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  • Airmen can help feds feed families

    During the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, Airmen can help feed those in need.The campaign runs through Aug. 31."This is the first time the federal agencies have come together as one team to support the drive," said Ellen Nelson, the executive director of the Alamo Federal Executive

  • Balancing Reserve force discussed at Commander and Spouse Forum

    Air Force Reserve wing commanders and their spouses attended the annual Air Force Reserve Commander and Spouse forum here July 6 to 8 to gain increased awareness of the needs of Citizen Airmen and their families.Attendees engaged with Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., the chief of Air Force Reserve

  • Officials announce NCO retraining program dates

    Approximately 900 Airmen will have the opportunity to retrain beginning July 13 as part of the fiscal-2012 NCO Retraining Program.The NCORP program consists of two phases designed to sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career Airmen from overage Air Force Specialty Codes to shortage

  • Officials name productivity award winners

    Air Force selected four winners for the Air Force's productivity and excellence awards recently. The awards recognize individuals or groups that provide resource-saving improvements to the Air Force. The Air Force Productivity Excellence Award recognizes individuals and small groups of military and

  • Shindand Air Base triples in size

    By expanding to nearly three times its original size, Shindand Air Base recently became the second largest airfield throughout Afghanistan. Colonel Larry Bowers, the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, opened the new expansion area upon completion of construction of approximately eight

  • Global Hawk postured for success

    With a solid record in combat and humanitarian missions, the RQ-4 Global Hawk program remains a critical component to national security and the Air Force will increase cost-saving efficiencies to ensure the unmanned aerial system's sustainment, officials said here July 12.Rigorous reviews over the

  • Air Guard emphasizes motorcycle safety

    The summer safety programs of the Air National Guard kicked off June 21.Though the Air Guard traditionally uses the active-duty Air Force's safety campaigns for summer, this year Airmen will see a change to focus more on motorcycle safety and awareness."This year is the year of motorcycle safety, so

  • Bariatric surgery study looks at survival impact in older veterans

    In the first study to compare survival associated with bariatric surgery in mostly male patients, bariatric surgery was not significantly associated with decreased mortality, according to a research study published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. "At VA, we

  • TRICARE Standard gives families more options

    TRICARE Standard is a great option for military families who want more freedom when it comes to selecting their medical providers.TRICARE Standard is a fee-for-service plan available worldwide to all eligible, non-active duty beneficiaries. They include:· Active duty family members· Family members

  • Air Force drug testing laboratory opens on Lackland

    Officials with the Headquarters Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory, or HQ AFDTL, opened the doors of their new facility here June 30.HQ AFDTL is the only forensic toxicology drug testing laboratory in the Air Force and one of only six such laboratories in the Department of Defense Drug Demand

  • President calls for balanced defense spending cuts

    Though he is committed to cutting the Defense Department budget as part of the overall reduction in the federal deficit, U.S. security and strategic needs must drive the effort, President Barack Obama said July 6 in his first Twitter town hall meeting.Obama said he conducted the meeting to find out

  • Company grade officer PME undergoes transformation

    Air Force senior leaders recently approved a plan to transform professional military education for company grade officers. The two existing developmental education venues for lieutenants and captains will soon merge into a single in-residence opportunity for CGOs.The air and space basic course at

  • CONR supports final space shuttle launch

    Spectators looked on as Space Shuttle Atlantis roared to life for the final time, as the orbiter and crew launched into space from here July 8.Members of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, or Continental NORAD Region, and Air Forces Northern provided airspace

  • 45th Space Wing supports successful final shuttle launch

    Members of the 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the final flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8and the final space shuttle flight in history. The shuttle launched at 11:29 p.m. (EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.A combined team

  • Commissaries support 'Feds Feed Families' campaign

    Commissaries in the U.S. have joined with other government agencies and organizations to support the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, which runs through Aug. 31. Customers who visit their military store will see marked bins near commissary entrances or exits, where they can donate

  • Airmen highlight recruiting efforts for 7 million NASCAR fans

    One hundred Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., unfurled a football field-sized U.S. flag in front of a crowd of 7.3 million live and broadcast viewers as the national anthem played at here July 2. The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, a NASCAR race almost as old as the organization itself, was an

