NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Global Observer makes first hydrogen-powered flight

    The Global Observer unmanned aircraft system successfully completed its first flight powered by the aircraft's hydrogen-fueled propulsion system here Jan. 6.This milestone marks the beginning of high-altitude, long-endurance flight testing for the demonstration and operational utility phase of this

  • Air Force officials report recruiting success

    All four active services met or exceeded their recruiting and retention goals for the fiscal year through December, Defense Department officials announced Jan. 12.Additionally, five of the six reserve components have met or exceeded their recruiting goals so far for the fiscal year that began Oct.

  • Airmen donate school supplies to local Iraqi children

    Airmen assigned to the Echelon Above Division-Advise and Train team at Tallil Air Base, Iraq, recently handed out school supplies and toys to more than 70 children at Ur Elementary School, located in a small village near the base."The local children are the future leaders of this country," said Lt.

  • Airmen build foundation of Iraqi air force

    In an effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between Iraq and U.S., Airmen assigned to the 821st Expeditionary Training Squadron here are helping the Iraqi government and its people develop a stable and self-reliant air force for their nation.Airmen with the 821st ETRS work daily with the

  • Civil engineers restore electricity to village

    For the past three months, inhabitants of Bakir village, Iraq, were without power, but members of the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, contractors and local Iraqi electricians worked together to install new high-voltage cable to restore electricity."This has been a joint effort between

  • Survey will assess Air Force community well-being

    Invitations to take the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment will be sent out Jan. 25. The assessment is designed to assist chaplains and people working in installation-level Airman and family readiness centers, family advocacy programs, health and wellness centers, mental health clinics and child

  • Chairman calls for military self-examination

    As the military enjoys tremendous support from the American people, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said now is the time to step back, assess the impact of 10 years of war and ensure the institution remains on course.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, opening a leadership conference Jan. 10 at the

  • F-4 continues long-time service to Air Force with new mission

    The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron officials here are replacing the use of Lear jets for their banner tow missions with the F-4 Phantom, creating an air-to-air target that aircrews in training can safely evaluate, develop and test their weapons systems. "We developed the idea to use the F-4 for the

  • 'ONE Suit Pro' IDEA saves Air Force money

    Saving money and improving quality of service and efficiency in the workplace were the motivating factors behind the "ONE Suit Pro" idea that won awards for the members of the 17th Civil Engineer Squadron, Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program team recently.The idea submitted to

  • Gates: Chinese taking strategic dialogue proposal seriously

    The Chinese are taking an American proposal to hold a strategic dialogue between the two countries seriously, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Jan. 11.Secretary Gates met with President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the people and with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Jan. 11. The meetings

  • Airmen develop Iraqi documentation and media exploitation capacity

    Forty joint expeditionary tasking Airmen, along with other members of the Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Tactical Documentation and Media Exploitation Team in Iraq, are helping Iraqi government officials to establish their own documentation and media exploitation mission. A

  • Aviano becomes first USAFE base to begin using AMT

    Airmen at Aviano Air Base are the first in U.S. Air Forces in Europe to begin using the new, revolutionary asset marking and tracking system being implemented at Air Force installations around the world. Once fully integrated, the new AMT system will provide 100-percent accountability for all Air

  • Fielding success enables pilot-to-pilot link

    A team of former fighter pilots from the Electronic Systems Center here is continuing to make sure current fighter pilots -- both U.S. and Allied forces -- can operate the sophisticated communication network known as Link 16.Link 16 takes data from multiple platforms, including Airborne Warning and

  • Baltic air policing mission complete

    The 493rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, United Kingdom, relinquished command of the NATO Baltic air policing mission to the German air force at Lithuania Air Force Air Base here Jan. 5.The 493rd EFS, deployed from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, assumed responsibility for Lithuanian, Latvian and

  • Iraqi airmen fly record number of aircraft

    Iraqi air force pilots flew a record number of aircraft during the annual Iraqi Army Day Parade Jan. 6 at the International Zone here. Iraqi crews piloted 20 aircraft in 12 fly-overs and aerial demonstrations over a parade field filled with government officials from allied nations and Iraqi

  • Health plan to remain free for troops, officials emphasize

    Though Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates seeks modest premium increases for working-age military retirees who use the TRICARE Prime health plan, the benefit will remain free to service members, defense officials emphasized Jan. 7.Secretary Gates unveiled sweeping, cost-cutting initiatives Jan. 6,

  • Another GPS software upgrade completed

    As part of a larger ongoing effort by Air Force officials to improve and maintain the current GPS ground system, Air Force Space Command officials completed another sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system. Officials from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at

