Air Force leader talks future of air, missile defense at ISAD 2020

The Air Force's senior leader in U.S. Central Command met with other military leaders from around the globe during the International Symposium on Air Defense 2020 from April 17 to 19 at the Air Defense Forces Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the Combined Forces Air Component

Mullen: Meeting reaffirms U.S.-Pakistan ties

Reaffirmation of the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistani militaries was the most important aspect of his meeting last night with his Pakistani counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today. The meeting at Army House in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad was the first

Families return to Yokota

Dependents returning from the voluntary authorized departures gathered for a ReStart briefing here April 21. The departures served as a precautionary measure to help ensure safety of U.S. citizens and also assisted and expedited Japanese recovery efforts by reducing the demand for food, water, fuel

Officials announce officer voluntary separation pay results and updates to reduction-in-force targets

Air Force officials announced updates April 20 to voluntary separation pay approvals and reduction-in-force targets as part of the fiscal 2011 force management program for officers."Later this week, commanders will begin notifying approximately 300 officers that their requests to separate under the

DOD: U.S. continues support of NATO operations in Libya

A U.S. military fighter jet destroyed two of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's surface-to-air missile sites near the Libyan capital of Tripoli April 18, continuing U.S. support of NATO operations there, officials reported.Since NATO took the lead of multilateral operations in Libya on April 1, U.S.

Budget cuts demand more DOD buying power

As Defense Department officials seek additional cost cuts to support President Barack Obama's deficit-reduction efforts, weapons systems and other major procurement programs certainly will be on the table, but won't be enough to achieve the president's goals, the Pentagon's acquisitions chief said

4th SOPS closes the door on operations legacy

In a ceremony held April 11, 4th Space Operations Squadron members decommissioned the Satellite Mission Control Subsystem, or SMCS, and the Air Force Command Post Terminal, closing the door on a legacy of operations."Today we turn the lights off on the command and control system that has been

Mullen: Leaders see need for partnership

Leaders in both Pakistan and the U.S. recognize the importance of a strategic partnership with each other and will work through problems to ensure it remains strong, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen acknowledged relations between the two countries hit

Reservists part of gold medal teams at Armed Forces Triathlon

Four Air Force reservists helped their U.S. Air Force Triathlon teams win the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship for the second consecutive year. Twenty-four Air Force triathletes, including two men and two women from the Air Force Reserve, represented the Air Force at the Armed Forces Triathlon

Organization reaches out to wounded warriors

In what started out as a pilot program, members of Disabled American Veterans, working with the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments, began visiting wounded warriors at Fort Bragg, N.C., to talk about benefits and services available to them after they leave active duty.Now 40 DAV transition

Yokota AB Airmen provide Afghan military with 'props'

Airmen from here helped airmen in the Afghan National Army Air Corps get off the ground and take control of maintaining Afghan national security.The Yokota AB Airmen were tasked to package and ship 15 sets of propellers, three blades per set, to the ANAAC for their growing fleet of C-27A

First combat systems officers graduate from training program

Ten lieutenants, including nine active-duty members and one member of the Wyoming Air National Guard, became the first class of combat systems officers to graduate from the 479th Flying Training Group's CSO training program here April 15. Previously, the Air Force had separate training tracks for

Nominees sought for National Public Service Award

Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2012 National Public Service Award.The National Public Service Award recognizes individuals with agency-wide responsibility who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period of time, and who

Mullen cites Pakistani cooperation in Afghanistan

Cooperation between U.S. and Pakistani service members on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border is better than it has ever been, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here April 19. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters traveling with him to Afghanistan and Pakistan that the

TRICARE supports DEA's National Medication Take Back Day

National Medication Take Back Day is being observed April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at many police departments, universities, hospitals and military installations across America. This one-day event, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, provides a venue for people to safely dispose of

Gates will present president with cost-cutting options

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is "a leader when it comes to fiscal responsibility" and will provide President Barack Obama with options, along with the pros and cons of each, to make additional defense cuts, the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs said yesterday.Secretary Gates

Show seeks military families for home makeover

The producers of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" are seeking people involved in the military whose home deserves an extreme makeover. The producers are looking for people with "amazing strength of character and who put their own needs aside to help others," a press release said. "Whether it's

