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  • Tricare meets or exceeds most new health provisions

    Tricare already meets or exceeds most of the new health care provisions in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that took effect Sept. 23. The PPACA provides new or expanded options and consumer protections for those with private health insurance coverage.Most provisions

  • Airmen urged to complete all PCS requirements

    Airmen who recently completed a permanent change of station move have probably completed all the obvious steps involved in the move -- boxes unpacked, children settled into new schools, PCS travel voucher completed.However, travelers are advised that they're not yet done with their move if they

  • House reviews quality of military off-duty education

    A House Armed Services Committee panel heard testimony from Defense Department officials Sept. 21 on the quality of off-duty servicemember voluntary education opportunities.During 2010, an estimated 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will receive $580 million in DOD tuition-assistance

  • Officials urge protection against identity theft

    Defense Department officials are urging servicemembers to be aware of identity theft and are providing ways for them to protect themselves, the director of DOD's personal finance office said.Dave Julian said officials take the problem very seriously. "We equate it to service readiness," he

  • Stop loss special pay deadline nears

    Time is running out for current and former Airmen previously affected by Stop Loss to apply for retroactive special pay as the Oct. 21 deadline approaches.Airmen eligible include active, retired and former members as well as Reserve component members, who served on active duty while their enlistment

  • Defense Department officials launch annual CFC drive

    The Defense Department's 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here Sept. 20, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000 pre-screened charities.Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III launched the department's annual CFC drive in

  • Commanders play key role in accounting for members

    When a disaster occurs, chaos usually ensues. From caring for the injured to cleaning up the damage, it can overwhelm all involved. One of the key challenges for Air Force leaders after a disaster is accounting for all personnel. The Air Force relies on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and

  • Combat Air Force leaders sign new strategic plan

    Top Air Force leaders from the eight commands representing the Combat Air Force released "Securing the High Ground: Agile Combat Airpower," Sept. 15. This strategic plan provides a construct for developing, planning and employing integrated combat capabilities for the nation."The CAF is America's

  • Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

    The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz

  • Air Force leaders discuss challenges, achievements

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz hosted a multi-command panel of generals to address issues from the audience at the Air Force Association's Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 15.The panel discussion, which also featured Chief

  • AAFES changes name of exchanges

    When the Army & Air Force Exchange Service unveils its new brand at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on Sept. 17, it will usher in a new era for exchange shoppers far beyond the plains of Oklahoma. The upgrade is happening everywhere the exchange has a presence, including shoppers' mailboxes and

  • Human trafficking equals modern-day slavery

    Although slavery was abolished in the U.S. nearly 150 years ago, modern-day slavery continues to thrive, making it vital for people to know the signs and avoid becoming facilitators of what is known as human trafficking.Human trafficking is the use of another human being for illegal purposes such as

  • AETC commander addresses innovation through training

    The commander of the Air Education and Training Command spoke on innovative recruiting, training and educational goals used to develop Airmen to meet the Air Force and warfighter mission during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon

  • Air Guard a more cost-effective, operational force

    For the Air National Guard to continue as an operational force, it should be fielded concurrently with the same equipment as its active-duty counterparts, the director of the Air Guard said Sept. 13."Now that costs money, but it doesn't cost nearly as much money as trying to maintain an operational

  • AMC commander relates importance of global reach to AFA attendees

    The commander of Air Mobility Command emphasized the national, joint and coalition importance of the support AMC provides to combat and humanitarian operations during the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition at Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14.Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr. said

  • Chief Roy shares what's in store for enlisted force

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force shared his perspective of where the enlisted force is heading during a presentation at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 15 at Oxon Hill, Md.Some of the key points Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy

  • Air Force undersecretary reinforces value of acquisition estimate tool

    The Air Force relies on numerous vendors for critical supplies and everyday items, and the Long-Range Acquisition Estimate helps ensure that the Air Force gets the highest-quality products and services at the lowest prices. Through better requirements identification and planning, and use of the

