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  • Student's AF-funded research to work complex problems

    A doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is designing Air Force Office of Scientific Research-supported computer models that can describe the pattern of complicated scenarios ranging from finding oil underground to pinpointing suspicious behaviors in urban settings. Emily

  • AFSO 21 project yields award payload

    An AFSO 21 project prompted by Col. Jeffrey Glass, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, has resulted in a payload of Air Force awards for wing members. "I have known for a long time how some Airman may go 15 to 20 years without receiving an Air Force award," Colonel Glass said. "It's appalling how

  • Weather-center forecasts now just a click away

    The latest, up-to-date weather forecasts from around the globe are now just a few mouse clicks away thanks to the staff at the American Forces Network Weather Center here. AFNWC personnel recently updated their Web site to include daily weather forecasts for Europe, Southwest Asia and the Tropics.

  • Joint basing efforts under way at 3 AMC bases

    Three Air Mobility Command bases are in the process of merging with two Army posts and a Naval Air Station as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission which identified that these military facilities could be combined to streamline operational efficiency and save taxpayers' money.

  • Manas members continue to support coalition operations

    Coalition personnel continue to perform their daily air mobility and aerial refueling missions at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, despite press reports that an announcement is pending from Kyrgyz leaders about the future of the base. "Until we are told that our mission has changed, we will continue to

  • Air Force to save millions by prepositioning weapons

    A new U.S. Air Forces Central logistics program is set to save the Air Force about $1.2 million every four months. More than 3,000 Airmen who departed Iraq, Afghanistan and other U.S. Central Command-area nations in January or will depart in February were directed not to bring their M-16s or M-9s

  • Ramstein Airmen show C-130 capabilities to Polish military

    As the U.S. and Polish celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations this year, members of the two countries' air forces strengthened their bonds by way of the C-130 Hercules in late January here. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, visited Powdiz Air Base by way of Warsaw

  • Personnel officials to test new civilian recruitment toolkit

    Often, finding the right person for the right job isn't an easy task. With a significant increase in new Air Force civilian hiring due to contractor conversions, joint basing and end strength growth, the need to market job opportunities also increases. To help bases better market civilian job

  • Blue Coach improves security forces Airmen tactics, training

    Airmen from the 5th Security Forces Squadron are participating in a series of training classes, which began Jan. 5, in an Air Force-wide initiative to improve the tactics, awareness, vigilance and survivability of security forces here. "This training better prepares us for any situation we may come

  • New Air Guard director promoted in Pentagon ceremony

    Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III became director of the Air National Guard and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in a ceremony held Feb. 2 at the Pentagon. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, pinned General Wyatt's

  • Camp Bucca Airmen make difference with smiles

    Every day as the dawn breaks over the Iraqi desert, hundreds of Iraqis line up to visit their relatives at the Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca that holds more than 10,000 detainees. Every day before that sun rises, Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron prepare for

  • NASCAR driver gets flight of life

    NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson got the ride of his life in an F-15 Eagle as part of the Air Force's new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The incentive flight piloted by Capt. Dustin Ripley of the 95th Fighter Squadron was part of an effort by Air Force

  • Officials work on Pentagon's need for space capabilities

    Adapting new capabilities within the rapidly changing military space environment is increasingly important to national security, and Defense Department officials in the Operationally Responsive Space office are working to meet the Pentagon's needs for space capabilities rapidly. ORS requires current

  • Program office makes first FAB-T delivery this week

    This week, officials here provided the first of a new family of satellite communication terminals to the B-2 bomber program office, making it easier to move large amounts of voice, data, imagery and video to and from the platform. This iteration of the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight

  • Upgraded airborne firefighting system approved

    A long anticipated upgrade to the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) that's used to battle the nation's wildfires was recently approved for operational use, months before the next fire season.MAFFS II was approved for use on the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing C-130J

  • Entertainers join Elmo to help military families find 'new normal'

    Sesame Workshop will air a PBS special Apr. 1 aimed at helping military families cope with changes. Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a

