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

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Offutt Airmen fill sandbags to prepare for the rising Missouri River. And, you will tag along with the Wisconsin National Guard as they play a part in Northern Viking. Plus, wounded warriors ride 325 miles to recovery. Those stories and more are available this

Air Force officials announce selections to lieutenant colonel and major

The 2011A Lieutenant Colonel Line of Air Force and Medical Services Corps and Major MSC Central Selection Boards selected 1,171 majors and 75 captains for promotion.The entire list can be found at the below locations. CY11A MAJOR (MSC) CY11A LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LAF/MSC) The boards considered

Donley congratulates grads, marks strategy school's 20th anniversary

The graduation of the 20th class of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies June 15 also marked the 20th anniversary of the school's founding, a fact highlighted in the commencement address by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley.Secretary Donley said the ceremony honored not only this

More veterans gain federal employment

Thanks to President Barack Obama's Veterans Employment Initiative, more veterans are now federal employees.Federal agencies hired 72,133 veterans in fiscal 2010, about 2,000 more than in 2009, U.S. Office of Personnel Management officials said in a recent news release."Through the president's

Gates, Mullen protect family programs from budget cuts

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the service chiefs to "fence" two areas in the budget options the military is contemplating: training and family programs."I don't want any money taken out of those," he told the Senate Appropriations Committee June 15.Secretary Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen,

Deadline near for National Public Service Award

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2012 National Public Service Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is Aug. 1.The National Public Service Award recognizes individuals with agency-wide responsibility who exhibit the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over

CMSAF visits, tours Transit Center at Manas

The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing here June 11 during a Central Command area of responsibility tour.During the visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy toured the Transit Center and spoke with Airmen during an "all hands" call.One

Pros, families ride in 2011 Air Force Cycling Classic

Hot and humid weather didn't deter the more than 2,300 cycling enthusiasts from around the world and the approximate 600 on-lookers, who came out to cheer for teams and riders in the 2011 Air Force Cycling Classic held June 11 and 12, in Northern Virginia.The goal of the two-day event was to foster

Investigation nabs 30 Air Force spice users

In April,  the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 114 here completed a two-month Spice-use investigation that resulted in the identification of 30 Airmen. The Airmen, who are assigned to six units within Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command, have

TRICARE eligibility requires DEERS enrollment for newborns

TRICARE offers a variety of health plans designed to provide the best quality of care for parents and their babies. However, if children are not properly registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, they risk losing their TRICARE benefits, program officials said."TRICARE

DOD libraries launch summer reading program

Defense Department libraries have launched a summer reading program in the hopes of inspiring children and adults to read throughout the summer.Visitors to libraries on 270 military installations around the world are invited to join "A Midsummer Knight's Read," an activity-packed reading program

VA officials work to provide post-9/11 family caregiver benefits

A month after the Veterans Affairs Department began processing applications for primary family caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans, officials reported steady progress toward delivering the new services and benefits.VA  officials began processing applications for new services May 9, four days

VA to expand housing for homeless veterans, families

Department of Veterans Affairs officials continue to develop housing opportunities for homeless and at-risk veterans by adding 34 VA locations across the country. This strategy will increase the department's available beds by more than 5,000. VA currently has 15,000 transitional beds available to

DOD seeks Input from employers of Guardsmen, Reservists

Defense Department officials want to hear by July 6 from the civilian employers of reservists and National Guardsmen in a survey intended to measure the impact of service members on the civilian workplace.Announced in March, the Department of Defense National Survey of Employers will indicate how

Policy changes consider troops, families, official says

The Pentagon office for personnel and readiness and the programs it oversees will not be immune from Defense Department efficiency initiatives, but will keep troops and their families at the forefront in the consideration of changes, the office's top civilian leader said."I joined with an efficiency

Offutt officials brace for flood with heavy preparations

As the water level rises in the Missouri River, officials here are taking precautions to protect people, equipment and facilities.According to reports from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Missouri River will crest by June 15. Offutt's systems of levees are expected to hold, but the greatest risk is

