Joint rescue saves stranded scuba divers

Thanks to the combined efforts of Airmen from Kadena Air Base and local Japanese responders here, two scuba divers were rescued early Monday morning following a five-hour search and rescue operation. The two scuba divers -- a local Okinawan and a U.S. Marine -- were found clinging to the bottom of

Air Force gets aggressive about combat training

To become the best Airmen in the world, the Air Force trains against the best Airmen in the world. Aggressors, as they’re known, scrimmage against their fellow Airmen, much like football teams preparing for a game. Traditionally, aggressors have focused on aircrews, but in the near future, the Air

Commissaries take steps to stop counterfeit coupons

Be careful how you get your Internet coupons, say Defense Commissary Agency officials.They are alerting customers about a recent rise in the use of fraudulent Internet or home-printed coupons and steps the agency has taken to address the issue. “Counterfeit coupons are circulating on the Internet

Combat cargo capability

Engineers support the fight

Air Force engineers from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron are supporting Bastogne Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry near Hawijah, Iraq, by increasing the quality of living on forward operating base McHenry. “It’s a mission worth supporting,” said 2nd Lt. Tim Brodman, the officer

What’s in a name?

The Space Warfare Center here became the Space Innovation and Development Center in a formal ceremony March 8. The name has changed, but the organization’s mission remains the same, the commander said. “One of the things I want people to understand is that there’s no change in our mission,” Col.

Warfare center creates mobility warriors

Every day more than 550 Airmen pick up a proverbial sword and shield and step onto the battlefield. Their sword is knowledge honed to a razor’s edge by experience and technology; their shield, the Air Mobility Warfare Center; their battlefield, deployed locations around the world. “We are

Air Force introduces next generation cruise missile

Since the late 1970s the Department of Defense has tried and failed numerous times to give the warfighter an affordable standoff cruise missile capable of taking out the enemy's air defenses early on in a conflict. Fast forward to 2006 and that warfighter need has finally been met by the Air Force's

Electronic initiative gets critical information to commanders

An initiative designed to electronically transmit intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to commanders is currently being tested here at Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006. With non-traditional ISR services, information will flow directly from aircraft to the Air and Space

Senate support essential to achieve goals in Korea

Continued Senate support is essential to maintaining readiness and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the region, said the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in South Korea March 7. "United States forces based in South Korea, along with military forces from the Republic of Korea and other

Officials announce Air Force safety awards

Air Force safety officials announced the winners of the 2005 safety awards. They are: -- Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award: Category 1, U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Category II, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. --

Eagle Flag launches humanitarian relief missions for exercise

More than 350 Airmen are testing their humanitarian mission support skills during the Air Mobility Warfare Center’s Eagle Flag exercise. This is the first time the flag-level exercise has specifically provided a humanitarian relief mission scenario. “Basically, we are trying to create the most

Joint reconstruction teams activated in Afghanistan

More than 1,000 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors joined ranks to activate Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Teams in a ceremony here March 3. The purpose of the teams is to help rebuild Afghanistan, ensuring a secure and self-sufficient nation. The teams have a three-part mission: stabilize the

Air Force accepts delivery of its first combat configured CV-22 Osprey

Aeronautical Systems Center's commander, Lt. Gen. John L. “Jack” Hudson, along with other Department of Defense leaders, was on hand to accept the keys from Bell Boeing for the first combat configured CV-22 Osprey during a ceremony March 1 at the Bell manufacturing facility in Amarillo, Texas. "It's

Air Force takes lead on tri-service installation

The Air Force is taking the lead in the nation’s first tri-service installation in the continental U.S. -- which includes McGuire, Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station. What some media are calling a “Super Base,” the merger is expected to reduce overall manpower and facilities, and

Contingency response wing takes baby steps around the world

Helping the relief victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Pakistan’s earthquake disaster were its baby steps. The infant is the 621st Contingency Response Wing, which celebrated its first birthday on Monday, March 6, 2006 at a ceremony in its contingency response warehouse. “Each person here is

Weather squadron keep eyes on sky

Today’s Air Force is the most advanced fighting force the world has ever seen. Its aircraft can fly nationwide to deliver bombs that land within a few feet of the target. The capabilities to wage war during day or night are unparalleled. However, this lethal force is still at the mercy of an even