  • Osan Airmen train to fight

    Osan Air Base Airmen train throughout the year to survive and operate in war, and members of the 51st Security Forces Squadron here ensure the base is properly defended. Upon arrival to Osan AB, officer and enlisted security forces members go through a six-day combat readiness course to get Airmen

  • Airmen support Iraqi elections, see history in making

    Joint Base Balad Airmen are engaged in the Iraqi sky as Iraqis get ready to participate in their country's electoral process Jan. 31, the first time since 2005. "U.S. and coalition airpower is uniquely qualified to provide non-intrusive security support to the government of Iraq as it conducts this

  • Chief of staff keynoter at Vance pilot graduation

    Student pilot Class 09-04 here had a special visitor at their graduation ceremony Jan. 23.  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz attended the ceremony and presented the keynote address."The American people place a very special trust in those of us who wear the uniform," the general told the

  • Tricare grants extension for overseas claims filing

    Tricare Management Activity officials have extended the "timely filing waiver" for dates of service before Dec. 31, 2007, to allow providers, beneficiaries and others living overseas additional time to submit overdue claims for reimbursement. The original deadline was Dec. 31, 2008, for services

  • Charleston members aid injured Airman

    A Charleston Air Force Base senior NCO will be welcomed home soon after spending more than nine months in the hospital after a serious motorcycle accident with a gift from the hearts and hands of base members.Master Sgt. Don Eagle of the 17th Airlift Squadron was struck by another motorist while

  • 13 Airmen take Worldwide Talent Search honors

    The best 13 Airmen were selected from 77 bluesuiters gathered for the Air Force Worldwide Talent Search Jan. 11 through 19 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.The Air Force's "top talent" were chosen after 10 days of auditions, rehearsals and interviews, which culminated in three nights of

  • President to meet with defense secretary, joint chiefs

    Iraq and Afghanistan likely will be among the discussion topics when President Barack Obama makes his first visit to the Pentagon this afternoon to meet with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a senior Defense Department official said here Jan. 28. "This meeting is part

  • Dover aircrew delivers humanitarian supplies to Nicaragua

    A Dover Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrew airlifted 18,000 pounds of humanitarian cargo from here to Nicaragua Jan. 17 through 19. The Air Force Reserve Airmen from the 326th Airlift Squadron delivered desks, chairs, file cabinets and books for the new library at Ave Maria University,

  • American, British forces hone warfighting skills together

    American Airmen and British joint terminal attack controllers and U.S. Army joint fires observers improved their warfighting skills here in preparation for an upcoming deployment. The U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colo., currently is conducting their

  • Program improves patient safety through enhanced teamwork, communication

    A Defense Department program is transforming military health care during deployment by enhancing communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals, a master trainer in the program said. Developed by specialists with the Defense Department's Patient Safety Program, Team Strategies and

  • President's defense budget submission delayed

    President Barack Obama's 2010 defense budget request will be delayed, possibly until April, White House and Defense Department officials said. The president's annual budget request usually is submitted to Congress the first Monday in February. However, with only a week in office, the new

  • Air Force works aggressively to reduce bird strikes

    As an ongoing investigation continues on a bird strike that caused a passenger jet's engines to fail last week after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, Air Force safety officials said they're well-versed on the dangers of bird strikes and aggressively are working to prevent them. National

  • Military secretaries stay on, help ensure smooth transition

    Each U.S. military service secretary has agreed to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' request to stay in office for at least several weeks to help ensure the Defense Department's smooth transition under the President Barack Obama administration, Pentagon officials here said recently. "They have been

  • Manas Airmen make memorable bonds with Kyrgyz children

    The more than 250 children at the Belovodsk orphanage just north of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, do not know what is beyond the high walls where they live, but inside their humble dwellings, their world is full of laughter, joy, kindness and amazement.  But, sometimes, there is sadness. About twice per