Air Force civilian named IMFA Gold Plate winner

An Air Force civilian was named the 2011 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Gold Plate winner here May 23.George Miller, the Air Force Services Agency food and beverage operations chief, is the first military member to receive the 56-year-old award that annually recognizes the

Air Force officials announce enlisted supplemental promotions

More than 330 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the June 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

Air Force senior leaders reflect on founding Air Commando

The former deputy commander of the 1st Air Commando Group died June 6. Retired Maj. Gen. John Alison was 98 years old and is survived by his wife Penni and son David."General Alison was a superb Airman and an Air Force legend," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. "As a highly decorated

Officials release new selective re-enlistment bonus list

Enlisted members now have 77 Air Force specialties from which they can receive a selective re-enlistment bonus. Officials said this fiscal year's program retains a heavy emphasis on retaining Airmen with 17 months to six years of service, and made adjustments in the 6 to 10 and 10 to 14

Former Air Force general sworn in as VA undersecretary for benefits

Retired Brig. Gen. Allison A. Hickey, a 27-year veteran of the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve and a graduate of the first U.S. Air Force Academy class to include women, has been sworn in as the Department of Veterans Affairs' undersecretary for benefits."General Hickey is a

Captain shares Student Flight knowledge to help unit build program

Capt. Bryan Williams, the Student Flight coordinator for the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., helped establish the new Student Flight training program for the West Virginia ANG's 130th Airlift Wing here.A Student Flight prepares new recruits for

TRICARE joins campaign to increase medication adherence

TRICARE joined the U.S. surgeon general and other partners recently in Washington D.C. to launch the Script Your Future campaign, which encourages patients to take their medications as directed.The Script Your Future campaign's primary goal is patient education and awareness, focused on patients

Team building drove president's choices, Gates says

Building a team was the most important consideration as President Barack Obama made his choices for top national security positions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said June 2.While he wouldn't give specifics about his advice to the president, Secretary Gates told reporters traveling with him to

Officials announce Flemming Award winners

Air Force officials selected the winners of the 62nd Annual Arthur S. Flemming Award.Dr. Timothy Bunning and Maj. Gabriel Hiley of the Air Force Materiel Command were named the winners in the basic science and managerial or legal achievement categories.The Flemming award annually recognizes

Air Force clubs offer Airmen road to education

The road to higher education can be a little easier for members of Air Force clubs around the world, or their dependents, through the 2011 Club Membership Scholarship program, officials said."Twenty-five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to club members or their families attending or accepted to

Guard, Reserve employers earn top Defense Department honor

Fifteen employers have been chosen to receive the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of the support they provide to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.Officials at Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency,

New warrior, family operations center opens

Air Force officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for the Air Force's new Warrior and Family Operations Center here May 25.More than 200 people witnessed the opening of the 7,000 square-foot facility housing four programs: Air Force Wounded Warrior, Airman and Family Readiness,

Handmade quilts cloak wounded warriors in love

Service members categorized as critical care aeromedical transport team patients are all leaving the contingency aeromedical staging facility with a very special package: a handmade quilt stitched with love. Shortly after the January arrival of the current CASF team, quilts began arriving at the

Obama nominates Dempsey as JCS chairman, Winnefeld as vice chairman

President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff May 30 during a Rose Garden ceremony.Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey as chairman and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as vice chairman. General Dempsey is currently the Army

DOD officials identify two Air Force casualties

Department of Defense officials announced the deaths of two Airmen May 27 who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.The Airmen died May 26 in the Shorabak district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive

Air Force officials to hold selective early retirement boards

As part of the FY11 Force Management programs announced in early February, Air Force officials are preparing for the selective early retirement boards for lieutenant colonels and colonels to further size and balance the force within congressionally authorized end-strength levels. The lieutenant

PLAYpass offers fun for deployed single Airmen, families

In continuing efforts to build a resilient force, single Airmen returning from deployment and families of deployed members can receive special discounts at select Force Support Squadron activities to help Airmen and their families ease the pressures and stress associated with deployments, officials