Daring and dedication: that others may live

Man figured out how to fly. Then he left it up to Air Force pararescue jumpers to figure out how to rescue him from the jungle, the ocean, the mountains and hostile territory when a plane crashes. The need for a highly trained rescue force was highlighted in 1943. In a rescue famous in pararescue

General Lord retires from Air Force Space Command helm

After a 37-year career, Gen. Lance W. Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, retired in a ceremony here today. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley presided over the event. There were more than 700 current and former defense leaders, active and retired military members and civic

Langley unit receive its first Raptors

After two-and-a-half months of waiting, an aircraft with a 94th Fighter Squadron emblem has once again landed at Langley Air Force Base. But this time, the emblems were painted on the sides of two F-22A Raptors. Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, 94th Fighter Squadron commander, and Maj. Kevin Dolata, 94th FS,

Air Force leaders testify on processes used to combat costs

The Air Force has seen a rise in the cost of doing business, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne told members of the House Armed Services Committee during testimony March 1."We are experiencing unyielding second order effects that continue to drain our top line -- we are exhausting all our

Virginia Guard unit begins integrating with fighter wing

He wears a battle dress uniform and looks just like any other maintainer working on a F-22 Raptor, but this Airman is very different from most others in the 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here. He is paid by the hour, reports to a different supervisor and has a 70-mile commute to and from Richmond

Kunsan units deploy to Singapore

More than 70 Airmen from the 80th Fighter Squadron and 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit deployed from Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, March 2 for Operation Commando Sling. The month-long deployment, involving joint warfare operations between the U.S. Air Force and its Singapore counterparts, will

Five wings compete in 'Tanker Winter Games'

Five 18th Air Force KC-135 wings came together for the first “Tanker Winter Games” here Feb. 23 through 26. Crews from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Robins AFB, Ga., MacDill AFB, Fla., Fairchild AFB, Wash., and here gathered not only for some friendly competition, but also for a chance to learn

Guard rescue wing still making mark on history

Amid the quiet picturesque towns sprinkled across Long Island, N.Y., are more than 800 Airmen who are a part of history. They are the men and women of the 106th Rescue Wing -- a unit that battled the “Perfect Storm,” witnessed the TWA Flight 800 disaster, supported response efforts after the

Civil engineers do their part in rebuilding Iraq

Civil engineers wage the war on terrorism by stepping outside the wire and bringing the fight into the streets. They are the only Air Force unit in Iraq who come with armored dump trucks, excavators and concrete, repairing the many craters pitting the roads in Kirkuk and surrounding area. The

Major dies in training accident

Maj. Bryan Adrian, a student with the 342nd Training Squadron, died during training here Feb. 15. He was transported to Wilford Hall Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 1:55 p.m. Major Adrian, a 41-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska, was taking part in water confidence training as part of

General Scott, “God Is My Co-Pilot” author, dead at 97

Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott Jr., World War II fighter ace and author of the 1943 book “God Is My Co-Pilot” has died. The general passed away Feb. 27 in Warner Robins after a stroke. He was 97. Though the general retired from the Air Force in 1957, for the following decades he continued to serve the

Order of Friendship Medal

Ramstein Airmen train Iraqis to fly, fix C-130s

Ramstein Airmen deployed to Iraq to train Iraqis on the C-130 Hercules aircraft -- standing up the first Iraqi airlift squadron under the country’s new regime. A Ramstein pilot, navigator and enlisted maintainers deployed from August through January to train their Iraqi counterparts to fly and

Special operations focus of senior leader discussion

Senior leaders from the U.S. Special Operations Command and the Air Force Air Staff met recently to discuss the role of airpower in special operations. The talks involved 16 senior leaders, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Army Gen. Bryan Brown, commander of SOCOM. The

Flightline access goes high-tech

Security measures have soared to new levels since the global war on terrorism began. The nation and most of the world has seen everything from expanded intelligence and law enforcement capabilities to bolstered transportation security and airline passenger screening. While the Department of Homeland

Air Force symposium promotes better environmental stewardship

The 2006 U.S. Air Force Environmental Training Symposium, an educational training program for nearly 2,000 members of the Air Force, other government agencies and national academia began Feb. 27 and runs through March 3 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. "The United States Air