  • Nominees sought for O'Malley award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2012 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

  • Reservists deliver aid to Haiti over holiday weekend

    Members of the Air Force Reserve's 315th Airlift Wing departed here July 1 aboard a C-17 Globemaster III on a humanitarian aid mission to Haiti. The aircraft delivered 20 pallets of humanitarian aid containing more than 50,000 pounds of rice as well as a 24,000-pound dump truck in support of ongoing

  • Personnel pennies pay off for Fisher families

    Pennies paid off for the Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House when Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration directorate members waged a penny war that raised $800 for the military support organization.The Fisher House Foundation provides free lodging for family members of wounded

  • TRICARE expectant, new parents survey validates review program

    Patients enrolled in TRICARE's Parent Review program are giving high marks to this outreach. Out of 1,037 completed surveys, the great majority of respondents' comments were positive, expressing appreciation for the email service.More than 2,000 healthy babies are born to military families each

  • Air Force officials boost personnel support to warfighter

    The Air Force Personnel Center is partnering with Headquarters, Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services and U.S. Air Forces Central to provide additional personnel support capabilities for deployed Airmen in AFCENT's area of responsibility.Vince Fonner, AFPC's air and space expeditionary force

  • Air Force Marathon opens new transfer program

    For a limited time, any Air Force Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K registered runner who is not able to participate in the Sept. 17 event can transfer his or her entry to a non-registered runner through the marathon's new Transfer Program. The online transfer form is available at www.usafmarathon.com.

  • Guard members have one-stop information shop

    Officials with the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have created a one-stop website for Guard members to access and administer their service benefits-related information in a secure manner, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.In a November 2010 memorandum to all

  • Air Force officials launch FSS gift card program

    Air Force Services Agency officials here said the joy of giving is a little easier after the launch of an Air Force-wide gift card program.Installations worldwide now provide Force Support Squadron gift cards available for use throughout all FSS activities. Officials said the cards are simple to

  • Education program promotes relationships, partnerships

    Walk into just about any U.S. professional military schoolhouse, and you're likely to see a surprising number of foreign officers and noncommissioned officers mixed among the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps students.They're a testament to the popularity of the International Military Education

  • College students receive training through AF internship

    College students can intern in Air Force youth and recreation programs - and get paid for it.The Air Force Services Agency Student Intern Program is open to college juniors, or older, to become Air Force nonappropriated fund employees at nearly any Air Force installation world-wide, and earn college

  • Personnel director talks civilian recruiting, hiring

    The Air Force is competing with Fortune 500 companies to attract the best and brightest people, so Air Force personnel practices must be fast, efficient and technology smart or those talented people will go elsewhere.That was the Office of Personnel Management director's message to Air Force

  • Leaving a legacy of air power

    Milestones are being achieved and partnerships are being strengthened at Combat Operating Base Speicher here. Advising Iraqi forces is nothing new to the Iraq Training and Advising Mission component of the U.S. Air Force. Since the troop drawdown began early 2009, Iraqi forces have started to take

  • Storm water management required for Air Force construction program

    Officials from the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment are working to enhance Air Force efforts to prevent water pollution caused by storm water runoff.They are providing installations, major commands and the civil engineering community the advice, technical expertise and tools they

  • Airmen successfully medevac Antarctic worker

    Using night vision equipment and navigating around volcanic ash hazards, a C-17 Globemaster III and crew from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., alongside aeromedical evacuation and critical care air transport team Airmen, successfully evacuated an ailing Antarctic government contractor June 30. The

  • DARPA officials seek to employ biology in manufacturing

    In the latest effort to make the impossible probable, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency officials are looking for companies that can harness biology to speed up and lower the cost of producing new materials and devices.Alicia Jackson, a program manager in DARPA's Microsystems Technology

  • Food transformation test locations begin campus dining concept

    Airmen at the six Air Force Food Transformation Initiative pilot installations will experience more variety for their meal choices when the program expands to a campus-style dining concept this summer.The initiative, known as FTI, is a pilot program launched in October 2010 with a goal to better

