June 26, 2025 Meink, Allvin, Saltzman outline strategies, priorities necessary to secure the nation DAF senior leaders highlighted the recent U.S. strike on Iran as a vivid example for what is possible – but also at risk – unless Congress ensures sufficient, uninterrupted funding for the Air Force and Space Force.
June 25, 2025 CONJEFAMER 2025 unites air chiefs, strengthens regional security Air force leaders from more than 20 countries gathered for the Conference of American Air Chiefs (CONJEFAMER) in Asunción, Paraguay, June 16-21.
June 20, 2025 Around the Air Force: AFAS Expands Support, DoD Child Care Initiative, Microreactor Pilot Project In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Aid Society announces new aid categories to support DAF families; DoD is expanding child care initiatives to provide more options to military families; and Eielson AFB reaches a groundbreaking milestone for U.S. energy security.
June 11, 2025 Microreactor pilot reaches major project milestone The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Office, reached a critical milestone in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award to Oklo, Inc.
June 6, 2025 Boosting readiness: AETC’s plan to train 1,500 pilots annually To maintain air superiority, project global power and ensure national security, the U.S. Air Force requires a consistent supply of trained aviators—specifically, 1,500 pilots per year.
May 30, 2025 SecAF gives commencement speech to USAFA Class of 2025 In his first public speech as the 27th Secretary of the Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink reflected on the cadets’ time at the Academy.
May 27, 2025 Changing Parts: 125th LRS Embraces F-35A Conversion The Florida Air National Guard's 125th Logistics Readiness Squadron continues efforts to transition from the F-15 Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet.
May 22, 2025 DAF Safety launches Motor Vehicle Awareness Survey to assess driver attitudes Department of the Air Force Safety is pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive Motor Vehicle Awareness Survey aimed at assessing driver attitudes and behaviors on the road.
May 21, 2025 SecAF highlights FY26 priorities, strategic challenges in SASC testimony Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, alongside Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee
May 19, 2025 Air Force seeks partner for commercialized on-base lodging The Department of the Air Force is moving forward with plans to transition on-base lodging at 58 installations across the U.S. and its territories to a commercial partner through the COBL.
May 9, 2025 Department of the Air Force updated guidance on Implementing Policy on Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness The Department of the Air Force released the memorandum Implementing Policy on Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness for Executive Order 14183, ‘Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.
May 2, 2025 CSAF Update to the Force Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin's letter to Airmen on Air Force’s strategic direction
May 2, 2025 Around the Air Force: Training Drone Skills, Cardiac Screening for Recruits, Historic Refueling Mission In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the U.S. Air Force launches an initiative to equip every Airman with basic drone operational training, the ERASE program decreases service members' risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and Air Mobility Command makes history with a commercial air refueling mission.
April 29, 2025 Total Force Awareness Training, consolidated data now available in DAF e-Learning Airmen and Guardians now have another option for completing their required Total Force Awareness Training. The training is now available on the Air Force e-Learning platform.
April 21, 2025 Modernizing the IT backbone: the Air Force’s commitment to critical infrastructure Department of the Air Force senior leaders from across the IT and acquisitions community emphasized the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and information systems across Air and Space Force installations.
April 21, 2025 LAMAT 2025 culminates in Guyana The Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2025 mission concluded two weeks of intensive medical collaboration between U.S. military personnel and their Guyanese counterparts.
April 14, 2025 AETC commander launches immersive learning challenge, proposals due May 15 This initiative, inspired by a visit to Arizona State University's cutting-edge Dreamscape Learn facility, aims to propel AETC's training into the 21st century and equip Airmen to thrive in future conflicts.
April 10, 2025 Top enlisted USSF, USAF leaders testify to Congress on military member quality of life The Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
April 7, 2025 The Department of Defense announces Deferred Resignation Program The Department of Defense announced a Deferred Resignation Program and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority for civilian employees
April 7, 2025 Air Force personnel involuntarily discharged over vaccine mandate offered reinstatement The DoD offered guidance for reinstatement of service members involuntarily discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
April 4, 2025 Strength in service: Airman transforms mental health support at Ali Al Salem Air Base At Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Senior Airman Yasmin Freckleton is proving that resilience is a way of life for the Air Force.
