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  • Air Force assessing performance feedback program

    Air Force officials are field testing a new performance feedback worksheet to assess how supervisors interact and provide feedback to their Airmen. The Airman Comprehensive Assessment worksheet is designed to increase supervisor awareness of activities affecting their Airmen and better facilitate

  • Engineer promotes African-Americans in early days of aviation

    An engineering student from Chicago would go on to become an important link in African-American aviation history and do much to take the accomplishments of the early pioneers in aviation and propel them to national acclaim.William J. Powell was born in Kentucky in 1897 and moved with his family to

  • Official outlines absentee voting options

    Federal officials are urging military members, their families and other Americans living outside the U.S. to register to vote and request an absentee ballot.Both can be done easily by downloading a federal postcard application on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, Bob Carey, the

  • Baltimore hospital provides pre-deployment trauma training

    Master Sgt. Charles Halcome stood at a hospital bed, laying out vials and pointing out medical instruments to be used to treat an incoming patient.A 63-year-old woman was walking her dog when, in a freak accident, she got run into a tree and was basically scalped in the process. Her injuries were so

  • Air Force hosts national civic leader conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with prominent civic leaders from 32 states and Guam here Jan. 31.Schwartz began the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program's annual winter conference by discussing the hard choices the Air Force

  • Program connects officer with family heritage

    (This story is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)People in the military understand that being able to relate across cultures is a very important skill. That ability has a more personal

  • VERA, VSIP round two application period ends Friday

    Applications for voluntary early retirement authority and/or voluntary separation incentive pay consideration must be submitted this week at bases that are still accepting applications, Air Force officials said.Early retirement and separation incentives are part of ongoing measures used to help

  • Medical officer sees other side of care after injury

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, where East meets West in a struggle to defeat the Taliban, lies an air base that's home to 30,000

  • Air Force, Navy officers help develop Afghan hospital project

    A major step forward for Afghans living near Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, occurred Jan. 28 during the groundbreaking for a new hospital. The $5 million commander's emergency response program has an estimated completion timeframe of nine months. Air Force Maj. Wesley Morris, a comptroller adviser

  • Civilian developmental education applications due beginning in March

    Air Force civilians interested in developmental education should work on their nomination packages now, Air Force Personnel Center officials advised.The official call for nominations will be in March, but some people may need more time to gather information and coordinate their package, said Joan

  • Airman making difference in Office of First Lady

    The former commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is one of four service members to have been accepted into the 15-member 2011-2012 class of White House Fellows.Lt. Col. Rodney Lewis, a C-17A Globemaster III pilot, began his fellowship in August 2011 when he was

  • ESC working to upgrade the 'heart' of control, reporting center

    The Electronic Systems Center is working to modernize the U.S. Air Force Control and Reporting Center and has recently put out a request for information to upgrade the CRC Operations Module. The CRC is a mobile command, control and communications radar element which provides a comprehensive air

  • Safety officers offer cold-weather tips

    Despite an unseasonably mild winter for much of the U.S., military safety officials offer a reminder that Old Man Winter still has two months to go as they underscore the importance of winter safety for service members and their families."The month of February often packs a big winter punch, and

  • 512th Airman, Family Readiness best in DOD

    Department of Defense Officials announced Jan. 11 that the 512th Airman and Family Readiness is the recipient of the 2011 Reserve Family Readiness Award.The DOD award recognizes one unit from each of the seven Reserve components that maintain the best family support program."Family readiness is

  • Bazaar school reopens to Afghan children

    In a symbolic gesture, a young Afghan boy cut the ribbon of the new bazaar school during a ceremony Jan. 21.About 50 Afghan boys gathered around Netherlands Col. Kees Marselis, Kandahar Airfield deputy commander and chief of staff, as he spoke about the initiative that went into making the new

  • CSAF: AF will be smaller but superb force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained the service's contributions to the new Defense Department strategy during a Pentagon press briefing here Jan. 27. Schwartz said that as the Air Force approaches future constrained budgets, service officials will trade size for quality in order

  • SecAF visits Colorado Springs, highlights budget priorities

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley received a warm welcome from the local community here Jan. 27 during remarks at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce to approximately 40 local community, military and business leaders. Donley said his trip to Colorado Springs provided a chance to visit