  • New Air Force chief of safety takes charge

    Kirtland Air Force Base officials welcomed the service's new top safety officer in a Jan. 13 change-of-command ceremony here.Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero became the Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB, replacing Maj. Gen. Wendell L. Griffin, who

  • AFPC officials begin health records transfer mission to VA

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here will begin to transfer health treatment records of retired and separated active, Guard and Reserve Airmen to the Department of Veterans Affairs Feb. 1.AFPC will become the central transfer gateway to improve the flow of Air Force health treatment

  • Academy researcher develops satellite imaging technology

    A research associate at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Laser and Optics Research Center here is developing a new capability that will allow satellites to be seen and see clearer. Dr. Geoff Andersen developed the process, called holographic adaptic optics, that uses sensors and lenses that can correct

  • New culture course now available online to enlisted

    Through the efforts of the Air Force Culture and Language Center and Community College of the Air Force, enlisted members now have a distance learning course that will aid them in understanding world cultures. Introduction to Culture, the first course of its kind in the military and is currently

  • NASCAR's No. 43 to race for Air Force in 2009

    Gillett Evernham Mortorsports and Petty Holdings announced in January to form a new NASCAR Sprint Cup team that partners one of the most recognizable cars in racing with the Air Force. Air Force officials will now be both the primary and associate sponsor for the No. 43 car driven by Reed Sorenson,

  • Administration sets agenda for veteran care

    President Barack Obama has promised to deliver the care and benefits the nation's military veterans deserve while transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs into a 21st century organization, according to an administration agenda posted on the White House Web site. "Keeping faith with those who

  • Vance pilots use self-aid, buddy care to save the day

    Two Vance Air Force Base pilots used the skills learned in self-aid and buddy care training to aid three civilians who were in a small plane that crashed Dec. 19 near Kalaeloa Airport in Oahu, Hawaii. Capts. John and Katie McGregor were on vacation in Hawaii from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25 with family when

  • Officials announce proposed bases for new cyber headquarters

    Air Force officials here announced Jan. 21 possible locations for the headquarters of 24th Air Force, a new numbered Air Force focused on the cyber mission. The proposed bases, in alphabetical order, are Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Langley AFB, Va.; Offutt AFB, Neb.; Peterson

  • Air Force officials release proposed Global Strike Command candidate bases

    Air Force officials here announced Jan. 21 the possible locations for the eventual permanent home for the headquarters for Air Force Global Strike Command. Earlier this month, Air Force officials had announced the formal stand up of the Air Force Global Strike Command (Provisional). The provisional

  • National Guard members support inaugural mission

    About 9,300 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined thousands of active-duty and Reserve military members from all services to support President Barack Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 here. "We've always depended on the National Guard," Al Roker, the weather anchor for NBC's "Today Show" said from

  • Academy football coach agrees to new 5-year contract

    Officials of the U.S. Air Force Academy Athletic Association and Academy head football coach Troy Calhoun agreed on a new five-year contract that runs through the 2013 season, Academy officials said Jan. 21 here.Director of Athletics Dr. Hans Mueh said the AFAAA has also agreed to new contracts for

  • Obama vows not to waver in America's defense

    President Barack Obama pledged a "prudent use" of military power as the nation works toward "ushering in a new era of peace" in his inaugural address to the nation Jan. 20 here. "Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and

  • Airman's Roll Call: Joint expeditionary taskings

    This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses terms used to describe Airmen fulfilling nontraditional roles in the deployed environment. Air Force officials provide vital capabilities to the joint team in the war on terrorism, and part of the missions and capabilities delivered until recently fell into a

  • Decisions loom for Joint Strike Fighter Program

    Decisions about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor aircraft programs are expected early in President Barack Obama's administration. The F-35 program manager said Jan. 15 he sees strong support for the F-35 from the services, allied partners and, so far, on Capitol Hill. Based on initial

  • Airmen witness history from Southwest Asia

    Thousands of miles from home, members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at this air base in Southwest Asia were still able to witness history being made as they watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama live Jan. 20 here. The inauguration was not scheduled to start until 7 p.m., but by

