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  • Joint partnership brings equipment home

    Twenty-six Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group traveled to Romania in partnership with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to re-deploy the 170 th Brigade Combat team's equipment from Afghanistan to their home unit in Baumholder, Germany.The operation took less than a month with the

  • Stripes to bars: Tips on how to get commissioned

    Airmen looking to trade in their stripes for a set of bars can take advantage of five different commissioning programs offered by the Air Force. According to Melanie Mendez, 31st Force Support Squadron education and training specialist, enlisted Airmen have an advantage when applying for

  • Tuskegee Airman a success in both military and business

    A former Tuskegee Airman went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army's policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted

  • Jet engine mechanic wins language award

    Since 2002, the Air Force has awarded outstanding Airmen who possess superior foreign language skills and leveraged their capabilities to increase the Air Forces's mission effectiveness. Senior Airman Michael Abrash was recently selected as the Air Force Language Professional of the Year for

  • New fuels course graduates first class

    A new fuels training course developed by 364th Training Squadron members here officially started Jan. 23 and graduated its first students Feb. 3.The Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment Course is designed to teach fuels specialists about new equipment currently being in deployed

  • CMSAF discusses current Air Force issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy discussed top Air Force issues with more than 100 military members at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 1.Roy spoke about budget issues, resiliency and future capabilities of the Air Force.The chief said he attempts to visit the advisers

  • CMSAF stresses Airman resilience

    A soft light from Senior Airman Sarah Mattausch's mobile phone glowed in the darkness of her room before dawn on a Saturday, waking her up much earlier than expected. As she read the incoming text, Mattausch realized that her friend, her wingman, was in trouble. Mattausch's actions over the next few

  • First Afghan pilot class completes flight screening course

    A group of seven Afghan officers continued their journey to earn pilot wings by passing their first flight screening course Feb. 2 at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan.The officers are attending the first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years. The flight

  • Tuskegee Airman goes on to become first Air Force African-American general

    A man who was shunned because of his race during his four years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., back in the early 1930s would go on to become the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force.Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was born in 1912 to Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., an Army officer

  • All-AF critical care, air evac team makes historic first flight

    The first all-Air Force Critical Care Air Transport and Aero-medical Evacuation Team to fly with the only fixed wing aircraft dedicated to the medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan completed its first successful mission Jan. 13 and continues saving lives. The CCAT/AE team flies with the 76th

  • Willa Brown worked to incorporate black aviators into military

    Inspired by the achievements of Bessie Coleman during the early days of aviation, Willa Brown would go on to have an impact on African-American involvement that would lead to the creation of the famed all-African-American "Tuskegee Airmen" combat flying squadrons during World War II.As a young high

  • SecDef visits AF wounded warrior care facility

    The Secretary of Defense visited Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 3, to show his appreciation for the dedicated and hard-working service members who ensure wounded warriors receive world-class care.Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta started his visit at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility

  • Air Force announces force structure overview for FY 13 and beyond

    Air Force officials announced proposed force structure changes which support the new DoD strategic guidance retiring 286 aircraft over the next five years, including 227 in fiscal year 13.According to Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley, the Air Force is shaping itself for future challenges

  • AF officials update enlisted constrained jobs list

    Air Force Specialty Codes on the fiscal 2012 career job reservation constrained list were updated effective Feb. 1, Air Force officials announced. Four AFSCs were added to the constrained list, and three were removed.The career job reservations program enables the Air Force to control the number of

  • AF offers WAPS testing materials online

    The Air Force now offers Career Development Course volumes online for use as promotion study material. The volumes offered online are those identified in the Enlisted Promotions References and Requirements Catalog as study references for Weighted Airman Promotion System testing.The online library

  • Air Force assessing performance feedback program

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

  • Night vision course helps train trainers

    Night-vision goggles are an important tool for pilots and ground forces in low-light environments, so it's vital they learn how to properly use them.A course at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph provides advanced instruction to Airmen already familiar with NVGs so they can go back to their units and

  • DOD begins prorating imminent danger pay

    Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec.