  • Acquisition board approves DEAMS next phase

    The Defense Acquisition Board on Jan. 10 approved the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System's entry into the engineering and manufacturing development phase, otherwise known in acquisition terms as Milestone B.The purpose of DEAMS, which was initiated in 2003 as a joint effort between

  • Obama praises DOD's energy leadership, stewardship

    President Barack Obama traveled to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., Jan. 26 to praise the military for "doing its part" -- not just in the nation's defense, but also as leaders in energy conservation.Obama delivered his message at the home of the 460th Space Wing in Aurora, Colo., calling the "green"

  • Hiring from Bender list supports presidential disability hiring goals

    Hiring officials can use the Office of Personnel Management Shared List of People with Disabilities to help the Air Force meet presidential disability hiring expectations, and by doing so may also speed up the hiring process.According to Sonia Ybanez, of the Air Force Personnel Center program

  • Combat rescue helicopter acquisition process underway

    More than 30 potential civilian contract companies were in attendance during Industrial Days sponsored by the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 9-11. The event, hosted by the Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, gave potential contractors a glimpse

  • Air Force leaders say strategy calls for F-22, F-35 capabilities

    Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24.Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the service's director for

  • Software Development Forum to shape future of network capabilities

    The Air Force Network Integration Center will host its first Software Development Forum on Feb. 7 in Colorado Springs, Colo., as part of an effort to standardize requirements for applications on the Air Force Network.The event is the first in a series of planned forums to partner with industry in

  • AETC marks 70 years of training and education excellence

    The demand for flying training caused by the United States' entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulted in the creation of the Air Corps Flying Training Command January 23, 1942. Today marks Air Education and Training Command's 70th Anniversary. After several re-designations,

  • AF reservists support first rocket launch of year

    Air Force Reserve Combat-search-and-rescue Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported the successful launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the fourth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite at 7:38 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 37 here Jan. 19.Maintenance Airmen readied

  • Newest band member leads Ceremonial Brass on first American concert tour

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The newest member of the United States Air Force Band is leading the Ceremonial Brass as the conductor during their first American

  • High-altitude fitness test rules reinstated

    Airmen undergoing their fitness tests at high-altitude bases can breathe easier during fitness testing thanks to the efforts of Air Force Academy leaders and the Human Performance Laboratory.Changes to the Air Force Fitness testing program in 2010 didn't include an altitude adjustment, as the

  • Brass quintet conducts clinic with Florida university students

    The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet performed a clinic for 25 students from Palm Beach Atlantic University during a visit to the school Jan. 20 here.The clinic involved the members of the Brass Quintet playing five pieces for the students, answering questions, and then working with the

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights Airmen overcoming adversity

    The newest edition of "Today's Air Force" covers everything from a new program that's helping Airmen eat right and stay fit to a couple who overcame adversity together. Other stories include a piece by Airman 1st Class Roman Weber, who highlights the transition from M-16 to M-4 rifle qualification.

  • SF Airman rises to physical training challenge

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Fitness is important to Senior Airman Steven Evans; not just because he is his unit's fitness program manager, but because he's seen

  • AF, Coast Guard team up in green sea turtle rescue operation

    The Air Force and Coast Guard teamed up Jan. 6 to rescue 29 green sea turtle hatchlings and give them a little help in their migration to the open ocean.The turtles, hatchlings from the last of 110 active green sea turtle nests here, may not have made it out of the nest without intervention by the

  • Smaller carbon footprint means fewer risks, official says

    A hard push by the Defense Department and the military services to reduce dependence on fossil fuels will shrink risks on the battlefield along with the Pentagon's carbon footprint, a DOD official said yesterday.Oliver Fritz, the deputy director for policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of

  • AF officials launch fourth WGS satellite

    Air Force officials launched an United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the fourth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite Jan. 19 from Space Launch Complex 37 here. WGS-04 is the first craft in the program's upgraded Block 2 series, which adds a radio frequency bypass capability designed to

  • New RPA career field graduates first RQ-4 pilots

    Two members of Beale Air Force Base were recognized as the first RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots in the new 18X career field during a winging ceremony Jan. 13 here.Second Lts. Jacob and Scott began training Oct. 3, 2011, after a decision by Air Staff officials in June 2011 established undergraduate training

