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U.S. Air Force News

  • Swedish airmen reflect on Raven training

    Two Swedish airmen working to build up a cooperative between their country and the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's Phoenix Raven Training Course, recently reflected on attending the Raven instruction April 14 to May 1.Lieutenants Fredrile Gartborn and Fredrik Andersson, both Swedish air force

  • Academy of Military Science moving to Maxwell

    With the Academy of Military Science moving from Tennessee's McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base to Maxwell Air Force Base's Officer Training School, all Air Force commissioning sources, except the U.S. Air Force Academy, will be under one roof. "Starting this fiscal year, all officer trainees will

  • Law enforcement officials capture Airman on the run for 8 months

    An Airman who escaped Air Force custody in September 2008 after being charged with possession of child pornography and sentenced to three years of confinement in July 2008 was apprehended by law enforcement officials June 3 at approximately 8 p.m. in Ipswich, England. Airman Basic Jeremy Parrott was

  • Panjshir reconstruction team bids farewell to fallen comrades

    The dining facility at Forward Operating Base Lion where Airmen and Soldiers typically exchanged stories and laughter was instead filled with reminiscing and tears as the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team honored four of its fallen comrades May 31. Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, the team's commander,

  • Air Forces Southern officials commit to 'summer of engagement'

    Active-duty, Air Guard and Reserve Airmen from across the Air Force are set to begin a host of missions with the Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) team in South and Central America during the summer months of 2009. The surge in theater security cooperation missions in the U.S. Southern Command

  • AFMC, union leadership reaffirm partnership

    The commander of Air Force Materiel Command and the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO reaffirmed a strong partnership and discussed workforce issues here May 28. Gen. Donald Hoffman and John Gage joined other command and union officials for an afternoon

  • St. Lucia police team with Airmen during Operation Southern Partner

    Nearly 30 members of the Royal St. Lucia police force's special service unit worked with a U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel team here June 1 through 3 to enhance search and rescue efforts for the island nation.The Guardian Angel team deployed for Operation Southern Partner is comprised of a combat

  • Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft makes first flight

    Members of the Air Force Research Laboratory and Lockheed Martin's famed 'Skunk Works' launched a new era of aircraft manufacturing technology and performance with the successful initial demonstration flight of the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft June 2 at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif.

  • Gates visits Elmendorf, addresses servicemembers

    The secretary of Defense held a town hall meeting and visited military members June 1 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Some of the topics Secretary Robert M. Gates spoke about deployment increases and return dates, Air Force cutbacks, future replacement aircraft and weapon upgrades. "What I'm here for,

  • Military training instructors transform recruits into Airmen

    Rising at 3 a.m. is a small sacrifice for military training instructors.  The future of the Air Force awaits.With uniforms in perfect order, they pull the immediately identifiable campaign hats low and straight, down their foreheads to nearly the eyebrows. With stern voices and stoic physical

  • Deployment opportunities available for civilians

    Whether it's helping Iraqis with reconstruction projects or assisting Afghans with their motor pools, Air Force officials rely on its civilian workforce to help meet global mission requirements. And the Air Force is not alone, as more than 1,100 Department of Defense civilians volunteered to fill

  • OTS selection board results announced

    A total of 200 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced today. Air Force Recruiting Service officials considered 798 applications as part of Officer Training School

  • 'Today's Air Force' features security forces

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights security forces at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Hurricane Hunters from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and the Critical Days of Summer.Security forces Airmen from Misawa AB were graded on gate security, how they handle a crisis such as a robbery, and on other

  • Air Force named among top HBCU supporters

    In a 2009 survey, U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine recently named the Air Force among the "Top Supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities." USBE & IT magazine and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science at Howard University, Washington,

  • Photo essay: Training for military working dogs

    A military working dog attacks his handler on command at the training grounds on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Military working dogs are enrolled in a 60- to 90-day training program where they are taught to detect explosives and drugs. They are also taught deterrence training and how to protect

  • President announces cyber security office

    The nation's computer network infrastructure will be defended as a national strategic asset, President Barack Obama said here May 29. In a White House announcement, President Obama said he will appoint a cyber security coordinator for the critical infrastructure that all Americans depend on. "We

  • Servicemembers gear up to provide New Horizons for Guyana

    Nearly 650 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are preparing to take part in New Horizons Guyana, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored annual exercise starting July 1 designed to strengthen ties with partner nations in Central and South America through combined quality-of-life improvement projects.