  • AFSPC command chief advocates for space Airmen at AFA forum

    The merits and issues affecting the men and women of Air Force Space Command were brought to the forefront during a Command Chief Master Sergeant Forum at the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Sept. 14 here. More than 150 conference attendees were on hand as

  • USAFE commander assesses future strategy

    The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander focused on the way ahead during his address at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Oxon HIll, Md., Sept 14."Our relationship with our European allies remains the cornerstone for U.S. engagement with the world

  • DOD acquisition chief outlines plan to help warfighters, taxpayers

    The Defense Department's $400 billion-a-year system for buying goods and services is about to undergo major changes designed to save taxpayer money without affecting mission readiness, a senior Pentagon official says."We're asking you to do more without more," Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary of

  • Chief of staff highlights contributions of Airmen to national security

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke on the state of the Air Force during the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md., Sept. 14. His comments highlighted the contributions of Airmen to national security in the

  • Generals discuss strengthening nuclear enterprise at annual conference

    Five generals sat on the nuclear enterprise panel at the 2010 Air Force Association Conference and Technology Expo to answer questions from Airmen and civilians Sept. 13 here.Gen. Roger A. Brady, the U.S Air Forces in Europe commander; Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the 20th Air Force commander; Maj. Gen.

  • Pentagon urges employees to 'leap' into fitness

    Uniformed and civilian Air Force members are encouraged to represent the Defense Department in the presidential fitness challenge this fall as our country continues to focus on health and wellness.The DOD's civilian personnel policy office is sponsoring "Leap Into Fall," a fitness challenge for all

  • Reserve chief proposes closer look at active and reserve force mix

    The commander of the Air Force Reserve Command who also is chief of the Air Force Reserve spoke to a standing-room only crowd about military structure for the 21st Century Sept. 13 at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010.Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. was

  • STRATCOM commander addresses nuclear challenges

    The commander of the U.S. Strategic Command addressed nuclear deterrence challenges at the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2010 here Sept. 13.Gen. Kevin P. Chilton outlined the command's framework to meet ever-changing and complex requirements in a modern,

  • National Clean Hands Week Sept. 19 to 25

    When was the last time you took the time to disinfect your cell phone, door knob or computer keyboard? These are surfaces we touch often but forget about when we are cleaning. Most viruses and bacteria have the potential to live up to two or more hours once they touch a surface. Using disinfectant

  • Officials seek Spirit of Hope Award nominees

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Spirit of Hope Award.The award recognizes a military member, civilian or an organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.Each major command, field

  • Space Command Inspector General: 24th Air Force ready for full operations

    The Headquarters Air Force Space Command Inspector General team concluded a four-day, full operational capability assessment of 24th Air Force units here today with a briefing to the commander stating that the numbered Air Force and its subordinate units are "ready" to be declared fully

  • Read the lease before signing

    Many people have problems with their landlord after renting or leasing a house or apartment, but reading and having a clear understanding of the agreement before signing it can help renters and lessees avoid several of these difficulties.Before signing the lease and moving in, read every paragraph

  • More focus needed to end suicides, Mullens say

    A silent killer is rapidly infiltrating the military, claiming lives at an alarming rate each year.It does not discriminate, taking aim at the young and old, male and female -- from the battle-hardened Soldier to the new recruit."It's an area that can't get enough focus right now," said Navy Adm.

  • Officials extend spouse career program deadline

    Officials have extended a spouse employment program enrollment deadline to allow more military spouses to take spring semester classes.Effective Sept. 13, spouses currently enrolled in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program, commonly known as MyCAA, will be able to request financial

  • Political dos and don'ts during campaign season

    With the 2010 elections coming up, television newscasts and newspaper articles are filled with the latest news about the candidates running for various offices. While exercising a right to vote is the duty of all Americans, military and civilian federal employees should understand the laws and

  • Air Force officials increase deployment times

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced a change to the air and space expeditionary force rotational baseline from 120 to 179 days for most active component Airmen. According to Air Force officials, 71 percent of Airmen are already deploying outside the 120-day baseline. The revised

  • Cyber Task Force passes mission to Cyber Command

    After spending the better part of the past decade defending the Defense Department's computer networks, the Joint Task Force Global Network Operations command cased its colors.The task force was deactivated in a ceremony Sept. 7 here at the Defense Information Systems Agency. The task force's people

  • Department joins in call for innovative solutions

    Defense Department officials are putting some of their most vexing challenges on the Internet for the public to help solve as part of a new initiative to invite creative solutions to government problems.Pentagon officials submitted four challenges to the Challenge.gov website that launched today.

