Users who sign on to the Air Force Portal will find an improved system that not only looks better, but is more user-friendly and effective.

The redesign is the first in two years.

The portal is meant to be the one place Airmen go to accomplish anything they do online. That is whether it’s part of their job, like ordering replacement parts, or form processing, like when they go on leave.

“We want the Air Force Portal to be the first stop for doing work on the Internet in the Air Force. And we also want it to be easy to use,” said Maj. David Gindhart, one of the program overseers.

The major said, “We gathered a lot of feedback and did some user testing. As a result, we made the Air Force Portal better, allowing people to find more of what they need faster.”

In addition, the portal got a new color scheme and the upgraded search engine is more effective. The goal was to make the portal similar to commercial Internet search sites, but still maintain the Air Force feel, Major Gindhart said.

“Some things that were redundant or confusing were streamlined, like separate tabs for ‘My Base’ and ‘My Organization,’” the major said. “Now when people log onto the portal, they’ll find drop-down menus that have what they’re looking for.”

Users can customize the portal so they can have the information and links they use on a regular basis always in the same location, called workspace.

One of the portal’s most popular features is the Air Force instant messenger system. It allows for real-time chat between people who are collaborating on a project or just keeping in touch. The program is especially useful for deployed troops, Major Gindhart said.

“Anyone with an AF Portal account can designate up to five people to be able to log into the instant messaging system,” he said. “It’s a great way for family and friends to chat with the servicemember.”

The chat program is one of the areas Major Gindhart hopes to improve.

“We’re working on adding voice capability, so people who are deployed can even talk to their loved ones back home,” Major Gindhart said.

The major encourages people to send feedback to the portal team. To find out more about improvements, there are links on the main page, downloadable instruction files and even a video.

“I highly encourage folks to check out the video,” Major Gindhart said. “It gives a great overview of the changes and the new features.”