Jan. 25, 2023 Famed Airman CMSgt Paul Kerchum laid to rest with full military honors One of the U.S. Air Force’s most legendary—as well as courageous and inspirational—Airmen, CMSgt (retired) Paul Kerchum has been laid to rest.
Jan. 23, 2023 US Air Force selects Howard University for science research partnership The Air Force has selected Howard University to lead a university affiliated research center.
Jan. 12, 2023 DoD rescinds COVID-19 vaccination mandate The memoranda mandating Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel be vaccinated against COVID-19 was rescinded Jan. 10.
Jan. 11, 2023 DAF standardizes civilian employees’ electronic display names This shift will align the department with sister services and other government organizations, while also focusing on employees’ unique expertise rather than their pay plan.
Jan. 9, 2023 Department of the Air Force outlines new Body Composition Program for Airmen, Guardians Both the Air and Space Forces released the new Waist-to-Height Ratio BCP policy in January, with assessments to begin April 2023.
Jan. 9, 2023 ABMS moves forward on cloud-based C2 The DAF’s Advanced Battle Management System program awarded a $112 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation as the ABMS cloud-based command and control software integrator.
Jan. 9, 2023 Department of the Air Force releases policy on Military Parental Leave Program Military Parental Leave for Airmen and Guardians will expand to 12 weeks after convalescent leave for birth parents and 12 weeks for non-birth parents, including adoptive parents and eligible foster parents, effective Dec. 27, 2022.
Dec. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force unmasks academic degrees for major, lieutenant colonel promotion boards The change will apply to all eligible DAF officers and allow promotion board members to consider an officer’s acquisition of valued expertise as one of many whole person concept considerations.
Dec. 15, 2022 DAF establishes central fund for disability reasonable accommodations The Department of the Air Force has implemented a central fund for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Dec. 9, 2022 Will Rogers ANGB selected as sole candidate to replace MC-12s with new AT-802U Sky Warden Formal Training Unit Will Rogers ANGB will receive 28 AT-802Us and about 80 personnel to support the mission of the 310th Special Operations Squadron.
Dec. 6, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Dec. 6, 2022 Current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Dec. 2, 2022 B-21 Raider makes public debut; will become backbone of Air Force’s bomber fleet The U.S. Air Force unveiled its newest bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider, designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment.
Nov. 21, 2022 DAF updates program to issue pregnant members free maternity uniforms The DAF issued updates to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program.
Nov. 18, 2022 DAF completes 5th annual financial statement audit, continues march toward auditability The audit increases effectiveness and efficiency, enhancing the ability to ensure Airmen and Guardians have the resources they need, when they need them, to accomplish their missions and return home safely.
Nov. 9, 2022 DAF authorizes pass for COVID booster by Dec. 1 Airmen and Guardians who receive the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster released in September are authorized a one-day special pass from their commander as long as the booster is administered by Dec. 1
Nov. 4, 2022 AF provides additional information for aircrew considering flying during their pregnancy The Department of the Air Force recently introduced new procedures that empower female aircrew to make the most informed decisions about whether to fly while pregnant.
Nov. 2, 2022 Saltzman formally elevated to Space Force’s highest position – Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman assumed the role of Chief of Space Operations, the service’s highest-ranking military post in the Space Force, from retiring CSO, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond.
Nov. 1, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Nov. 1, 2022 Current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Oct. 20, 2022 DAF senior leaders amplify SecDef directives for reproductive health care Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that the DoD would ensure service members and their families can access reproductive health care within its authority and consistent with applicable federal law, in addition to clear guidance for health care providers to operate effectively.
Oct. 20, 2022 B-21 bomber to be unveiled Dec. 2 The Air Force confirmed Oct. 20 it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider Dec. 2 during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.
Oct. 19, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Oct. 19, 2022 Current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Oct. 18, 2022 New Air Force combat dive badges approved New Air Force combat dive badges and the associated wear criteria for Airmen who have been wearing the Navy scuba badge, have been established.
