HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Program helps service retain RPA, rated pilots

    Air Force officials announced their plans Jan. 26 for the fiscal 2011 Aviator Continuation Pay program to help retain active-duty pilots and combat-systems officers who are trained as remotely piloted aircraft pilots.The ACP program allows some active-duty, rated aviators to qualify for a monetary

  • New fitness requirements for deploying Airmen

    Airmen preparing to attend Army-taught Combat Skills Training prior to deploying to a joint expeditionary tasking in direct support of combatant commander or joint task force ground component missions will soon be required to possess a current and passing fitness assessment, according to new Air

  • Officials extend window for cross-flow applications

    Air Force officials are extending the application period for nonrated line officers in overmanned Air Force specialties to voluntarily apply for cross flow into undermanned career fields until Feb. 4, as part of a newly formalized program announced in January.Air Force leaders announced the

  • Nuclear weapons center attains full operational capability

    The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command declared full operational capability for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center during the change of command ceremony Jan. 20 here.Gen. Donald Hoffman, the AFMC commander, spoke about the center's growth and said the center was the "single bellybutton

  • Deadline approaching for Spirit of Hope Award nominations

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Spirit of Hope Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is March 15.The award recognizes a military member, a civilian or an organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless

  • White House unveils new approach to military family support

    White House officials have released a report that unveils a new, governmentwide approach to military family support and details a sweeping, interagency effort under way to strengthen families and enhance their well-being and quality of life.President Barack Obama announced the results of a nearly

  • Deadline nears for O'Malley Award nominations

    Air Force officials would like to remind Airmen that the deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is March 15.The O'Malley Award annually recognizes the wing commander and spouse team whose contributions to the

  • Officials aim to encourage absentee voting

    Federal Voting Assistance Program officials will use winning entries from slogan and poster contests that start Jan. 21 to encourage absentee voting in U.S. elections by service members, their families and other citizens living overseas.All U.S. citizens are eligible to enter, and the winning slogan

  • TRICARE officials improve online communication, access

    Additions to the TRICARE military health plan's website are giving beneficiaries easier access to their personal health data, more convenient appointment scheduling and better communication with their health care providers, the top TRICARE official reported.TRICARE Online, the military health

  • TSP contribution limits set for 2011

    Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board members announced the 2011 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions will remain $16,500, and TSP catch-up plan contribution limits will remain at $5,500.TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan that gives investors an

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2011 reading list

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 21. "Effectively operating within our increasingly dynamic, interconnected and complex world requires steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth," Gen. Norton Schwartz said in a letter to

  • Deadline approaching for Pitsenbarger Award

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Pitsenbarger Award to the Air Force Sergeants Association is March 1.The AFSA Pitsenbarger Award annually recognizes an Air Force enlisted service member who has performed a heroic act, on or off duty, that resulted in saving a life or preventing

  • Deadline near for AFA awards

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year and the 2011 Verne Orr awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is March 1.The Air Force Association sponsors both awards annually.The Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors the significant contributions

  • Vanguard Award nominations due March 1

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Noncommissioned Officers Association Vanguard Award to Air Force Personnel Center officials is March 1.Nominees must be between the rank of senior airman and chief master sergeant who have performed a heroic act, on or off duty, which resulted in

  • New vice chief of staff takes office

    Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took over as vice chief of staff of the Air Force Jan. 14, succeeding Gen. Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler who held the position since August 2009.General Breedlove most recently served as the Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, a position he

  • Congressional commission studies women in combat

    Defense Department officials will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group's report is complete, a DOD official said Jan. 14.Congress established the Military Leadership Diversity Commission as part of the 2009 National Defense

  • Air Force officials automate active-duty assignment notifications

    Air Force officials are automating active-duty assignment notifications for Airmen in the ranks of lieutenant colonel and below beginning Jan. 21. Airmen will receive an e-mail notification about their new assignments and have seven days to acknowledge their assignments through the Virtual Military

  • TRICARE officials announce Young Adult program

    The Department of Defense announced Jan. 13 its introduction of the premium-based TRICARE Young Adult Program which extends medical coverage to eligible military family members to age 26. Expected to be in place later this spring, TYAP implements the National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal