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

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," the Air Force Thunderbirds make history with the first Department of Defense aerial demonstration where participating aircraft are fueled by biofuel.  Plus, you'll get an update on conditions at Misawa Air Base, Japan, since the earthquake and tsunami hit that

Obama sends Panetta, Petraeus nominations to Senate

President Barack Obama has formally nominated CIA Director Leon E. Panetta to be the nation's next secretary of defense and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus to succeed Mr. Panetta at the CIA.President Obama announced his choices April 28 and sent the nominations to the Senate, which must confirm them,

Seven decades of flying come to a close

More than 70 years of flying experience came to a close after one last flight in a Piper Saratoga aircraft May 20 in Valdosta, Ga.While retired Col. Clarence Parker has been a pilot for the majority of his life, the now 90-year-old has decided to hang up his wings and start a new chapter in his

Mullen notes importance of remembrance in Memorial Day message

In his Memorial Day message, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflected on the true meaning of the holiday: to remember fallen comrades and their families.Here is the text of the chairman's video message:For many people, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, but

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

Commissary Agency officials announce Best Commissary Award winners

Every day at each of the Defense Commissary Agency's 249 stores, employees do their best to deliver an efficient and effective benefit to the millions of customers authorized to receive it, according to DeCA officials. The finest of those endeavors were recognized May 24 as the top commissaries were

Moody AFB Airman dies during physical training

An Airman assigned to the 23rd Maintenance Group here collapsed on the base's running trail during squadron physical training May 24. The Airman was transported to South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, Ga., where the Airman was later pronounced dead. The name of the deceased Airman is being

myPay goes mobile

Users of myPay now can check pay statements on the go using a smartphone or other mobile device that has a web browser.This update for myPay, the online pay account management system for service members, military retirees and many federal civilian employees, is based on customer feedback received

Gates: Defense cuts must be prioritized, strategic

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he is determined that the department not fall victim to the mistakes of the past, "where the budget targets were met mostly by taking a percentage off the top of everything, the simplest and most politically expedient approach both inside the Pentagon and

Program offers free museum visits

Service members and their families can visit a wide array of museums for free from Memorial Day through Labor Day, courtesy of the second annual Blue Star Museums program.Kathy Roth-Douquet, the Blue Star Families chairman, and Rocco Landesman, the chairman of the National Endowment for the

Medical, physical evaluation board processes improving

From the moment an Airman is injured or becomes ill, one of his or her biggest questions becomes: Can I stay on active-duty? Thus begins the wait. But, thanks to new processes, officials said, answers are coming much faster.Since Sept. 11, 2001, the number of service members processing through the

Air Force doctor to appear on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'

Air Force Maj. (Dr.) Van Adamson never imagined he would appear on a national syndicated TV talk show, standing next to Hollywood's biggest celebrities as a result of a college scholarship he received 13 years ago. In her second-to-last episode on Tuesday, May 24, popular day-time talk show host

Officials seek nominations for 2011 GEICO Military Service Awards

Air Force officials are accepting nominations for the 2011 Government Employees Insurance Company's Military Service Awards.The annual GEICO Military Service Awards recognize enlisted service members from all military service branches, active duty, Guard and Reserve, for their contributions to

Law enforcement members honored during Police Week

Security forces members, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the South Korean air force honored two law enforcement Airmen by ceremonially retiring them and removing them from duty here May 19.The ceremony was part of National Police Week, which ran from May 15 to 21 and honored law

Civilian career development webcasts continue May 26, June 21

Webcasts designed to help civilian Airmen plan and manage their careers will be held May 26 for GS-12 and GS-13 civilians, and June 21 for GS-7 through GS-11 civilians. Hosted by officials of the Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration directorate, webcast topics will include how to

Education is key in fight against PTSD

Stemming the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, requires awareness, education and recognizing its symptoms, a senior military psychiatrist said.Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, spoke

Air Force Central Ticket Program offers discounts to Airmen, families

The Air Force Central Ticket Program provides discount tickets to Airmen, their families and authorized Morale, Welfare and Recreation program customers at nationwide attractions and recreational events. Discount tickets are available for purchase at installation force support Information, Tickets