Air Force realigns combat search and rescue ops

Administrative control for select active-duty Air Force combat search and rescue assets is transferring from Air Force Special Operations Command to Air Combat Command. “Our military must always have the combat capability to rescue its people ... our warriors ... wherever and whenever required,”

Advertising team spotlights special ops

An aircrew displays teamwork while firing 105 mm artillery from their gunship at night. Special operators freefall toward Earth at terminal velocity. Battlefield Airmen descend from hovering helicopters by rope, pilot small unmanned aerial vehicles and call for close air support. The Air Force’s

Total force in action with Predator operations

The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center’s implementation of total force initiatives continues as more Guard and Reserve members integrate into Predator operations here. In an Air Force first, the center selected Reserve Lt. Col. John Breeden, to command the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, one of three

Training center uses combat lessons to evolve

Security forces in Europe are preparing for deployment to war zones with an up-to-date curriculum. The mission of the 786th Security Forces Squadron’s regional training center, otherwise known as "Creek Defender," is to provide predeployment integrated base defense training for U.S. Air Forces in

Operational Raptors fire first missiles in evaluation program

The 27th Fighter Squadron made history when two F-22A Raptor pilots fired air-to-air missiles Feb. 14. It was the jet's first official air-to-air weapons system evaluation since becoming operational two months ago.Nearly 40 Airmen from the Langley Air Force Base, Va., squadron participated in the

AFNORTH activates at Tyndall

First Air Force took on a second designation here Feb. 15 as part of the Air Force’s ongoing development of the warfighting headquarters. Air Forces Northern, or AFNORTH, became 1st Air Force’s provisional moniker under Air Combat Command. It is part of the Air Force’s move to redesignate 10

Readiness troops equip combat-ready PACAF Airmen

Ensuring the serviceability and availability of more than 400,000 pieces of mobility equipment daily might be a daunting task. But for logistics Airmen providing the correct gear for combat-ready Pacific Air Force troops in training and real-world deployments, it is one of the most rewarding jobs in

Global Hawk UAV welcomed home after three-year deployment

After supporting the global war on terror for three years, Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle No. 3 (UAV-3) received its official homecoming Feb. 20 when its wheels touched down at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.During its overseas deployment, UAV-3 logged more than 4,800

Good Conduct Medal award elimination explained

The Air Force Uniform Board announced Feb. 6 that the Good Conduct Medal will no longer be awarded. The Air Force director of Airman development and sustainment recently explained the reasons behind this decision. "The quality of our enlisted personnel today is so high, we expect good conduct from

Civilian sector the biggest space customer

The head of Air Force Space Command said people might be surprised to learn that corporate America is the biggest user of Air Force space products. Gen. Lance W. Lord said the main reason for this is the reliability of space-based assets and because the technologies -- which are giving coalition

Medical group keeps warfighters in fight

The 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Hospital provides medical care impacting missions well beyond its boundaries, helping warfighters stay in the fight in-theater. Minor shrapnel and gunshot wounds often prevent a soldier from staying in theater while they recover, so they come this hospital to

Global Hawk UAV returns to America

The Edwards flightline is the scheduled return landing site for Prototype Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3, an unmanned aircraft that has flown 4,245 hours in support of combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa mission. This

Air Force women help save convoy

The lives of four women and their convoy team changed forever Dec. 5. They were ambushed that night. Insurgents from a village outside of Balad Air Base, Iraq, fired on the convoy, injuring two as they drove back to the base. Airman First Class Nicole O’Hara, a convoy gunner deployed from Langley

Thunderbirds to hold change of command

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” is welcoming a new commander. Lt. Col. Kevin J. Robbins will take command of the unit from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Michael J. Chandler here Feb. 17. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit of eight

Going virtual: Flight training takes shape in cyberspace

How do you get 30 bases, hundreds of personnel and tons of aircraft and equipment together in one place? The answer -- cyberspace. For the second time since its conception in September, aircrews from the 23rd Fighter Group stepped into a simulated exercise called Virtual Red Flag. The virtual war

Deployed fuels flight makes airlift delivery

When fuel supplies are not available in the region, tactical and ground forces rely on the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. A team is always on standby to fulfill an aerial bulk fuels delivery system request. The team consists of two fuels technicians who have undergone special

Missile flight test program targets new successes

The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile flight test program added two more successes to its record during recent tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The program, one of Air Combat Command's priority programs, flew successful test flights at the missile range Jan. 25 from a B-1B

