AFSO 21 team learns 'Lean' lessons from Dover Airmen

An Air Force Smart Operations 21 team from the office of the secretary of the Air Force gained valuable insight into how to "Lean" a work process during a visit to Dover Air Force Base, Del., Aug. 21 to 25. The AFSO 21 team from the Pentagon is comprised of 72 master process officers going through a

Charleston closed, airlift still going strong

Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., closed Aug. 31 because of severe weather conditions from Tropical Storm Ernesto, but the base's global airlift mission is still enduring. The base's fleet of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft evacuated Aug. 30 to Whiteman AFB, Mo., and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to

Electronic travel system streamlines business process

The Air Force has completed deployment of a new computerized travel system at all its major installations. The Defense Travel System was installed Aug. 10 at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., marking the end of a nearly three-year deployment of the system to bases in both the United States and

Airmen experience tip of expeditionary spear

Most Airmen have experienced the expeditionary air and space force, but for about 170 Airmen serving in the military personnel exchange program, the term "expeditionary" takes on a whole new meaning. Officers and senior NCOs serving in the MPEP are assigned to nearly three dozen foreign air forces

Vice president thanks servicemembers for vigilance

Vice President Dick Cheney delivered a message of thanks and support to the 7,000 Airmen, Sailor, Marines and Soldiers here during a visit Aug. 29. "I'm here today because the president and I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do on behalf of the United States," the vice

Chief McKinley addresses senior rater, stratification policy

In his first "Enlisted Perspective," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley discusses the new senior rater policy and use of stratification statements for enlisted performance reports. Stratification statements take into consideration the number or percentage of enlisted members in a

Leadership development program assists GS-15 advancement

A new leadership development program called GS-15 LD provides a total force development vision for Air Force civilians in the GS-15 grade, preparing them for senior roles in the Department of Defense. "We're working hard to prepare these people to successfully lead at the Senior Executive Service

Air Force legend passes away at 86

Retired Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, U.S. Air Force Academy dean of the faculty from 1956 to 1968, died Aug. 28 in San Antonio. He suffered a stroke Aug. 17 and died at Brooke Army Medical Center. He was 86. The namesake of the academy's McDermott Library, he began his military career as a combat

Bases work with FEMA to provide aid

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Air Force provided support in many ways -- some of that from a distance. Numerous bases worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency by providing locations for use as staging points to accelerate the delivery of supplies to hurricane victims.

Joint review fosters communication, collaboration

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials recently traveled to Atlanta where they completed their yearly Joint Program Review of basic research funded projects. Hundreds of notable researchers and scientists attended this year's program representing the Air Force Research Laboratory,

Life after Katrina, Airmen ready to help again

The fifth tropical depression of the year is gathering force in the Caribbean Sea and making a beeline for the Gulf of Mexico. It might, or might not, turn into a hurricane. Either way, there is no doubt Airmen at bases along the Gulf Coast are wondering if they will soon have to hunker down and

Tenacious trainers triumph in Katrina's wake

One of Keesler's most remarkable Hurricane Katrina success stories is the resurgence of the 81st Training Group. Training, Keesler's primary mission, has not only rebounded, but has flourished in the past year, said Col. Deborah Van De Ven, who took command of the 81st TRG a month after Katrina's

Airmen, Soldiers say farewell to comrade in Iraq

Honored as a hero, leader and friend, a member from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was remembered here by Airmen of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and Soldiers of Logistics Support Area Anaconda Aug. 24. During the memorial service, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Stan Giles, the 732nd Expeditionary Mission

Air Force leaders attend Blue Summit

More than 600 senior Air Force leaders gathered here Aug. 24 at the invitation of their top uniformed leader to discuss issues of importance to that service. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley invited all general officers from the ranks of active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force

Holloman's BEAR ready to deploy

As the first anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in American history approaches, Holloman Airmen are prepared for anything. The 49th Material Maintenance Group maintains a constant state of readiness for equipment that might be tasked to support any Department of Defense or Federal

Air Force legal leaders meet with Afghan counterparts

Two Air Force legal leaders visited Southwest Asia in August, stopping in Kabul, Afghanistan, for a two-day seminar with Afghan military legal leaders on the rule of law.Maj. Gen. Jack Rives, Air Force judge advocate general, and Col. Lindsey Graham, appellate military judge, met leaders from the