  • OC-ALC receives DOD maintenance award

    The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center received the 2011 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance Excellence Award at a presentation ceremony here Jan. 11.John B. Johns, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for maintenance at the Department of Defense, presented the award, which was given for Tinker

  • Physical fitness motivates, bonds Afghan and American women

    Over the last few years, physical fitness has become a focal point for Airmen readiness across the U.S. Air Force. Here, at the Afghan air force compound, nine female AAF members and one American advisor are also making it a point of emphasis in their military training and daily lives.What began as

  • U.S., coalition nations form Wideband Global Satellite partnership

    Senior defense officials from six countries announced a multilateral partnership in wideband global satellite communication, which is valued at more than $10 billion, Jan. 17 here.The officials from Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the U.S. held an initial WGS

  • AMC passenger travel to be more predictable

    Select passenger terminals across Air Mobility Command are establishing pages on Facebook to provide passengers more predictability when it comes to space-available and space-required passengers.The overall goal of the AMC Space-A Facebook program is to use social media to expand knowledge about

  • Weapons system team earns William J. Perry Award

    Members of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator program team received the 16th annual William J. Perry Award in recognition of their contributions to precision strike systems during an awards ceremony hosted by the Precision Strike Association here Jan. 17.The program team, consisting of representatives

  • Supervisor resource center moves to AF Portal

    Information, education and training critical to civilian supervisors is available at such online resources as the Supervisory Resource Center, which has moved to the Air Force Portal, SRC developers announced today.Formerly located on the Air Force Knowledge Now platform as a community of practice

  • Civil engineers recognized at annual gala

    The Air Force's focus on engineering and environmental projects in 2011 will be highlighted during the 50th Annual Civil Engineer Awards dinner at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Officers' Club Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Military member award category winners will be able to wear the Air Force recognition

  • Air Force completes FY12 civilian workforce restructure

    Air Force officials announced 4,500 additional positions for elimination as a continuation of its FY12 Civilian Workforce Restructure Jan 11.This reduction builds on the realignments announced in November, including the elimination of 9000 positions and the addition of 5900 positions against the Air

  • State Partnership Program emphasizes building relationships

    A small, but innovative, program demonstrates the U.S. military's "very agile and flexible" capabilities in working with partners, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently.Meeting with reporters Jan. 5 after the announcement of President Barack Obama's new strategic guidance for

  • CMSAF discusses top issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the Langley Theater on Jan. 11, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues. Roy spoke on topics such as training, force management programs and how the current budget will affect operations,

  • Tuskegee Airman honored during Ceremonial Brass concert

    A member of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored during a concert by the United States Air Force Band's Ceremonial Brass Jan. 14 at The First Academy Faith Hall here.Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard R. Hall, Jr., a Winter Park native, was attending Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans

  • Andersen takes aim: '90 at 90'

    Maintaining peak combat readiness begins and ends with healthy, motivated and well-trained Airmen. To ensure no one is left behind, base leaders are seeking to implement a new program pushing service members to the pinnacle of physical fitness.The new initiative, called "90 at 90", was set in motion

  • New airframe adds strike capability to Afghan air force

    In the Afghanistan government's continued effort to independently battle counterinsurgency, a new tool will be added to their arsenal designed to allow versatility, reconnaissance and precision weapons placement to the growing Afghan air force.Announced Dec. 30, the U.S. Air Force has approved a

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted constrained jobs list

    Air Force officials announced Jan. 10, the fiscal 2012 career job reservation program with 16 Air Force Specialty Codes placed on the constrained list.Career job reservations allows the Air Force to control the number of first-term Airmen re-enlisting in career fields where projected manning levels

  • RAF Mildenhall, French air force continue relationships

    Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing hosted 15 French air force personnel from Base Aérienne 125, Istres, France, here Jan. 4 and 5, to build and strengthen partnerships created during Operation Unified Protector.During OUP, BA 125 was home to the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron,

  • From Baghdad, on Veterans Day

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)On Veterans Day, when the nation formally recognizes the contributions of millions of past and present men and women in uniform, I want to pass

  • Record long-range bomber flight turns 50

    Fifty years ago on Jan. 11, 1962, a crew of eight Airmen embarked on a historic feat that would take them half way across the globe and reaffirm to the world America's dominance in long-range aircraft strike capabilities.Piloting the newest model of long-range bombers, the B-52H Stratofortress,