  • Official: U.S. continues to monitor North Korean situation

    The United States government -- including the Pentagon -- is "very closely" monitoring the situation regarding North Korea's recent nuclear device and missile tests, a senior Defense Department official said here May 28. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama is employing diplomacy and international

  • AFSOUTH set to begin Operation Southern Partner in Caribbean

    More than 60 Airmen from across the Air Force are preparing to board a C-130J Hercules on May 30 to participate in the second iteration of "Operation Southern Partner" in seven Caribbean and Latin American nations. The Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern)-led event is aimed at providing

  • Streamlined disability evaluation system introduced at Elmendorf

    Wounded, ill and injured Airmen entering into the Disability Evaluation System here are now enrolled in a new pilot evaluation process. This new joint Department of Defense-Veterans Affairs effort is designed to streamline and expedite disability recovery and processing to create improved treatment,

  • CITS key to Air Force cyber superiority goal

    The Combat Information Transport System is a high-priority item for Air Force officials who seek to create, manage and defend a truly enterprise-wide internet. During a recent Electronic Systems Center program prioritization effort, CITS was listed as number two out of more than 300 total programs.

  • Visitation searchers balance efficiency, safety, humane treatment in Iraq

    Airman 1st Class Alberto Lopez knew the guy was hiding something. He could feel it. The detainee was giving off "the vibe" that three months of working the visitation center at the theater internment facility here had taught him to detect. The Altus, Okla., native continued to search in the

  • Chief Airey laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery

    Surrounded by family and friends, colleagues and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Airey was laid to rest here May 28. More than 400 people came to Ft. Myer, Va., for his funeral service and then on to Arlington for his grave site ceremony. Located in section 34, Chief

  • Airmen in joint motor pool keep vehicles rolling

    Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here work with their Army compatriots in the base motor pool to keep the squadron's tactical vehicles running like clockwork. Four members of the Air Force security forces unit are part of a joint motor pool and learning more than they

  • ESC officials complete milestone for advanced radar system

    Equipping warfighters with the technology to detect moving targets in combat gained momentum when Electronic Systems Center officials here, in concert with prime contractors and other organizations, recently completed a key flight milestone for the Multiplatform Radar Technology Insertion Program.

  • DOD officials promote 'World No Tobacco Day'

    For the first time, the Department of Defense is endorsing the observance of World No Tobacco Day by encouraging servicemembers to participate. The effort is part of DOD's multiyear tobacco cessation campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud. "On Memorial Day, when we reflect on the sacrifices our

  • Biden to Academy graduates: 'This is your moment'

    Vice President Joe Biden, the U.S. Air Force Academy commencement speaker, told graduates and newly-commissioned second lieutenants from the class of 2009 "this is your moment to bend history to the service of a better day." "You will carry our skies and beyond on your backs. I promise you, we will

  • Airmen 'unleash' new recovery program for patients

    Trained in explosives detection, narcotics detection and more, military working dogs here are now assisting in a different type of fight: The fight to rehabilitate patients at the Air Force Theater Hospital here. Members of the AFTH medical staff here held the first session of the K-9 Visitation

  • Air War College faculty hosts 56th National Security Forum

    For the 56th consecutive year, civilians from across America came to Maxwell-Gunter for the National Security Forum during the week of May 18. The forum, hosted by the faculty of the Air University Spaatz Center for Officer Education's Air War College and sponsored by the secretary of the Air Force,