Lynn cites progress in DOD, VA partnership

The partnership to ensure seamless transitions for wounded warriors from military to Veterans Affairs medical care has made significant progress, but work remains to be done, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here May 19. In testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee,

Air Force officials release E-7 promotion list

The master sergeant promotion list is now available on the Air Force Personnel Center's website and Air Force personnel services website under "Active Duty: MSgt Promotion Release." Airmen can also access their Weighted Airman Promotion System score notices at the same time on the Virtual Military

Gates budget review to 'force discussion' of risk analysis

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced May 18 the framework for a comprehensive review of military spending designed to put national security needs ahead of arbitrary budget cuts."We must reject the traditional approach of applying across-the-board cuts -- the simplest and most politically

Hundreds of VA applications for new family caregiver benefits processed in first week

In the first week for open applications, Veterans Affairs representatives have assisted more than 625 veterans, service members and their family caregivers in applying for new services under the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010."We are off to a good start having helped

DOD makes progress in civilian hiring reform

Until recently, applying for a civilian job at the Defense Department was an exercise in navigating through a byzantine federal hiring process and amassing thick application packets, with applicants sometimes waiting up to a year for any word on their applications.Pasquale M. Tamburrino Jr., the

Nominations open for Grateful Nation award

Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award.This award recognizes one member from each of the military branches and U.S. Special Operations Command for superior performance and service in the war on terrorism.Nominees

Air Force officials announce civilian hiring controls

Air Force leaders announced that hiring controls were instituted May 12 to reduce projected growth of the civilian workforce.The Air Force-wide efforts to stem the civilian personnel growth are a result of Secretary of Defense Robert Gate's efficiency initiatives to maintain civilian manning at

National Guard leaders talk fiscal constraints, cost-effective solutions

As part of the total force, the National Guard has successfully transformed into an operational force, the top National Guard leader said here May 11.This transformation would be impossible without the investments made in the Guard and Reserve, said Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the

Cadet honored in Pentagon ceremony

The newest name engraved on the Millennium Sword of Friendship in the Pentagon is that of a student at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., who was presented with the 2010 U.S. Air Force Cadet of the Year Award here May 12.During a ceremony hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.

Travel website helps determine risks when planning events

Returning from deployment, getting ready for marriage, a promotion and three-day weekends are just some of the occasions in which Airmen take the time to plan and schedule leave.Planning for a good time on leave is not only limited to the destination, however. The element of safety can be properly

Air Force Week in Photos

This week's photo highlights feature Airmen around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.View the slideshow.

Air Force honors 2010 Sijan award winners

For demonstrating outstanding leadership, four Airmen received the 2010 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award during a ceremony May 11 in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.Named in honor of the first U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor, the award annually recognizes officer and

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

In a special edition of "Today's Air Force," you will get an inside look at Ranger School. It's the Army's premier leadership course, but it's open to all services. Take a look at the course and then follow an Airman on his journey towards a Ranger tab. However, before Airmen attend Ranger School

Officials announce E-7 selection stats

Air Force officials selected 6,618 of 19,538 eligible technical sergeants for promotion to master sergeant for a selection rate of 33.87 percent.The average score for those selected was 335.21, with an average time in grade of 4.58 years and an average time in service of 15.91 years. The average

AFIT education paves way to space

How far can a higher education take you? About 220 nautical miles, straight up. That's at least true for retired Col. Steve Lindsey, an astronaut with NASA and graduate of the Air Force Institute of Technology.Colonel Lindsey's latest space flight, aboard the final mission of the space shuttle

First lady invites Guard, Reserve kids to fitness event

Alongside about 80 children of National Guardsmen and reservists, first lady Michelle Obama showed off her dance moves and football-handling prowess yesterday during a "Let's Move" fitness and nutrition event for military families on the White House's South Lawn.The first lady invited the kids to

AFCEE redefines the gateway to the Air Force

Engineers at the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment are preparing to build an inprocessing and information center for Air Force recruits and their families here.The construction of the facility is significant to both the agency and the Air Force, due to its robust depiction of Air