March 28, 2025 AETC prioritizes data literacy to equip staff for digital future AETC launched a data literacy initiative to upskill its workforce. This initiative includes mandatory training, personalized learning pathways, and new performance elements focused on data skills to improve decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
March 28, 2025 178th Wing showcases Agile Combat Employment during Exercise Advanced Wrath 25 Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 178th Wing, in collaboration with units from the New York and Mississippi Air National Guard, recently concluded Exercise Advanced Wrath.
March 27, 2025 US-Kenya partnership fortified through joint engineering efforts at Camp Simba Camp Simba, strategically located near the Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay, exemplifies the flourishing U.S.-Kenyan partnership, strengthened by Kenya's designation as a major non-NATO ally in 2024.
March 27, 2025 Airmen at 105th AW modernize C-17 fleet with microvanes The 105th Airlift Wing is playing a fundamental role in a modernization initiative that will save the Air Force over $14 million annually.
March 24, 2025 Air Force Reserve, Royal Auxiliary Air Force leaders deepen ties in bilateral engagement Senior leaders from the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force met March 17-19 to strengthen an enduring partnership.
March 12, 2025 Senior leaders to Senate: Air Force, Space Force are ready, capable, but challenges remain Senior uniformed officers from the Air Force and Space Force told a Senate subcommittee March 12 that each service is focused on readiness but that budget shortfalls and determined adversaries are continuing sources for concern.
March 10, 2025 DAF senior leaders highlight warrior ethos, lethality during NCLS U.S. military general officers and senior enlisted advisors headlined a senior leader panel during the 32nd annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Feb. 21.
March 7, 2025 DAF interim guidance for Executive Order 14222, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Cost Efficiency Initiative” The Department of Defense released the memorandum Interim Guidance for Executive Order 14222, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Cost Efficiency Initiative."
March 6, 2025 PACAF commander highlights readiness, lethality at AFA Warfare Symposium Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, reinforced PACAF’s focus on warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness during the Air & Space Force Association’s Warfare Symposium.
March 5, 2025 Senior leaders discuss intelligence driving unified action Senior leaders discuss Global Integration, during the Air and Space Force Association Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, March 4
March 5, 2025 Update to the Department of the Air Force additional guidance for Executive Order 14183, Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness The Department of Defense released the memorandum Additional Guidance for Executive Order 14183, “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.
Feb. 21, 2025 Innovative RFID technology enhances inventory management at 52nd LRS The 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron is embracing a new Radio Frequency Identification system to revolutionize inventory management for individual protective equipment and material management.
Feb. 11, 2025 A new era in testing: USAF TPS partners with Stanford, Silicon Valley for AI, emerging technologies course This historic collaboration marks the school’s first major engagement with academia in recent memory and is part of a broader effort to prepare future military test leaders for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, data-driven systems, and autonomous technologies.
Feb. 7, 2025 Air Guard conducts Sentry South-Southern Strike exercise Exercise Sentry South-Southern Strike, a joint military partnership, strengthened contingency response operations, joint coordination, and combat employment skills during a two-week training event.
Feb. 7, 2025 DAF announces Spark Tank 2025 finalists DAF leaders announced the finalists of the 2025 Spark Tank competition made up of premier innovation ideas by Airmen and Guardians seeking sponsorship to bring their concepts to life.
Feb. 6, 2025 908th FTW connects with next generation of innovators during Maxwell Robotics Competition The 908th Flying Training Wing supported a robotics competition at Maxwell Air Force Base, showcasing a MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft and providing interactive education to high school students about STEM applications and career opportunities.
Jan. 29, 2025 AF/SG updates medical shaving profile guidance: Improving education and aligning standards The Department of Air Force updated a medical guidance memorandum, Jan. 24, 2025, to offer healthcare providers additional guidance when evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) diagnosis.
Jan. 23, 2025 CSAF Leadership Library: January 2025 Summary: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin presents five new additions to the CSAF Leadership Library.
Jan. 23, 2025 Air Force doctrine realigns to create a more lethal, resilient force The U.S. Air Force has released three doctrine publications to emphasize reoptimizing for Great Power Competition efforts: Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-0, Operations; AFDP 3-0.1, Command and Control; and AFDP 5-0, Planning.
Jan. 16, 2025 Department of the Air Force bids farewell to SECAF 26 Frank Kendall departed the Pentagon for the last time as the 26th secretary of the Air Force.
Dec. 30, 2024 Mission readiness: Air Force, Space Force surgeon general kicks off annual leadership workshop During the workshop, Air Force medical leaders celebrated 75 years of the AFMS community, discussed operational medical priorities and how the AFMC transition will enhance the ability of warfighters to deploy at a moment’s notice and provide optimized health care delivery and support.