New senior acquisition executive on board

Air Force officials recently named the new assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. As the Air Force's new senior acquisition executive, Sue C. Payton is responsible for all Air Force research, development and non-space acquisition activities. She provides direction, guidance and

AFPC names O'Malley Award winner

The former Keesler Air Force Base commander and his wife who led the base's recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina recently won the 2006 Gen. and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award. Maj. Gen. William Lord and his wife, Cynthia, received the award that recognizes the wing commander-and-spouse team

Academy engineering among nation's top programs

Several U.S. Air Force Academy undergraduate engineering programs rank among the top in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report's America's best colleges 2007 rankings. The U.S. News & World Report rankings were released Aug. 18. The rankings are separated by which universities offer

Senior leaders eye robust intelligence capabilities, people

Several active duty and retired senior leaders from the Air Force intelligence community gathered with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley at the Pentagon recently as part of an intelligence summit and strategy session. The leaders are reviewing how and when the Air Force uses

Falcons eye 'Return to Dominance'

The Air Force football team broke out new uniforms for its annual media day following their first fall practice last week. The players told reporters the 2006 season will be the Falcons' "Return to Dominance." "Their motto sends a great message to me," Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry said.

Convoy Airmen face challenging duties

For more than two years Airmen have been driving convoys for the Army on some of the most dangerous roads in the world. From their Army camp to the border of southern Iraq and to the most northern reaches of a country roughly the size of California, members of the 586th Expeditionary Logistics

Space Command focuses on tailoring mission with new triad

Strategic deterrence, securing the space domain and recapitalizing on a lesser budget are among the priorities for the Air Force Space Command commander.In keeping with the theme, "Global missions... meeting the challenge," Gen. Kevin P. Chilton spoke on the future of Air Force space missions at the

AETC preparing for reduced civilian authorizations

Air Education and Training Command officials are looking at ways to streamline organizations to smaller, more agile forces and organizational structures to reduce the effect of reductions in the civilian workforce next spring.The Air Force plans to reduce its civilian workforce strength by 2,000

Air Force recruiting meeting its goal for 7th year

The Air Force is on track to make its recruiting goal this year, marking the seventh consecutive year the service has brought in the right number and mix of new Airmen. To date, 25,645 people have enlisted in the Air Force and entered active duty in fiscal 2006. That puts the Air Force on pace to

AFSO21 Leans out uniform development

In January, a limited number of the new Air Force utility uniforms will roll off production lines. Their arrival will mark the end of a nearly five-year development cycle. Lessons learned from development of the Airman Battle Uniform will be applied to the Air Force's next uniform project, the

Inventory boost cuts down repair turnaround times

A $10 million addition to the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron parts inventory is allowing quicker turnaround on repairs to aircraft, vehicles and aerospace ground equipment. "The additional inventory will increase the timeliness of repairs and reduce the number of multimillion

AFSO 21 breathes new life into old system

The 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron here has streamlined the way its receiving shop conducts business using the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century concept.The material maintenance flight began by assembling a team from the traffic management, vehicle operations and supply offices

Air Force still hiring

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Air Force is still hiring. People interested in joining are always encouraged to apply, even in light of the Air Force's recently released force-shaping initiatives. To match the Air Force's new strength numbers, next year's recruiting goals have reduced by nine

Sather medics treat detainees

Airmen here supported an Army forward surgical team in providing medical treatment to detainees as they transitioned from the Abu Ghraib Theater Internment Facility to a new facility on Camp Cropper near Baghdad.Multi-National Force-Iraq officials established the new facility July 30 to replace Abu

New Web portal to help enlisted career development

Enlisted Airmen will soon have a new development Web site portal designed to meet all of their career development needs, allowing them to navigate different aspects of their time in service from their desktop computers, Air Force officials here said. My Enlisted Development Plan, or MyEDP, is

AMC Airmen take part in Tuskegee Airmen convention

Nearly 90 Air Mobility Command Airmen participated in the 35th Annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention here July 31 to Aug. 4, celebrating the history of the nation's first black combat pilots. The event was particularly memorable for one participant attending his first convention."I found out

Congress approves separation incentives for officers; no decision for enlisted

As part of the Air Force's Force Shaping Program initiatives, officers are being offered voluntary separation pay to leave the service earlier than scheduled, said an Air Force officer here recently. VSP allows government agencies that are downsizing or restructuring to offer employees a lump-sum