  • Free program helps Airmen find local sitters

    Airmen now have another option when it comes to choosing a caretaker for their children, pets and homes or choosing a tutor.Sittercity helps connect people who need babysitters, nannies, pet sitters, tutors, housekeepers and adult caregivers with reputable and trusted service providers. Now, the

  • War yields lessons in preventing, treating eye injuries

    Ten years of conflict has given rise not only to the world's best body armor and state-of-the-art battlefield technologies, but also a new understanding about ways to prevent eye injuries and treat those who suffer from them.When the war in Afghanistan kicked off in 2002, ballistic goggles were hard

  • AFMC officials kick off Year of Continuing Education

    Building on its Year of the Community College of the Air Force campaign in 2011, Air Force Materiel Command officials announced a plan Jan. 1. for the Year of Continuing Education.Gen. Donald Hoffman, the AFMC commander, introduced the initiative to Airmen via email Jan. 6. In it, the general

  • LivingFit helps Airmen, families reach weight loss goals

    A new year often begins with resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. Air Force services officials recently launched a new program designed to help Airmen and families accomplish this common goal through proper nutrition and activity.The USAF FitFamily website now includes LivingFit, an online

  • Afghan announcers broadcast peace to listeners

    In an area with an illiteracy rate of approximately 70 percent, radio communication can be critical when sharing news and current events in Paktya province of Afghanistan. The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team recently partnered with local radio announcers in the unveiling of "Caravan Radio," an

  • DOD leaders: U.S. will remain world's strongest military

    The Defense Department's new, 10-year strategy will ensure the U.S. remains the world's strongest military power, DOD leaders emphasized in weekend interviews.In an interview with Bob Schieffer that aired Jan. 8 on the CBS news program "Face the Nation," Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Joint

  • First Transit Center commander reflects on decade of change

    Even in his wildest dreams, he never could have envisioned what he started 10 years ago would turn into what he sees now. But when the Transit Center's first commander, then-Brig. Gen. Chris Kelly, landed on Runway 08 at the Manas International Airport on Dec. 16, 2001, he saw potential of what this

  • USO helps connect families through reading

    Deployment can be hard on a family. It can be even harder for a service member who would normally read their children a good night story but are not around to do so. However, the Pat Tillman Memorial United Services Organization here offers a service to help close that gap.The program is a

  • New defense strategic guidance detailed in near future

    Specifics on how the new defense strategic guidance will affect the Pentagon's budget will take shape in the weeks to come as White House and Defense Department officials prepare President Barack Obama's 2013 budget request.Obama, joined by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E.

  • Obama: Defense strategy will maintain U.S. military pre-eminence

    President Barack Obama announced a defense strategy Jan. 5 that he said will allow the military to defend the United States and its national interests while cutting military spending in a responsible, balanced manner.The president spoke about the conclusions of the defense strategy review at the

  • New law eases airport screening for troops, families

    President Barack Obama signed a bill into law Jan. 3 to streamline airport screening procedures for service members and their families traveling on official orders.The Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to

  • 'Today's Air Force' looks back at 2011

    On a special end-of-year edition, "Today's Air Force" takes a look back at the top stories for 2011.This week's show kicks off with TAF reporter Airman 1st Class Jimmy Moreland covering the rebuilding efforts in Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Later, the show pays tribute to one

  • Air Force offering second round of VERA/VSIP

    The Air Force is offering a second round of voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay beginning Jan. 9.The move is part of the Air Force's continuing effort to meet the Department of Defense requirement to maintain civilian funding at fiscal 2010 levels"The Air

  • F-15 sale to Saudi Arabia part of broader effort

    The recently announced $29.4 billion sale of F-15SA fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia is just one part of a broader U.S.-Saudi military sales and defense cooperation effort that's central to regional security, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.U.S. officials announced an agreement Dec. 29

  • National Guard's senior officer elevated to Joint Chiefs of Staff

    The chief of the National Guard Bureau is a statutory member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.With the stroke of a pen, the same month the nation's oldest military institution celebrated its 375th birthday, President Barack Obama signed legislation that includes a provision adding the CNGB to the Joint

  • Defense bill affects pay, separation bonuses, more

    President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 31, 2011, which increases active-duty and reserve pay by 1.6 percent and governs Defense Department activities, from procurement to military personnel policy.Several provisions in this year's act will potentially

  • SEAC talks service member issues

    The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff talked about what it feels like to be the highest ranking enlisted person in the armed services as well as other topics pressing today's military during a visit here recently.During a multi-country USO holiday tour, Sgt. Maj.