  • Air Guard, Reserve officials announce 2011 teen leadership summits

    Officials from the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard announced the 2011 Air Force Reserve and ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations Jan. 5. The Air Force Reserve and ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations this summer are in Dahlonega, Ga.; Estes, Colo.; and Washington. The summits combine

  • Combat rescue, special tactics officer bonus still available

    For the second year in a row, qualified special operations officers are still eligible for a maximum of $80,000 in critical skills retention bonus money if they voluntarily extend their active-duty service commitment for up to four years."With the continued high demand for combat rescue and special

  • 'Medical home' concept improves care, controls costs

    Wouldn't it be fantastic to get the old-fashioned kind of health care, in which the doctor knew you and your family and kept track of your medical condition, but with the additional convenience and access to health care information that modern technology provides?That's exactly what the TRICARE

  • Air Force officials caution against geotags, location-based services

    Social media offers many Airmen another way to keep in touch with colleagues, friends and family, but users need to be aware of the risks associated with technical tools that help them share information, officials said Jan. 7.As more Airmen and their family members use smartphones to take pictures

  • Survey will assess Air Force community well-being

    Invitations to take the 2011 Air Force Community Assessment will be sent out Jan. 25. The assessment is designed to assist chaplains and people working in installation-level Airman and family readiness centers, family advocacy programs, health and wellness centers, mental health clinics and child

  • Chairman calls for military self-examination

    As the military enjoys tremendous support from the American people, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said now is the time to step back, assess the impact of 10 years of war and ensure the institution remains on course.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, opening a leadership conference Jan. 10 at the

  • Defense official outlines pay freeze details

    Defense Department civilian employees affected by the federal pay freeze for 2011 and 2012 will still have the opportunity to receive performance awards, promotions and normal longevity increases, a senior defense official said.Pasquale M. Tamburrino Jr., the deputy under secretary of defense for

  • Health plan to remain free for troops, officials emphasize

    Though Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates seeks modest premium increases for working-age military retirees who use the TRICARE Prime health plan, the benefit will remain free to service members, defense officials emphasized Jan. 7.Secretary Gates unveiled sweeping, cost-cutting initiatives Jan. 6,

  • Health plan officials work to improve efficiency, care

    As Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presses for a modest increase in health plan premiums for working-age military retirees to help offset rising health care costs, the head of the TRICARE Management Activity reported progress already made in improving efficiencies as well as the quality of health

  • Base exchange rewards those who 'Made the Grade'

    Military children, especially those with deployed parents, face unique stresses that often result in higher rates of school absenteeism and failure, according to the American Academy of PediatricsKeeping these unique challenges in mind, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service established an

  • Air Force officials lift rated requirement for air liaison officers

    Air Force officials announced here Jan. 7 the removal of the air liaison officer rated requirement, allowing any company grade officer, accession candidate or enlisted Airman the possibility of a career change.ALOs, once drawn strictly from fighter, bomber and air battle manager communities, now

  • Air Force officials announce formal officer cross-flow program

    In an effort to balance officer skills across the active-duty component, the Air Force will offer cross-flow options for nonrated line officers in specified career fields, officials said here Jan 7. The nonrated officer cross-flow program is being announced as part of the fiscal 2011 Force

  • Defense Department officials to prune senior ranks, freeze staffing

    Defense Department officials will reduce senior ranks and freeze civilian staffing levels, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Jan. 6."The monetary savings from ... reductions in senior personnel will be relatively modest, and mostly consist of the extra staff and amenities that, by tradition,

  • Program helps Airmen cope with divorce

    Anyone who has been in the Air Force for more than a year has heard the horror stories about failed marriages and how hard it is to stay in a relationship with constant deployments and work stress. While falling in love and getting married can be the greatest experience of one's life, a divorce can

  • President signed improvements to Post-9/11 GI Bill

    To bring the educational benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill closer to more veterans and service members, President Obama signed legislation Jan. 4 that streamlines the 18 month-old education program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs."Since the first GI Bill in 1944, this unique