  • Official outlines absentee voting options

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

  • First African-American pilot a war hero during WWI

    After watching his father narrowly escape a lynching in early 20th century Georgia, Eugene Bullard would escape the confines of racial tensions and a segregated country to become the first African-American combat pilot and one of the first African-American heroes of World War I.Bullard, who grew up

  • Baltimore hospital provides pre-deployment trauma training

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

  • AF basic training a family affair

    Like most any parent attending Friday's Air Force basic training graduation here, Lori Huayacla had to navigate through the crowd in search of her son.But there was a difference for the 37-year-old mother of four from Portland, Ore., Huayacla was beginning a journey her eldest son, 19-year-old

  • Review Boards Agency director retires after 58 years of federal service

    The longest-serving director of the Air Force Review Boards Agency retired Jan. 31, after serving more than 31 years in that position and more than 58 years total in federal service.Joe Lineberger, a senior executive service civilian, was retired during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md.,

  • Airmen win honors at worldwide talent search

    Air Force entertainment officials selected the top 12 entertainers from 90 Airmen who participated in the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search here Jan. 9-16.Besides being the best of the best in their respective categories, the competition allows Airmen to compete for spots on the Tops in Blue

  • Program connects officer with family heritage

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

  • U.S., Honduran Air Forces kick-off BPC mission with opening ceremony

    U.S. and Honduran airmen participated in a Jan. 25 ceremony kicking off the start of a mission designed to enhance military-to-military relations between the two nations. The U.S. Airmen, representing 15 Air Force specialties, will work side-by-side with Honduran Air Force members in developing the

  • Medical officer sees other side of care after injury

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

  • AF concludes military transfer case photo investigation

    The investigation of the 345th Training Squadron's Air Transportation Course class graduation photograph concluded recently.Members of the 37th Training Group who were involved in the photo received administrative actions documenting that their conduct brought discredit to both the military and

  • Bagram Airmen work to deliver link to home

    The men and women of the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Knowledge Operations Management Office dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to provide a valuable service to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing personnel and its Air Force tenant units...mail call. Although it is not within their

  • Civilian developmental education applications due beginning in March

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

  • Airman making difference in Office of First Lady

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

  • Safety officers offer cold-weather tips

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

  • 512th Airman, Family Readiness best in DOD

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

  • Bazaar school reopens to Afghan children

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

  • SecAF visits Colorado Springs, highlights budget priorities

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

  • Obama praises DOD's energy leadership, stewardship

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

  • National Museum USAF displays formerly classified reconnaissance satellites

    Military, government and industry officials gathered Jan. 26 to officially place three formerly classified reconnaissance satellites on public display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here.The three satellites -- Gambit 1 KH-7, Gambit 3 KH-8 and Hexagon KH-9 --

  • National database helps protect military from financial fraud

    Their presence outside military bases has become all too familiar: businesses peddling cars, electronics and other items with undisclosed conditions or sky-high interest rates that quickly become a financial nightmare for service members.Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced as

  • Barksdale AFB mourns fallen EOD hero

    Airmen and families here gathered to mourn the loss of a 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance technician Jan. 20.Senior Airman Bryan Bell, 23, was killed in action Jan. 5 by an improvised explosive device while performing his duties for Delta Company, 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal

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

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

  • Silver Star awarded to combat controller

    The commander of Air Force Special Operations Command presented the Silver Star medal to a combat controller and more than 30 other medals to special tactics Airmen during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Jan. 18.Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel presented Tech. Sgt. Clint Campbell the Silver Star for his

  • AF top boxers vie to compete at Armed Forces championships

    The goals are still the same for Air Force boxing coach Steven Franco during the Air Force Boxing Camp at the Chaparral Fitness Center: Defeat the other military branches to win medals."Like I tell these guys from day one, I don't care if I take one guy or all 10 guys from different weight classes,

  • AETC marks 70 years of training and education excellence

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

  • AF reservists support first rocket launch of year

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

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

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

  • Fitness NCO brings smiles to deployed Airmen

    This NCO is always there. If you're feeling down, she will comfort you. If you're eating by yourself, she will sit by you, and, if you're looking to improve your fitness, she'll whip your body into shape. She is ... the ultimate wingman.Meet Staff Sgt. Sokum Ouk, a 332nd Expeditionary Force Support

  • Airmen, Sailors participate in Bahrain airshow

    Airmen and Sailors from across the Air Force and Navy traveled here to represent U.S. military forces during the Bahrain International Airshow Jan. 19.The biannual show is the second of its kind for Bahrain and has quickly become acclaimed throughout the region."We always look forward to