  • Air Force officials test new constant-pressure fuel system

    Air Force officials officially began to test a 50-50 mixture of synthetic and JP-8 fuels in a Type 3 constant-pressure fuel hydrant system here May 18. Fuel tankers, including five trucks with 100 percent synthetic fuel and three with the 50-50 blend, arrived at the base May 17 to unload 113,000

  • New PCS program puts customers in the driver's seat

    With nearly 200,000 permanent change of station moves expected in the approaching season, it is important for Department of Defense personnel to note several broad changes to the personal property shipment process. The uniformed services began using the Defense Personal Property System to move DOD

  • Officials look for best, brightest to fill first sergeant positions

    Taking care of today's Airmen is the responsibility of everyone in leadership and supervisory positions in the Air Force. But, for a select group of senior non-commissioned officers, this specific mission is their primary job. Air Force first sergeants are the eyes and ears of a unit and serve as

  • New options available for accompanied Korea tours

    Air Force members headed to certain locations in Korea now can request an accompanied tour and serve with their families for two or three years. Current base facilities, such as housing, schools and support activities, will limit the number of Airmen authorized to serve the accompanied,

  • First Iraqi ISR aircrew members graduate

    The first class of Iraqi Air Force Squadron 87 King Air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircrew members completed their yearlong training May 17. The Iraqi King Air program, headed by Air Force and Navy aircrew instructors, trained four Iraqi pilots, seven co-pilots and five mission

  • Last Utah ANG KC-135E Stratotanker retires

    The last KC-135 "E" model Stratotanker assigned to the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing flew its final flight May 21. Aircraft tail number 57-1510 was flown approximately 15 miles from the Air Guard base in Salt Lake City to nearby Hill Air Force Base where it was officially

  • Space operations vital to Air Force, nation

    Air Force officials discussed the importance of space as a warfighting domain before members of the Senate May 20 on Capitol Hill. Senior Air Force leaders in the space realm answered questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee Strategic Force Subcommittee, telling them that Air Force

  • Defense officials suspend separation payment recoupment

    Recoupment of military retirees' Variable Separation Incentive, Special Separation Benefit and separation payments by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service has been temporarily suspended pending a formal policy and legal review by Department of Defense officials. The suspension of recoupment

  • 'Today's Air Force' features building bridges in the Pacific

    This week's video features a segment on a new, more efficient way to track airmen displaced because of natural and other disasters.  Also, medics and engineers make an instant impact during a four day exercise in the Philippines, building bridges with a key Pacific Ally. Finally, view a memorial

  • General officer assignments announced

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz has announced new assignments for the following general officers: Maj. Gen. William N. McCasland, director of space acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to director, Special Programs, Office of the

  • Personnel chief discusses military personnel budget

    Airmen are the focal point for winning today's fight and efforts relating to recruiting, developing and retaining a high-quality and diverse fighting force need to reflect that, the service's top manpower and personnel officer said on Capitol Hill May 20. Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief

  • Air Force chief predicts fewer 'exquisite' acquisition programs

    Air Force leaders are taking a more critical eye in weighing the technological capabilities of new systems against their corresponding cost, the Air Force's top military officer said here May 21. "We have had a temptation to design and try to build the most exquisite systems, and we've proven we can

  • Senate confirms next Air Force surgeon general

    The Senate has confirmed Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Charles Bruce Green to become the Air Force's 20th surgeon general. General Green is currently the Air Force's deputy surgeon general, a position he has held since August 2006. He will replace Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James G. Roudebush, who is retiring. General Green

  • Air Forces Africa chaplain engages in faith-based cooperation

    "Religion is so central to the lives of people in Africa," said 17th Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Rex Williams. He should know. The chaplain has been representing U.S. Africa Command in working with chaplains and religious leaders from across the continent. He recently joined the U.S. Africa

