Sept. 7, 2023 USAFE-AFAFRICA demonstrates breakthrough mobile MQ-9A satellite launch, recovery package The SLR-P offers a compact, "wallet-sized" innovation poised to launch and recover the MQ-9A at strategic theater locations situated in some of the most rugged, remote outposts in Europe.
Sept. 5, 2023 SECURE platform enhances security enterprise capabilities A new tool called the Security Enterprise Communication and User Reporting Environment, or SECURE, aims to streamline operations, reduce data isolation and redundancy, and optimize resource usage across the security enterprise.
Sept. 5, 2023 'Serving during a consequential time': Top enlisted leader engages with Airmen at Joint Base Andrews Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass recently discussed current and future challenges for Airmen while speaking with Joint Base Andrews personnel.
Sept. 4, 2023 AFW2 roadshow visits Grand Forks AFB During the two-day visit, four AFW2 ambassadors and program team members gave briefings to various squadrons, allowing the volunteers to share their personal testimonies.
Sept. 3, 2023 Popular AFRL invention supports joint military needs with mobile medical documentation BATDOK is a smartphone application for mobile medical documentation that replaces pen and paper records.
Sept. 2, 2023 Malmstrom AFB pilots, flight engineers attend first Grey Wolf Type 1 training The Type 1 crew began their 32-day training in the classroom together, the pilots and flight engineers separated at the 10-day mark to focus on their specific job training.
Aug. 31, 2023 Air Force, Army Battle Labs work with DARPA on ASTARTE, new C2 capability Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, also known as the U.S. Air Force’s ABMS Battle Lab, recently experimented with joint partners that helped evolve a new joint airspace management and joint fires capability.
Aug. 31, 2023 DAF unveils art commemorating 75 Years of Air and Space Power DAF celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Air and Space heritage in September 2022 and commissioned the art to help tell the stories of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
Aug. 30, 2023 Airmen, Guardian, Soldiers lead the way during Ranger Assessment Course Fifteen Airmen, 15 Soldiers and one Guardian tested their limits during a Ranger Assessment Course, the Air Forces’ version of the Army’s Small Unit Ranger Tactics, or SURT.
Aug. 28, 2023 DoD announces changes to special leave accrual policy for service members The revised provisions of section 701 U.S.C. title 10 reduced the maximum amount of accrued leave that may be retained by a service member at the end of the FY from 120 days to 90 days.
Aug. 27, 2023 AFW2 roadshow visits Minot AFB The AFW2 team, including program managers and ambassadors, visited Airmen from the 5th SFS and the 91st SFG. They shared stories from their careers and how they came to be a part of the AFW2 Roadshow team.
Aug. 26, 2023 B-52 pilot to compete in Ironman World Championship First Lt. Tara DeGeorge will compete in the 2023 Ironman World Championship taking place in Finland.
Aug. 24, 2023 DAF senior leaders speak at Air Force Sergeants Association conference The three-day event focused on understanding the strategic competition, the role of service members in building the Force of the Future, professional development, networking and insights from senior service leaders.
Aug. 23, 2023 Air Force announces CY24 promotion board schedule, aligns to officer SCODs The Air Force announced the 2024 promotion board schedule Aug. 22, which marks the transition to align most promotion boards with their associated evaluation closeout dates.
Aug. 23, 2023 AFIMSC tackles dorm, child care center needs with $1.6 billion improvement plan The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is upgrading quality-of-life infrastructure through its multi-layered construction.
Aug. 20, 2023 8 EAMS innovates, provides joint airlift across COCOMs The 8th EAMS coordinated airlift operations with the HM-15 DET IIA to expedite the transport of troops-in-contact ground support equipment for a U.S. Army unit in the U.S. Central Command theater of operations.
Aug. 19, 2023 7th MXG leverages new technology The 7th Maintenance Group recently fielded its first-ever wireless communication system during a B-1B Lancer launch, becoming the first B-1B unit to receive and utilize the headsets.
Aug. 17, 2023 Nevada Air Guard helps battle western wildfires The Nevada ANG will support wildland firefighting operations in several western states. So far this fire year, 85 fires have burned 546,988 acres in 12 states.
Aug. 16, 2023 Recipients of Harold Brown Award 2021, 2022 honored at Pentagon ceremony Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall hosted an award ceremony at the Pentagon for recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Harold Brown Award, Aug. 8.
Aug. 15, 2023 Airmen train for space operations during Vulcan Guard The Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Wing hosted an iteration of the Vulcan Guard space exercise, bringing together U.S. Space Command, the Brazilian military and all seven National Guard states conducting space operations.