  • Nominations open for Military Child of the Year Award

    A nonprofit organization is giving Americans the chance to sing the praises of a group often called the nation's unsung heroes: military children.Operation Homefront, a troop- and military-family support group, is inviting people to nominate outstanding military children from all branches of service

  • All Americans encouraged to visit a national park this year

    Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced Jan. 5 that National Park Service officials will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011 and encouraged all Americans to make a New Year's resolution to visit a national park this year."Many people have made resolutions to spend more

  • Operation CCAF Blitz targets technical sergeants

    With the implementation of a new initiative, 23rd Force Support Squadron education center officials here are making an effort to increase the number of Airmen eligible for senior-rater endorsement on enlisted performance reports.Operation CCAF Blitz will be carried out in three phases and encourages

  • Air Force officials approve changes to officer selection brief

    In an effort to better highlight candidates who possess the skills necessary for officer promotion in today's expeditionary Air Force, senior Air Force officials approved changes to the officer selection brief. The modified officer selection brief will be used beginning with boards in June and

  • Wars, people, balancing risk top chairman's 2011 guidance

    The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's guidance for 2011 charts the way forward in America's wars, in improving the health of the force and in balancing global risks.Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's 2011 guidance was released Jan. 15, relaying the admiral's priorities and strategic objectives for the

  • Chief Roy visits Kunsan

    The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited members of the 8th Fighter Wing here Dec. 29 and 30 during a year-end tour of Pacific Air Forces bases.During the visit, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy, and his wife, Paula, toured the base, presented stripes to Airmen who were promoted,

  • Networthiness sets standards for DOD, AF networks

    The Air Force soon will have a relatively new term to add to its network operations lexicon: "Networthiness." Air Force Network Integration Center officials recently led efforts to develop the Department of Defense's networthiness concept, an operational assessment that goes well beyond information

  • Officials shape NAF employee careers

    Force support senior leaders sought ways to shape the careers of nonappropriated-fund employees during the first NAF development team meeting at the Air Force Personnel Center here Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2010. The development team reviewed, assessed and scored 143 records of NF-03 and above NAF

  • Heart Link links hearts and minds of military spouses

    The words "Heart Link" may evoke a mental image of animated cartoon hearts holding hands or perhaps the infamous paper heart chain that has become a staple around school rooms during Valentine's Day. Sometimes spouses may feel like that flimsy chain of paper hearts, vulnerable and alone. Heart Link

  • Virtual inprocessing simplifies civilian PCS

    Revisions in the civilian permanent-change-of-station orders process at the Air Force Personnel Center are intended to save time and money, and reduce errors for hiring officials, relocating employees and personnelists, officials said.The new civilian PCS process is conducted virtually through the

  • Families invited to dial into helping webinars

    Officials at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury have released their monthly webinar series schedule for 2011, and they hope the topics will interest everyone from service members and their families to medical professionals.The webinar series

  • Operations security goes digital

    Click through any photo-sharing site and you will likely find at least one random shot of someone you know doing something highly inappropriate. While these photos may be hilarious, could they have the potential to reveal intimate details of your life to the world?Walk through a mall during a

  • Officials seek bilingual officers for training school

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations from bilingual officers to participate in the 2011 Inter-American Squadron Officer School Program. This program focuses on inter-Americanism and developing Latin American regional affairs specialists for the Air Force.Captains from all Air Force

  • Deadline approaching for civilian awards nominations

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award to the Air Force Personnel Center is Feb. 15.Each year, AFA officials recognize four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories.The

  • DOD officials urge service members to stop using tobacco

    Each year, more than a million people successfully quit using tobacco, and Defense Department officials want more service members included in that number in 2011."In the tradition of New Year's, we are asking our active-duty and retired service members and their families to make a resolution to quit

  • 2011 Air Force Marathon registration opens Jan. 1

    Air Force Marathon officials announced they will open registration for the 2011 marathon Jan. 1, with special sale pricing for New Year's Day.The 15th annual event will occur Sept. 17 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force here. In addition to a full 26.2 mile marathon, runners also

  • Congress extends Stop Loss application deadline

    The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for retroactive Stop Loss special pay has been extended to March 4, 2011, Defense Department officials announced Dec. 23.The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution bill that President Barack