  • AEF conference prepares experts for upcoming deployment

    Air and Space Expeditionary Force and Personnel Operations representatives from the Air Force Personnel Center here held their latest execution conference June 15 and 16 to help prepare more than 300 unit deployment managers, installation deployment officers and functional experts for the upcoming

  • First Airmen graduate from new EOD screening course

    Six Airmen graduated from the first explosive ordnance disposal preliminary screening course here June 27. The revised and extended 20-day academic Air Force program gives Airmen a well-rounded vision of their duties while mentally and physically challenging them. The goal for the course is to

  • VA officials issuing first payments to caregivers

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials will send out more than $430,000 in stipend payments in July to nearly 200 family caregivers of veterans. These family caregivers were the first to complete their caregiver training under the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. The

  • Chief Roy reflects on first two years in office, way ahead for Airmen

    Despite an increased operations tempo and fiscal challenges, Airmen continue to develop and remain an integral part of the joint and coalition team, the service's top enlisted Airman said here June 30 on his second anniversary in office.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed

  • Air Force continues on path toward sustainability

    On its journey toward sustainable installations, the Air Force recently released new rules for sustainable design and development.The policy, released by Air Force Civil Engineer Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, further emphasizes the Air Force's continued focus on installation and environmental

  • Nominations open for Flemming awards

    Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 63rd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Awards.The Flemming awards recognize outstanding federal employees who made significant and extraordinary contributions to the federal government.The three award categories are: managerial or legal achievement;

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," U.S. and Italian forces team up in a realistic hostage exercise at Aviano Air Base, Italy. And, you'll meet one dirt bike rider who is sharing his passion of both the sport and safety. Plus, Yokota Airmen learn to defend themselves and others in hand-to-hand

  • DOD launches military spouse employment partnership

    In an effort to address military spouses' employment challenges, the Defense Department launched a program June 29 to expand career opportunities for military spouses worldwide, and to recognize the skills and talents they bring to the employment table.Flanked by military spouses and corporate

  • U.S., Indonesian airmen complete annual air mobility exercise

    The annual week-long combined exercise between Indonesian and U.S. Air Force personnel, known as Exercise Cope West, came to a close here June 24.More than 70 Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and three C-130 Hercules aircraft with Yokota's 36th Airlift Squadron, as well as one Indonesian Air

  • Air Force issues guidance to streamline environmental reviews

    In order to get "back to basics" and the original intent of National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Air Force recently issued new program guidance entitled "Planning Requirements for the Environmental Impact Analysis Process." The program will help Air Force installations, major commands,

  • Military recruiting, retention remain strong

    Recruiting and retention remain steadily on track throughout the military services, with every component reporting strong year-to-date numbers through May and full confidence in reaching fiscal 2011 goals by Sept. 30, Defense Department officials said June 28.All four active services and five of the

  • Air Force to enhance travel orders for deployment

    In an effort to improve customer support and expedite travel voucher payments, Air Force financial management leaders will mandate standardized use of the Defense Travel System for contingency, exercise and deployment travel, officials said here June 28. The change will be mostly transparent to the

  • Allied Strike 2011 in full swing, capping months of planning

    The execution phase of Allied Strike 2011 is in full swing here, capping months of planning. The exercise has brought together nearly 350 people from the U.S. and 14 NATO partner nations for the largest close-air-support exercise in Europe. "The planning effort was massive," said Capt. Ruven

  • First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training in Arizona

    In July, the Kingdom of Morocco, a strategic partner for U.S. forces in North Africa, will become the 25th country to own and operate F-16s. The pilots tapped to fly them are scheduled to finish training here in time to bring them home, July 30.Four Royal Moroccan Air Force officers, former F-5

  • TRICARE officials support National Prevention Strategy

    Recently, the U.S. surgeon general and members of the National Prevention Council, including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, which provides a plan to shift the nation from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and

  • Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011

    While participating in Northern Edge for the second time, F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter sensor capabilities were tested in Alaska's premier multi-operational environment June 13-24. Hosted by Alaskan Command, Northern Edge is a biennial U.S. Pacific Command exercise that prepares joint