Dec. 27, 2024 Air Force Accessions Center early wins pave the way for FY25 success Personnel at the Air Force Accessions Center demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly to evolving accession requirements, resulting in dozens of highly qualified cadets being notified of a pilot career field selection.
Dec. 17, 2024 CMSAF strengthens ties with ANZUS allies Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi met with partners to reinforce U.S., Australian and New Zealand military interoperability during a trip within Oceania Dec. 7–13.
Dec. 11, 2024 DAF announces 2024 Presidential Rank Award recipients Selected by the President of the United States, Presidential Rank Awards are presented to a small cadre of civilian senior executives in recognition for their long-term accomplishments in providing exceptional service to the American people.
Dec. 4, 2024 AFCEC awards leases for 5G service at all CONUS bases In collaboration with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the AFCEC Installations Directorate granted 25-year leases to private entities to install commercial broadband networks at DAF installations in the United States.
Dec. 2, 2024 AETC centers reach initial operational capability Three newly established centers under AETC achieved Initial Operational Capability, marking a significant milestone in the command’s efforts to reoptimize the DAF for GPC.
Nov. 26, 2024 CMSAF Leadership Library: November 2024 Chief Flosi presents the new CMSAF Leadership Library
Nov. 18, 2024 Bahrain International Airshow 2024 showcases longstanding partnership U.S. aircraft and servicemembers assigned to U.S. Central Command participated in the 2024 Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS24) alongside coalition and partner nations at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain, Nov. 13-15.
Nov. 15, 2024 Air Force to evaluate Hanscom AFB for Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center The Department of the Air Force identified Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, as the sole candidate location to host the headquarters for the new Air Force Information Dominance Systems Center.
Nov. 15, 2024 Readout of U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin’s counterpart visit with Royal Saudi Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Turki Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin hosted Royal Saudi Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Turki Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz for an official counterpart visit Nov. 12.
Nov. 5, 2024 SECAF highlights mobility initiatives, increasing role in Great Power Competition at A/TA Symposium Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall highlighted air mobility force’s growing role in Great Power Competition in his keynote address during the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium.
Nov. 4, 2024 DAF senior leaders emphasize reoptimizing for GPC, ready Airmen for future fight The 56th Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium underscored the critical role of the U.S. Air Force in a rapidly shifting global landscape with a focus on reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.
Nov. 4, 2024 CSAF addresses the future of integrated capabilities at AFMC senior leader conference Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin remains fully focused on the Air Force’s plans to reoptimize for Great Power Competition.
Nov. 1, 2024 Air Force launches new SIF Marketplace to drive innovation across the force The marketplace is a virtual platform designed to empower Airmen to actively develop and support innovative ideas to address operational challenges and improve processes throughout the Air Force.
Oct. 31, 2024 LEAP opens to select ANG AFSCs The AFCLC has announced that the LEAP has been authorized to board and select Air National Guard members.
Oct. 30, 2024 Sheppard AFB unveils Airmanship 200 curriculum at conference The conference highlighted the significance of Airmanship 200 in developing the next generation of Airmen.
Oct. 28, 2024 Air Force awards four installations with 2024 Air Force Community Partnership Awards The awards honor installations who develop mutually beneficial partnerships with their local communities to improve quality of life for Airmen, Guardians and their families; enhance readiness; modernize services; provide efficiencies; expand capability; and strengthen community relations.
Oct. 24, 2024 Readout of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin’s travel to Japan U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin traveled to Japan on Oct. 14 to underscore the unwavering and ironclad U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan.
Oct. 23, 2024 CMSAF hosts senior enlisted mission command training The six-day training, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi, will place senior enlisted leaders in resource-limited locations and scenarios to see the capabilities and limitations of agile combat employment deployments.
Oct. 22, 2024 CSAF 23 Letter to Airmen – Following Through Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin released his latest letter to Airmen, following up on his previous letter.
Oct. 21, 2024 CSAF, CMSAF visit Arctic Airmen at JBER Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Oct. 17.
Oct. 18, 2024 DAF senior leaders visit Korea to engage with allies, Airmen The senior leaders and allies discussed the current strategic environment and ways their two services can integrate even more effectively to deter aggression in the region.
Oct. 18, 2024 DAF announces new enlisted development and education policy The changes are part of an ongoing effort to streamline and modernize Total Force enlisted development following the separation of DAFI 36-2670, Total Force Development, into more specialized instructions.
