U-2 pilot's career makes celebrated landing After a storied career, spanning 19 years in the U-2, sundown has finally become visible on his horizon for Lt. Col. Jeff Klosky, an aviator who has spent much of his life racing out of twilight and into the dawn
April 25, 2014 SecAF visits Altus AFB, discusses priorities, future Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited here April 23, to get a firsthand look at the wing's mission, visit with Airmen and civic leaders, and learn the unique capabilities, key initiatives and attributes of Altus AFB.
April 25, 2014 Operation Megaphone seeks worldwide lock-in of military youth Military teens from around the world will join together in the annual Operation Megaphone Worldwide Lock-In April 25-26.
April 25, 2014 Dyess AFB receives first C-130J simulator Dyess Air Force Base's new C-130J simulator ups annual training requirements by 88 percent tailored to maximize benefits for individual crews.
April 25, 2014 F-16s train alongside F-35s F-16s from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, flew air-to-air combat training missions with F-35As assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
April 23, 2014 New York ANG leadership committed to fixing sexual harassment, assault Brig. Gen. Dawne Deskins goals are to improve training for commanders at all levels, improve the process of reporting across the Air National Guard and improve success with local law enforcement.
April 23, 2014 April 23 – Pulse on AF force management The latest news on Air Force force management.
April 23, 2014 Altus, McConnell AFBs selected to receive KC-46A Pegasus aircraft Air Force officials announced April 23, that Altus Air Force Base, Okla., is the Air Force’s KC-46A Pegasus formal training unit and McConnell AFB, Kan., is the first active duty-led Pegasus main operating base.
April 22, 2014 Trial by fire, SecAF marks first 100 days in office In late March, the Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James dusted off her desert boots after her first troop visit to Europe and Afghanistan. While the trip allowed her to get a feel for the global reach of the force under her command, James also celebrated a tacit career milestone, when she
April 21, 2014 A legacy of sacrifice for fallen Airman Marine Corps Cpl. Jake Balcom had a unique opportunity to spend time with the 421st Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The 421st FS was formerly known as the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron during the war in Vietnam and was the squadron his grandfather, Col. Ralph Balcom, flew in.
April 18, 2014 AF wounded warriors selected for Warrior, Invictus Games Air Force Wounded Warrior program officials announced the names of the athletes to represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games and the Invictus Games at the closing ceremony for the Air Force Trials, in Las Vegas, Nev., April 11.
April 18, 2014 POV shipping program undergoes changes The Department of Defense’s privately owned vehicle shipping program will undergo several changes starting May 1. Several vehicle processing centers will relocate.
April 17, 2014 Air Force researchers test Google Glass for battlefield use Researchers with the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, are looking to make missions for Airmen a whole lot lighter and faster by testing Google Glass and its head-mounted optical see-through display technology, for potential battlefield use.
April 16, 2014 B-1B Lancer software upgrade will ensure future warfighting capabilities The Sustainment Block 16A configuration is expected to improve situational awareness to all crew members, increase the maintainability of the B-1B Lancer and provide data link capabilities to the field.
April 16, 2014 Culture change is key to sexual assault prevention Air Force senior leaders discuss the importance of creating environments that promote dignity and respect and how it relates to sexual assault prevention and response. Read more.
April 16, 2014 AF libraries to celebrate National Library Week Installation libraries and online Air Force library service Airmen and families during National Library Week, April 13-19.
April 15, 2014 21st Space Wing reaches inspection milestone The 21st Space Wing is the first active duty or Reserve wing in the Air Force to fully implement the Air Force Inspection System, or AFIS.
April 15, 2014 AF receives top honors for Special Victims’ Counsel Program The Air Force Special Victims’ Counsel Program received the Federal Service Award April 9 at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The Federal Service Award honors individuals for their direct service to victims of federal crime.
April 15, 2014 AF surgeon general aims to help cyber Airmen The Air Force surgeon general visited the 24th Air Force here, April 10, in an effort to learn about ways that the medical community can support cyber operators.
April 15, 2014 AF opens additional TERA, VSP windows The Air Force will open two new fiscal year 2014 force management temporary early retirement authority application windows and a new voluntary separation pay application window.
April 15, 2014 April 14 - Pulse on AF force management Pulse on Air Force force management, is an ongoing effort to bring Airmen the latest, most accurate information concerning the complex and dynamic force management programs.
April 14, 2014 Airmen prep Marines for CENTCOM customs mission Airmen from the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron have been preparing the Marine Corps' 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion to assume control of the U.S. Central Command’s customs mission in Southwest Asia. The 387th AES was responsible for clearing more than 5,000 tactical vehicles, 5,500 shipping
April 14, 2014 Military child follows suit, joins parents in service 19-year-old Ruben Gawan watched his parents put on a uniform every day, which inspired him to join the Air Force so he could day do the same.
April 11, 2014 Warrior athletes gear up during cycling competition Athletes with bikes of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the standard upright bike to the handcycle, took their turn at the starting line April 9, 2014, during the Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
April 11, 2014 Exchange officer learns to use heart, mind to win friendships abroad When then-Capt. Paul Morris stepped off the aircraft in Lima, Peru, to report for his first assignment as a foreign exchange officer, he faced three years away from family and friends in an unfamiliar country. Ahead lay uncertainty, accompanied by the tempting sense of adventure and intrigue of the
April 11, 2014 AF dependent recognized as 2014 Military Child of Year An 18-year-old Air Force dependent from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, was recognized for his achievements and dedication to service at the Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year Awards gala at the Crystal Gateway Marriot here, April 10.