Confrontation management exercise

New Air Force lieutenant colonels selected for SDE

The lieutenant colonel central selection board held at the Air Force Personnel Center here has identified senior developmental education "selects." Officers identified as selects join a resource pool of officers who will be considered for future attendance at in-residence SDE. SDE enhances the

Academy stands up new cadet squadrons

The Air Force Academy will stand up four new cadet squadrons during an assumption of command ceremony here Aug. 6. Maj. Fred Cunningham will assume command of Squadron 37; Maj. Ryan Plunkett will assume command of Squadron 38, Maj. Phillip Tucker will assume command of Squadron 39; and Maj. Gilberto

Wynne: We are logisticians of information

As does its enemies, the Air Force considers cyberspace a warfighting domain. The Air Force has always been in the business of flying and fighting in the air, and in past decades, has included space in that mission. This year the Air Force expanded its mission to include cyberspace -- the domain of

FAA authorizes Predators to seek survivors

Traditionally tasked to hunt for targets, Air Combat Command's Predators are now authorized to seek survivors during disaster relief operations. A certificate of authorization, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration May 18, allows the MQ-1 or MQ-9 to support relief operations by providing

Ramstein's north airstrip receives makeover

The north runway here is under a nearly $20 million, three-phase construction plan that will extend it 1,000 feet and allow heavier air transports to take off fully loaded."Construction started in mid-April and it's one week ahead of the planned completion date of January 1," said Capt. David

Cancer doesn’t stop Air Force cyclists from crossing Iowa

Tears don’t fall lightly from a colonel, especially in front of more than 120 other Airmen. But when Col. John Clarke presented Pamela Vineyard a plaque, representing a weeklong bike ride across the state of Iowa, the tears were evidence of the inspiring and amazing example of her strength and

15th CMSAF takes first look at space

On his first visit here July 28 as the top enlisted servicemember in the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley stressed the importance of recognizing, leading and taking care of Airmen. "I want to focus on our junior enlisted to make sure we take care of them," he said.

Aerial port Airmen make own training opportunities

When the flow of aircraft in and out of this base slows, 727th Air Mobility Squadron troops find ways to keep their training current. That means Airmen must mob the C-5 Galaxy or C-17 Globemaster III aircraft that do arrive -- or deploy to other bases in Europe and the Middle East to train. "Our

Handbook helps weapon systems get to warfighter quicker

The Department of Defense is constantly looking for ways to reduce the time it takes to get new weapon systems in the hands of the warfighter. The acquisition community at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command here is helping the DOD do just that. The acquisition logistics division recently rolled

Lakenheath Strike Eagles return from Bulgaria

Airmen and their F-15E Strike Eagles returned to this base today from Bulgaria with new flying skills and friends in a land they had never visited. About 200 Airmen and 10 jets from the 48th Fighter Wing deployed to Graf-Isnatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, for the two-week exercise Immediate Response that

Retirements application process centralized for reservists

Beginning July 31, all eligible members of the Air Force Reserve will submit retirement applications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve, a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week customer service Web portal operated by the Air Reserve Personnel Center here. "The ultimate goal is to

Balad Air Base now part of Air Force Public Web

Airmen in Iraq supporting the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base can expect to see a new look on their public Web site. The Air Force plan to consolidate and standardize the appearance of its sites has reached deployed bases as part of the Air Force Public Web program. The Secretary of

Hospital revamps referral appointment system

Air Force Smart Ops 21 initiatives are not just for operational matters. The Referral Management Center at the hospital here is making a difference in the care for all patients requiring the need of a specialist. The hospital caters to more than 21 specialties in 12 separate clinics, according to

Retraining program seeks to fill more than 1,100 positions

The 2007 NCO Retraining Program begins today as the Air Force seeks to fill more than 1,100 shortage career field and special duty positions. NCOs notified of their vulnerability to retrain must submit their shortage career field choices they would most like to retrain into or apply for a special

Incirlik continues helping Americans leaving Lebanon

The new Incirlik Deployment Processing Center officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30. Just a few weeks later, the facility is serving as a real-world reception center for 1,600 American citizens leaving Lebanon and seeking travel back to the United States. More than 500 Airmen

'Check It' campaign to promote mission focus, stewardship

Everyone within the Defense Department makes an important contribution to the overall mission, so it's critical that every member -- military, civilian and contractor alike -- ensures he or she does his or her job right. That's the message behind "Check It," a new Defense Department campaign that