  • USAREUR driver's license -- success in your hands

    Stress during a permanent change of station move is inevitable, but proper planning before leaving a current station is one way to mitigate some of the pressure and anxiety that can occur after arriving at a new duty location. For members and dependents PCSing to Germany, one big stressor is passing

  • New technology helps cardiac patient

    A cardiac patient from Kerrville Veteran's Administration Hospital in Texas is alive today because of new technology available at the Wilford Hall Medical Center here. The patient suffered a cardiac arrest recently and the VA hospital did not have the capability to provide the advanced care needed,

  • High-tech loss prevention safeguards base exchange benefit

    With a mission of providing quality merchandise and services at competitively low prices while generating earnings to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is enlisting the support of the latest in loss prevention technology to protect military

  • How up-to-date is your list of medications?

    Just as you wouldn't go commissary shopping with last year's grocery list, the same principle holds true for showing up at a medical appointment with an out-of-date list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and related health products such as vitamin supplements and herbal teas. But

  • Airmen provide power to the people

    Twenty members of the 379th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems shop at this air base in Southwest Asia give power to the people while giving them the energy they need to get through every day.Responsible for repairing and maintaining all lighting fixtures, street lights, power outlets and

  • Andrews officials launch tactical fitness center

    Base leaders here took a groundbreaking new stride in combat fitness training capability Jan. 15 with the ribbon-cutting of the Andrews Tactical Fitness Center. The center supports the 316th Wing's goal of "Airmen fit and ready to fight and win across the whole spectrum" with a new policy and

  • Disability board accepting applications for records review

    Department of Defense officials here are now accepting applications from certain medically-separated veterans to have their records reviewed, potentially increasing their disability rating. "To be eligible for a review, veterans must have been medically separated between Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 31,

  • Time to be tracked to 100 trillionths of second soon

    The ultra-precise timing technology that enables NAVSTAR Global Positioning Systems and high-speed Internet communication soon may resolve the measure of time to 100 trillionths of a second, according to the world's authority in time-keeping and celestial observation. "To know when an event

  • Hero of Hudson River crash landing got start in Air Force

    The pilot who crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River Jan. 15, saving 155 lives on board, is an Air Force Academy graduate who received his pilot training in the Air Force. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger steered US Airways Flight 1549 toward the river when both engines failed

  • WASP served for love of flight

    When Betty Jo Reed was introduced to flying, it was love at first sight. She was 6 years old and her father paid $1 for her to take a ride in a Ford tri-motor airplane at a local fair in 1929. Once airborne, Ms. Reed was hooked. "I remember feeling free and happy, and loving the whole experience,"

  • Airmen keep eyes on the sky to protect warfighters

    Airmen of the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron keep vigilant eyes on the sky over the Gulf region to keep American and coalition forces safe and secure.The members of the squadron provide a constant and extensive radar presence over the entire Arabian Gulf region, and can identify anyone and

  • NASA debuts Global Hawk autonomous aircraft for Earth science

    NASA and the Northrop Grumman Corp. of Los Angeles have unveiled the first Global Hawk aircraft system to be used for environmental science research, heralding a new application for the world's first fully autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. The debut took place Jan. 15 at NASA's

  • DOD officials launch science-related online radio show

    Defense Department officials have launched "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military," an online radio show. Armed with Science is a bi-monthly audio webcast, hosted on BlogTalkRadio.com that discusses cutting-edge scientific research and development sponsored by various

  • Clubs gain 10,000 new members, name prize winners

    The Air Force Clubs Division recently gained more than 10,000 new members during their annual membership campaign. This year's campaign featured a first-ever "card choice" option, where members chose the type of club membership card they want -- either the full use MasterCard or a limited use

  • New treatment offers hope for facial paralysis patients

    Patients seeking help for facial paralysis have a new treatment option available now offered by doctors at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Col. (Dr.) Alan Holck and Maj. (Dr.) Manuel Lopez are among only a few military or civilian surgeons in the country who perform a