  • Brass quintet conducts clinic with Florida university students

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

  • Tuskegee Airman laid to rest at Arlington

    Family members, friends and fellow service members gathered Jan. 20 here to honor the life and contributions of an original Tuskegee Airmen. Retired Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, 90, a member of the 302nd Fighter Squadron during World War II, received full military honors including an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • SF Airman rises to physical training challenge

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

  • New AF camp renamed in honor of JTAC

    The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing's newly acquired Canada 9 compound will soon be renamed to honor a joint terminal attack controller who was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his actions in January 2010.Recently approved by Kandahar Airfield officials, the compound was renamed Camp Bradley

  • Smaller carbon footprint means fewer risks, official says

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

  • CSAF: Airmen key to new defense strategy

    Airmen will play an important role in the joint team's effort to achieve the priorities laid out in the new defense strategic guidance, according to the Air Force's top uniformed officer.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke to members of the World Affairs Council of Wilmington here

  • AF officials launch fourth WGS satellite

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

  • N.M. land grant expands AF training

    The U.S. Air Force accepted a land gift offer from the State of New Mexico during a ceremony in Santa Fe Jan. 18, hosted by the New Mexico State Land Office. The 11,000-acre land gift, valued at approximately $3.2 million, will support the Joint Air Force Special Operations mission at Cannon Air

  • AETC Airmen share lessons, vision at 2012 Symposium

    Thousands of Airmen from across Air Education and Training Command attended the 2012 AETC Symposium here Jan. 12-13 to learn about world-leading capabilities and technologies for educating, training, recruiting and innovating.More than 120 vendor booths, 70 seminars and panels, and a number of

  • Physical fitness motivates, bonds Afghan and American women

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

  • The heat is on ... Afghan style

    As alarms sound and flames roar from the burning building, they run in while others run out.For years and years, firemen have trained for the eventuality that one day, they may have to save an innocent victim from the intense heat of a raging inferno. In Afghanistan, military fire training is no

  • Supervisor resource center moves to AF Portal

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

  • Civil engineers recognized at annual gala

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

  • State Partnership Program emphasizes building relationships

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

  • Quality assurance Airman turns hardship into strength

    (Editor's note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes". These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Tech. Sgt. Barry Armstrong grew up in a broken home, living with his mother and siblings moving from town to town looking for work just to make

  • CMSAF discusses top issues

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

  • Air Force completes Kabul shooting investigation

    The Air Force completed its investigation into the April 27, 2011 shooting incident at the Afghanistan air force Headquarters located in Kabul, Afghanistan, in which eight U.S. Air Force Airmen and one civilian contractor were killed in the line of duty while serving in a combat zone. The incident

  • Sergeant maintains vehicle operations on provincial reconstruction team

    (Editor's note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes". These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Staff Sgt. Corrie Walden, a vehicle maintainer from Bothell, Wash., spent eight months of her first two years in the Air Force assigned to Shaw

  • McConnell Airman represents Reserve at 172 mph

    Calling an Airman "high speed" is a figure of speech that goes hand-in-hand with phrases like "sharp troop," "go-getter," and "on-the-ball," but when someone says Tech Sgt. John Fitzpatrick is high speed, the compliment is literal.Fitzpatrick, an aircraft structural craftsman with the 931st

  • Tuskegee Airman honored during Ceremonial Brass concert

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

  • 'Warrior Challenge' tests pillars comprehensive Airman fitness

    The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing held an event here Jan. 11 to highlight the importance of Comprehensive Airman Fitness in the Air Force. Ten teams competed in the event, called the "Warrior Challenge," which consisted of games, riddles, and obstacles that reflected the four components of

  • Air Force officials announce enlisted constrained jobs list

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

  • Do the spice, pay the price

    Spice use is on the rise, and Air Force officials are using methods such as drug testing, education and the Uniformed Code of Military Justice to put a stop to substance abuse. While the Air Force has always had a zero-tolerance policy, as of Jan. 4, Guam officials have banned the substance as well

  • Fisher House opens at JB Elmendorf

    The Fisher House of Anchorage officially opened its doors here recently to family members of military patients. The Fisher House serves patients and families from all branches of the military receiving active medical treatment at the base hospital or local area hospitals. "The Alaska Fisher House is

  • New F-35B joint strike fighters arrive at Eglin

    A resolution to be even more expeditionary will be met this year, now that Marines here received their first two F-35B Lightning II variants of DoD's fifth generation fighter Jan. 11.At the 33rd Fighter Wing, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the home for the new aircraft where its