Anti-terrorism techniques essential

When Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal was on a training mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, two years ago, his hotel came under attack. A group of insurgents took over the building and held it hostage for most of the day before authorities were able to regain control. Colonel O’Neal eventually escaped, but was shot

Defense Department updates equipment reimbursement policy

Defense Department officials announced Feb. 14 the revision of a memorandum on the policy and procedures for the reimbursement of privately purchased protective equipment for operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The new memo, which was signed Feb. 10 by David S.C. Chu,

Prototype Global Hawk flies home after 4,000 combat hours

A high-flying prototype “Airman” is heading home after being deployed more than four years and flying 4,245 hours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3 began its journey back home at Edwards Air Force

Manpower agency activates four new squadrons

The Air Force Manpower Agency activated four new manpower squadrons to more effectively meet the needs of today’s expeditionary Air Force and to better position itself to support future capabilities. The 5th Manpower Requirements Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and the 4th MRS at Buckley

Providing ‘red carpet’ service, without the carpet

Day and night they arrive -- four-star generals, ambassadors. congressional leaders and even Vice President Dick Cheney. Whether they stop for a formal visit or are here en route to another location, a two-person protocol team is there to greet them with a salute and a smile. “We are the first

Keystone is key to future of joint operations

Joint warfare is a way of life for servicemembers fighting the global war on terrorism. That wasn't the case 20 years ago when Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas Hall enlisted. His training with armored infantry rarely brought him together with other services. While attending a course here for E-9s from

Munitions Airmen get back to basics

Deep in the heart of Iraqi bunkers are the weapons that helped defeat Saddam Hussein. Surely the dictator would have never thought just five Airmen would track and maintain the same weapons that freed the Iraqi people from his oppression. The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group Munitions

Fill ‘er up: POL keeps base, mission running

Against a constant battle with the elements, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s flying mission depends on one unit to always be ready when called on. The 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s petroleum, oil and lubricant, or POL, flight stands ready to deliver fuel to anyone who needs

Ceremony christens first C-17 in Pacific Air Forces

The first of eight C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets arrived here Feb. 8 for its christening and Hawaiian blessing before a crowd of spectators and distinguished visitors from the local and military communities. 15th Airlift Wing Airmen and members of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard flew the

Top generals meet at Corona

The Air Force’s top-ranking leaders met recently for a two-day forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., continuing a tradition that has shaped the service’s leadership since 1944. The Corona meetings happen three times per year and they allow Air Force senior leaders to come together for frank, open

Red Flag joins American, allied airpower

Units from across the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Australia and the United Kingdom gathered here for the second part of the Red Flag 06-1 exercise, which started Feb. 6. More than 130 aircraft and 2,500 personnel will fight and support in a simulated air war over the Nellis Test and Training

Liaison office links air, ground forces

Ensuring that pilots and ground forces are aware of one another’s intentions, limitations and capabilities is a full-time job. That responsibility falls into the hands of three people assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Ground Liaison Office, or GLO. Comprised of one Airman and two

Uniform board results released

The 97th Air Force Uniform Board released their newest results for proper wear of the uniform. The board met in October and discussed everything from eliminating the Air Force Good Conduct Medal to maternity uniforms. In addition, a Headquarters Air Force badge will be available this summer. The

Plan outlines strategy for war on terror

A document being released today by the Pentagon defines the national strategy for the war on terrorism for the U.S. armed forces. The National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism, developed by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, supports the national U.S. government strategy by

Space transformation prepares for Air Force future

Information superiority is the difference between today and tomorrow, said Air Force Space Command commander, Gen. Lance W. Lord. The general told more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting, here Feb. 3, that there is a tremendous threat “out there,” which is why it is extremely

Interdependence is key to future success

Interdependence is the key to future Air Force success, according to the service’s secretary and chief of staff as they addressed more than 800 attendees at the Air Force Association meeting here Feb. 2. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

Quadrennial review allows DOD to make 'vector changes'

The Quadrennial Defense Review is a chance for the Defense Department to make "vector changes" on the transformation of the American military, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani said the review allows the department to assess the path it is on and move