  • Academy officials announce second hall of fame class

    Air Force Academy officials have announced the second class for induction into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The six inductees -- Jim Bowman, Callie Calhoun Molloy, Dee Dowis, Terry Isaacson, Ernie Jennings and Ben Martin -- will be inducted May 8 at the Air Force Academy Falcon

  • Museum opens exhibit dedicated to 'Warrior Airmen'

    A new exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force now gives visitors a chance to see not only the service's past, but also its present and future.Called "Warrior Airmen," the new exhibit highlights how today's Airmen are contributing to the war on terrorism, both in the air and on

  • Air Force activates provisional Global Strike Command

    Air Force officials officially stood up a provisional Global Strike Command Jan. 12 at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C. The provisional command will be temporarily located at the Washington, D.C., base with supporting detachments at Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command. Its charter is to lead

  • Air Force inauguration participation represents another historic event

    On Jan. 20, when President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office, U.S. servicemembers once again will participate in a time-honored tradition which began with President George Washington for his first inauguration in 1789. Among those servicemembers participating with the new president will be

  • Travis Airmen contribute to Darfur airlift operation

    Members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing here recently deployed to Africa in support of humanitarian airlift missions into the Darfur region of Sudan. Nearly two dozen Travis Air Force Base members departed Jan. 1 for Kigali, Rwanda, to support the operation, which will airlift equipment from

  • Nuclear Weapons Management panel recommends changes

    Pentagon officials here need to bolster internal management systems that address nuclear weapons issues, said the leader of a special task force appointed by the Defense secretary here Jan. 8. Since the Cold War ended, the nuclear deterrence force "has sometimes been neglected within the Department

  • VA launches partnership to benefit veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have launched a new partnership to help non-government organizations, or NGOs, plan, improve and carry out their own programs on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors. "VA has a track record of success in working with non-profit groups and

  • Make 2009 healthier

    The holidays are over and a new year has begun. And with that, many look to live healthier lives in 2009. The Air Force Materiel Command Wellness Support Center is one available tool to make that goal a reality. "AFMC's Wellness and Safety Program encompasses all facets of wellness: physical,

  • Washington Guard mobilized for snow removal

    The Washington National Guard officials plan to mobilize up to 200 citizen Soldiers and Airmen over the next few days in response to record snow fall in the Spokane area. Their mission starting Jan. 7 will focus on removing snow, which has accumulated on the roofs of area schools. "The unprecedented

  • AAFES, Pentagon Channel launch monthly benefit show

    The Army & Air Force Exchange Service and the Pentagon Channel have teamed up to bring original, exchange-focused programming to more than three million viewers around the world. On Jan. 7, the Pentagon Channel began broadcasting the monthly 30-minute show, focused on what makes AAFES special

  • Africa Command to airlift peacekeeper equipment to Darfur

    U.S. Africa Command officials are laying plans to airlift heavy equipment to Sudan to support African Union and U.N. peacekeepers involved in the country's Darfur region, an AFRICOM spokesman said Jan. 6. AFRICOM members will transport about 75 tons of heavy equipment -- water tankers, fuel tank

  • Voice recognition system helps manage patient records

    It's faster, more accurate and highly maneuverable. What may sound like the latest weapons system is actually a new way of doing business for doctors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. With the introduction of Dragon Medical speech recognition software, the process of documenting patient medical

  • Airmen prep for Patriot's debut at Southwest Asian base

    Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are laying the groundwork to welcome more than 200 Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, as they set up a Patriot battery here for the first time. Airmen from more than a dozen units have been actively involved in myriad activities and projects to include

  • Study reveals hazards of severe space weather

    A NASA-funded study describes how extreme solar eruptions could have severe consequences for communications, power grids and other technology on Earth. The National Academy of Sciences in Washington conducted the study. The resulting report provides some of the first clear economic data that

  • Team combats waterborne illness in Afghan province

    Doctors and medics with the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Zabul province are teaching medical providers to purify water and reduce waterborne illnesses. PRT members taught five medical providers in Shajoy district how to operate, clean and sustain a new water purification machine