  • Pacific Air Forces Airmen mourn loss of Airman

    Airmen are mourning the loss of a Pacific Air Forces lieutenant killed in action May 20 during Operation Enduring Freedom. First Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte, 25, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations officer assigned to the 613th Air and Space Operations Center, died May 20 near

  • Space Command official tweets on GPS

    An Air Force Space Command official hosted a tweet forum on the Global Positioning System from 2 to 3 p.m., May 20. Col. Dave Buckman, AFSPC command lead for position, navigation and timing, responded to fellow tweeter's questions on GPS and clarified some points that came out of the recent

  • North Dakota floods tested Air Force EPLOs

    When Col. Stacy Collins became an Air Force emergency preparedness liaison officer last November, she couldn't have predicted that in less than five months, she'd be assisting in one of the worst natural disasters to hit North Dakota in years: the flooding of several rivers including the Red and

  • After market uniforms may present risk

    The Air Force authorized a single all-season version of the Airman's Battle Uniform, or ABU, for wear service-wide, making any other version or claims of a summer weight uniform unauthorized. The one exception is a 100 percent cotton ABU, which is only authorized for wear in the firefighter and

  • AFSO 21 initiative at Dover will save $1.8 million

    A new process here will save the Air Force $1.8 million in man hours in the course of a year and most Airmen will not notice the change. Inprocessing at Dover took an average of 20 days, but through an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative, that time has been cut to two days. "A

  • Air Force solar-powered hydrogen plant completed

    A $1.1 million solar array project to power the base hydrogen production and fueling station was completed here May 8, marking a "first" for both the Air Force and the state of Hawaii. After about six weeks of installation, 810 solar modules can now produce 146 kilowatts of energy per hour,

  • Senior enlisted leaders strengthen international bonds

    Senior enlisted leaders from nine countries met in the San Antonio area for a closer look at Air Education and Training Command programs and processes during a visit May 12-15. As part of the 2009 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit, international enlisted leaders from Australia, Bulgaria, Japan,

  • AF officials announce Combat Air Forces restructure plan

    Following the May 7 roll-out of the fiscal year 2010 budget proposal for the Department of Defense, Air Force officials announced plans to retire legacy fighters to fund a smaller and more capable force and redistribute people for higher priority missions. The Combat Air Forces restructuring plan

  • Apheresis broadens impact of blood donations

    Rose Weatherly plays a major role in providing life-saving blood products to patients at Keesler Medical Center and, literally, around the world. Ms. Weatherly, a registered nurse, is the apheresis supervisor with the 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron's pathology and clinical laboratory

  • New online application added to voluntary assignments

    Air Force officials recently introduced a new Web-based application that allows Airmen to withdraw or cancel a voluntary assignment from their desks at their convenience. Voluntary assignments are assignments that are self-initiated and that Airmen can apply for on their own. They differ from normal

  • Guard bureau chief sees peacekeeping as likely National Guard mission

    The National Guard can expect peacekeeping roles in Afghanistan and Iraq in the future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here last week. "I've challenged our staff with thinking through what happens after Iraq, what happens after Afghanistan," Gen. Craig R. McKinley told an audience at

  • Panjshir PRT medics improve medical sanitation

    As soon as the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team arrived in the Panjshir Valley in November 2008, they noticed a need for a more sanitary way of disposing of contaminated needles. "We saw that they were using cardboard boxes and buckets for [sharps] disposal. We also observed needles laying

  • Freedom Conference Center NCOs boost morale

    Air Force supervisors make it their mission to provide leadership to their subordinate Airmen as well as boost unit morale whenever possible. One pair of NCOs here takes boosting morale one step further serving as the focal point for the entire base. 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, Tech.

  • 'Air Force Knowledge Now' turns 10

    Randy Adkins, Knowledge Management Center of Excellence director, clearly recalls the Friday afternoon when the idea of Knowledge Now was first raised. Members of the Air Force Materiel Command staff discussed the possibility of a "lessons-learned" database and sent the idea to Mr. Adkins, who had

  • New system for tracking personnel gets workout soon

    As the Air Force gears up for its second test of the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, Air Force Materiel Command leaders are reminding people to participate during the May 19-21 exercise. The new system is designed to improve the way the Air Force keeps track of its people.