  • American300 Warrior Tour brings 'never quit' message to 24th Air Force, JBSA

    No one complained about the rain during 24th Air Force's war fit physical training here Dec. 19. Complaining was not an option when two amputees from American300 Warrior Tours led the way.Chad Crittenden, a CBS' Survivor contestant, and Mike Schultz, an ESPN's X Games adaptive gold medalist, didn't

  • Saudi Arabia to purchase 84 F-15SA, upgrade current F-15 fleet

    Air Force officials announced the next chapter in a partnership with the Royal Saudi Air Force as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently signed a $29.4 billion Foreign Military Sales Letter of Offer and Acceptance solidifying their plans to purchase 84 F-15SA fighter aircraft and upgrade their current

  • Dietary supplements removed from Exchanges due to health concerns

    The Department of Defense has implemented a temporary moratorium on the sales of products containing DMAA within military facilities. The moratorium will remain in effect pending further review of relevant scientific evidence and reported events, officials said.Recent reports show that two Soldier

  • DOD releases sexual assault report, announces new policies

    Defense Department officials released the "Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies" on Dec. 27, covering the academic year from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011.The report shows an increase in reports of sexual assault, with 65 reports of sexual assault

  • NASA space camp scholarship offered to children of military

    NASA Space Camp is a place of learning where children come together for a journey they will never forget. For many, it is a life-changing event - helping them make decisions about their educational and vocational careers. This extraordinary adventure teaches our youth about astronauts and space

  • SecAF thanks Airmen during Lajes visit

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley visited Lajes Field Airmen Dec. 18-19 to thank them for their service and countless sacrifices this holiday season. "During the holidays, please know that all Americans are keeping you and your families in their thoughts and prayers," Secretary Donley said.

  • Air Force to host inaugural joint adaptive sports camp

    Fifteen Air Force and 30 Navy and U.S. Special Operations Command wounded warriors will have an opportunity to learn about various adaptive sports during the Inaugural Joint Introduction to Adaptive Sports Camp held Jan. 17-21 here.The camp is part of the Air Force's Adaptive Fitness and Sports

  • Air expeditionary units inactivate after last Airmen leave Iraq

    Four air expeditionary units that were the air and space components to U.S. Forces-Iraq inactivated during a flag-casing ceremony Dec. 18 here. The 467th Air Expeditionary Group, 368th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task

  • Communications failures contributed to border incident

    United States forces acted in self-defense and responded with appropriate force after being fired upon during a Nov. 25-26 incident on Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, according to findings from a Defense Department investigation that was released Dec. 22.Twenty-four Pakistani soldiers were

  • Air Force officials release high year tenure details

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 19, high year of tenure limit changes for the grades of senior airman, staff sergeant and technical sergeant that go into effect in 2013. The changes are a part of additional force management programs that are ongoing to continue to size and shape the force to

  • Air Force officials announce additional force management measures

    In on-going efforts to continue to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials announced additional force management programs. The Air Force ended fiscal year 2011 about 1,200 Airmen over endstrength.For enlisted Airmen, voluntary programs from last year will

  • Officials select 36 Airmen for advanced studies

    Three dozen Air Force and two sister-service officers have been selected to attend the Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies starting in summer 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Dec. 19.The 50-week program is a follow-on school for intermediate level Department of

  • EO officials aim to set the standard for federal agencies

    Air Force equal opportunity officials have expanded a pilot program that reduces processing times for civilian equal employment opportunity complaints to five months versus the standard six months. The move is part of an Air Force effort to set the EO standard for federal agencies. In 2010, the Air

  • FSS gift cards make holiday gift giving easy

    'Tis the season, and Air Force Services Agency officials here said Force Support Squadron gift cards are a convenient and easy way to get into the spirit of giving. Installations worldwide provide FSS gift cards available for use at most FSS nonappropriated fund activities. Officials said the cards