Oct. 17, 2024 CSAF, CMSAF discuss readiness, reoptimization during Yokota AB visit During their visit, they met with 374th Airlift Wing leadership, hosted an all-call, recognized outstanding Airmen, and toured facilities across the base.
Oct. 11, 2024 CSAF, CMSAF discuss reoptimization, mobility ops in contested environment at Travis AFB CSAF and CMSAF visited Travis AFB to recognize the progress Team Travis has made supporting the DAF’s initiative to reoptimize for GPC and to discuss the central role mobility warriors will play in possible combat operations against the pacing threat.
Oct. 11, 2024 Around the Air Force: Air Task Force Combat Support Training, First Guardian Launches into Space, Childcare Pilot Program In this week’s look around the Air Force, Air Task Forces prepare for Combat Support Training, the first USSF Guardian launches into space on a NASA mission, and the DoD creates a pilot program to cover certain childcare costs after a PCS.
Oct. 9, 2024 The Great Power Competition at Wright-Patterson AFB At Wright-Patterson AFB, efforts to enhance energy resilience, efficiency, and security are critical to maintaining mission readiness and ensuring the installation can continue to support national defense objectives.
Oct. 4, 2024 Around the Air Force: Defining Units of Action, SECDEF’s well-being initiatives, B-21 Raider update In this week’s look around the Air Force, the DAF further defines the evolution of wings into Units of Action, the SecDef's announces seven new well-being initiatives for military families, and an update on the Air Force’s newest bomber: the B-21 Raider.
Oct. 3, 2024 AFRS celebrates meeting recruiting goal The bell-ringing tradition, a cornerstone of AFRS culture, symbolizes the successful completion of the year’s recruitment target.
Sept. 30, 2024 Air Force gears up for first training events at Combat Support Training Range sites The Air Force is preparing for its first Air Task Force training events at Combat Support Training Range sites in November.
Sept. 20, 2024 DAF leaders reaffirm commitment to reoptimization for Great Power Competition The 2024 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, hosted by the Air and Space Forces Association, offered DAF senior leaders an opportunity to share their views on modernization and readiness in response to emerging security threats, while reaffirming the DAF’s commitment to reoptimization.
Sept. 19, 2024 Secretary Kendall voices concerns to Congress about CR Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, in a Sept. 18 letter to congressional leaders, itemized the significant challenges a continuing resolution of any length would pose to the Air Force and Space Force.
Sept. 19, 2024 Innovative mobile app streamlines airfield assessment for airborne operations The new mobile application is designed to streamline the process of assessing and certifying airfields for aircraft landings, particularly in austere environments providing real-time data to support rapid decision-making in the field.
Sept. 18, 2024 AETC commander highlights 'mission over function' during AFA Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson shared his perspective on how the command is building an expanded, people-focused footprint in support of the service’s efforts to reoptimize for Great Power Competition.
Sept. 16, 2024 Kendall highlights accomplishments, urgency to finish transitioning to Great Power Competition Conceding that his future as secretary is connected to the outcome of November’s election, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall used a high-profile keynote address Sept. 16 to highlight achievements modernizing and reshaping the Air Force and Space Force while also emphasizing unfinished work
Sept. 13, 2024 US Air Force elevates AFSOUTH to Service Component Command At the direction of the SECAF, AFSOUTH was elevated to a Service Component Command as the Air Force is organizing its major commands into Institutional Commands and Service Component Commands as part of the DAF’s Great Power Competition initiative.
Sept. 13, 2024 Secretary of Defense announces seven new initiatives to enhance well-being of military force and their families Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced seven initiatives to improve the quality of life for service members and their families.
Sept. 11, 2024 Edwards AFB hosts groundbreaking ceremony for Air Force’s first commercial apartment complex The project aims to alleviate the current housing shortage for service members stationed at Edwards AFB and potentially other similar remote and isolated installations.
Sept. 10, 2024 AMC welcomes new commander CSAF Gen. David W. Allvin presided over the event as Gen. John D. Lamontagne assumed command from Gen. Michael A. Minihan, who is retiring after 34 years of service.
Sept. 9, 2024 Air Force realigns to ensure readiness, future competitiveness As part of the GPC initiative, the DAF is organizing its major commands into Institutional Commands and Service Component Commands.