Oct. 17, 2022 Air Force personnel win multiple awards for advocacy Air Force personnel took honors in four separate categories Oct. 3 in the annual Excellence in Advocacy competition sponsored by the non-partisan organization Women in Government Relations.
Oct. 17, 2022 DAF releases annual acquisition report The Department of the Air Force released its Fiscal Year 2021 Acquisition Report, which offers transparency between the Department and taxpayers by showing how the Department balances program cost, schedule, and performance to meet warfighter needs and optimize taxpayers’ dollars.
Oct. 11, 2022 DAF develops dual-track 'Civilians We Need' career model, roadmaps to enhance civilian career progression The new “Civilians We Need” career model and accompanying career roadmaps will help DAF civilians plan their job experiences, education, training, and leadership opportunities to meet their professional goals.
Oct. 5, 2022 Department of the Air Force rolls out plan addressing climate change The Department of the Air Force released its Climate Action Plan, which defines how it will preserve operational capability, increase resiliency, and do its part to help mitigate future climate impacts.
Oct. 3, 2022 Air Force introduces new, foundational Ready Airman Training program Ready Airman Training will prepare Airmen to develop and demonstrate the mindset required to support the Air Force Force Generation, or AFFORGEN, deployment model.
Sept. 30, 2022 DAF adds additional financial incentives to recruit Child and Youth Program employees Effective Oct. 1, DAF Child Development Program direct-care employees will receive a 100% childcare fee waiver for their first child enrolled in installation Child Development Programs.
Sept. 30, 2022 Senate confirms Saltzman to be Space Force’s next CSO With his confirmation in hand and his promotion to general, Saltzman is poised to step into the position held by Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond. The latter has served as the Space Force’s highest-ranking military officer since the service was created on Dec. 20, 2019.
Sept. 30, 2022 Department of the Air Force updates policy for pregnant OTS applicants The DAF has updated a policy to allow women, both enlisted and civilian, to apply and compete for an Officer Training School commission while pregnant.
Sept. 29, 2022 RAAF, USAF leaders sign Joint Vision Statement in Washington The Joint Vision Statement builds on the U.S. and Australian strategic partnership and conveys the two countries’ intent to work together to direct and support the development and operations of their air forces.
Sept. 28, 2022 Department of the Air Force leaders share experiences, resources with military families at AFA Air and Space Forces senior leaders and their spouses participated in a Families in the Fight panel engaging discussion on common challenges military families experience.
Sept. 23, 2022 Defense Department moving ahead on recommendations to combat sexual assault The DoD now has a framework in place to track the implementation and effectiveness of its efforts to stop sexual assault and harassment, which includes regular progress reviews through senior leadership forums.
Sept. 22, 2022 Air Force announces hypersonic missile contract award The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is an air-launched, scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon designed to hold high-value targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances.
Sept. 22, 2022 Air Force releases the ‘Purple Book’ The Air Force released the third book in its trilogy of foundational documents dedicated to developing Total Force Airmen.
Sept. 21, 2022 CMSAF announces ‘Purple Book,’ talks people, readiness, culture at AFA Bass presented her keynote address and took pride in introducing the “The Joint Team,” commonly known as the Purple Book, which aims to help Airmen become better joint-minded service members.
Sept. 21, 2022 Air Force recruiters using new tools, new thinking to meet targets in difficult environment As the head of recruiting for the Air and Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas is in a job that requires him to be pragmatic and creative and occasionally willing to test boundaries in the quest to meet never slacking personnel demands of the two services.
Sept. 21, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Sept. 21, 2022 Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Sept. 21, 2022 Enlisted Assignment Working Group ‘Wins’ Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass recently prompted the inception of the Enlisted Assignment Working Group with the intent for an overdue holistic review of the Department of the Air Force’s enlisted assignment program.