  • Laughlin AFB graduates Afghanistan's newest pilots

    Three Afghan air force lieutenants will soon be returning to Afghanistan with silver wings after graduating from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Dec.16 here.After competing against more than 350 potential Afghan pilot candidates, these three lieutenants are the first from their country to

  • Air Guard unit provides testing ground for mask development

    Develop one aircrew mask that can be used on over 100 different air frames. That is the challenge for researchers assigned to the Joint Service Aircrew Mask-Fixed Wing Program.In early December, JSAM-FW researchers visited the 167th Airlift Wing, a West Virginia Air National Guard unit here, to

  • AF Wounded Warrior Program helps Airmen transition, become self-sufficient

    For wounded warriors who are being medically retired, the fear of leaving the service can be a frightening reality. Unfortunately, there are many more hurdles they must face during their transition.While the Air Force has many programs in place to help these Airmen, the Wounded Warrior Program care

  • Lockheed Martin rolls-out final F-22 Raptor

    The final F-22 Raptor to be built for the U.S. Air Force, tail number 4195, rolled off the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics assembly line during a ceremony Dec. 13 at the company's Marietta plant. The fighter jet is the last of 187 F-22s produced, marking a bittersweet moment for members of the F-22

  • Panetta defends intelligence operations

    Declining to discuss details about a U.S. RQ-170 drone aircraft that went missing in Iran, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta defended the use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to protect the U.S.During a joint news conference here today with Afghan President Hamid Karzai,

  • Thrift savings plan contribution limits increase in 2012

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced the 2012 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions has increased from $16,500 to $17,000 for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The TSP catch-up plan contribution limit will remain at $5,500. TSP

  • Air Force to lift hiring freeze Dec. 15

    The hiring freeze implemented in August will be fully lifted Dec. 15, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.The freeze, preceded by hiring controls, was one of several measures implemented in 2011 to bring manning down to mandated 2010 levels. In addition, voluntary separation incentives

  • National Guard unveils peer hotline

    The National Guard unveiled its Vets4Warriors service members' counseling program at a Capitol Hill ceremony Dec. 13.Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hotline that provides Guard members and Reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or

  • AFIT seeks enlisted advanced degree applicants

    The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering enlisted applicants an opportunity to pursue advanced academic degrees in management or engineering, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.Nominations are due to AFPC by Dec. 31, with the selection board slated to convene Jan. 20.

  • Blended e-learning courses mix accessibility, personal touch

    As part of the effort to modernize Air Force training programs, the Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development here has taken to cyberspace recently with five new blended e-learning courses. Using a combination of online webinars and self-paced curriculum, the e-learning courses allow students

  • Priority placement program serves employee, DOD needs

    Civilian employees adversely affected by actions such as transfer of function or base realignment and closure may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. "The priority placement program sometimes conjures concern when mentioned, but it is one of the

  • NASA seeking astronaut candidates

    NASA is accepting applications for astronaut candidates via the USAJobs website, through Jan. 12, 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced."Applicants who submit an application through the USAJobs site, must also do a separate application for the Air Force nomination board," said Howard

  • Warrior Games competition plans return to Colorado Springs

    The annual Warrior Games, featuring wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competing in several sporting events, will return here in 2012, U.S. Olympic Committee officials announced Dec. 6.The USOC-hosted games will take place April 30 to May 5. The Defense and Veterans Affairs

  • Air Force expands FY12 officer voluntary force management measures

    Air Force leaders announced Dec. 6 the expansion of voluntary officer separation measures for fiscal 2012 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.The leaders implemented a tailored, multi-year program in 2010 to reduce the personnel numbers to meet the service's authorized

  • AF bands join Grammy-winning artists for 'Holiday Notes from Home'

    The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air Force Strings recently joined Grammy-winning vocalist Lee Ann Womack and the Grammy-nominated band Little Big Town in the "Holiday Notes from Home" concert.The hour-long special will air on the Great American Country Channel beginning Dec. 10 at 8:30

  • US embassies welcome opportunities for interagency training

    United States embassies from across the globe are stepping up to participate in a unique training opportunity for Airmen known as the Embassy Immersion Fellowship program. The fellowship places Airmen side-by-side with their U.S. foreign service counterparts in a five-week program sponsored by the