  • Senate approves U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty

    In a 71-26 vote Dec. 22, the U.S. Senate ratified the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a pact intended to level the nuclear arms playing field between the U.S. and Russia.The vote followed the senators' 67-28 vote Dec. 21 to move the bill from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the full

  • Fitness regulation changes based on Airmen's feedback

    As Air Force officials continue to sculpt their fitness program based on Airmen's feedback, service officials issued an AF Guidance Memorandum here Dec. 20 that provides policy changes to AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program, with an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2011. Compliance with the program is

  • Nominations open for DOD civilian service awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 56th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.The award is the highest given by the Secretary of Defense to career employees. The award recognizes career employees at all levels for their exceptional achievement, and

  • Voluntary separation, retirement programs extended

    Air Force officials have announced an extension of voluntary separation and retirement programs for fiscal 2011 as part of the service's ongoing force-management initiatives.Voluntary and involuntary force-management programs were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to record-high retention. For fiscal

  • Support agencies help Airmen, families manage holiday stress

    The holiday season can bring joyful smiles and priceless moments with friends and family. But for some, it can bring a sense of worry, self-doubt, frustration and agony.Numerous agencies at Air Force bases provide programs and assistance to those who are experiencing the tougher side of life this

  • Select CDCs become available online

    Airmen in select career fields can now complete their career development courses through Air University's AU Online website -- a derivative website of Air Education and Training Command's Advanced Distributed Learning System -- that provides course access from work or home computers.Electronic CDCs

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

    Some Airmen destroy promising careers, and it's not always because they are caught stealing, using drugs or misusing their government computer. Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney and military judge, I've seen people lose their careers for many reasons: from voyeurism to disloyal

  • Deadline for aerospace awards draws near

    The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association aerospace awards to the Air Force Personnel Center is Feb. 1.The aerospace awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to national defense in a variety of fields.These awards include:Theodore Von Karman

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

    Gen. Raymond Johns, Jr., the commander of the Air Mobility Command, signed a general order Nov. 2 prohibiting the use of intoxicating substances, including spice.The order bans AMC members, including those assigned to tenant units, active duty on temporary duty on an AMC base, Air Force Reserve on

  • Most housing rates dip for 2011 as pay, subsistence increase

    Most military housing allowance rates will decrease slightly for 2011, but servicemembers will receive, on average, as much or slightly more money than they did this year, Defense Department officials said Dec. 15.Cheryl Anne Woehr, a housing allowance program analyst, said overall rates are fairly

  • Application deadline approaching for Warrior Games

    The application deadline for the 2011 Warrior Games is Jan. 11. With the holidays approaching, Air Force officials encourage qualifying Airmen to submit applications as soon as possible.Warrior Games is an Olympic-style competition open to wounded, ill and injured military members and veterans "The

  • Air Force leaders stress safety during the holidays

    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 holiday safety message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:During this holiday season, we extend our sincere appreciation for your

  • TRICARE assistance program is here for beneficiaries during the holidays

    The holidays are a great opportunity to bond with family members and reconnect with old friends, but this time of year can also present significant stress, particularly if a loved one is deployed for the holidays. An empty seat at the dinner table, holiday shopping minus one or unwrapped gifts under

  • Officials seek enlisted for AFIT degree program

    Air Force Institute of Technology officials are offering six NCOs the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The NCOs will be selected in February to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide

  • Caring for People Survey still open

    Air Force members looking to voice their concerns about community support programs and services still have time to complete the 2010 Caring for People Survey.The survey allows total-force Airmen, civilians, retirees and spouses an opportunity to tell Air Force leaders how they can better address

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

    Air Force officials are seeking active-duty enlisted Airmen to apply for the fall 2011 Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.The program offers enlisted members an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in a high-need academic major. Air Force Personnel Center officials will conduct the annual NECP

  • Air Force leaders issue holiday message

    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 send the following holiday message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:As we celebrate the holidays, please take the opportunity to reflect on our many blessings

  • Directors: Air Guard, Army Guard are cost-effective forces

    We are trained to the same standards of the active duty Air Force, we are available and on call 365 days a year, and it doesn't cost the taxpayer a thing until the governor picks up the phone, the director of the Air National Guard said Dec. 8 at the Reserve Officer Association here."I think that's