Falcons bring home Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

President Barack Obama formally presented the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to seniors from the Air Force Falcons football team April 18 at the White House.The trophy is awarded to the military service academy football team with the best regular season record against the other two teams. The trophy

U.S.-trained Afghan pilots advance in Mi-17 course, designated as co-pilots

The first two Afghan air force helicopter pilots to complete basic aviator training in the U.S. recently became qualified as co-pilots in the Mi-17 helicopter, the focal point of the Afghan air force's rotary-wing force. The qualification marks the halfway point in their Mi-17 training.In order to

Leaders describe path to peace in Libya

NATO nations will continue operations against the regime in Libya until Moammar Gadhafi leaves power, the leaders of the United States, Great Britain and France wrote in an article published in their countries April 15.President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas

CJCS presents Bronze Stars to Nellis pararescuemen

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented Bronze Stars with valor to three Nellis pararescuemen during a ceremony here April 13.Staff Sgt. Asher Woodhouse, Tech. Sgt. Ryan Manjuck and Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Hedglin of the 58th Rescue Squadron were individually awarded the

DOD launches sexual assault response helpline

Defense Department officials launched the Pentagon's newest initiative April 15 to support victims of sexual assault.The DOD Safe Helpline allows service members to click, call or text for victim support services for themselves or others.The resource is free, anonymous and confidential. Those who

Air Force officials announce civilian strategic leader program assignments

Air Force officials here April 18 announced the placement of the Air Force's newest senior leaders into command-equivalent positions as part of the civilian strategic leader program.The CSLP creates multi-skilled GS-14, GS-15 or equivalent level civilian leaders who navigate complex environments in

Prisoner of War Medal finally presented to family of Kentucky Air Guard pilot

The family of a late Kentucky Air National Guard pilot was presented with his Prisoner of War Medal in a ceremony here April 16.Merlin R. "Bob" Kehrer was a first lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps who flew combat missions over Europe during World War II. His P-51 Mustang aircraft was

Department ends voluntary departure authorization from Japan

The Defense Department's voluntary authorized departures for service members' eligible family members to leave Japan in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake effectively ended April 18."The Defense Department concurs with the State Department's determination that the situation in Japan does not

Airmen of Note's 2011 Spring Tour comes to an end

The Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the Air Force, finished their 2011 Spring Tour through Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas March 30."Touring the U.S. gives the Airmen of Note the opportunity to influence communities by demonstrating the excellence and passion with which

Civilian developmental education application deadline May 1

Air Force civilians interested in civilian developmental education opportunities during academic year 2012 have until May 1 to submit completed application packages to the Air Force Personnel Center force development branch.Civilians must be nominated for CDE by their local leaders and endorsed by

Programs help Airmen obtain financial success

For Airmen wondering if the struggle for total financial success will ever end, there is good news. The Airman and Family Readiness Center's financial advisers help members reach their financial goals. According to James McDaniel, an accredited financial counselor here, financial readiness is a

Organization honors service members' children

Officials with Our Military Kids honored four children and a military family here yesterday in an award ceremony at the Navy Memorial here.During the organization's "Our Military Kids of the Year" event, retired Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, the 16th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and an Our

First lady, Dr. Biden kick off Sesame, USO tour

Calling out over thousands of screaming fans, Elmo introduced a few new friends to Sesame Street here April 14.First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, stepped onto the auditorium stage and into the arms of Elmo and friends as a crowd of local military and

Tops in Blue wraps up 2010 tour

After touring the world performing for service members home and abroad, Tops in Blue took the stage April 9 at the Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium in San Antonio.Tops in Blue is the premier performance group of the Air Force, made up of 35 active-duty amateur musicians and performers who

USTRANSCOM members move DOD personnel from Japan

More than 7,500 Department of Defense personnel and family members, and 400 of their pets, were evacuated from Japan following natural disasters in March. The evacuation was made possible through the combined efforts of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, Military Surface

New features allow users access to expanded personal health data at TRICARE Online

A new feature on TRICARE Online at www.tricareonline.com now allows users access to expanded personal health data, including lab results, patient history and diagnoses, and provider visits.These features are an expansion of the current Blue Button capability, which already allowed beneficiaries to

Carter outlines military acquisition improvements

The Defense Department has made much progress toward buying and fielding equipment smarter and faster, the Pentagon's undersecretary for acquisitions, technology and logistics told a congressional panel April 13.At a time when President Barack Obama and Congress look for ways to fix the nation's