  • Health plan officials work to improve efficiency, care

    As Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presses for a modest increase in health plan premiums for working-age military retirees to help offset rising health care costs, the head of the TRICARE Management Activity reported progress already made in improving efficiencies as well as the quality of health

  • Secretary Gates outlines 'Don't Ask' repeal process

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Jan. 6 described the Pentagon's three-step process for preparing to allow gays to serve openly in the military services.At a Pentagon news conference with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary Gates updated reporters on the

  • Base exchange rewards those who 'Made the Grade'

    Military children, especially those with deployed parents, face unique stresses that often result in higher rates of school absenteeism and failure, according to the American Academy of PediatricsKeeping these unique challenges in mind, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service established an

  • Cadet chorale to perform at BCS championship

    The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale is scheduled to perform the National Anthem Jan. 10 at the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game prior to kickoff in Glendale, Ariz. The Cadet Chorale is composed of men and women from all four cadet classes who represent the Academy through

  • Antarctica blog connects students with science

    Connecting scientists to elementary and high school students worldwide was one of many accomplishments during last year's Operation Deep Freeze, the military's support of National Science Foundation research in Antarctica.In 2010, Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan spent 50 days as commander of McMurdo Det. 1 and

  • Airmen, Soldiers redeploy aircraft

     A CH-47 Chinook helicopter was returned home to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, by the joint efforts of Soldiers and Airmen working here Dec. 15.Soldiers from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade worked alongside Airmen here to complete the final stages of their redeployment. The brigade was a vital part of

  • Air Force Global Strike Command gets new top leader

    Lt. Gen. James Kowalski assumed command of Air Force Global Strike Command here Jan. 6, becoming the second commander of the organization.  As such, he is responsible for all of the nation's ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers.Presiding over the ceremony, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • New Afghan facilities key for Kandahar Air Wing

    Afghan air force's Kandahar Air Wing officials invited coalition forces, tribal elders and school children here Jan. 1 to the open house for their newly constructed facilities and aircraft inventory.With assistance from the international community, the $60 million facility improvement project now

  • Expeditionary center formally assumes command of five AMC units

    U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center officials assumed command of five Air Mobility Command organizations during a ceremony Jan 6 here. The AMC restructuring allows 18th Air Force officials to focus almost exclusively on worldwide mobility flying operations and gives the expeditionary center added

  • Holly Petraeus to lead Office of Service Member Affairs

    The wife of the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan will head up an office devoted to strengthening consumer financial protection for service members and their families, an official announced today.In a White House blog, Elizabeth Warren, the assistant to the president and special adviser to

  • Defense Department officials to prune senior ranks, freeze staffing

    Defense Department officials will reduce senior ranks and freeze civilian staffing levels, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Jan. 6."The monetary savings from ... reductions in senior personnel will be relatively modest, and mostly consist of the extra staff and amenities that, by tradition,

  • Gates reveals budget efficiencies, reinvestment possibilities

    Defense Department officials have found $154 billion in budget efficiencies over the next five years and will be able to invest $70 billion of that saved money in more-deserving accounts, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Jan. 6.The secretary announced the savings and reinvesting of the

  • Program helps Airmen cope with divorce

    Anyone who has been in the Air Force for more than a year has heard the horror stories about failed marriages and how hard it is to stay in a relationship with constant deployments and work stress. While falling in love and getting married can be the greatest experience of one's life, a divorce can

  • With new phone system, seeing is hearing

    Thanks to the installation of a new, technologically-advanced device called the Z-150, deaf/hearing impaired employees here now can speak to, and see, one another over the phone. The Z-150 is a video phone system with a camera and monitor that allows communications to travel over the network,

  • Study ties problems to post-traumatic stress

    Service members who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries in combat and then struggle with depression, irritability, alcohol abuse and similar problems after they return home most likely are experiencing post-traumatic stress, rather than brain injury symptoms, according to a new study.The study,

  • Air Guard officials prepare for new medical mission

    Air National Guard members will begin flying a newly assigned critical care air transport team mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 10, the air surgeon said in an interview here Jan. 4.The CCATTs, which consist of a physician specializing in critical care, pulmonology, anesthesiology or

  • President signed improvements to Post-9/11 GI Bill

    To bring the educational benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill closer to more veterans and service members, President Obama signed legislation Jan. 4 that streamlines the 18 month-old education program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs."Since the first GI Bill in 1944, this unique

  • Air Force Space Command welcomes new commander

    Air Force Space Command members welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here Jan. 5.Gen. William L. Shelton accepted command from Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, in front of an audience of family members, community members and AFSPC members. In