  • Air Force doctor receives France's highest decoration

    An Air Force doctor whose medical expertise and French language skills were credited with helping save 14 U.S. Sailors' lives after the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000 received France's highest decoration at the French Embassy in Washington June 21.Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Byron L. Hepburn,

  • New IDs put personal info at the Exchange on a 'need to know' basis

    Social Security numbers are enjoying the top-secret clearance they have always deserved as the Department of Defense officials have removed the nine digit number from identification cards issued after June 1. Authorized Exchange shoppers who receive the new ID will notice some changes when writing a

  • Dillons named 2011 O'Malley recipients

    Air Force officials have announced their selection for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, the 86th Airlift Wing commander, and his wife Sara were selected as this year's winners.The annual award recognizes the wing commander and spouse team who have best

  • Officials stop moves to Minot Air Force Base

    Air Force officials have temporarily halted most permanent change of station moves and temporary duty assignments to Minot Air Force Base, N.D.Flooding has forced many to evacuate the city of Minot, N.D., prompting the commanders of the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing to request a partial stop

  • Mystery artist identified

    The artist of nine paintings hanging in the technical support building lobby at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo., has been identified as Terrance Patterson, a life-long Colorado historian and artist. The nine paintings, which depict the evolution of air and space, will be adopted into the

  • Intrepid Center marks first anniversary

    A year after its ribbon-cutting ceremony, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence is making a difference in the lives of warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders, said Dr. James Kelly, the center's director.The facility, Dr. Kelly said, also is expanding the

  • Khobar Towers victims remembered on 15th anniversary

    Airmen, Marines, Sailors and family members gathered here to remember 19 brave warriors and 12 valiant 33rd Fighter Wing Airmen on the 15th anniversary of the Khobar Towers bombing June 24."I'm humbled to be a part of this ceremony," said Col. Andrew Toth, the 33rd FW commander. "It reminds us, as a

  • DeCA officials announce Commissary Gift Card program

    Extending the gift of groceries to authorized commissary patrons soon will be a lot easier thanks to the new Commissary Gift Card. The gift cards, available in denominations of $25 and $50, will be available June 30 for purchase in stateside stores or online through http://www.commissaries.com.

  • 'Vigilant Skies' brings ESC-infused NATO, Russian effort to fruition

    When NATO and Russian representatives wrapped up a joint international airspace demonstration June 10, it marked a great success for an effort Electronic Systems Center officials helped set in motion.Dubbed "Vigilant Skies 2011," the joint demonstration was sponsored by the NATO-Russia Council

  • Civil Air Patrol cadets experience pilot training

    Airmen here recently hosted members of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program as they learned about undergraduate pilot training.CAP was by the Department of Defense in 1941 to help the U.S. during World War II. After the war in 1947, Congress declared the mission of CAP to focus on aerospace education,

  • Air Force officials host joint library workshop

    DOD library professionals will communicate, collaborate and connect during a library tri-service training workshop June 21 through 24 in New Orleans. The Air Force, Navy and U.S. Marines Corps Librarians' Training Workshop will feature speakers from the non-profit military organization Blue Star

  • Partnership links military spouses with employers

    June 23, 2011 - Defense Department officials are launching a new partnership June 29 that's intended to expand job opportunities for military spouses by connecting them with employers actively seeking to hire them.Microsoft, Home Depot, Starbucks and the Navy Federal Credit Union are just a few of

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard head to New Mexico to help fight fires there. And, Air Force Academy officials flip the switch on their newest power source. Plus, Airmen at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., test new brakes for the C-130

  • AF clubs offers scholarships

    For the 15th year in a row, the Air Force Services Club Program will award $25,000 in scholarship funds. The Air Force Services Club Membership Scholarship Program is a club member-only program intended to help club members and their families defray the cost of higher education. Twenty-five winners

  • 2011 AFA Outstanding Air Force Civilians of the Year announced

    Air Force officials have announced the winners of the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian of the Year awards.Each year, the AFA recognizes four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in any career field. This year's recipients were:Civilian wage employee of