Aug. 14, 2023 Minot AFB develop prototype gloves for extreme cold temperatures Minot AFB's innovation cell, Atomic Spark, delivered an innovative solution that will be beneficial to Airmen during extreme cold weather.
Aug. 9, 2023 DoD releases findings from independent panel review of Microelectronics Quantifiable Assurance Effort The National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 directed the DAF chief scientist to assemble an independent panel of experts and conduct a review of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Microelectronics Quantifiable Assurance efforts.
Aug. 8, 2023 People, purpose, passion: Air National Guard affixes focuses at leadership symposium More than 200 Guard Airmen attended the 2023 Air National Guard Enlisted Leadership Symposium in Alexandria, Virginia Aug. 2-4.
Aug. 8, 2023 Air Force selects 9K for E5 promotion The staff sergeant promotion list will be available on the Air Force Personnel Center public website Aug. 10 at 8 a.m. CDT. Airmen will also be able to access their score notices on the virtual Military Personnel Flight via the AFPC Secure page.
Aug. 7, 2023 Brandon Act expedites mental health care referrals for Airmen, Guardians The Brandon Act is intended to help identify and get care for mental health concerns by making it easier to access – and required of leaders to take seriously – mental health support by referencing “The Brandon Act” when they need a referral to mental health services.
Aug. 5, 2023 AFCEC plays vital role in DAF climate plan initiatives AFCEC has a significant role in climate change initiatives intended to enhance resiliency at Air Force installations by addressing the risks severe weather poses to infrastructure, operational capabilities and readiness as outlined in the DAF Climate Campaign Plan.
Aug. 3, 2023 Eglin AFB fish removed from endangered species list The Okaloosa darter is a two-inch, perch-like fish unique and critical to the balance of six clear stream systems within Eglin and draining into two Choctawhatchee Bay bayous in Walton and Okaloosa counties in northwest Florida.
Aug. 2, 2023 Davis-Monthan AFB identified as AFSOC’s next power projection wing The 492nd Special Operations Wing is slated to become a power projection wing with all of AFSOC’s mission capabilities.
Aug. 1, 2023 Travis AFB welcomes its first KC-46A Pegasus The KC-46A aircraft will be operated by the 6th and 9th Air Refueling Squadrons for the active component and the 70th and 79th Air Refueling Squadrons for the Air Force Reserve Command.
July 30, 2023 CSTR proof of concept tests Defender unit-led training, equipment delivery The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center established combat support training ranges across the enterprise with a security forces-focused proof of concept exercise at the Silver Flag site on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 17-28.
July 29, 2023 76th CMXG starts sand casting aluminum parts The 76th Commodity Maintenance Group’s new foundry can sand cast aluminum parts up to 120 pounds, providing another avenue for sourcing aircraft parts not easily obtained through traditional contracting methods.
July 27, 2023 SecAF visits 90th MW Airmen, serves as rodeo grand marshal Kendall visited F.E. Warren to connect with Airmen of the 90th Missile Wing and hear about the quality of life there, speak with city leaders about local challenges and successes in the community, and to learn about the intercontinental ballistic missile mission and modernization efforts.
July 26, 2023 Connected battlespace modernizes fight in Indo-Pacific Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, working with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center, sent their modified KC-135 Stratotanker to Kadena Air Base for use in the Western Pacific during Northern Edge 23-2.
July 26, 2023 Kadena AB aces dispersed operations during Northern Edge 23-2 U.S. service members integrated with Japan Self-Defense Forces, French air and space forces and other allies and partners to enhance Agile Combat Employment capabilities from dispersed locations during Northern Edge 23-2, July 2-21.
July 25, 2023 Multi-capable equipment initiative wins 2023 AFIMSC Innovation Rodeo An idea to deliver multi-capable equipment for agile combat employment operations won the 2023 Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Innovation Rodeo July 21 in San Antonio.
July 24, 2023 AMC's largest global exercise proves success in Indo-Pacific theater The debut of the exercise in the Indo-Pacific saw 70 mobility aircraft with more than 3,000 service members from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. surge across an exercise area spanning 13 million square miles.
July 24, 2023 12th ACCS flies last mission with KOMODO 1 crew The 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron flew its last Joint STARS flight as KOMODO 1 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, on July 12.
July 22, 2023 Mobility Guardian 23 sharpens AFMC’s warfighter support Air Force Materiel Command logisticians have worked behind the scenes on Exercise Mobility Guardian 23 since Fall 2022 and are critical to the successful planning and execution of Air Mobility Command’s largest, and arguably most challenging, exercise in years.