  • 'Today's Air Force' features the new CMSAF

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force, unmanned aircraft systems operated from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., the dangers of supplements and an F-16 Fighting Falcon that passed 7,000 hours of flight time. The 16th chief master sergeant of the

  • Pacific Command strategy centers on partnership, readiness, presence

    The three major tenets of the U.S. Pacific Command strategy -- partnership, readiness and presence -- are having a powerful impact in bringing together the joint, interagency and international capabilities required to promote regional stability, the command's top officer told American Forces Press

  • AF.mil unveils new design

    Air Force officials unveil a new look for the service's official Web site, AF.mil. For frequent visitors to AF.mil some of the changes will be obvious at a glance. The redesigned site features a larger layout, larger photos, new technology and less clutter. It offers users new content types with the

  • ESC group works to meet Iraqi air traffic control needs

    An Electronic Systems Center group here is helping Iraqi air force officials rebuild their military air traffic control capabilities through a comprehensive foreign military sales effort. An 853rd Electronic Systems Group team initiated their efforts with an FMS case that began in January 2007.

  • Air Force leaders testify on infrastructure budget

    The four pillars of the Air Force budget strategy--people, readiness, infrastructure, and modernization were the main topics May 12 when the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Ms. Kathleen Ferguson, flanked by Brig.

  • New club members get 3 month free membership

     All eligible personnel who join any Air Force club between June 15 and Aug. 15 will automatically receive three months of free dues as part of the Air Force's 2009 club membership campaign. New members also will receive the benefits of a free cash-back rewards program and a six-month, zero-percent

  • Biden announces housing assistance program expansion

    Vice President Joe Biden May 14 announced the Defense Department's plan to expand its housing assistance program with $555 million devoted to servicemembers forced to sell their homes at a loss due to the country's struggling housing market. The financial support comes from President Barack Obama's

  • Air Force leaders chart way forward for service

    The Air Force has made tough choices and some prudent trade-offs to balance the service across the spectrum of capabilities needed for the future, Air Force leaders said.Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz discussed the service's efforts to balance

  • CSAF reflects on importance of PACAF

    The chief of staff of the Air Force wrapped up a week-long, four-base tour of Pacific Air Forces here May 13 on his first visit to the region since becoming the nation's top-ranking uniformed Airman last August. Gen. Norton Schwartz said the United States has a vested interest in the Asia-Pacific

  • Air Force officials standardize informal uniform

    As a result of the 96th Air Force Uniform Board, a standardized informal uniform is now authorized for wear. The informal uniform will be mandatory for wear by all applicable Air Force personnel starting Jan. 1, 2011. The Air Force Chief of Staff directed review of the informal uniform to help

  • CSAF speaks candidly at Yokota Airmen

    "In the end what it's all about is performance," said the senior Air Force officer responsible for organizing, training and equipping nearly 700,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. "If the United States Air Force performs, we don't need to advertise ourselves and proclaim how good

  • Academy football team ranks second in academic excellence

    In a recent NCAA ranking, the Air Force Academy football team finished second in the nation in Academic Progress Rates following only Stanford University. According to Troy Garnhart, Academy's director of Athletic Media Relations, the NCAA rack and stack considered the overall performance of all 27

  • U.S. pilots train Finns in aerial refueling operations

    A group of Airmen with the 100th Air Refueling Wing traveled to Tampere, Finland, May 2 to participate in a week-long exercise with Navy  and Finnish Air Force F-18 Hornet pilots.The Airmen helped teach the Finnish pilots how to refuel in-air from a KC-135 Stratotanker.The exercise marks the first

  • New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals

    Officials from the Uniform Program Office here continue to work for Airmen, researching and purchasing uniforms that provide more function, protection and comfort. The Air Force chief of staff met with office personnel April 21 for an update on clothing issues Airmen face as they support global