  • Tricare officials encourage military kids to "move" on childhood obesity

    During the month of September, Tricare officials continue their strong commitment to the battle against childhood obesity. By observing Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Tricare representatives are active participants in the Let's Move! program for military kids. The national Let's Move! program

  • 2010 holiday greetings teams ready to travel

    Before candy gets stocked in supermarkets for the upcoming Halloween season, teams already will be busy taping at overseas locations throughout the world for special greetings to be aired during the holiday season.Three separate broadcast teams from the Joint Hometown News Service in San Antonio are

  • Officials seek Service to America Medals nominees

    The Partnership for Public Service is soliciting nominations for the 2011 Service to America Medals. These medals recognize the accomplishments of the U.S.'s best public servants. Nomination eligibility extends to career civilian federal employees. The nominee must have shown a commitment to public

  • NCOs still needed to retrain

    Airmen have until Sept. 17 to voluntarily retrain as part of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can volunteer during Phase I

  • Leaders issue joint Labor Day holiday message

    The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family to minimize safety risks this weekend and beyond in a Labor Day 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 issued the following

  • Fitness testing begins for deployed Airmen

    Airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility will roll physical fitness testing into their wartime responsibilities starting Oct. 1. Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, recently approved a policy authorizing fitness testing in the AOR for

  • AF transfers northern airspace to Iraq

    The Air Force handed over the Kirkuk sector of airspace, 15,000 feet and above, to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Sept. 1. The Kirkuk sector of airspace consists of the northern 1/3 portion of Iraq, which previously had been controlled by the Air Force out of Kirkuk Air Base. "Tonight marks a

  • Air Force undersecretary gets close look at nuclear enterprise

    The undersecretary of the Air Force made her second visit to an Air Force Global Strike Command wing when she received a firsthand view of the ICBM nuclear deterrence and global strike mission Aug. 26 at the 341st Missile Wing here.Erin C. Conaton first visited AFGSC headquarters and the 2nd Bomb

  • Chief scientist describes future technology

    "Humans today are still more capable than machines, but by 2030 that is absolutely not going to be the case anymore," said Dr. Werner Dahm, the Air Force Chief Scientist, in describing one of the conclusions he reached during the Air Force's first in-depth look at future technology in more than a

  • Combat, hardship pays remain for troops serving in Iraq

    The change from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn does not affect the pays and entitlements troops serving in Iraq receive, a Pentagon spokeswoman said Sept. 1.Servicemembers deployed to Iraq will still receive hostile fire/imminent danger pay, hardship-duty pay and incidental expenses.

  • New Tricare Overseas Program contract begins

    Beginning Sept. 1, the new Tricare Overseas Program contract goes into effect, giving beneficiaries easier and greater access to health care outside the United States. International SOS Assistance, Tricare's overseas contractor, is partnering with military treatment facilities to give Department of

  • Healthy habits for children

    Teaching healthy habits to children at an early age can carry those habits through the teen years and into adulthood. Here are some important habits to teach children:Routinely and regularly washing hands is very important to stop the spread of germs and diseases and to avoid getting sick. All that

  • Tricare Retired Reserve health coverage launches

    For the first time, members of the Retired Reserve who are not yet age 60, the so-called "gray area" retirees, can purchase Tricare health coverage for themselves and their eligible family members with the Sept. 1 launch of Tricare Retired Reserve. "This new program offers a health coverage

  • Net-Centric Ops Conference to examine changing environments, apps

    The theme for the eighth annual Net-Centric Ops Conference, to be held Sept. 20 at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel and Resort in New Castle, N.H., is "Changing Environments -- Changing Applications." Organizers of the conference say discussions will be focused on fully realizing net-centric