July 19, 2023 CMSAF visits 501st CSW Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass visited the 501st Combat Support Wing July 11-13.
July 18, 2023 DAF leaders join Royal Air Force at Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 RIAT is heralded as the largest airshow in the world, typically attracting more than 150,000 spectators over the course of a weekend.
July 17, 2023 Wedgetail Trilateral Joint Vision Statement signed at Royal International Air Tattoo A joint vision statement was signed by heads of the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and the United States Air Force, setting out their mutual intent to work collaboratively on the development of their countries’ Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.
July 16, 2023 Project Arc seeks innovators to solve DAF challenges The program is looking for Airmen and Guardians from all occupations who are obsessed with tech, have a curiosity to tinker and want to solve problems.
July 15, 2023 AFRL Airlift Challenge tests AI-based logistics for future operations The Air Force Research Laboratory, hosted an Airlift Challenge competition in January 2023. This online competition is helping to advance state-of-the-art planning algorithms for executing airlift operations for the United States Air Force.
July 13, 2023 CMSAF holds all-call with Scott AFB Airmen As the voice of the Air Force’s enlisted corps, Bass travels worldwide visiting Air Force installations and ensuring the voices of the enlisted force are heard.
July 10, 2023 KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany, Netherlands Members of the 86th AES conduct monthly training with the 93rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in a KC-135 Stratotanker to maintain familiarity with the aircraft.
July 7, 2023 Stories of Service: When raising your right hand makes a difference Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Reedy and Maj. Kyle Konkolics received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their heroic role in a rescue mission of an American hostage in Africa in October 2020. This is their Story of Service.
July 5, 2023 AMC, allies kickoff Mobility Guardian 23 in Indo-Pacific Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, Air Mobility Command’s largest full-spectrum readiness exercise in the command’s history, began July 5 in the Indo-Pacific region.
June 30, 2023 Vietnam War pilot returns home The remains of U.S. Air Force pilot Col. Ernest Leo De Soto, who went missing during the Vietnam War, have finally come home.
June 30, 2023 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s counterpart visit with Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. hosted the Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană for an official counterpart visit recognizing Romania as a valued NATO ally.
June 29, 2023 AFWERX integrates uncrewed traffic management to enhance safety, security AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate have installed an Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management, or UTM, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
June 28, 2023 AEDC Spark Tank: Imager enhances leak detection, electrical inspection capabilities The group obtained an acoustic imager to identify leaks in compressed air, gas and vacuum systems.
June 27, 2023 Airmen to see changes in deployment cycles with AFFORGEN The U.S. Air Force is transitioning away from the expeditionary Air Force model of force presentation to the Air Force Force Generation model after more than 20 years of contingency operations.
June 26, 2023 Remembering the epic triumph of the Berlin Airlift: Secretary Kendall, Airlift participants recognize 75th anniversary of greatest humanitarian airlift in history June 26 marks the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.
June 25, 2023 AMC celebrates 100th year of air refueling with community flyovers across the US More than 150 tankers from 26 Total Force installations are scheduled to participate in the flyovers including KC-135 Stratotankers, KC-10 Extenders and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft to honor 100 years of aerial refueling excellence.
June 23, 2023 New York Air Guard assists search for lost submersible The wing launched three search missions 900 miles out over the North Atlantic from their base on the eastern tip of Long Island June 19-21 at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard.
June 23, 2023 Air Force releases FY24 special duty assignment pay adjustments The Air Force has completed its annual review of special duty assignment pay for enlisted members using a new board process to ensure appropriate distribution based off the SDAP definition.
June 22, 2023 Air Force senior leaders hold contested logistics table-top exercise Senior Air Force officials gathered to discuss strategy, policy and the future fight at the CORONA-South summit at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, where senior leaders held a table-top exercise focused on the strategic risks related to conducting logistics in contested environments.
June 21, 2023 DAF chief scientist, MIT host AI workshop Dr. Victoria Coleman, chief scientist of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Department of the Air Force-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Artificial Intelligence Accelerator, hosted a foundational innovation and technology education workshop June 5-8.
June 18, 2023 Hanscom AFB leaders invest in energy resiliency Installation officials are demonstrating their commitment to bolster Hanscom Air Force Base’s energy resiliency and efficiency through innovative pilot programs, partnerships and prioritizing energy-related projects.
June 15, 2023 Stories of Service: From Egypt to New Egypt, one Airman's pursuit of happiness, the American dream For Airman 1st Class Marian Tawfik, orginally from Minya, Egypt, coming to America was a dream fulfilled. The journey was, at times, a perilous one, but has formed an immense sense of gratitude towards the rights and privileges many take for granted.