Researchers conduct workshop on biologically inspired flight

Air Force Office of Scientific Research officials here recently completed a workshop entitled "Biologically Inspired Flight for Micro Air Vehicles" in Denver. Micro air vehicles, or MAVs, are part of a new breed of remotely controlled aircraft that are significantly smaller than currently available

Experience a key training tool at Security Forces Academy

A unit here is taking Airmen's combat experiences and merging them into the training they provide security forces bound for duty "outside the wire" in war zones. The 343rd Training Squadron has added combat experience to their Security Forces Academy to better prepare Airmen to provide air base

Photos, documentation help in disaster recovery

Taking photos of knick-knacks and furniture may not seem like a fun way to spend a weekend, but it could save Airmen and families thousands of dollars in the event of a major disaster, said an Air Force Legal Operations Agency official here. Whether loss is from fire, theft or natural disaster,

Guard, Reserve commission takes to the road for hearings

The Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, charged by Congress to recommend changes in the laws and policies governing its citizen Soldiers, met in San Antonio this week -- the first time the commission has met somewhere other than Washington, D.C.Six high-ranking members of the Guard and

USAFSIA receives federal accreditation

Officials from the U.S. Air Force Special Investigations Academy in Glynco, Ga., announced July 20 its accreditation by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board of Directors. The USAFSIA is the first Department of Defense law enforcement school to receive FLETA accreditation, said

Video game prepares Airmen, families for emergencies

True or False? Tornados always have a visible funnel extending to the ground. The answer to that question and more appear in the Air Force's newest training tool designed to prepare civilians, Airmen and their families for emergencies. The difference is this teaching instrument isn't a slideshow

New commander takes Air Force Recruiting reins

Air Force Recruiting Service welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 17. Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot took command from Brig. Gen. Robertus Remkes, who headed AFRS since February 2004. In her new role, General Vautrinot is the first female to lead Air Force

Air Force announces developmental education opportunities

Air Force officers interested in 2007 developmental education opportunities must begin the application process in August. A completed Air Force Form 3849, PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet, and senior rater nomination are due by Aug. 18 for officers applying for the Olmsted Scholarship, White House

Air Force leaders meet in Ohio for Corona

The Air Force's top leaders met for a forum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on July 12 to 14 to discuss the global war on terror, the state of readiness for Airmen and Air Force modernization. Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, spoke with the leaders about his area of

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

The Air Force Personnel Center here recently published its quarterly demographics report, offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force as of June 30. More information can be found at the center's analysis branch Web site: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.

AFMC leads ICE Breaker

Three Air Force Materiel Command organizations will team up with six other Air Force agencies and three industry partners to participate in an ICE Breaker July 17 to 21. In this case, the ICE Breaker is not a social event. It refers to the Air Force Integrated Collaborative Environment. The Air

Air Force cyclists join annual bike ride across Iowa

Several riders representing the Air Force are taking part in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, July 23 to 29.The annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state, in its 33rd year, has been attracting Air Force cyclists since 1995. What began as a small group

C-130 Hercules crew delivers critical supplies

A C-130 Hercules crew assigned to the 738th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron provided critical support to an Army operating location in Afghanistan on July 6 by airdropping essential supplies before a potential enemy attack. Aircraft commander Capt. Travis Sjostedt and his crew just completed their

Second phase of NSPS begins in October

The Defense Department announced plans July 12 to transfer more than 66,000 additional DOD civilian employees into the new National Security Personnel System beginning in October. The plan, delivered to Congress earlier this week, ushers in the second phase in implementing the new

Civilian personnel system integrates under one umbrella

A symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Air Force Personnel Center here to mark the Directorate of Civilian Force Integration's initial operating capability. Maj. Gen. Tony Przybyslawski, AFPC commander, praised the civilian Airmen for what they have accomplished and reminded them of

From Holloman to Hollywood, Transformers make movie magic

Lights, camera, action! Airmen at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., home to the Air Force's only operational F-117 wing, got to experience a new kind of rush as Hollywood invaded their base. The DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures live-action film "Transformers," set to release in July 2007, will feature

Officials encourage purchase of renters insurance

With hurricane season in full-swing, military officials are encouraging servicemembers who don't own their own homes to purchase renters insurance to protect their personal property."Hurricane season is now upon us. We urge you, particularly if you live in an area prone to nature's fury, to examine