  • IAAFA continues to expand security cooperation initiatives

    The Air Force has implemented education and training institutions such as the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy to meet the demand for security cooperation initiatives, officials said here June 20. "Graduates of IAAFA build relationships

  • Nominations open for GEICO Public Service Awards

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Government Employees Insurance Company's Public Service Awards. The GEICO Public Service Awards were established in 1980 to recognize the contributions of hard-working and talented government employees.This award is open to both civilian and

  • Airman solves fuel-flow transmitter problem, saves Air Force thousands

    An Airman here was recently awarded a check worth $10,000 through the Innovative Development Employee Awareness program.Tech. Sgt. Tremaine Smith, the 51st Maintenance Group technical order distribution office manager, was recognized for an idea that fixed a fuel-flow transmitter problem, saving the

  • Abandoned paintings make Air Force history

    Nine paintings depicting the evolution of air and space, which are displayed in the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station technical support building lobby, will be adopted into the Air Force Art Program this year. The paintings were rescued years ago after being abandoned inside a storage closet at

  • SMART scholars visit D.C. to learn about their new jobs

    Students ranging from undergraduates to PhD candidates will visit Joint Base Andrews, Md., in June, to learn more about their future with the Department of Defense.The students, as Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation program scholars, represent a $50 million investment in the DOD

  • Enlisted members selected for nurse commissioning program

    Twenty-four enlisted Airmen will head back to the classroom in August following their selection for the 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The NECP selection board meets annually in May to review records and identify the top applicants for a commissioning opportunity in a critical career

  • Officials seek input to update MWR services

    Defense Department officials intend to use input gained from customer satisfaction surveys to bolster morale, welfare and recreation programs and meet the up-to-date needs of service members and their families, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy said

  • Fiscal crisis requires responsible approach, Lynn says

    A fiscal crisis that's putting the squeeze on defense budgets and related industries requires difficult choices for leaders and a responsible approach that manages the spending slowdown while retaining military effectiveness, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here June 19.In a

  • Academy cadets get taste of deployed life

    Approximately 60 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are in Southwest Asia, observing deployed operations first hand and meeting deployed Airmen.Cadets receive leadership training, but it can become limited to what happens in the Academy's training environment. However, the opportunity to experience Air

  • Online unit deployment manager course launches

    As part of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's continuing goal of leveraging technology to assist in training, members of the Expeditionary Center's Mobility Operations School celebrated the launch of the online unit deployment manager, or UDM, course this month.The eight-hour online course

  • TRICARE does not retire when you do

    When beneficiaries retire from active duty, they may have big plans for how they are going to spend their time. Along with choices about where to live and their next great adventure, they must make choices about their health care. Understanding these choices will help beneficiaries and their

  • Second hypersonic flight ends prematurely, brings new flight test data

    The X-51A Waverider flew its second test flight at the Point Mugu Naval Air Test Range over the Pacific Ocean June 13, bringing significant hypersonic research data despite a less-than-successful flight.The hypersonic aircraft was successfully boosted to just over Mach 5 and the scramjet engine lit,

  • Dr. Biden urges cable industry to support military families

    Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, called on the cable television industry June 16 to use its vast reach to help educate the public about military families and rally national support for "the very best of our country."Dr. Biden, speaking at the National Cable and

  • Lynn outlines new cybersecurity effort

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III outlined a pilot program here June 16 in which the government helps the defense industry in safeguarding the information their computer systems hold.In a keynote address at the Center for Strategic Decision Research's 28th International Workshop on Global

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Offutt Airmen fill sandbags to prepare for the rising Missouri River. And, you will tag along with the Wisconsin National Guard as they play a part in Northern Viking. Plus, wounded warriors ride 325 miles to recovery. Those stories and more are available this

  • DeCA, farmers markets to offer fresh fruit, veggies July 1-3

    Fresh fruits and vegetables are often part of the menu for many commissary customers as they plan their Fourth of July celebrations. As a result, the Defense Commissary Agency is offering farmers-market sales events July 1-3, said its sales director."This is the first time the commissaries are