AFOSI personnel pay tribute to their latest fallen hero

Hundreds of military and civilian mourners packed Chapel One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 9 to attend a memorial service honoring the latest Air Force Office of Special Investigations fallen hero. Master Sgt. Tara R. Brown, 33, of New York, died Apr. 27 of wounds sustained when an Afghan

Volunteers help take care of families during increased ops

While military members from Aviano Air Base, Italy, were working at a higher operations tempo than normal, two civilians from the 423rd Force Support Squadron here volunteered for a "deployment" of their own.Christine Kaleikini and Natasha Matthews both volunteered to go to Aviano AB to support the

AF lodging officials announce new payment procedures

As part of the Air Force's recent implementation of the new Citibank controlled spend account travel cards, funding for lodging costs will be pre-loaded on the card once authorization is approved in the Defense Travel System.As a result of the CSA travel card implementation, Air Force Inns guests

Common interests, challenges discussed at African Air Chiefs Conference

Shared interests and common challenges topped discussions between African air chiefs from 24 nations and their U.S. counterparts during the 2011 African Air Chiefs Conference April 26 through 28 here.The conference aims to foster communication and dialogue between regional and multilateral partner

Air Force members recognized for decades of public service

With 50 years of service each, two Air Force public servants were among 39 men and women recognized in the Pentagon courtyard May 5 with the Spirit of Service award honoring those whose government careers have spanned 48 to 68 years.As part of Public Service Recognition Week, May 1 through 7, Sara

Remembering pilot slain in Afghanistan

Quiet giant. Humble. Tremendously respected. Genuine. These were the repeated words that friends and family members here used to describe the instructor pilot who was among the nine Americans killed during the April 27 Kabul International Airport shooting. Lt. Col. Frank Bryant Jr. made the ultimate

Force management explained

A group of mostly captains sat in on a recent briefing here to find out more about the 2011 Force Management Program.In February, Air Force leaders announced another round of involuntary force-management programs to reduce personnel, and this time it affects mostly officers.For some of the officers,

President proclaims military spouse appreciation day

President Barack Obama has declared May 6 Military Spouse Appreciation Day. In his proclamation issued May 5, the president said: "Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great Nation every day. Across America and around the world,

Air Force secretary promotes fallen cyberspace captain to major

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley approved the posthumous promotion of Capt. Charles A. Ransom, a cyberspace Airman assigned to the 83rd Network Operations Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to the rank of major May 3.Maj. Ransom was killed by enemy gunfire at the headquarters building

Officials announce personnel annual award winners

The deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, or A1, recently announced the 2010 award winners for the A1 community.This year's winners are:Installation awards:Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award, for best large-category force support squadron:1st Special Operations FSS, Air Force Special

The Million Veteran Program: VA's genomics game-changer launches nationwide

An unprecedented Veterans Affairs research program that promises to advance the sophisticated science of genomics goes national May 5, according to the VA's top official. "It is my honor," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, "to join with so many fellow veterans in keeping VA at the

Air Force announces enlisted supplemental promotions

More than 60 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the May 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

Five military installations receive top honors

Teams from five military installations around the world received top awards today for excelling at their mission despite the demands of war and recent natural disasters.At a Pentagon ceremony, Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, lauded the

Undersecretary presents Installation Excellence Award to Spangdahlem team

Mrs. Mullen spotlights family issues in new blog

Building resilience and providing long-term support are keys to strengthening military families and better equipping them to weather the frequent, multiple deployments so prevalent in this decade of war, the wife of the nation's top military officer said."We've never asked a generation of families

Some officer development applications due by May 31

Officers considering 2012 advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs should get their applications started, since some applications are due as early as May 31, officials recently said.Bomber pilot, space and missile operations, intelligence, weather, logistics, program management,

Pilot killed in Afghanistan

An Airman assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing here was killed April 27 in Kabul, Afghanistan, when a shooter opened fire at the Kabul International Airport, killing eight U.S. service members and one contractor.Maj. Jeff Ausborn, a 99th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, was deployed