June 14, 2023 Kadena AB maintainers win AF level Daedalian Award The trophy is presented annually to a wing-level Air Force unit determined to have the best weapons system maintenance record for the preceding calendar year.
June 13, 2023 128th ARW provides air bridge in support of Air Defender 2023 The 128th ARW KC-135 Stratotankers acted as a flying gas station, using a boom system to transfer fuel to the receiving aircraft, maximizing operational efficiency and reducing transit times.
June 12, 2023 AF hosts humanitarian aid disaster relief training exercise for AOCs, historic first FAA participation 505th Combat Training Squadron Airmen executed a Regional Air Movement Coordination Center exercise at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
June 11, 2023 24 nations unite at Military Nursing Exchange to enhance USAFE-AFAFRICA partnerships, readiness The conference featured talks from various international medical professionals, centered on this year’s theme, ‘Military Medics: Optimizing Partnerships and Readiness.’
June 10, 2023 DAF Civilian engineer accepted in foreign exchange program in Germany A civilian engineer with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory applied to the exchange program as an opportunity to broaden his career.
June 9, 2023 US, RAAF senior leaders integrate for future operations in Air Senior National Representatives forum U.S. and Royal Australian Air Force service members came together to discuss challenges and posture for the future during this year’s iteration of the Air Senior National Representatives forum at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, May 15-17.
June 8, 2023 AFMC innovation team revolutionizes stealth fighter fleet An F-35A Lightning II recently took flight with a complement of software applications developed by government and industry providers previously tested on the F-22 Raptor – demonstrating for the first time the ability to use the same tactical software applications on both stealth fighters.
June 7, 2023 SecAF Reading List: Understanding Our Pacing Challenge Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall presents his reading list providing suggested works intended to enhance knowledge of China’s history, culture, society, strategy, and military modernization program – and their implications for the Air Force and Space Force.
June 7, 2023 AFSFC tests new tool to streamline MWD kennel projects across DAF The Air Force Security Forces Center recently tested a new assessment tool designed to streamline the way the Department of the Air Force tracks and prioritizes repair, renovation and replacement projects at military working dog kennels.
June 5, 2023 Benefield Anechoic Facility tests first space satellite in decades Anticipated to launch in late 2023, Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) will be the Department of Defense’s first experimental, integrated navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years.
June 5, 2023 Air Force announces FY23 Legacy Aviation Bonus Program The Legacy AvB Program builds upon the previous years' offers to decisively shape and retain experienced rated officers to meet Air Force retention, training and mission-readiness requirements to maintain lethality of the force.
June 4, 2023 Healy testifies before defense subcommittee Chief of the Air Force Reserve Lt. Gen. John P. Healy and other senior DoD leaders from the Guard and Reserve testify before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in regards to the fiscal year 2024 budget.
June 2, 2023 AFCEC successfully tests multi-capable Airmen airfield repair concept The exercise, the first of its kind for AFCEC, successfully demonstrated the concept, said Master Sgt. Broc French, contingency training program manager at the center.
May 31, 2023 Department of the Air Force announces preferred locations for STARCOM HQ, 3 Deltas The DAF selected Patrick SFB, Fla., as the preferred location to host the Space Training and Readiness Command HQ, along with Space Delta 10. Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the preferred location for Space Delta 11 and Schriever SFB, Colo., is the preferred location for Space Delta 12.
May 31, 2023 Seeing into the future: AF looks to AI for data analysis Tomorrow’s operating environment requires Airmen to have the most accurate and up-to-date intelligence to act quickly in real time, today. Headquarters Air Staff have developed six software programs for career fields using AI to conduct data analysis.
May 29, 2023 101 Critical Days of Summer defending the human weapon system The 101 Critical Days of Summer begins on Memorial Day weekend. Airmen should use sound risk management in all off-duty summer activities to stay safe.
May 28, 2023 PACAF RQ-4 Global Hawks arrive at Yokota Air Base U.S. Pacific Air Forces began positioning RQ-4 Global Hawks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to provide theater-wide enduring operations in support of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
May 27, 2023 AATC tests enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper upgrade The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness to combatant commanders around the world.
May 26, 2023 MagNav project successfully demonstrates real-time magnetic navigation In a groundbreaking achievement, the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator MagNav project performed real-time magnetic navigation aboard a C-17A Globemaster III in flight, becoming the first organization to successfully demonstrate the technology in real-time on a DoD aircraft.
May 25, 2023 Air Force’s Enlisted Swap Assignment Program starts June 1 The Air Force Enlisted Swap Assignment Program goes live June 1 for senior master sergeants and below with a current assignment. This new policy provides Airmen with more control and new flexibilities in their assignment process.