  • 'Biggest Loser' brings success to determined Airmen

    Several headquarters-based Airmen recently credited the health and wellness center's "Biggest Loser" program for helping them lose weight and bond with each other along the way.The program is inspired by the hit television show that features contestants vying to shed the most pounds in a specified

  • Mullen discusses fiscal 2012 budget proposal with Senate committee

    Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told the Senate Appropriations Committee today that he supports the fiscal 2012 budget proposal, and that it funds service members in harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq.The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the proposed 2012 budget fully funds deployed service members,

  • Gates calls for superb military, not hollow force

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he'd rather have a smaller "superbly capable" military than a hollow force.Secretary Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee June 15 that even as the department looks for savings, there has to be an admission that reductions will

  • Gates, Mullen protect family programs from budget cuts

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the service chiefs to "fence" two areas in the budget options the military is contemplating: training and family programs."I don't want any money taken out of those," he told the Senate Appropriations Committee June 15.Secretary Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen,

  • Deadline near for National Public Service Award

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2012 National Public Service Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is Aug. 1.The National Public Service Award recognizes individuals with agency-wide responsibility who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over

  • CMSAF visits, tours Transit Center at Manas

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here June 11 during a Central Command area of responsibility tour.During the visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy toured the Transit Center and spoke with Airmen during an "all hands" call.One

  • Pros, families ride in 2011 Air Force Cycling Classic

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

  • Lynn: Energy strategy will help forces adapt for future

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III released the Defense Department's new operational energy strategy June 14, saying it is consistent with efforts to adapt the forces to emerging threats.Mr. Lynn said he and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates have been consistent in speaking of the need to

  • Defense Department leads nationwide food drive

    The Defense Department is taking a leading role in a nationwide campaign challenging federal employees to donate to their local food pantries.The "Feds Feed Families" campaign, announced by the Office of Personnel Management on May 26, will run through the end of August, said Pat Tamburrino Jr., the

  • Energy strategy improves capabilities, savings, official says

    The Defense Department's new operational energy strategy challenges assumptions about battlefield energy usage, paving the way for a more secure, agile and flexible fighting force, the Pentagon official who oversees the strategy said June 9.The strategy, included in the last Quadrennial Defense

  • Air Force organizations win telework awards

    Two Air Force organizations earned the 2011 Telework Exchange Tele-Vision Award for excellence in leadership and for best new initiative, respectively, officials said here June 13.The office of the administrative assistant to the secretary of the Air Force won the award for its headquarters Air

  • TRICARE eligibility requires DEERS enrollment for newborns

    TRICARE offers a variety of health plans designed to provide the best quality of care for parents and their babies. However, if children are not properly registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, they risk losing their TRICARE benefits, program officials said."TRICARE

  • DOD libraries launch summer reading program

    Defense Department libraries have launched a summer reading program in the hopes of inspiring children and adults to read throughout the summer.Visitors to libraries on 270 military installations around the world are invited to join "A Midsummer Knight's Read," an activity-packed reading program

  • DOD officials aim to streamline foreign military sales program

    Defense Department officials are streamlining the way they administer the foreign military sales program, including testing a concept to get pre-approvals for requests for high-demand technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said June

  • VA officials work to provide post-9/11 family caregiver benefits

    A month after the Veterans Affairs Department began processing applications for primary family caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans, officials reported steady progress toward delivering the new services and benefits.VA  officials began processing applications for new services May 9, four days

  • Iraqi airmen learn to protect leaders

    Prompted by assassinations of Iraqi military leaders, Iraqi airmen are receiving personal security operations training from members of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations here.According to the April 2011 Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction quarterly report, between January

  • VA to expand housing for homeless veterans, families

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials continue to develop housing opportunities for homeless and at-risk veterans by adding 34 VA locations across the country. This strategy will increase the department's available beds by more than 5,000. VA currently has 15,000 transitional beds available to

  • Reorganization enhances C2 testing, tactics, training

    The Air Force's preeminent wing for directing the service's operational command and control, or C2, testing, tactics development and training completed a reorganization effort June 10. The restructure will enhance Air Force, joint and coalition warfighter capabilities.Officials at the 505th Command