Air Force further reduces officer RIF requirements

Several year groups and competitive categories no longer will be required to meet the September 2011 reduction-in-force board. Air Force officials announced that RIF-eligible officers from previously announced competitive categories for chaplains, medical service corps and 1999 and 2000 judge

Food transformation continues to see positive results

The Air Force Food Transformation Initiative was launched Oct. 1, 2010, at six installations, with a goal of better serving the dining needs of today's Airmen. Air Force officials said they are pleased with the pilot program's initial results, which are aligned with the Department of Defense's

Using tobacco does not reduce stress, researchers report

Many service men and women report that stress is a major reason they smoke or chew tobacco, since military life produces unique pressures and challenges. But a recent article published on the Department of Defense's tobacco cessation website, http://www.ucanquit2.org, explains how tobacco actually

Mullen discusses personnel pluses, concerns

Calling personnel issues his greatest comfort and greatest concern, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today praised U.S. service members for the way they've adapted through a decade of war.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told attendees at a Government Executive Magazine leadership briefing that while

Reach Out and Read provides more than just medical wellness at pediatric clinic

Officials from the 374th Medical Operations Squadron Pediatric Clinic hope to promote early literacy and better reading habits by hosting the Reach Out and Read Program for families here starting May 2.The program provides 6-month-old to 5-year-old children with a free age-appropriate book during

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

In this edition of "Today's Air Force," you'll see how Airmen are strengthening bonds with the people of Japan as Operation Tomodachi continues. Plus, you'll get a look at how a group of female Airmen learned to defend themselves from an attacker.  And, you'll see how one Airman takes time to help a

Air Force leaders express condolences following Kabul shooting

Air Force officials confirmed April 28 that eight Airmen were killed April 27 at the Kabul International Airport. The Airmen were part of a NATO team training and advising the Afghan Air Force. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master

AETC officials announce new professional development guide

Air Education and Training Command officials have announced the release of the new AFPAM36-2241, Professional Development Guide. The effective date of the new PDG is Oct. 1 and will be available at www.e-publishing.af.mil beginning May 2. Master sergeants testing this December will be the first to

Communication helps children cope with deployments

For service members and their families, preparing for an upcoming deployment is another of the many challenges unique to military life. Letting children know that they can talk about their fears and worries when preparing for a deployment helps them prepare for stressful situations in the

National resource directory goes mobile

A version of the National Resource Directory website, which connects wounded warriors, service members, veterans and families with those who support them, now is available for mobile phones.With more than 3,000 new users each day searching for information on the site, it makes sense to have a mobile

First lady aims to improve military families' lives

First lady Michelle Obama stood behind a podium in the White House's East Room, her husband close at hand, as she addressed an audience of high-ranking military and government officials.Although it was a high-powered crowd, the first lady wasn't there for the officials or for the star-studded brass.

Military sees high recruiting, retention

Recruiting and retention has stayed high throughout the military for the first half of the fiscal year, according to Defense Department numbers released April 25.Through March, the active duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force met or exceeded their accession goals for fiscal 2011, which began

Civilian career tips are focus of upcoming webcasts

Civilian Airmen will learn how to plan for their next job, how education affects their careers and more during webcasts in May and June tailored for specific grade-groups.Hosted by representatives of the Air Force Personnel Center civilian force integration directorate, the webcasts support the Air

Students compete, hope for brighter tomorrow

Alfred Waluchio doesn't need a fact sheet or a market study to prove the importance of renewable energy to America's future prosperity. He's spent the past year of his life working with four fellow aspiring engineering and business students preparing to field technology that would convert electric

Commissary produce managers get 'top' recognition

Produce industry officials will honor two Defense Commissary Agency produce managers during a convention in New Orleans in May.Jennifer Smith, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Donald Courtright, from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., were chosen from hundreds of nominations by United

AFPC officials to stand up operating location at Robins

As part of a continuing Air Force initiative to provide on-site civilian personnel recruitment support, Air Force Personnel Center officials will stand up an operating location at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., May 1. This is the fourth of five AFPC OLs to support commanders and missions at Air Force