C-17 deployment length, efficiency increase

In a break from the past, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and Airmen supporting the aircraft are deploying to the theaters and operating from one location for an entire air and space expeditionary force rotation. Previously a squadron traveled to an area, flew 14-15 days, then returned home. About one-third

Command and control focus of new research project

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, in cooperation with Binghamton University in New York, has started funding a research project targeted at improving the strength and availability of command and control networks. The team, led by Dr. N. Eva Wu, professor in the department of electrical

Insurance alternative available for federal employees

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program offers federal employees an option when purchasing long-term-care insurance. The insurance policy helps defray the cost of in-home, nursing home or assisted living facility care for people who cannot care for themselves due to chronic health conditions.

AFIT linked to past, future of America's space program

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, has long been involved with America's efforts in space. Its association began with the early test flights of the high-altitude research aircraft, the X-15, and has continued to NASA's "Return to Flight" Discovery space shuttle launch July 4.Col. Steve

Bagram aircrews drop treats to Soldiers on fourth

Aircrews from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron airdropped something special on the Fourth of July for Soldiers at some of the most remote forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. The 230th birthday of the United States proved to be another hot, dusty day here, but thanks to the C-130

Airmen train to prepare for 'in-lieu-of' taskings

More than 800 Airmen are attending Army ground combat skills training, preparing them for operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments. The Airmen require the training because they will be assigned duties outside their normal Air Force specialties. In the near-term, these numbers are

Air Force provides Army's weather support

Many people do not realize the U.S. Army receives its weather support from the Air Force as part of an inter-service agreement when the two became separate services.Airmen from the 7th Weather Squadron, with headquarters at Heidelberg, Germany, have been providing that support since 1942.Supporting

District dedicates hydropower plant, government center

Governor Haji Bahlol and provincial leaders dedicated a new micro-hydropower station and governance facility at ceremonies in the Shutol District here June 28.The two projects, which have an important link, are provincial reconstruction team initiatives undertaken at the request of the governor. The

Basic training grads say 4th of July feels different now

Last year Airman 1st Class Samantha Riddle spent Independence Day floating down a river and watching fireworks. The day meant nothing more than a chance to hang out with friends and to enjoy a day off from the daily grind of working in the medical field. Now, as a graduate of Air Force basic

Joint forces team up for first sergeant training

Senior NCOs from the U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force received additional-duty first sergeant training to learn important skills required to be a first sergeant. Two instructors traveled from the Air Force First Sergeant Academy at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to teach the one-week

Wavelet researchers want to ease decision-making process

An Air Force Research Laboratory team began a new study on wavelets to help information analysts better prioritize workload. Basically, a wavelet represents a snapshot of information at a given point in time. The research team's estimated $200,000, one-year-long project is titled: "A New Paradigm in

Academy making strides in sexual assault prevention

In 2003, the Air Force Academy faced negative attention from the press and drew the ire of parents and lawmakers alike because victims of sexual assault at the school who reported their cases were not given appropriate attention. The academy's commandant of cadets, Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins,

Highly modified C-130 ready for war on terrorism

The beginning of an era for Robins Air Force Base and the warfighters of Air Force Special Operations Command was marked June 28 as the first-of-its-kind MC-130W was presented to Lt. Gen. Michael W. Wooley, AFSOC commander, in a ceremony here."A lot of work went into this aircraft," said Maj. Gen.

Academy grad named 2006 MWC male student-athlete

U.S. Air Force Academy 2006 graduate Matt Karmondy was honored as the Mountain West Conference Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Established by the Mountain West Conference Joint Council in 1999, the award is the highest honor presented to a student-athlete by the league. The award is bestowed

Logistics sleuths solve mysteries of disappearing parts

By finding aircraft parts that are missing, misrouted or stranded in transit, a multi-organizational team led by Air Force Materiel Command's warfighter sustainment division is returning more of the capability to warfighters when they need it. AFMC members helped recover parts worth $4.5 million in

AFSO 21 streamlines logistics processes

Airmen with the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Material Management Flight are implementing a new way of thinking by streamlining their process of asset distribution at Incirlik and collocating people into one building. "We are wringing out the water and giving time back to our Airmen," said Capt.