  • AF Honor Guard to post flags at Arlington Cemetery

    Officials at Arlington National Cemetery will continue the time-honored tradition of "Flags In" May 21. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will join Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial

  • AFCENT officials begin to look at Iraq reposture

    More than 80 Air Force, Army and Navy functional experts gathered here May 5 to 8 to lay the groundwork for U.S. Air Forces Central's reposture from Iraq over the next two years. "The conference ensured AFCENT's reposturing and responsible drawdown is synchronized with (Central Command's) guidance

  • Airmen build on partnership in Rwanda

    U.S. Air Forces Africa conducted a military-to-military engagement with Rwandan Air Force air traffic controllers April 20-24 to expand on the two nations' existing partnership here. Seventeenth Air Force planners (AFAFRICA) from the plans and programs directorate organized the theater security

  • AAFES benefit soon to be available in all 50 states

    Barely a month before it marks its 114th anniversary, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will make history as the Department of Defense's oldest and largest general retailer sets up shop at Rhode Island National Guard Air Base, Quonset Point, R.I. "Until the Quonset Point Shoppette's grand

  • AFOTEC announces manpower realignment

    The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center will begin realigning manpower to improve mission effectiveness. Pending completion of an environmental impact assessment, the realignment will shift personnel from Kirtland AFB to four AFOTEC detachments located in California, Colorado, Florida

  • Air Force continues partnership with Professional Bull Riders

    Air Force Recruiting Service officials here announced May 11, the continuation of the Air Force partnership with the Professional Bull Riders, Inc., making it the official armed services branch of PBR. "The Air Force is extremely excited about partnering with the Professional Bull Riders again this

  • 2009 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit held at Gunter

    The Air Force vice chief of staff of the Air Force addressed the third annual Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 6 at Gunter's Senior NCO Academy. Gen. William M. Fraser III said all Airmen should know and support the Air Force priorities and live by the Air Force core values of integrity first,

  • Idea earns maintainer big money

    A simple suggestion earned one Misawa maintainer $10,000 and saved the Air Force thousands more. Staff Sgt. Jerome Latham, an engine craftsman with the 35th Maintenance Squadron, suggested a technical order change to the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, or IDEA, program. His idea

  • University students learn about cyber mission

    A group of students from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., got a first-hand look at how Air Force men and women conduct cyberspace operations during a tour of Air Force Cyber Command, (Provisional) here May 5. According to Louisiana Tech professor Dr. Brian Etheridge, director of the honors

  • Air Force leaders send budget message

    The top two Air Force leaders released a joint message May 8 regarding the fiscal 2010 defense budget and shifting Air Force priorities. Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said that the defense budget focuses on three themes:

  • Airmen help Florida youth see inner potential

    For 10 troubled young men from the Liberty Juvenile Unit for Special Treatment in Bristol, Fla., May 5 was a chance to receive some respite from the confines of juvenile delinquency. Members of the 325th Security Forces Squadron here hosted the teenagers, who ranged from ages 15 to 18, on a tour of

  • New facility gives junior officers space to learn self-defense

    Arms and legs flailed and thrashed in grappling and arm bars as instructors and students demonstrated self-defense tactics for a grand opening ceremony May 1 at the new Expeditionary Training Center here. Combatives are now part of the new warrior-ethos curriculum being developed and integrated into

  • Military spouses receive recognition for valued service

    Five military spouses received recognition for their valued service to the nation at an award ceremony here May 7. The Military Spouse of the Year awards honor individuals that embody the best characteristics of today's military spouse, said Babette Maxwell, a Navy spouse and the co-founder and

  • Air Force officials unveil acquisition improvement plan

    Air Force leaders have announced their plan for improving acquisition, which will have far-reaching impacts on the way the service develops and buys defense capabilities for the nation. The Air Force's acquisition improvement plan "will serve as our strategic framework for the critical work of