  • All Americans encouraged to visit a national park this year

    Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced Jan. 5 that National Park Service officials will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011 and encouraged all Americans to make a New Year's resolution to visit a national park this year."Many people have made resolutions to spend more

  • Operation CCAF Blitz targets technical sergeants

    With the implementation of a new initiative, 23rd Force Support Squadron education center officials here are making an effort to increase the number of Airmen eligible for senior-rater endorsement on enlisted performance reports.Operation CCAF Blitz will be carried out in three phases and encourages

  • Air Force officials approve changes to officer selection brief

    In an effort to better highlight candidates who possess the skills necessary for officer promotion in today's expeditionary Air Force, senior Air Force officials approved changes to the officer selection brief. The modified officer selection brief will be used beginning with boards in June and

  • Nellis AFB selected to host new joint MWD training program

    Air Force officials selected Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., as the location of a new joint military working dog training program in late November. The officials made their decision after Nellis AFB members graduated their beta-test class of 15 security forces dog handlers and their MWDs Nov. 9.

  • AMC Fuel Efficiency Office shows how 'efficiency promotes effectiveness'

    Officials with Air Mobility Command's Fuel Efficiency Office here are putting forth an initiative called precision loading. By refining the ability to maximize available space on mobility aircraft, fewer missions are required and fuel and resources are saved, and Air Force officials find another way

  • Wars, people, balancing risk top chairman's 2011 guidance

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's guidance for 2011 charts the way forward in America's wars, in improving the health of the force and in balancing global risks.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's 2011 guidance was released Jan. 15, relaying the admiral's priorities and strategic objectives for the

  • Changes coming to the Post-9/11 GI-Bill

    The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. Effective Aug. 1, 2009, but not payable until Oct. 1, 2011-- Certain National Guard members mobilized on Title 32 orders on, or after, Sept. 11, 2001 are now eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any

  • Security forces advisers provide advanced training for Iraqi airmen

    Airmen deployed in support of Operation New Dawn recently trained a small detail of Iraqi security forces airmen to teach several advanced techniques for one-on-one confrontations.Master Sgt. Grady Driver, a security forces adviser, is a member of the Iraqi Training and Advising Mission. He said

  • Royal Air Force aircrews to train at Offutt

    Whether it's performing strategic bombing missions in World War II, defending Europe during the Cold War, monitoring Iraqi no-fly zones, or battling the Taliban in Afghanistan, the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force have been close allies for many years.Recently, this partnership was

  • General Klotz reflects on command, career

    Editor's Note: When he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1968 to attend the Air Force Academy Prep School, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz says he never imagined where his Air Force career would take him. Now, after more than 37 years of commissioned service, he took a few minutes to sit down and reflect on

  • Chief Roy visits Kunsan

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited members of the 8th Fighter Wing here Dec. 29 and 30 during a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.During the visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, and his wife, Paula, toured the base, presented stripes to Airmen who were promoted,

  • Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

    The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

  • Fisher House program still growing after 20 years

    The Fisher House Foundation isn't basking in past achievements as it prepares to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of its first home on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center here.As the first military families move this week into one of three new Fisher Houses just across

  • Biggest-loser contest encourages weight loss

    Fitness center and health and wellness center officials here are starting a biggest-loser contest to encourage Airmen and civilians to lose weight and build better lifestyles. The competition begins Jan 5, and is scheduled to continue through early April."This contest is about losing weight," said

  • CMSAF visits Osan Air Base, concludes PACAF tour

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited Osan Air Base Dec. 30 and 31, wrapping up a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and his wife, Paula, met with Osan Airmen and families, visiting facilities and organizations across the base.Spending

  • Reservists load humanitarian aid bound for Nicaragua

    A C-17 Globemaster III from the Air Force Reserve Command's 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., landed here Dec. 30 to load humanitarian aid headed for Managua, Nicaragua.A fire truck along with nearly three and a half tons of medical supplies and firefighting equipment donated by

  • Language training detachment stands up in Europe

    With defense leaders emphasizing the importance of language and cultural training to support military operations worldwide, Defense Language Institute officials have established a new detachment in Germany to provide follow-on sustainment training for military linguists based in Europe.Staff members

  • Landscape architect saves water and maintenance

    Most bases don't get the luxury of having a landscape architect. In fact, some might wonder why a military installation would really need one. But according to Janice Ellis, the landscape architect here and just one of six in the Air Force, the benefits of having one are important to the morale and

  • C-17 marks 2 millionth flight hour during airdrop

    This month, the C-17 Globemaster III celebrated its two millionth flight hour. As a testament to the C-17 mission tempo, the aircraft passed its two millionth flight hour just four years after passing its first million-hour mark, and the first million hours took 16 years to reach. Although Air