  • VA secretary addresses traumatic brain injury conference

    Recognizing the longstanding, integrated collaboration shared by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki gave the keynote address at the fourth annual Traumatic Brain Injury Military Training Conference Aug. 30 here."We -- DOD and VA -- simply

  • Toolkit helps separating servicemembers land jobs

    Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines separating from the military can get extra help in finding a job from a new Defense Department resource.Specialists in the Pentagon's Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy Office, part of the Office of Personnel and Readiness, recently developed the Career

  • Officials seek nominations for civilian awards

    Air Force officials are soliciting nominations for the 2011 Air Force Association Outstanding Air Force Civilian Employees of the Year Award.Each year, AFA officials recognize four Air Force civilian employees for outstanding achievement in four categories. Nominations will be evaluated on the

  • Enlisted force development initiatives approved

    The Force Management and Development Council members approved an initiative that will change the way the Air Force grows the next generation of senior enlisted leaders. The initiative originated with the Enlisted Force Development Panel and will enable the enlisted force to move forward in

  • Virtual high school opens 'doors' to learning

    The Defense Department's newest high school is devoid of walls or windows, but yet has opened its "doors" this year to students throughout the world. The DOD Education Activity's virtual high school is an accredited distance learning program for military students, whether they're geographically

  • Air Force officials urge operations security vigilance

    Fraudsters continue to hijack accounts on social networking sites and spread malicious software, FBI officials said. One technique entices users to download an application or view a video that appears to be sent from users' "friends", giving the perception of being legitimate. Once the user responds

  • Air Force officials announce changes to space functions

    Air Force officials announced the realignment of some Headquarters Air Force space functions Aug. 26, following the recent completion of a review of Headquarters Air Force space management and responsibilities, which was directed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley in December 2009. In a

  • Language program application deadline nears

    Air Force officials are accepting application packages through Sept. 13 for officers interested in participating in the Language Enabled Airman Program, which offers an opportunity to develop a foreign language skill throughout an Airman's career.Launched earlier this year by Air Force Culture and

  • Air Force Statement regarding Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage pattern

    "We are committed to equipping Airmen with the most advanced capabilities available at the earliest time possible," Air Force officials said Aug. 24. "Based on feedback from Airmen, we believe the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) provides advanced protection to servicemembers

  • Air Force encourages employees to cash in on ideas

    Highlighting a new Department of Defense-led program designed to produce money-saving ideas that improve the way the DOD operates, Air Force Undersecretary and chief management officer Erin C. Conaton is encouraging civilian and military employees to share their ideas online at

  • Shinseki says VA's home loan program continues to stay strong

    Mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest rate for serious delinquency and foreclosures in the industry. "The continued high performance of VA loans is due to the dedication of VA's loan professionals, the support of our partners in the mortgage

  • Renovated heritage museum reopens

    Air Force officials reopened a newly-named and renovated enlisted heritage museum here Aug. 12.In addition to spending $730,000 to renovate a building that has housed the museum since 1956, the name was officially changed from the History and Traditions Museum to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum.Gen.

  • Air Force family, strategic balance among top SecAF priorities

    At the Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference here Aug. 18, the Air Force secretary emphasized his commitment to Airmen and their families, and a focus on strategic balance to best support current and future operations.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed

  • Commissary eggs unaffected by recall

    As of Aug. 19, military commissaries are not affected by the massive Wright County Egg voluntary recall, Defense Commissary Agency food safety officials reported. Although the commissaries may carry some of the brands mentioned in the Aug. 13 recall action, the eggs sold in military stores are not

  • AFI 36-2301 outlines new developmental education guidance

    Air Force Instruction 36-2301, establishing policy and responsibility for developmental education, has undergone substantial revision, officials said Aug. 13.In addition to language governing attendance, eligibility, selection and removal criteria, the revised instruction provides procedures for

  • Center seeks paperless Air Guard, Reserve records

    Employees at the Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver are working to securely convert thousands of paper and microfiche personnel records to an electronic format for Air National guardsmen and Air Force Reserve Airmen. "These records represent reservists' careers from the moment they are gained to