  • DOD officials promote 'World No Tobacco Day'

    The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. Living freedom to the fullest by reducing unnecessary health risks is one way to honor the memories of those who've died, DOD officials say. Just around the corner

  • 'Today's Air Force' features physical fitness changes

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights upcoming changes to the physical fitness test, a special exercise known as Coronet Cactus and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. To be accepted as a student pilot is just the beginning of an exciting career.  Becoming a full-fledged pilot is another

  • Airmen, veterans can now apply for new GI Bill

    The Department of Veterans Affairs opened its doors for accepting Post-9/11 GI Bill applications May 1. All Airmen and former Airmen with at least 90 days of active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001, can choose to apply for education benefits, which begin Aug. 1 under the new GI Bill law. To apply

  • Klotz confirmed to lead Air Force Global Strike Command

    Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz received Senate confirmation to become commander of the Air Force's newest major command, Air Force Global Strike Command. "I am honored to have been nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to lead our Air Force global strike forces," General Klotz said. "I

  • Officials test commercial fuel to replace JP-8 fuel

    In an ongoing analysis of alternatives to reduce aviation fuel costs, the Air Force Petroleum Agency here has launched an initiative to use commercial jet fuel in place of military standard JP-8 fuel. The Air Force annually uses about 2.5 billion gallons of fuel, resulting in the service's second

  • Recruiting Service team covers humanitarian mission

    An Air Force Recruiting Service team returned to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in May following a week in the Dominican Republic where they photographed and videotaped Air Force medics providing healthcare during a medical humanitarian mission. The video and images will be used in a new, five-CD

  • Wounded warrior receives surprise promotion

    Staff Sgt. Daniel Acosta woke May 7 thinking he was a senior airman. He was surprised to discover that he was promoted to staff sergeant without his knowledge. Lt. Col. Michael Glass, 59th Medical Support Squadron commander, advised Sergeant Acosta that Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff

  • Air Force fiscal 2010 budget reflects rebalanced priorities

    Air Force officials here May 7 announced that its portion of the president's fiscal 2010 budget reflects a balanced strategy to prevail in today's joint fight and sustain air, space and cyberspace dominance. The two overarching principles guiding next year's budget are rebalancing the Air Force's

  • DOD teacher works to connect educators worldwide

    The project has been brewing since January, but within a month, the first 400-plus volunteers will begin to provide feedback to the creator of the Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher-to-Teacher project.It's a virtual networking, learning, growth and development community," said Dorothy

  • Levitow's pilot lands at Peterson for leadership visit

    "I don't need to tell you about character, if you didn't have it, you wouldn't be here," retired Maj. Kenneth Carpenter said to approximately 200 Airmen who gathered in the base auditorium April 28 to support his Year of Leadership program visit here. During his hour-long chat with the audience,

  • Major motorcycle safety event held at Pentagon

    Senior leaders from the military services gathered together in the Pentagon parking lot May 1 to take part in a National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event, designed to promote rider safety programs throughout the military. The two-day event included motorcycle skills

  • Regulation changes to allow for longer South Korean tours

    Department of Defense officials approved changes to the Joint Federal Travel Regulation that affects the length of military tours in Korea recently. The revised JFTR allows for 24- or 36-month accompanied tours at bases in Pyeongtaek, Osan, Daegu, Chinhae and Seoul, while two additional locations --

  • Gates lauds U.S. efforts to boost Saudi military capacity

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates here May 6 called the mentorship that U.S. forces are providing the Saudi Arabian military a key factor in maintaining stability in the region and an example of the capacity-building efforts he'd like to see more of elsewhere in the world. Secretary Gates held a

  • 'Continuum of Service' video promotes total force options

    In an effort to retain highly skilled Airmen for a lifetime of service, Air Force leaders recently unveiled a Continuum of Service video that helps to promote seamless changes in duty status in the total force structure. The video, produced by a team from the Secretary of the Air Force Office of