  • Academy investigates illegal drug use

    The Air Force Academy is investigating approximately 15 cadets for violating a general order prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances -- other than alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or lawfully-used prescribed medications. The Academy superintendent issued his general order in April 2010, and it

  • 144 hours in Ethiopia: A dangerous crossing

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.During a recent trip to Ethiopia, Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton experienced rural areas outside the country's capital as he travelled to Negele

  • The silence of nuclear deterrence is deafening

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As I complete what I like to call my "first lap" around 20th Air Force, it amazes me to see our Airmen executing what some would call a less

  • Tuskegee Airmen: A legacy of love

    (This commentary is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Last week I had the opportunity to learn about some Air Force history as well as family history. There was a screening of a new

  • From Baghdad, on Veterans Day

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

  • Veterans Day an opportunity to share service at Air Force Memorial

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Veterans Day is near and dear to my family since many family members have served this nation across several service branches. I've attended many

  • Officials announce January enlisted supplemental promotions

    More than 355 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the January enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended

  • Air Force medics train host nation on emergency response

    Airmen deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group joined with fellow healthcare professionals from the host nation air force for patient transport training Jan. 11.The doctors, nurses and medical technicians from both countries instructed each other on how to load their different litters and

  • Foundational space capabilities focus of 50th ASM kick-off

    The Air Force Space Command commander kicked off the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' 50th Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 9.As the keynote speaker, Gen. William Shelton highlighted space efficiencies and effectiveness, the importance of science, technology,

  • Coalition aviators train Afghans to perform critical supply run

    The pilot's eyes squint as he tries to locate his landing zone located in the terrain covered by a rolling and twisting blanket of dust. The trip to the Kunar Valley in northern Afghanistan is treacherous with numerous towering mountains as tall as 12,000 feet, providing an obstacle course of a

  • Free program helps Airmen find local sitters

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

  • Military logistics strained, but healthy, official says

    The state of military logistics is healthy and service members are doing amazing things to supply operations around the world, but the system is strained as a result of 10 years of war, the Joint Staff's director of logistics said here.Lt. Gen. Brooks L. Bash said military logisticians are, in many

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2012 reading List

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 6.In a letter to all Air Force personnel, Gen. Norton Schwartz said today's Airmen are among the military's best educated and most inquisitive. "We Airmen are innovators because we embrace the word 'why' and mine it for

  • War yields lessons in preventing, treating eye injuries

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

  • AFMC officials kick off Year of Continuing Education

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

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

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

  • Even with cuts, military will remain capable, official says

    Defense Department officials will use the military strategy guidance that President Barack Obama announced yesterday to tie numbers to the department's fiscal 2013 budget request, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Jan. 6.The budget request is expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill in

  • First Transit Center commander reflects on decade of change

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

  • OPSEC, AF core values vital in social media

    While Airmen are encouraged to tell the Air Force story, they should be mindful to do so in ways that lend credit to themselves and the service, officials said.With the emergence of social media, information sharing has changed in unprecedented ways. It continues to be dynamic and evolving. Now a

  • Air Force maintenance icon dies

    Retired Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez died Dec. 30 in Albuquerque, N.M., at age 79.Throughout his 33-year career, Marquez is credited with revolutionizing the maintenance and logistics career field."In my many encounters with General Leo Marquez, he always lived up to his reputation as being one of those

  • Rules restrict political activity by DOD personnel

    With election activity steadily picking up, defense officials are in the process of issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department civilians that they're subject to rules regulating their involvement in political activities.This issue -- one the department regularly

  • Obama: Future force will be smaller, agile, ready

    At a moment of national transition, the U.S. is reshaping defense priorities and its military force to sustain U.S. global leadership and respond to changing security and fiscal needs, President Barack Obama said Jan. 5 at the Pentagon.Obama, the first president to address reporters in the Pentagon

  • New defense strategic guidance detailed in near future

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

  • Strategy calls for military to handle full range of contingencies

    The American military will be leaner in the years ahead, but it will remain lethal and without a match in the world, President Barack Obama said at the Pentagon on Jan. 5.Obama, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed the

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

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

  • SecDef calls deployed Air Force NCO to ring in new year

    The NCO picked up the phone in his office at Kabul International Airport and on the other end was the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta who called Jan. 1, 2012, to wish him a happy New Year.Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Heathman, a rotary wing maintenance adviser with the 438th Air Expeditionary

  • New law eases airport screening for troops, families

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