Combat aerobics

QDR directs Air Force future

The Department of Defense released the results of the quadrennial defense review Feb. 3 here. "The QDR guides and supports Air Force transformation in pursuit of key joint, interdependent combat capabilities that enable us to deliver more sovereign options for the defense of the United States of

Achievements come in spite of difficulties

By now, many Airmen here know the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing descended from the famous Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group. Most people also know about the challenges the 332nd Airmen faced, not only from the enemy, but from their own country and even their own service. Many books and

BMT extended, NCOs to learn new languages

Civilians wanting to be Airmen are going to have to tough it out for an additional two and a half weeks at basic military training, said the Air Force's top general here Feb. 2. Airmen graduating from BMT are going to be better trained and better equipped to be war fighters, said Air Force Chief of

QDR focuses on protecting Americans

Just as the fall of the Soviet Union led to changes in how the U.S. military is organized and operates, the post-Sept. 11 world requires continuation of that process, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said here Feb. 1. At a Pentagon news conference, Mr. Rumsfeld and Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani,

Sergeant thanks Congress for helping keep her team together

As the president spoke to the nation during the State of the Union address, an Airman sat in the gallery, dressed in blues, displaying the combat medals she earned in Iraq. America’s most prominent leaders were gathered in one room on Capitol Hill for the annual speech Jan. 31. Sitting attentively

Luke Airmen enjoy 'Lt. Dan Band' show

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band received rave reviews from the more than 1,500 Luke Airmen who attended a free United Service Organizations concert Saturday night. Well known for his “Forrest Gump” character “Lt. Dan”, Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played a variety of music from

Phase maintenance key to mission success

Eleven hours flying time or about 4,400 nautical miles away is a key to success for the 40th Air Expeditionary Group’s mission: supporting Operation Enduring Freedom from the sky and ensuring peace throughout Afghanistan. The key: Detachment 1 with the group’s expeditionary maintenance squadron at

Military health system headed to joint future

"Jointness" is the future for military operations, and the military health care system will be no different, two Defense Department officials said here Jan. 30. As the military health system transforms, the services will unite to provide more complete and efficient care to all servicemembers, their

Transformed battlefield medical care saving more lives

The military health system has revolutionized battlefield medical care in the past four years, reducing fatalities and raising the quality of care to all-time high levels, two Defense Department officials said here Jan. 30. Injured servicemembers are now more quickly transported from the battlefield

New documentary showcases unique military careers

A new documentary launched today will help to educate the American public about military service and clear up misconceptions, said a Department of Defense official. David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said the one-hour film, "Today's Military: Extraordinary People;

Rapid prototyping speeds up design assessment

The Air Force Research Laboratory has developed a new rapid way to test wind tunnel designs. Traditional wind tunnel models are meticulously machined from metal in a process that can take several months. While very precise, the manufacturing process is too slow to assess a new design's feasibility

Gunsmith shop gets new name, command

The U.S. Air Force Gunsmith Shop is getting a new name and command. After 48 years of operations here under Air Training and then Air Education and Training Command, the shop is realigning under Air Force Materiel Command. Now known as the U.S. Air Force Gunsmith Integrated Product Team, the

Rosa Parks took a seat in order for our nation to stand up

In October, I was in Texas for a journalist’s workshop when I learned by way of a television news ticker that Rosa Parks, often dubbed the “mother of the civil rights movement,” died at age 92. The news took my breath away, but it was then that I realized a hero doesn’t always wear a military

Tuskegee Airmen leave strong legacy

On July 19, 1941, the Army Air Force began a program in Alabama to train black Americans as pilots for the first time. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all black pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1941. They became known

American, Korea forces combine efforts in peninsula-wide exercise

Seventh Air Force launched a peninsula-wide exercise Jan. 23 with a combination of forces from Osan, Kunsan and South Korea. This exercise was the largest in South Korea in recent history. “Seventh Air Force Headquarters, the 51st Fighter Wing and the 8th Fighter Wing have completely integrated into

Field medics move in out of the dust

The thought of a field hospital conjures up images of medics rolling battle-wounded troops on gurneys into a dimly lit operating room. The 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron at Sather Air Base located at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, no longer battles the desert dust or works in cramped

Vance couple selected to pilot B-2s

The Air Force's only B-2 Spirit bomber wing has announced a historical first -- the selection of a married pilot couple. Capts. Rob and Beth Makros, T-38 instructor pilots with the 25th Flying Training Squadron here, have been selected for assignment to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force