Sept. 21, 2022 Jones explains how DAF is preparing for global competition As the nation increases its focus on strategic competition, Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones highlighted the imperative for the Department of the Air Force to stay ahead of the pacing challenges.
Sept. 19, 2022 Brown cites Air Force history as fuel for accelerating change, meeting today’s complex security challenges Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. urged the Total Force Sept. 19 to focus intently, to move fast and “accelerate change” in reshaping the service to meet modern-day threats.
Sept. 19, 2022 Kendall draws direct connection to mission success, diverse, fulfilled, accomplished Total Force Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addresses issues from personnel to recruiting and China during his keynote address at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 19, 2022 DAF announces new integrating program executive officer, ABMS execution construct The Department of the Air Force is establishing a new integrating program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, which will have the authorities required to ensure integration of all C3BM related programs throughout the DAF.
Sept. 14, 2022 Senate committee considers Saltzman’s nomination to be Chief of Space Operations Lt. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman is considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee to be the next Chief of Space Operations Sept. 13.
Sept. 8, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Sept. 7, 2022 Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Sept. 7, 2022 Air, Space Force installations seek mediators to help with conflict resolution The Department of the Air Force is seeking mediators for conflict resolution as an alternative solution to litigation for workplace conflicts.
Sept. 7, 2022 DAF counters insider threat risks Insider threat awareness keeps everyone affiliated with DoD to do their part in keeping installations, information, resources and personnel safe.
Sept. 7, 2022 Airman accelerates change through persistence, develops tool for RPAs Master Sgt. Bridget Carroll reduced cargo taken on an MQ-1 Predator alert package with the creation of a “bird-in-a-box” later known as the Digital Aircraft Link Emulator, or DALE.
Aug. 31, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - August 2022 Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Aug. 30, 2022 One year later, historic Afghan airlift inspires pride and reflection across the Air Force The efforts of the U.S. Air Force during the withdrawal from Afghanistan creates a portrait that is remarkable in its scope, reach and complexity.
Aug. 30, 2022 DAF leads the way on Women, Peace and Security Program The Department of the Air Force Women, Peace and Security Program recently reached major milestones by participating in the Department of Defense Gender Advisor training in May.
Aug. 30, 2022 DAF commissioning sources to develop initiatives to increase applicant pool diversity Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has directed Air and Space Force officer commissioning sources to develop diversity and inclusion outreach plans by Sept. 30 to achieve updated applicant pool demographic goals.
Aug. 15, 2022 In assessing his first year, Kendall sees achievement but many challenges ahead Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall reflects on his first year on the job.
Aug. 12, 2022 DAF leadership discusses strengthening partnerships with military support groups The forum enabled DAF leadership to update the groups on top priorities and challenges and discuss how to partner effectively in support of Airmen, Guardians and family members.
Aug. 11, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to the Philippines Throughout the meetings, Brown reaffirmed the great value the U.S. Air Force places on the bilateral alliance.
Aug. 10, 2022 ‘Communication and Information’ career field changes name On July 1, the “Communication and Information” career field changed its name to “Cyberspace and Information Technology.”
Aug. 10, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - July 2022 Summary: Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Aug. 9, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.'s visit to Singapore U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Singapore Aug. 7-10 to reaffirm the U.S. Air Force's commitment to the bilateral defense relationship and discuss efforts to enhance cooperation.
Aug. 4, 2022 Department of the Air Force to launch Integrated Response Co-Location Pilot program, outlines initiatives to support sexual assault, harassment survivors This pilot program will run for six months and centralize five key support services to simplify access and the advocacy processes for Airmen and Guardians.
Aug. 3, 2022 DAF’s first Data and AI Forum open for registration This summit will feature subject matter experts who will share their vast knowledge of data, AI and analytics as a part of an effort to support initiatives like the DoD’s JADC2 and the Air Force’s ABMS to respond to a critical need, connecting sensors with shooters across all services in all
July 28, 2022 Lt. Gen. Chance Saltzman nominated to be next Space Force CSO If confirmed by the Senate, Saltzman will become the service’s highest-ranking officer and the second chief of space operations in the young service’s history.