April 11, 2014 Academy football tackles violence prevention training Academy football players participated in a new training initiative that will help them become better leaders on and off the field and to take a stand against sexual assault.
April 11, 2014 PACAF chief breaks military, American powerlifting records One Airman, who has been powerlifting for nearly 30 years, approached the stage, chalked up his hands, and made his second attempt at breaking the national and American powerlifting record.
April 11, 2014 Surgeon general testifies before Senate on budget request The medical capabilities honed from 13 years of war must continue to expand for future needs, the three military surgeon generals’ told Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on defense April 9.
April 10, 2014 F-35 on time to replace previous tactical aircraft The F-35 Lightning II will enhance combat capabilities, project U.S. power and deter potential adversaries, Air Force officials told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on tactical air and land forces in a hearing on tactical aircraft programs there, April 8.
April 10, 2014 Significant milestone met as progress continues on AWACS upgrade Significant upgrades are expected to improve capabilities for the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, soon.
April 10, 2014 Airman saves mother's life with organ donation Fresh out of basic training, an Airman takes on the challenge of organ donation to save her mother's life.
April 10, 2014 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.
April 10, 2014 Installation of backup oxygen system in F-22 combat fleet continues The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's F-22 Division is on-track to complete installation of the Automatic Back-up Oxygen System (ABOS) in the Air Force's F-22 Raptor combat fleet by December 2014.
April 9, 2014 AF recognizes 2013 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator The Air Force announced the winner of the 2013 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator award. The award recognizes the Air Force SARC who performed exceptionally throughout the previous year.
April 9, 2014 Air Force Trials take to the track Air Force wounded warriors throw-down in the track and field event of the Air Force Trials April 8, in Las Vegas, Nev.
April 8, 2014 April 8 – Pulse on AF force management A limited number of Airmen who received notice that their previously approved applications for early retirement had been declined will be given the option to retire if they still desire to do so, officials announced April 8.
April 8, 2014 Missile delivery marks milestone for Armament Directorate The Armament Directorate celebrated a milestone with the delivery of the first production lot of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range missiles to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, last month.
April 8, 2014 Force Improvement Program team moving forward Air Force Global Strike Command's Force Improvement Program team wrapped up their visits to the command's missile wings last month, where they were tasked with identifying challenges associated with performing missile duties and working with Airmen to propose solutions.
April 7, 2014 AF Reserve space squadron temporarily assumes command of nation's weather satellites In a lead up to the recent launch of America's 19th Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, or DMSP, spacecraft, Air Force Reservists here took full command and control of the nation's inventory of weather satellites across the globe.
April 7, 2014 Today’s Air Force: SecAF visits Airmen, WWII gunner shares his story of valor Air Force Television News released a new edition of Today's Air Force on April 4.
April 7, 2014 Space superiority remains vital to national security Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command commander, highlighted a successful satellite launch to the House Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on strategic forces during a budget hearing for national security space activities, April 3.
April 5, 2014 Test Pilot School team proves how 'a dummy' can save money In an Air Force setting that is locked on being financially-conscious and proactive under the current financial challenges, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, at the request of the 418th Flight Test Squadron, is working with the squadron through the implementation of the school's Test Management
April 4, 2014 Service members required to get Hep B immunization The Department of Defense recently updated its immunization guidelines, requiring all service members to receive the hepatitis B virus immunizations.
April 4, 2014 Acting Deputy Defense Secretary talks budget, urges innovation Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine H. Fox spoke at Air University's Air War College about budget constraints and sequestration in relation to the Air Force's role in the Department of Defense, the importance of technology and innovation April 3.
April 4, 2014 Air Force launches new program to capture innovative ideas Air Force officials announced the creation of a new program April 4, designed to harness Airmen’s innovation.
April 4, 2014 Future outlook released for remotely piloted aircraft Air Force leaders outlined what the next 25 years for remotely piloted aircraft will look like in the RPA Vector, published April 4.
April 4, 2014 AFPC has expanded voluntary FM program waiver authority The Air Force Personnel Center has been granted expanded waiver authority to waive some active duty service commitments, or ADSCs, for Airmen interested in voluntary separation under the fiscal year 2014 force management program, AFPC officials announced April 3.
April 3, 2014 'Super Galaxy' fleet complete at Dover From the Galaxy to Super Galaxy, Dover's armada of C-5M Super Galaxies is finally complete. Lt. Gen. Brooks L. Bash, Air Mobility Command vice commander, delivered its 18th and final C-5M Super Galaxy, tail number 87-0040, April 2, at 1:30 p.m., here.
April 3, 2014 April 3 - Pulse on AF force management Beginning April 3, regular force management updates will be published at www.af.mil, including program updates, reports on voluntary program applications received at AFPC and changes to program eligibility.
April 3, 2014 Air Force leaders lay out budget priorities, concerns Air Force leaders testified April 2, before the Senate Appropriations Committee on their service’s top priorities now and for the future.Joined by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and National Guard leaders and Air Force Reserve leadership, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James