  • Heart Link links hearts and minds of military spouses

    The words "Heart Link" may evoke a mental image of animated cartoon hearts holding hands or perhaps the infamous paper heart chain that has become a staple around school rooms during Valentine's Day. Sometimes spouses may feel like that flimsy chain of paper hearts, vulnerable and alone. Heart Link

  • Virtual inprocessing simplifies civilian PCS

    Revisions in the civilian permanent-change-of-station orders process at the Air Force Personnel Center are intended to save time and money, and reduce errors for hiring officials, relocating employees and personnelists, officials said.The new civilian PCS process is conducted virtually through the

  • Air Force rescuers pull female hiker to safety

    Senior Master Sgt. Mike Flake, an HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer with the 305th Rescue Squadron here, had been flying a training mission Dec. 22 around Tucson, Ariz., where his unit trains regularly. Upon clocking out, he was home by 9:30 p.m., enjoying family time, when he received a call from a

  • Combat camera Airmen learn battlefield forensics

    It was a first for the Air Force when a cadre of instructors from Six3 Systems Inc. arrived here to teach a battlefield forensics course to 4th Combat Camera Squadron Airmen. In the past, company officials taught the course to only Army and Marine Corps units, but 4th Combat Squadron officials

  • VA program helps families help their veterans

    "Families At Ease" is a new program developed by Department of Veterans Affairs officials that works with family members and friends of veterans of any era to help them help their veteran get care.Many veterans are reluctant to get help for the symptoms or difficulties they are having, or may not

  • Iraqi air force officials open 3 new facilities

    Iraqi air force officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open three new facilities, including a communications building, a communications equipment facility and a medical clinic Dec. 11 here. Tech. Sgt. Amy Everhard, a New Al-Muthana Air Base Transition Team member, was on hand to assist with

  • Operations security goes digital

    Click through any photo-sharing site and you will likely find at least one random shot of someone you know doing something highly inappropriate. While these photos may be hilarious, could they have the potential to reveal intimate details of your life to the world?Walk through a mall during a

  • CMSAF visits Yokota Airmen

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force kicked off his tour of Pacific Air Forces bases with a visit to Yokota Air Base, Dec. 27 to 28. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy, along with his wife, Paula, visited Yokota AB Airmen to receive an overview of the 374th Airlift Wing's mission as

  • 386th AEW first with all-AF customs team

    Due to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's all-Air Force customs team, a first in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, a process that would usually require Airmen who are redeploying to stay confined to the passenger terminal for more than 14 hours was greatly reduced.Senior Airman

  • Airmen work side-by-side with Iraqi AAC members

    As part of efforts by U.S. officials in Iraq to continue strengthening a long-term partnership, Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron train, advise and assist members of the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with all helicopter operations here."The air advisers are applying

  • ROBOTx adds helping 'hands' to pharmacy

    The pharmacy staff here recently added a new member to their crew:  a robot designed to count medication for prescriptions. The PharmASSIST ROBOTx stores the counted medications until electronic prescriptions are received from doctors. Then, using bar code scanning checks, it ensures patients

  • Falcons capitalize on turnovers, swat Yellow Jackets, 14-7

    A disciplined offense and tenacious defense sealed Air Force's second consecutive bowl game win and the team's first-ever victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., Dec. 27.Two muffed Georgia Tech punt returns set the stage for the

  • DOD officials urge service members to stop using tobacco

    Each year, more than a million people successfully quit using tobacco, and Defense Department officials want more service members included in that number in 2011."In the tradition of New Year's, we are asking our active-duty and retired service members and their families to make a resolution to quit

  • NATO program enhances multinational tactical operations

    This year, six pilots from the 480th Fighter Squadron here completed Allied Command Europe's Tactical Leadership Program at Albacete-Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, for the first time."This training is essential for fighter squadrons in Europe that have active participation roles with NATO," said Lt.

  • 2011 Air Force Marathon registration opens Jan. 1

    Air Force Marathon officials announced they will open registration for the 2011 marathon Jan. 1, with special sale pricing for New Year's Day.The 15th annual event will occur Sept. 17 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force here. In addition to a full 26.2 mile marathon, runners also

  • New fuel system enhances Bagram's refueling capabilities

    Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuel Management Flight used a new fuel delivery system Dec. 21 that will change the way large aircraft are refueled here. The $130 million type III constant pressure system, owned by the 101st Sustainment Brigade, consists of two 1.1

  • C-17 serves as a bridge, navigates unpredictable weather in Antarctica

    An Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III from the 728th Airlift Squadron out of McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is supporting Operation Deep Freeze by serving as a bridge for cargo and personnel moving between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Air Station, Antarctica. The C-17 and its aircrew