Officials seeks process to fund urgent needs

The Pentagon's top acquisitions official April 13 asked Congress to help set up a funding system so the Defense Department can more quickly meet deployed warfighters' most urgent requests.Ashton B. Carter, the undersecretary of defense for acquisitions, technology and logistics, thanked the House

Medical team saves life with 'cool' procedure

Members of the Air Force Theater Hospital emergency staff here recently performed an unconventional medical procedure to help save a Soldier's life. The 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group staff used therapeutic hypothermia to ensure the patient, who had suffered cardiac arrest, would fully

CMSAF discusses quality-of-life, personnel issues on Capitol Hill

The Air Force's top enlisted leader testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee here April 13 about personnel and quality-of-life issues impacting the enlisted force.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, alongside his sister-service counterparts, highlighted the importance of

Air Force sexual assault response coordinator earns Federal Service Award

Dr. Charlotte Moerbe, the Joint Base San Antonio sexual assault response coordinator, was recognized for outstanding work on behalf of crime victims by Department of Justice officials April 8 during the National Crime Victims' Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.Dr. Moerbe received one of two

Photo essay: Langley Airmen participate in operational readiness inspection

Members of the 149th Fighter Squadron prepare F-22 Raptors during an operational readiness inspection here April 10. The inspection evaluates an installation's ability to efficiently deploy military members, cargo and equipment while adjusting to rapidly changing security conditions.View the

President's plan likely to affect 2013 defense budget

President Barack Obama's effort to seek additional savings within the Defense Department likely will affect the department's fiscal 2013 budget, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said April 13.The president announced that he plans to work with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm.

Officials seek input on new consumer protection office

Treasury Department officials met here April 13 with service members and their families to better understand financial challenges in the military community.Holly Petraeus, the head of the Office of Servicemember Affairs in the Treasury Department's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has been

Chairman thanks USO for service to military

For 70 years, the USO and its thousands of volunteers have stood as a compass for the nation and adapted to the needs of every war Americans have fought, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said April 12 at the organization's 29th annual awards dinner."To the thousands and thousands of

Policy permitting media access for dignified transfers two years old

Two years ago, on April 6, 2009, the dignified transfer of a fallen service member with media in attendance took place under new policy directed by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The policy, issued on March 25, 2009, sponsors family members wishing to attend and empowers the primary next of kin

Kandahar Air Wing achieves medical evacuation milestone

A combined team of Afghan air force and coalition members conducted the first dedicated Mi-17 medical evacuation mission April 11 here. The team moved an Afghan National Army officer, who incurred a compound leg fracture, from Camp Bastion back to Kandahar.The planning for the inaugural mission

High school senior assignment deferment program automated

In an effort to better serve military families, Air Force personnel officials have automated the High School Senior Assignment Deferment program application.  The program increases stability for military family members entering their senior year of high school. Active-duty officers lieutenant

Baristas donate tips to Japan relief efforts

Watching the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that ripped through Japan March 11, cafe workers here have decided to give back."When you're here (in Japan) and you see the damage done, it hits home," said Amy Turner, a barista here. "We have a lot of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and

Loadmaster crashworthy seat intended to increase safety

In an effort to provide loadmasters with a safer and more structurally sound seat in cargo aircraft, engineers here recently installed a prototype of a new loadmaster crashworthy seat in an HC-130P Combat King. "The goal is to provide loadmasters with a more secure seat," said Senior Master Sgt.

Military family support a 'national priority,' Obama says

President Barack Obama today made caring for military families a national priority, calling to action his entire administration and communities across the U.S. on their behalf."The strength and the readiness of America's military depend on the strength and readiness of our military families," the

Dover colonels perform sacred duty

Each colonel assigned to Dover Air Force Base has a unique mission in addition to his or her primary duties as a wing, vice or group commander. There are nine O-6s assigned here who serve as dignified transfer hosts for fallen heroes returning to American soil. The title DTH is given to the colonel

First lady, Dr. Biden urge support of military families

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched an "unprecedented" national initiative April 12 that calls on all sectors of society to join forces to support and honor service members and their families. Flanked by their husbands, the first and second