July 20, 2022 Air Force prepares for newly approved COVID-19 vaccine: Novavax provides new option for unvaccinated Airmen, Guardians The Air Force will soon have the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine available after the U.S Food and Drug Administration authorized it for emergency use and the CDC endorsed it as another primary series option for adults ages 18 years and older.
July 20, 2022 US Air and Space Forces senior leaders emphasize need for strong alliances and ‘interoperability’ on European tour The senior-most civilian and military leaders of the Air and Space Forces crisscrossed Europe the week of July 10 carrying separate itineraries but a singular message - the importance of tight relationships with allies and partners, and the need to forge seamless "day-zero interoperability" that is
July 20, 2022 CSAF visits the Arctic Circle Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and his wife, Sharene, visited Thule Air Base, Greenland, July 16-17, to engage with Airmen and Guardians who play a vital role in mutual defense and space superiority.
July 19, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference speech Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.'s keynote speech at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference in London.
July 13, 2022 Air Force mourns the loss of 6th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force The 6th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James M. McCoy, passed away July 13, 2022, at the age of 91.
July 13, 2022 Department of the Air Force completes USSPACECOM draft environmental assessment The Department of the Air Force has completed the draft environmental assessment of the preferred alternative and other five reasonable alternatives for U.S. Space Command headquarters as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
July 12, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Germany Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Germany to deepen the U.S. Air Force partnership with the German Air Force.
July 10, 2022 Help available for Airmen, Guardians to mitigate inflation impacts Aiming to ease the burden of price hikes, the Department of the Air Force is assessing and enacting support across compensation, entitlements for permanent change of station/household goods moves, personal finance readiness and food insecurity aid.
July 8, 2022 Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Air Force legend Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House July 7.
July 8, 2022 Career Assistance Advisor renamed, recoded to synchronize responsibilities with resources The change is designed to align the broad spectrum of CAA responsibilities with deliberate development of the enlisted force, as recently outlined in the Enlisted Force Development Action Plan.
July 7, 2022 Air Force expects lower enlisted promotion rates The Air Force is expecting lower promotion rates for the next few years due to enlisted grade restructuring, a leveling-off of end-strength growth, and high retention levels. Based on structure revisions and end-strength requirements, grades E-5 through E-7 will be impacted.
June 30, 2022 A transgender pilot’s advice for serving authentically He always knew he wanted to be a rescue pilot, serving a higher purpose and rushing to the aid of others in harm’s way. Fighting courageously to save lives no matter the terrain or conditions.
June 30, 2022 Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Tinker AFB During the visit, Jones traveled to the Oklahoma City Air Logistic Complex, which is the largest maintenance depot within the Air Force Materiel Command and supports various aircraft and engine workloads.
June 30, 2022 Kendall talks PTSD, mental health with medical leaders Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Air Force Medical Service leaders to discuss the Department of the Air Force’s approach for prioritizing post-traumatic stress disorder care and support June 24.
June 29, 2022 Air Force hosts service chiefs to discuss JADC2 The meeting focused on the DoD’s progress and projections for JADC2 in order to identify opportunities for the services to align their developmental efforts and to identify the obstacles that may frustrate moving forward to achieve the objectives of JADC2 in support of the joint force.
June 28, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - June 2022 Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
June 27, 2022 DAF seeking science research partnerships with HBCUs DAF is working with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to create the first University Affiliated Research Center led by a Historically Black College or University.
June 27, 2022 Kendall outlines progress on ‘transformation’ tempered by continuing threats, need for ‘urgency’ Offering a report card on the state of transformation across the Air and Space Forces, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said June 24 that progress has been made but more is needed, and the pace of change must quicken to reshape and refocus the services to meet fast evolving global threats.