Network news team injured in Iraq

ABC news anchor Bob Woodruff and his camera man, Douglas Vogt, were injured while traveling on a convoy in Iraq today. Mr. Woodruff and Mr. Vogt were both transported to the theater hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq, for medical treatment. The facilities are the largest and most advanced combat

Small office comes up big for armament, munitions Airmen

When it comes to handling munitions no one does a better job than the munitions materiel handling equipment focal point here. The focal point is an organization assigned to the agile combat support systems squadron. Its sole purpose is to support the entire Air Force armament and munitions community

Italian pilot deploys with U.S. forces

For four months an Italian air force pilot, as part of an exchange program, has been deployed to Southwest Asia with the U.S. Air Force. Capt. Daniele Poli, 738th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron pilot, has flown C-130 Hercules on more than 240 sorties, for more than 60 missions since September 2005.

Most Reserve, Guard members earn more, not less, in uniform

Despite general perceptions that Guardsmen and Reservists lose income when called to active duty, most actually earn more in uniform than as civilians, a new Rand Corp. study reveals. The nonprofit research organization's study, commissioned by the Defense Department and released Jan. 25, shows that

Contingency skills course brings expeditionary basics to Airmen

With Airmen doing more on the frontlines of the war on terrorism, the need exists for Air Force specialties across the board to receive training in a variety of expeditionary combat skills. In the Air Mobility Warfare Center’s 421st Combat Training Squadron here, they built an answer to that need --

Defense review addresses uncertain, unpredictable world

The Quadrennial Defense Review, to be delivered to Congress Feb. 6, will be dominated by two words: uncertainty and unpredictability, senior defense officials said Jan. 25. Congress mandates that the Department of Defense conduct the QDR every four years to ensure the armed forces have the right mix

Security forces work side by side with Soldiers in Iraq

Imagine searching door to door with Soldiers, looking for insurgents, high-value targets and weapons caches in Iraq. Envision the nerve it takes to do the job after having another Airman in the area critically injured by an improvised explosive device, or IED, only two weeks after being assigned to

Air Guardsman soars into Super Bowl XL

Bryce Fisher the “Guardsman” can earn a medal or a ribbon or receive a commander’s coin for a job well done. Now, Bryce Fisher the “football player” has a shot at a Super Bowl ring and a title his hometown has been waiting 30 years for. The Seahawks, the newly crowned National Football Conference

Firefighters do more than name implies

The 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Prevention Flight does more than fight fires. "In addition to fire and medical calls we respond to hazardous materials, confined space and high angle rescue calls," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Raymond, 332nd ECES fire chief. The flight also

F-22A Raptor flies first operational missions

The F-22A Raptor showed another of its capabilities when it flew its first two operational sorties over the United States in support of Operation Noble Eagle Jan. 21 and 22. The Raptor mission came one week after the 27th Fighter Squadron -- the first unit to fly the jet -- converted to the Air

Security forces squadron leads combat path

In a vast wasteland of Third World countries paved with improvised explosive devices and teenagers armed with rocket-propelled grenades, you’ll find Airmen defending freedom. Airmen with the 366th Fighter Wing here are no strangers to combat operations, but one group shares this load more often. The

ACC chief visits with deployed Airmen

The top Air Combat Command chief master sergeant recently toured units here to ensure Airmen were properly trained and equipped before deploying. Command Chief Master Sgt. David Popp said the No. 1 reason for his visit was ensuring that the Airmen deploying from ACC units are trained, equipped and

Total force meets at Fort Dix for conference

More than 20 senior officers from the air mobility total force met to improve practices during a director of mobility forces conference at the Air Mobility Warfare Center here Jan. 18 to 19. The conference was an opportunity for leaders in the mobility world to enhance practices in current

Leasing option increases Air Force land value

Underutilized Air Force land does not need to sit idle any longer. The Air Force Real Property Agency converts underutilized land and infrastructure into real value for the Air Force, installations and communities through the enhanced use leasing option, officials said. "Enhanced use leasing is a

Tips offered for tax season

Tax season has once again arrived, and military personnel should know several things to make their returns easier and more beneficial, a military official said here yesterday. One of the most notable changes to the tax code this year is the addition of provisions for victims of hurricanes Katrina,