Cyber 1.1 kicks off National Space Symposium

Air Force Space Command Airmen kicked off the weeklong National Space Symposium April 11 here with a day devoted entirely to cyber discussion, the second annual Cyber 1.1 event.Gen. William Shelton, the AFSPC commander, recognized the event as a chance to think about where the Air Force is going in

Changed South Korea duty tours aid readiness

Normalizing U.S. military duty tours in South Korea will increase combat readiness and greatly reduce stress for service members and their families, the top U.S. military commander in the region told the Senate Armed Services Committee here April 12."A force multiplier, tour normalization keeps

Research examines blast impact on human brain

There's little debate about the risk of a brain injury when a service member gets a blow to the head, whether from an enemy round or from crashing against a wall or being inside a vehicle during an explosion.But some of the foremost academic researchers from around the world, working in cooperation

Stavridis: National Guard State Partnership Program resources well-spent

The National Guard's State Partnership Program is a good return on investment, the commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe said here last month.During testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 29 on the topic of the Fiscal Year 2012 European

Army has new chief of staff

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wanted an Army chief of staff willing to challenge the status quo, and he believes he has one in Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.General Dempsey succeeded Gen. George W. Casey Jr. as the Army chief of staff during a ceremony at Fort Myer, Va., April 11."Whatever challenges

Airmen participate in humanitarian exercise in Trinidad and Tobago

More than 150 U.S. military personnel and military and civilian officials from Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Canada, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and the Republic of Suriname gathered here April 8 to participate in the annual Fuerzas Alidas Humanitarias, or FA HUM 2011. It is also

Fisher House helps service members' children

Military children of service members who died or who were seriously disabled in the line of duty might be eligible for a college education through the Fisher House Foundation.Foundation chairman Kenneth Fisher says the Heroes' Legacy scholarships can be used by students to attend school in the fall.

Yokota AB, Misawa AB commanders lift stop-movement order

The orders issued March 12 and 14 that stopped active duty Air Force permanent-change-of-station moves to Yokota and Misawa air bases has been lifted, and active duty members are being directed to meet their report no later than dates. However, command-sponsored family members are not yet authorized

First lady, Dr. Biden to launch family-support initiative

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will launch a national initiative tomorrow that will call on all sectors of society to support and honor America's service members and their families.The initiative is intended to educate, challenge and spark action

Deal averts shutdown, normal government operations to continue

Government agencies are continuing normal operations after the administration, the Senate and the House of Representatives agreed to a fiscal 2011 budget.The continuing resolution expired last night at midnight, but the Senate and House passed a short-term funding bill that will allow both houses to

All commissaries would remain open during government shutdown

All military commissaries would be operational in the event of a government shutdown, the Defense Commissary Agency announced late today. DeCA's announcement that its stores would continue to serve military members and their families if a government shutdown were to occur, affects 249 commissaries

Tyndall teenager receives 2011 Military Child of the Year award for Air Force

DOD officials detail closure effects, plans

While still hoping to be spared a shutdown, Defense Department officials are making plans should the government close over the fiscal 2011 budget impasse, a senior Pentagon official said here April 8."We are a country of laws, and if we go through a government shutdown, we will follow the laws," the

Scott AFB to become 'one stop C-21 shop'

The 458th Airlift Squadron here will become the Air Force's sole C-21 formal training unit within the next four months. The squadron will regain the C-21 training mission from the 45th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.The 45th AS will dissolve as a unit underneath Air Education &

AFAS officials to offer Airmen short-term, interest-free loans during shutdown

Air Force Aid Society officials are offering Airmen short-term, interest-free loans to cover basic living expenses in the event of a government shutdown.The following information was published on the AFAS website:Question: I am an active duty Air Force member and don't know if I will get paid in the

Cadets conduct tribal engagement exercise

Rolling into a simulated Afghan village April 2 at Fort Carson, Colo., Air Force Academy cadets arrived by Humvee to accomplish their mission of engaging the local population. Cadets enrolled in the Behavioral Sciences 460, Sociology of Violence and War class spent the first part of the semester

Deputy defense secretary releases shutdown guidance

The Defense Department is hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted, but is releasing guidance to help plan for an orderly process if a shutdown becomes necessary, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said in a memo issued April 7."The president and the (Defense) Secretary (Robert