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have many options to prepare for flu season

    TRICARE officials urge their 9.6 million beneficiaries to take preventive steps to stop the spread of the flu. Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that many beneficiaries may already have been exposed to throughout the year. The 2010 through 2011 flu vaccine will protect against

  • Air Guard strengthens stance for homeland defense, civil support

    The 2010 Domestic Operations Equipment Requirements conference prompted Air National Guard officials to position themselves to provide an even stronger stance for homeland defense and civil support missions, the National Guard Bureau's director of plans and requirements said recently."This is how we

  • Air Force, industry leaders brainstorm at Renewable Energy Industry Day

    During the U.S. Air Force Renewable Energy Industry Day on December 8, Air Force senior leaders joined more than 250 industry professionals to exchange ideas about partnering to increase renewable energy supplies and achieve energy goals.Terry Yonkers, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for

  • 'Portraits in Courage' Vol. V highlights Air Force heroes

    The latest "Portraits in Courage" released Dec. 10 highlights 18 Airmen who demonstrated bravery and heroism in the crucible of war as they repelled air and ground enemy fire, led convoys through perilous terrain and assisted injured comrades.The stories describe ordinary Americans who accomplished

  • Spice illegal for Airmen, produces dangerous side effects

    Although it is banned from use by Airmen and scheduled to soon become illegal for all U.S. citizens, not much is known about the drug known as "spice."Spice, considered by some to be a marijuana alternative because it has the same effects, is a mixture of potentially dangerous herbs coated with

  • Air Force announces candidate basing locations for LiMA aircraft

    The Air Force announced today that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N. J., and Travis AFB, Calif., are candidate basing locations for Light Mobility Aircraft, or LiMA. These locations are candidates to beddown a single squadron consisting of 12 aircraft and approximately 100 personnel. The LiMA

  • Nominees sought for employee with a disability award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award.This Secretary of Defense award recognizes the contributions and achievements made by physically or mentally disabled federal employees within the DOD.The award is open to

  • Special needs families receive added support

    Thirty-five installations worldwide now have additional staff members to support active-duty Airmen who have family members with special needs.Air Force officials established Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator positions at installations with the highest number of

  • Scholarships for Military Children Program seeking applicants

    Scholarship applications for the 2011 Scholarships for Military Children program are now available in commissaries worldwide and online at www.militaryscholar.org by clicking the "News & Info" tab and then the "Scholarship Info" tab. Since the program was announced in 2000, it has awarded $8.3

  • Senior DOD leaders share perspectives on future warfighting

    A panel of senior Department of Defense and service component leaders acknowledged that an uncertain, fluid international security environment demands new thinking and approaches to meeting training and simulation requirements for future joint warfighters. The panel met during the

  • Air Force selects preferred alternative base for C-27J training aircraft

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 8 that it has chosen Key Field Air National Guard Base, Miss., as the preferred alternative base for the C-27J Spartan training aircraft.The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force considered the site survey results, mission-specific

  • 24th AF becomes AFCYBER

    Air Force officials announced that 24th Air Force changed from Air Forces Strategic to Air Forces Cyber Dec. 7. The change better reflects the mission the numbered Air Force performs for the Air Force and the Department of Defense."The name change will not impact the 24th Air Force's mission," said

  • CMSAF emphasizes Air Force core values

    In his latest "Enlisted Perspective," the Air Force's top enlisted Airman highlights how the Air Force core values should guide all Airmen in rising to meet challenges of today as Congress considers changes to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy."As military men and women, the American people count

  • Officials introduce new patient care concept at medical town hall

    Beginning in June 2011, officials from the 21st Medical Group will launch the Air Force Surgeon General's Family Health Initiative program here, which aims to lower the number of patients assigned to an Air Force medical provider and assigns a back-up team that knows each patient's medical history,

  • President extends stop loss claims deadline

    Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until Dec. 18 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay.The new deadline is the second extension to the original Oct. 21 cutoff and comes as a result of a continuing resolution signed by the president Dec. 4.Airmen eligible for the benefit