May 25, 2023 Air Force selects 4,998 in master sergeant promotion cycle, to post May 31 Air Force officials selected 4,998 Air Force technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant out of 28,831 eligible for a selection rate of 17.3% in the 23E7 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities.
May 24, 2023 Enduring PACE exercise bolsters communications readiness throughout South Korea The 7th Air Force recently conducted exercise Enduring PACE putting communication Airmen and equipment to the test.
May 24, 2023 Environmental analysis clears Sentinel missile infrastructure construction for takeoff The construction phase of Sentinel, the Air Force’s multi-billion-dollar missile modernization effort, was cleared for takeoff May 19 as Robert Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, signed the project’s environmental record of decision.
May 23, 2023 Pacific Air Forces Airmen test Next Generation Aircrew Protection equipment Airmen with the 15th Wing and 154th Fighter Squadron on Hickam Air Force Base tested and trained new CBRN protection techniques on the F-22 Raptor.
May 20, 2023 Under the Wings JROTC cadet mentorship program launches The Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development has formally launched a new mentorship program that will link Airmen, Guardians, Guardsmen and Reservists with Air Force/Space Force Junior ROTC cadets in high schools at their units across the nation and some places abroad May
May 19, 2023 Around the Air Force: Defense Innovation, Defender 23, Prepping the Line In this week’s look around the Air Force, SecAF talks about the future of innovation and collaboration with partners and allies, the Air Force supports Defender 23, and new supervisors have an additional resource for taking care of Airmen. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton)
May 18, 2023 Air Force, Space Force to offer medals, promotions for recruiting support Airmen and Guardians can now receive decorations or promotions through recruiting referrals under the new Airman and Guardian Referral Program.
May 18, 2023 Air Force solicits source selection proposals for NGAD Platform The Department of the Air Force released a classified solicitation to industry for an engineering and manufacturing development contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance Platform with the intent to award a contract in 2024.
May 16, 2023 Cadet team conducts robotics research The cadet-driven research focuses on gathering data and developing solutions to integrate a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 robot into base defense.
May 14, 2023 US Air Force F-22 Raptors deter aggression over Baltic skies U.S. Air Force fifth-generation fighters supporting NATO Allied Air Command’s Air Shielding mission along the Eastern Flank executed an ACE deployment to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to deter aggression in the Baltic Sea region.
May 13, 2023 AOC FTU augments Austere Challenge 2023 The exercise brought together military and civilian personnel from EUCOM forces and its components to contribute virtually across Europe in the weeklong command post exercise simulating coordinating a response to a fictional major crisis.
May 13, 2023 Technical training students gain learning connectivity through expanded Wi-Fi project In an effort to advance learning opportunities for Airmen, and enable training and education from any device, AETC officials have expanded a project installing commercial wireless internet across the command and into all training dormitories.
May 9, 2023 FY22 DAF Safety Awards released The FY22 Department of the Air Force Safety Awards Program provides organizations, teams, and individuals the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work, enhanced performance, accomplishments, and feats in safety.
May 6, 2023 Rapid Sustainment Office’s CBM+ artificial intelligence toolkit earns Air Force System of Record designation The Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office’s Predictive Analytics and Decision Assistant leverages artificial intelligence software to transform logistics data into actionable predictive maintenance alerts.
May 5, 2023 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
May 1, 2023 New deployed medical training to expand medical skills, build multi-capable medics The rollout of MEDIC-X is the Air Force Medical Service’s response to the demand for multi-capable Airmen which requires equipping Airmen with skills that go beyond their duty title.
April 29, 2023 Air Force modernizes nuclear security with advanced JLTV vehicle Security Forces Airmen from the 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron conducted the first operational mission with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle supporting launch facility maintenance near Harrisburg, Nebraska, April 24.
April 28, 2023 Effective June 1, First Term Airmen can retrain into AFSCs under 90% manning in lieu of separation The Air Force is changing the process of how First Term Airmen can retrain to provide additional opportunities for Airmen to stay in uniform instead of separating.
April 23, 2023 Food Summit looks to future of 27-plus DAF stateside dining operations With the Food 2.0 Owners Summit held in an innovative kitchen environment, attendees had the opportunity to see demonstrations of state-of-the-art culinary equipment and to taste food prepared by seasoned chefs.
April 20, 2023 Rated Preparatory Program: Master sergeant gains experience for rated career opportunities The RPP is an opportunity for active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted members interested in becoming rated officers to develop basic aviation skills, enhance their aviation knowledge through developmental modules and acquire flying experience at no cost.