Changes to Air Force leave program take effect

The changes to Air Force Instruction 36-3003 on Military Leave include revised rules for determining the first and last day of chargeable leave, emergency leave requests, permissive temporary duty and educational leave of absence, officials said here April 8.The leave rule for determining the first

Senior leader letter to men and women of the Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message to the men and women of the United States Air Force:We remain hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted. However, prudent

Guard leaders to House Subcommittee: National Guard should remain Operational

As part of the Total Force, the National Guard has successfully transformed to an operational Reserve and must not be put back on the shelf as a strategic Reserve, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said last week."We must continue to be utilized as part of the operational force and must

Army drill sergeant pushes BMT flight

When Army Staff Sgt. David Peters marched Air Force Basic Military Training Flight 258 past reviewing officials during a parade here April 8, it completed one half of a basic training instructor exchange between services.The drill sergeant-military training instructor exchange has given the Air

Enlisted medics honored at Armed Services YMCA gala

Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Guard enlisted medics were among those from all service components honored at the Armed Services YMCA's 5th Annual Angels of the Battlefield Gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here March 31. Army Gen. Raymond Odierno, the commander of

Officials discuss DOD's government shutdown plans

Military personnel will report to duty as normal if the U.S. government shuts down midnight, April 8, Pentagon officials said April 7. The department has identified tasks that must continue if or when a government shutdown occurs, said Pentagon spokesman Marine Col. Dave Lapan. "Who is affected

Deputy SecDef's message to DOD workforce on potential government shutdown

"The department remains hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted. The president has made it clear that he does not want a government shutdown, and the administration is working to find a solution with which all sides can agree. However, prudent management requires that we plan for an

Safety Investigation Board convenes for A-10 crash

A Safety Investigation Board tasked with investigating the A-10 Thunderbolt II crash that occurred April 1 in a field outside Laufeld, Germany, a town north of Wittlich convened here April 5. The team, led by Col. Michael Winters, the 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander and SIB president, will

Iraqi, American firefighters team up for joint exercise

A dozen Iraqi Air Force and U.S.-contracted firefighters conducted a joint coordination exercise for a simulated C-130 Hercules crash here April 3. The exercise, led by the U.S. Air Force's base transition team, marked the initial steps in preparing Iraqi partners for increasing responsibilities as

Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

More than 50 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the April enlisted supplemental promotion process. The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended temporary

Service members would earn pay during shutdown

Military members would continue to earn wages in the event of an April 8 shutdown of the federal government, but they'd have to wait to collect them until Congress agrees on a budget, a senior administration official said here April 6.During a telephone briefing administered by the Office of

'Today's Air Force' features a look around the service

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, welcome home two downed F-15E Strike Eagle crewmembers who ejected over Libya. Plus, a short deployment that promises to have a lasting impact, as F-15 Eagles from Idaho arrive in Afghanistan. And, it's Hollywood,

Former COMUSAFE awarded highest Latvian honor

A former commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe was presented the highest Latvian honor April 1 in a ceremony in Washington D.C. Retired Gen. William Tom Hobbins, the USAFE commander from 2005 to 2008, was awarded the Order of Viesturs, First Grade, by Latvian President Valdis Zatlers in recognition

Air Force leaders discuss future of Airmen in joint operations across Iraq

Air force leaders from the U.S., Iraq and other locations across Southwest Asia gathered on Victory Base Complex, Iraq, recently.During the conference, leaders reviewed the future manpower support of U.S. forces by joint expeditionary tasking and individual augmentee Airmen as Operation New Dawn

Symposium sets standards for efficient, total force training

Air Force officials recently concluded the annual Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Training Symposium in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 1,200 active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen met for intensive training. By gathering in a single venue, and maintaining a busy class schedule

Airman named 'Junior Chef of the Year'

The Air Force left its mark in the military culinary world when an Airman was named the Junior Chef of the Year at the 36th Annual Culinary Arts Competition awards ceremony here March 11.Senior Airman Ghil Medina's win marked the first time an Airman has earned the traditionally Army-held title. The

DOD: U.S. forces, to include mobility Airmen, demonstrate global reach, effectiveness

The U.S. military demonstrated its global reach and effectiveness in the past month of crises, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said April 5.The U.S. military is probably the only organization in the world that could have handled the demands of providing assistance to the people of Japan in