  • Nominations open for Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award

    Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2011 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award.There are three categories for award: Airman, NCO and Senior NCO. Major commands and the Air Force District of Washington will each nominate three candidates, one per category, to the Air Force 12 OAY

  • NORAD to track Santa for Christmas

    For the 55th consecutive year, the men and women of the North American Aerospace Defense Command are preparing to track Santa. The NORAD Tracks Santa web site,www.noradsanta.org , went live Dec. 3 and features holiday games and activities that change daily. The web site is available in seven

  • New policy bridges Korea tour normalization

    The top U.S. commander in South Korea has introduced a new policy prioritizing what positions qualify for highly sought-after command sponsorships for family members.Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea, announced the new system this week to control the flow of

  • Officials unveil new government travel cards

    The Air Force is primed for servicewide distribution of new Citibank controlled spend account government travel cards now through spring 2011, officials said here Dec. 1. Issuance of the CSA card for use in conjunction with temporary-duty assignments, permanent change of station or deployment orders

  • Air Force officials continuing source selection for new tanker

    Air Force officials have said the KC-X source selection process will continue despite a mistake in November, where a limited amount of identical source selection information was provided to both KC-X offerors concerning their competitor's offering. Air Force officials are ensuring a level playing

  • Survey addresses quality-of-life needs

    The 2010 Caring for People Survey gives total force Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents an opportunity to voice their concerns on how the Air Force can better address their quality-of-life needs. With Airmen deploying in support of global contingency operations for two decades, developing and

  • TRICARE benefits follow students on winter break

    With winter break approaching, many college students will visit family or friends. Making sure their TRICARE benefits follow them during holiday travel is a simple process. To avoid higher out-of-pocket costs and point-of-service charges, students should get care before heading home or elsewhere for

  • Mullen cites North Korea's unpredictability

    North Korea's artillery assault on South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island Nov. 23 is an issue of concern in a region that wants stability, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said Nov. 24 on ABC's "The View" television show.Admiral Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, appeared on the

  • Leaders provide update, vector on Air Force space efforts at symposium

    Senior Air Force leaders, servicemembers and industry partners gathered for the Air Force Association's annual Global Warfare Symposium Nov. 18 through 19 here. This year's symposium focused on innovation, operating under financial constraints, building partnerships and managing space acquisition.

  • Director asks Air Guard leaders to look ahead

    Times are tough for the Air National Guard, but Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt III sees many "great" opportunities for his 106,700-member force to excel in the future."We know there is a mismatch right now of demands on the force and resources," said General Wyatt, the director of the Air Guard. "I think it

  • Schwartz discusses Korea, other issues

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said it is "significant" that the South Korean air force, rather than the U.S., is leading its country's air defenses at a time when North Korea has become increasingly provocative.Schwartz spoke here Nov. 23 at a Defense Writers Group meeting hours

  • Air Force leaders release Diversity Strategic Roadmap

    Striving to remain a leading competitor in the search for talent to carry out the Air Force mission, the service's senior leaders released the Diversity Strategic Roadmap here Nov 17.In a collaborative effort, members of the Air Force Diversity Operations Division authored the living document's

  • Civil Air Patrol asks for help with 'Section 60 Project'

    As part of its holiday tradition of partnering with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of U.S. veterans, the Civil Air Patrol is calling on its partners and its parent organization, the Air Force, to help with this year's "Section 60 Project"

  • Influx of stop loss claims may cause approval delays

    An influx of claims in October and November by members applying for retroactive stop loss special pay is leading to an increased processing time as the Dec. 3 deadline nears.Air Force Personnel Center officials here said applicants can anticipate the processing time to take from 10 to 12 weeks from

  • Fight against holiday depression

    The holiday season is viewed by many celebrants as a time of "peace on earth" and a sudden influx of packages through the post office.But for some servicemembers deployed during the holidays, peace and packages might be hard to find, or replaced entirely by depression or even thoughts of suicide.

  • Air Guard top enlisted Airman addresses force

    The training and experience level of the Air National Guard's enlisted force has expanded during the past decade and, as a result it, has made considerable contributions to both the overseas and domestic missions, said the Air Guard's top enlisted leader Nov. 18."In the E-1 to E-4 category,