Falcons ready to recapture Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

For Air Force Academy football players, last season was one to be remembered, but not so much for the things athletes normally enjoy reminiscing. As players walked victoriously from the field after blowing out New Mexico with a strong 42-24 win in the 2005 season finale, it felt good to finish

SGLI premium rate changes July 1

The monthly premium rate for basic Servicemember's Group Life Insurance increases by 5 cents per month for each $10,000 of coverage, from 65 cents per month per $10,000 to 70 cents per month per $10,000, effective July 1. On the same date, family SGLI premiums will decrease across the board. The

Laughlin students keep air traffic controllers busy

Just outside this small border town, with its low-key appearance and down-home lifestyle, Airmen control the Air Force's sixth busiest runway. Airmen of the 47th Operations Support Squadron's air traffic control complex at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, operate in a unique training environment.

Spouses overseas get funding to pursue degrees

Diane Rhinehart is ready to compete in the job market once she and her active-duty husband return to the United States next summer. During her stay here, the mother of four has completed her master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix with the help of the Air Force. Mrs. Rhinehart is

Direct hire authority offers flexible civilian recruitment

Direct hire authority provides Air Force managers the capability to hire employees when the Office of Personnel Management determines a severe candidate shortage or critical hiring need exists. Working with civilian personnel flight specialists, the program allows managers to recruit and hire

Chief of staff presents sergeant with Purple Heart Medal

A sergeant severely wounded in action in Afghanistan received the Purple Heart Medal today, pinned on his chest by the Air Force chief of staff. Staff Sgt. Israel del Toro Jr. accepted the medal from Gen. T. Michael Moseley at a ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San

Electronic claims enhance Tricare pharmacy benefit

Tricare beneficiaries with other health insurance no longer have to file paper claims for prescriptions filled at most retail pharmacies. Retail pharmacists can immediately submit electronic claims to Tricare when beneficiaries purchase medications. "It is a great example of how collaboration with

'Lean tools' hammer waste, improve processes

Many people within Air Force Materiel Command associate toolboxes with maintenance-oriented jobs. However, with the renewed emphasis on continuous improvement, more people are turning to their "Lean" toolbox. This toolbox contains various Lean improvement tools that are part of Air Force Smart

Retraining program achieves 95 percent success

The NCO Retraining Program, designed to balance the enlisted force by moving NCOs from career fields with overages to those with shortages, has reached an unprecedented 95 percent of the Air Staff goal for the fiscal 2006 program. This is the most successful NCORP to date, said officials from the

Air Force announces aviation resource management awards

Air Force officials have announced the 2005 Outstanding Air Force Aviation Resource Management of the Year award winners.The winners are: -- Airman of the Year: Senior Airman April Derrick, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. -- NCO of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Clayton Raub, 48th

Balancing capability portfolios key to Air Force success

Every day, news headlines tout successes of the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, but seldom make mention of Air Force contributions. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John D. W. Corley told lawmakers and defense industry insiders on Capitol Hill June 14 that that lack of coverage doesn't mean

Mosquitoes in the desert?

There are mosquitoes, along with spiders, snakes, wild dogs and a variety of other animals and plants, at Kirkuk and other deployed locations that can cause Airmen problems. But there are two units here fighting against these lesser-known enemies to the Air Force mission: the 506th Expeditionary

AFMC introduces 'Community of Practice' Web site

The Air Force Materiel Command Inspector General is making business easier with a new Community of Practice, or CoP, Web site. The CoP allows IG team members to collaborate with each other at the home station and on the road, said Col. Henry Andrews Jr., inspector general.“It’s a better way

Northern Edge 2006 takes joint operations to next level

Exercise Northern Edge 2006, Alaska's largest joint training exercise, concluded June 16.Nearly 5,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen worked together against a simulated enemy for two weeks, destroying targets on land and in the sea, gaining control of the Alaskan sky and performing

Air Force names 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

Air Force officials have selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2006. An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center here considered 33 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and

Lackland honors nine enlisted heroes

Nine enlisted heroes earned honors for their service and sacrifice to the Air Force and the nation during the Basic Military Training Memorialization Ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. At the June 14 ceremony, the base renamed and dedicated basic military training facilities to nine Airmen

Air Force announces integration, information award winners

The winners of the Air Force’s annual Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer Awards for 2005 have been announced. “Each year, the quality of the nominations we receive shows we have troops at every level of command who continue to excel in conducting warfighter missions around the