Air Force officials issue guidelines for green fleece

Additional new guidance has just been released from the office of Manpower, Personnel and Services, or AF/A1, at the Pentagon regarding wear of the authorized sage-green fleece outer garment.According to a message issued by AF/A1, "The sage-green fleece jacket, commonly known as Generation III or

Webinar set for new TRICARE Young Adult program

TRICARE and Military OneSource officials have teamed up to host an interactive webinar Monday, April 11,  from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT about the new TRICARE Young Adult program. Military parents and dependent children under age 26 are encouraged to participate. The webinar will cover who qualifies

Pentagon makes plans in case of shutdown

Defense officials believe that a government shutdown can be avoided, but they are making prudent plans in the event one does occur, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said April 5 here.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III is formulating guidance for the military services and defense

Program develops senior civilian leaders

The Civilian Strategic Leader Program director assignment offers a structured strategic path for developing future Air Force senior civilian leaders.The program serves as a process for identifying civilian employees at the GS-14 and 15 or equivalent levels who will be the most competitive for

Gates, Shinseki agree to joint electronic medical records

Two years after they joined President Barack Obama in announcing plans to create a joint virtual lifetime electronic record, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki have agreed to create a joint common platform for their departments' electronic medical

Airmen keep Yokota AB safe, healthy for relief efforts

A group of Airmen here are working to keep the people at Yokota AB safe.Members of the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron ensure that Airmen around base are safe during operations by ensuring prudent safety precautions are implemented.To do this, technicians visit worksites where harmful elements are

General discusses Reserve efficiencies, budget on Capitol Hill

As Congress continues to debate and find ways to fund the fiscal 2011 budget, Reserve leaders were on Capitol Hill to testify and answer questions about the president's fiscal 2012 budget that was introduced in February.The House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land

Air Force chief information officer discusses way ahead for cyberoperations

The Air Force chief information officer addressed modern cyberspace threats and the impact of social networking at the Air Force Association Cyber Futures Symposium and Convention here April 1.Lt. Gen. William T. Lord emphasized that despite recent budgetary constraints, the Air Force needs to

DJC2 system provides communications support for JSF, USFJ

Personnel assigned to the Joint Communications Support Element at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., were recently deployed here to provide joint-support-force command and control operations for Operation Tomodachi. The primary support responsibility for the JCSE members sent here is to operate the

Total-force Airmen simultaneously support worldwide operations

Mobility Airmen are playing significant roles supporting the NATO no-fly zone over Libya, as well as humanitarian relief efforts in Japan, all while continuing to support U.S. operations around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.Since the March 11 natural disasters in Japan, AMC-controlled

Qatari air force officers visit Shaw

Six Qatar Emiri air force officers visited here March 28 to tour the base and witness how the installation performs its various missions.The Qatar air force is undergoing a transition from operating out of an airport to operating at another base in their country that will host several different

VA budget request signals commitment to vets

President Barack Obama's $132 billion 2012 budget request for the Veterans Affairs Department demonstrates that despite a tight fiscal environment, the U.S. officials stand by their commitment to men and women who have served in uniform, Deputy VA Secretary W. Scott Gould told American Forces Press

Airmen contribute to training, operational missions in Italy

Eleven Airmen from here traveled to Italy aboard a C-17 Globemaster III recently to help three U.S. and Italian army and air force units fulfill airborne training. During their week-long stint, they executed 1,480 paratrooper jumps. "We do joint airborne air transportability training, a way for the

Japanese minister thanks U.S. service members

Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa April boarded the USS Ronald Reagan to thank U.S. service members for their help since an earthquake and the tsunami it caused struck Japan on March 11.The work of U.S. service members and other Americans is a testament to the half century of tomodachi --

Defense Commissary Agency named 'Role Model' in promoting fruits, vegetables

Promoting the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables to its customers has placed the Defense Commissary Agency in select company. DeCA was one of seven retailers to earn top recognition as a "Role Model" by the Produce for Better Health Foundation.DeCA joined Ahold USA Inc., Food Lion Stores

Dover Airmen support Operation Odyssey Dawn

Three C-5M Super Galaxy aircrews from here delivered cargo March 23 to 27 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.The Air Force Reserve's 709th Airlift Squadron and the active-duty 9th AS here worked together to deliver 387,000 pounds of cargo. On March 18, the secretary of defense approved and ordered