  • 2011 retraining program in full swing

    Airmen have almost a month remaining to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. Air Force officials identified 1,061 opportunities for Airmen to retrain out of their current career field under NCORP. Airmen can

  • General calls for network utility, security balance

    It's critical to find the right balance between the security and utility of an information technology network, the Air Force's chief information officer said here Aug. 13.Speaking at a Hanscom Representatives Association luncheon, Lt. Gen. William T. Lord described that balancing act as one of "yin

  • Air Force officials reviewing command, control training infrastructure

    Air Force officials awarded an independent-study contract to DP Technology Services Inc., Aug. 16, for studying the development of an advanced operational-level C2, or command and control, training campus. "This study is the first step in developing a solution which will benefit Air Force C2 in the

  • 8,800 Air Force employees transition out of NSPS

    The first two waves of Air Force employees have successfully converted out of the National Security Personnel System, leaving less than 30,000 to make the transition.Approximately 8,800 employees were converted out of NSPS during phases I and II on July 4 and July 18. Phases III and IV are scheduled

  • Civilians given 60-day access to records after separating

    Air Force Civilian Service employees are now able to access their electronic Official Personnel Folder for up to 60 days following their date of separation.This new capability allows employees to log into the AFPC Secure website from a personal computer using a user ID and password and download a

  • Year of the Air Force Family wraps up

    During the "Year of the Air Force Family," senior leaders examined existing support services and sought out ways to evolve and expand them to meet the changing needs and expectations of Airmen, their families and the larger Air Force family as well. As the Year of the Air Force Family initiative

  • Realignment, closure plan continues on track

    It's "all systems go" here as officials at this Army Installation prepare to receive three new organizations and about 5,700 of their employees as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission plan.Fort Meade is among hundreds of major focal points in implementing the most sweeping BRAC

  • AAFES officials working double time to correct inadvertent charges

    A processing error resulted in duplicate charges on credit and debit card transactions for some customers at Army Air Force Exchange Service stores."Shoppers who swiped their cards anytime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 at an AAFES facility are strongly encouraged to review their statements to see if

  • A year later, H1N1 flu and your summer travel plans

    Last summer, talk of the H1N1 flu virus dominated the news. It was described by World Health Organization officials as the first pandemic of the 21st century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 7,880 and 16,460 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April 1 and Dec.

  • Gates strives to change Pentagon's culture

    The initiative to reduce Defense Department overhead and to eliminate duplicative capabilities is part of a larger thrust to change the culture of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Aug. 9.The department must be more frugal with the taxpayers' money and must put what money it

  • Air Force Reserve officials streamline call-up process

    Air Force Reserve Command officials are proposing comprehensive changes to how reservists are managed and called to active duty based on lessons learned from nearly nine years of combat and surge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Collectively called "AFR 2012," this series of projects establishes a

  • More than 1,100 schools partner with VA on GI Bill

    Paving the way for recipients of the post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools, Department of Veterans Affairs officials have entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the upcoming academic year under the "Yellow Ribbon" program. Schools can enter into multiple

  • Air Force officials to release staff sergeant promotion list

    Air Force officials selected 13,518 of 28,510 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 47.41 percent.The average score for those selected was 282.88, with an average time in grade of 1.97 years and an average time in service of 4.55 years, respectively. The

  • McKinley tells Guard enlisted force to prepare for prolonged overseas role

    The National Guard likely will continue to play a significant role in overseas contingency operations for the foreseeable future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Aug. 8."Just like we have in Kosovo for 14 years and the Sinai (and) the Horn of Africa, I think the National Guard will

  • New employees to be automatically enrolled in TSP

    New legislation that called for automatic enrollment of newly hired and eligible civilian federal employees, as well as certain rehires, into the Thrift Savings Plan began Aug. 1.This automatic enrollment feature is in compliance with the June 22, 2009, TSP Enhancement Act that authorizes federal