Sept. 9, 2024 AFRL to highlight tech to ‘achieve decisive advantage in an age of growing threats’ at 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase war-winning technologies to drive the future fight in an era of Great Power Competition at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 4, 2024 PACAF joins allies, partners in Indian Air Force-led exercise to enhance diverse cooperation Pacific Air Force units arrived for Tarang Shakti 24 Phase II at Jodhpur Air Force Station, India, Aug. 30, 2024. The exercise, which was broken into two phases to allow for optimum participation from 10 nations and 18 observing nations, is the largest multinational exercise India has held.
Aug. 30, 2024 Around the Air Force: ‘One Air Force’ Initiative, Emergency Response Task Force, and Autonomous Aviation In this week’s look around the Air Force, Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin emphasizes the importance of a unified ‘One Air Force’ approach, a new emergency response task force helps bases after a natural disaster, and autonomous aviation technology delivers supplies during a major exercise.
Aug. 27, 2024 AFIMSC introduces combat support instructor course to increase ATF readiness AFIMSC is developing the Combat Support Instructor Course and presented it at the 2024 AFIMSC conference as part of the Air Task Force construct.
Aug. 26, 2024 Tinker and the Primes returns to forge readiness, accelerate innovation This year's theme was "Forging Readiness and Accelerating Innovation for Great Power Competition,” referring to the shift from post 9/11 conflicts and demands to deterring, and if necessary, winning, conflicts against peer competitors.
Aug. 22, 2024 Cannon AFB hosts 15th annual Medic Rodeo The four-day exercise involved 18 teams from across the Air Force competing against each other to test their practical combat casualty care training.
Aug. 16, 2024 VCSAF tours Goodfellow AFB VCSAF Gen. Jim Slife visited Goodfellow AFB to see how technical training has transformed and evolved and to learn more about how Goodfellow’s mission supports the Great Power Competition initiative.
Aug. 16, 2024 Sentinel: The history of the DAF modernizing the backbone of America’s national security The U.S. Air Force is replacing the 54-year-old LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM weapon system with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. Upgrading to Sentinel ICBMs ensures the land-based leg of America's Nuclear Triad remains safe, secure & effective.
Aug. 15, 2024 DAF senior leaders discuss quality of life, modernizing forces Senior leaders gathered at the AFSA Summit to strategize, enhance innovation, and advance development for the Department of the Air Force.
Aug. 12, 2024 Bamboo Eagle 24-3: Designed for an era of Great Power Competition The Department of the Air Force has worked to reoptimize for Great Power Competition following the announcement of 24 key decisions for the DAF to prevail in the challenging security environment of today.
Aug. 9, 2024 CSAF, CMSAF visit Cannon AFB Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited Cannon Air Force Base Aug. 7.
Aug. 8, 2024 SecAF Kendall visits 20th FW During the two-day visit, Kendall attended mission briefs from various units, met with civic leaders from the local community and held an all-call to field questions from Shaw Air Force Base Airmen.
Aug. 8, 2024 US Air Force demonstrates low-cost capability to defeat surface vessels from the air The AFRL Munitions Directorate at Eglin AFB operates an ongoing Maritime Weapon Program in partnership with the U.S. Navy to develop anti-ship lethality with air-launched weapons.
Aug. 2, 2024 Air Force’s recent graduate programs launch the next generation of future leaders With a legacy spanning over 40 years, the Air Force's Palace Acquire (PAQ) and COPPER CAP programs play a crucial role in building our civilian workforce.
Aug. 2, 2024 Development ecosystem lays foundation for delivering combat-effective, agile, adaptive airpower at scale In line with DAF’s efforts to reoptimize for GPC, leaders at AETC are following through on upgrading the service’s development ecosystem with a goal of providing digital-age training and education in alignment with the evolving needs of the warfighter.
Aug. 1, 2024 SecAF visits South Carolina Air National Guard Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing July 31, as part of a senior leader visit.
July 31, 2024 AFWERX, MTSI evaluate electric vertical takeoff, landing aircraft for military applications Experts from AFWERX have been working with Beavercreek, Ohio-based defense contractor Modern Technology Solutions Inc., to evaluate Pivotal’s BlackFly electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
July 29, 2024 Child Care fee assistance available to DAF civilian employees The MCCYN fee assistance program, which is available to DAF active-duty and certain reserve members, is now including federal civilian families.
July 26, 2024 AI-powered agile talent identification systems support joint force The launch of an artificial intelligence-powered platform for uncovering and matching talent across the joint force is an important step moving DoD ahead.