  • Dec. 19 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec.19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 18 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec.18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 17 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec.17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 16 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec.16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Airmen ready to track Santa

    On Christmas Eve, members of the 601st Air and Space Operations Center will track Santa on part of his journey to deliver toys to children around the world.In conjunction with the North American Aerospace Defense Command's 'NORAD Track Santa' program, AOC volunteers will monitor jolly ol' Saint Nick

  • Senate approves U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty

    In a 71-26 vote Dec. 22, the U.S. Senate ratified the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a pact intended to level the nuclear arms playing field between the U.S. and Russia.The vote followed the senators' 67-28 vote Dec. 21 to move the bill from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the full

  • Fitness regulation changes based on Airmen's feedback

    As Air Force officials continue to sculpt their fitness program based on Airmen's feedback, service officials issued an AF Guidance Memorandum here Dec. 20 that provides policy changes to AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011. Compliance with the program is

  • AF Nuclear Weapons Center improves tracking, monitoring of nuclear weapons

    Officials at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center have created a worldwide logistics function to monitor activities within the nuclear enterprise, tracking the location and status of all Air Force nuclear weapons and related material.Brig. Gen. Everett Thomas, the AFNWC commander, cut the ribbon

  • Nellis AFB officials host joint training exercise for local canine units

    Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas Dec. 16 during an explosive detection training exercise.Handlers and dogs from local casinos; Las Vegas Convention Center; Hoover Dam; Las Vegas Monorail; University of Nevada, Las Vegas;

  • VA officials start mentoring for veteran-owned small businesses

    To help small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans and other veteran-owned small businesses become more competitive in the marketplace, Department of Veterans Affairs officials have selected 20 mentor-protégé teams to participate in a new program. "For VA, it's a natural goal to award

  • U.S. Southern Command opens new headquarters

    Officials from U.S. Southern Command opened their new $402 million headquarters here in an event that underscored the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Latin America, and marked a new phase of the command's history in South Florida.This facility "demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to our

  • Defense.gov names top stories of 2010

    Defense.gov administrators published nearly 3,000 stories ranging from Tricare health-care benefits to the status of gays serving openly in the military to the Defense Department budget. The top 10 stories most viewed on Defense.gov this year are:10. "Pentagon Changes Don't Ask, Don't Tell

  • USAFE vice commander discusses Air Force operations

    More than 100 business and military professionals gathered here recently to hear the U.S. Air Forces in Europe vice commander's perspective on Air Force operations and what it means as Air Force communications and information Airmen transition from a support role to an operational cyberspace

  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • VA officials urge veterans to sign up for direct deposits

    Department of the Treasury officials have announced a new rule that will extend the safety and convenience of electronic payments to millions of Americans and phase out paper checks for federal benefits by March 1, 2013. Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs urge veterans to sign up for

  • Reese Technology Center: Research powerhouse in Lubbock

    Pilots trained to fly at the former Reese Air Force Base here may remember the "interesting crosswinds" in the area. The military pilots are gone, but the blustery winds are placing this northwest Texas city on the renewable energy map.These winds, as well as other hallmarks of the area, such as

  • DARPA goal for cybersecurity: change the game

    Self-proclaimed "technogeeks" at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, after determining the nature of the cybersecurity threat, have devised programs to tackle the problem and, most importantly, surprise their adversaries, DARPA's deputy director said.Kaigham Gabriel spoke here at the Dec.

  • Classic associate unit activated at Kirtland AFB

    The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, N.M.The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have

  • Dec. 15 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 14 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 13 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • Dec. 12 airpower summary

    Coalition airpower integrated with Operation New Dawn partners in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

  • VA officials process first claims for new Agent Orange presumptives

    Department of Veterans Affairs processors have decided more than 28,000 claims in the first six weeks of processing disability compensation applications from Vietnam veterans with diseases related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange."With new technology and ongoing improvements, we are quickly

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Intrepid Center provides new level of warfighter care

    When it officially opened its doors in June, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at the National Naval Medical Center here set out to provide a new level of care for warfighters suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders.Six months later, as it continues to build staff to

  • Obama calls on Senate to ratify new START

    President Barack Obama called on Congress Dec. 20 to ratify the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty before recessing for the holiday, warning of the consequences of delays in moving forward on "an urgent national priority.""Ratifying a treaty like START isn't about winning a victory for an

  • Don't Ask' remains in effect as Gates, Mullen tackle plan

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the Senate's vote Dec. 18 to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, while emphasizing that the current law and policy will remain in effect until they and President Barack Obama