June 24, 2022 Little Rock AFB selected to host ANG C-130J Formal Training Unit Four C-130J Hercules will replace aging C-130Hs to establish the FTU, which will ensure aircrews gain the experience and knowledge needed to operate the newer aircraft.
June 24, 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey gives voice to civilians’ opinions The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey is now available for eligible Department of the Air Force employees and will continue through July 15.
June 24, 2022 DAF strengthens discharge process for sexual offenders Under the previous policy, Airmen and Guardians who committed sexual assault offenses were subject to mandatory initiation of discharge proceedings; the updated policy strengthens the criteria that may be considered for discharge.
June 23, 2022 Air Force operationalizes ACE concept, addresses today’s changing threat environment The Air Force announced its vision for operating in modern, contested environments June 23, created to codify and synchronize agile combat employment tactics enterprise-wide.
June 22, 2022 Juneteenth celebrated by Department of the Air Force leaders in Pentagon’s first official ceremony Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday through song, dance, poetry and storytelling at the first official Juneteenth ceremony held at the Pentagon June 21.
June 18, 2022 McGee honored at Arlington National Cemetery Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and Air Force legend, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington June 17. McGee passed away Jan. 16, 2022 at the age of 102.
June 17, 2022 Air Force legend interred at Arlington National Cemetery Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and Air Force legend, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington June 17.
June 13, 2022 Air Force, Space Force hackathon applications close June 21 A hackathon is an innovation and software development event commonly employed by technology companies, in which teams self-form and urgently develop working prototypes that are later presented to senior leaders.
June 10, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s travel to Canada During the visit, Brown engaged in staff talks with Royal Canadian Air Force senior leaders, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.
June 10, 2022 Wagner swears in as Department of the Air Force manpower, reserve affairs lead In his newest capacity, Wagner is responsible for the supervision of matters related to manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs and readiness support for nearly 700,000 members across the Department of the Air Force.
June 7, 2022 New MH-139 Grey Wolves will go to Joint Base Andrews The 25 new helicopters will replace the base’s 21 aging UH-1N Hueys. The additional four aircraft will allow the base to execute continuation of government operations and distinguished visitor transport mission requirements without augmenting support units.
June 7, 2022 DAF develops operational planning tool streamlining supply chain downrange The Department of the Air Force has developed an application data system to help those downrange track and source commercially available supplies and services available by location, in a standard format, complete with vendor information.
May 26, 2022 Air Force announces new mustache policy, sister service and joint unit patch update DAF announces dress and appearance policy updates.
May 25, 2022 CSAF hosts Indonesian counterpart visit Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., hosted Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo for an official counterpart visit May 16-20.
May 24, 2022 DAF COVID-19 Statistics - May 2022 Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
May 20, 2022 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s counterpart visit with Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. hosted Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo for an official counterpart visit May 19 to affirm the strong and enduring U.S.-Indonesia strategic partnership.
May 17, 2022 DAF leaders testify before Senate Appropriations Committee The $194 billion budget request aims to modernize the services to counter strategic competitors around the globe.
May 16, 2022 25th SecAF portrait unveiled during ceremony at Pentagon The official portrait of former Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett, who also previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Finland, was unveiled in the Pentagon Auditorium, May 13, during a tribute to the stateswomen who led the Department of the Air Force from 2019 to 2021.
May 9, 2022 DAF hosts congressional delegation for ABMS update, E-7 orientation Department of the Air Force leaders hosted a congressional delegation at Nellis Air Force Base, May 6, for an update on the base’s Advanced Battle Management System initiatives and an orientation of the E-7 Wedgetail.
May 6, 2022 Revised ‘Brown, Blue Book’ released Tradition and heritage are themes found within the revamped foundational guides for Airmen to emulate throughout their career.
May 6, 2022 Gun safes excluded from household goods weight allowance As the number of accidental child injuries and deaths continue to rise, more and more incidents are attributed to unsecured, loaded guns. Defense leaders are confident this update will help improve overall gun safety in homes, while also helping to decrease service member suicides.