  • Air Force primed to adopt official motto

    Seeking an enduring and distinctive way to reflect the Air Force's cultural identity and adapt to changing missions, senior leaders have solicited feedback from Airmen to help develop potential mottos, officials said Aug. 2."The intent is to create a phrase that captures the spirit of the Air Force,

  • McKinley reviews National Guard's contribution to DOD

    In response to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' effort to find efficiencies throughout the services, National Guard officials are taking a hard look at how they operate. Gen. Craig R. McKinley kicked this off by releasing a report titled, "The National Guard: A Great Value for America," which will

  • Acquisition Improvement Plan recaptures excellence

    When the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff signed the Acquisition Improvement Plan in May 2009, they launched a significant effort to help the service recapture acquisition excellence."A key element of this plan was the revitalization of the (Air Force) acquisition workforce," said Lt. Gen.

  • Joint: The new 'buzz word' in family support

    National Guard officials are willing to help family members around the country, no matter which branch or component their servicemember belongs to, the Guard's top family programs official said Aug. 3."Families' needs are the same across the board, and we can't afford to work within just our own

  • Defense panel calls for more force structure changes

    Defense Department officials must plan to maintain recent additions to the ground forces for the foreseeable future and boost their long-range strike, maritime and cyber capability to confront global trends and threats, the Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel told Congress Aug. 3.William

  • Nonappropriated fund human resources issues addressed during conference

    Nearly 100 Air Force human resources professionals met here recently for the 2010 Nonappropriated Fund Human Resources worldwide conference.This was the first time the conference has been held since 2003, and it included topics on NAF employee recruiting, labor relations, retention methods and new

  • Leaders say volunteers key to Guard's success

    National Guard leaders said that if citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen continue to deploy in support of overseas missions, their family readiness groups will need to be supported at the same pace."If we allow these rotations and what we do to become common, accepted and routine, then we need to

  • Mullen: Family support vital to war effort

    Military readiness is directly tied to family readiness, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told National Guard family program volunteers here Aug. 2."This is our ninth year at war," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "We continue at a level that has generated extraordinary results from the best

  • Obama reaffirms commitment to veteran care

    Caring for veterans is a moral obligation, President Barack Obama said Aug. 2 in a speech at the Disabled American Veterans National Convention in Atlanta. "Every American who has ever worn the uniform must know this: your country is going to take care of you when you come home," President Obama

  • Undersecretary talks about Air Force's energy plan at White House forum

    Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton described the service's work on energy reduction and the search for renewable sources of energy during a White House forum July 27. At the White House Office of Energy and Climate-sponsored Clean Energy Forum, Ms. Conaton talked about the strategic,

  • CSAF: Legacy of Tuskegee Airmen lives on in today's Airmen

    The red jackets of the Tuskegee Airmen remain as distinctive today as the red tail markings on the aircraft they flew during World War II. And their legacy -- the influence they've had on Air Force operations, past and present -- leaves an even more indelible mark.This was the message from the Air

  • Suicide solution involves leadership, Mullen says

    While no easy answers exist to a military suicide problem that has reached "crisis level," a big part of the solution is tied to leadership, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Addressing the National Guard Family Program Volunteer Workshop Aug. 2 in New Orleans, Navy Adm. Mike

  • Defense Department officials launch 'Lessons Learned' blog

    For anyone who has served in the military, whether in uniform or as a family member, the concept of sharing lessons learned is a familiar one. A new Defense Department blog that launches Aug. 2 seeks to bring those lessons to an accessible online platform.Titled "In Their Own Words: Lessons Learned

  • DOD officials announce school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy

    Department of Defense officials announced July 30 the school year 2010/2011 child care fee policy. The policy will adjust fee ranges in child care programs across the services and will be implemented no later than Sept. 30. Changes will impact families who have children enrolled in DOD child

  • Air Force officials release preferred aircraft basing alternatives

    Air Force officials released several announcements regarding five different aircraft July 29. Michael Donley, the Secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz, the chief of staff of the Air Force, approved C-27J operations and training candidate bases and announced the transition of Holloman