  • New badge part of historic change in force support

    A new career badge made its debut when 57 officers graduated from the inaugural force support officer training course last month at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. After nine weeks of initial skills training, the officers are the first to showcase the badge of the new 38F Force Support Air Force

  • Responsibility for Green Zone security transferred to Iraqis

    United States officials formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government Jan. 1, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country. The transfer came about as the status of forces agreement, or SOFA, between the United States and Iraq took effect. The agreement

  • CMSAF McKinley, graduating Airmen honor enlisted heroes

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley and more than 700 Airmen preparing to graduate from basic military training honored the Air Force's enlisted heroes during today's dedication of the new Enlisted Heroes Walk here. Several dignitaries, including Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander

  • Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

    "I knew I was unhealthy and had to make some changes, especially when I thought about my five-year-old looking up at me," said Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson. "Without changes, I wouldn't be around to see him and my daughters grow up." When you ask someone what they can accomplish in six months --

  • Armed Forces Bowl puts military might on display

    The sixth annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl football game featured the Houston Cougars (7-5) taking on the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons (8-4) on Dec. 31 at the Amon G. Carter Stadium here. Kickoff for the Armed Forces Bowl was noon Eastern, but the event started more than 24-hours prior to

  • DOD inaugural committee moves into high gear

    Exactly three weeks before inauguration day, the buzz of activity at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee here is a notable exception to the traditional holiday lull that settles over the nation's capital between Christmas and New Year's Day. More than 400 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and

  • Improved drilling process is safer, saves money

    In another example of a Lean initiative, an improved process for drilling a duct-liner is proving to be safer, faster and on course to save the Air Force $47,000 a year. For seven years, mechanic Jerry Heiskill dealt with the frustration and discomfort of using a hand-held drill to re-drill holes

  • Hockey: No. 11 Air Force falls to Quinnipiac, 4-2

    Quinnipiac built a 3-0 lead in the second period and held on for a 4-2 win over No. 11 Air Force in the championship game of the Toyota/UConn Classic Dec. 30, at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum in Storrs, Conn. Air Force fell to 14-3-1 overall this season and 11-1-1 in Atlantic Hockey. Quinnipiac

  • Guard's counterdrug warriors endeavor to test one and all

    Finding a single drug abuser among thousands of servicemembers can compare to a shell game, but National Guard officials are placing all odds in their favor. Officials are striving to keep the Guard's Citizen-Airmen and -Soldiers drug free through an increase in drug tests and the integration of new

  • Nearly 11,000 survivors receiving retroactive VA payments

    Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs have identified nearly 11,000 surviving spouses of deceased veterans who will receive a lump-sum payment before the new year to correct an error in their VA benefits. Also documented were more than 73,000 who previously had been paid. VA officials

  • AF firefighters relocate, expand Iraqi fire training course

    Iraqi firefighters are were more than half-way through the firefighter apprentice course being trained in Baghdad's International Zone before being moved. The class was previously taught at Taji Military Base just north of Baghdad, but the location lacked advanced live fire trainers and had limited

  • EOD Airmen stay 1 step ahead of the enemy

    Bombs may not be exploding at this Southwest Asian air base, but in a war where the enemy is always finding new ways to inflict damage, Airmen in one shop remain one step ahead of the bad guys. Airmen of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit here use

  • DOD announces change to 2009-2010 kindergarten program

    The entrance birth date for the Department of Defense Education Activity Kindergarten Program will change from Oct. 31 to Sept. 1, DODEA officials announced recently. The change means a child must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. This aligns DODEA with national trends as well as

  • Iraqi aeromedical evacuation capability continues to develop

    Iraqi medical airmen took a step in the evolution of the air force as an effective fighting force Dec. 20 as they conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission from the Air Force Theater Hospital here to the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. Three wounded patients, an Iraqi police officer and

  • Officials streamline overseas outprocessing guidelines

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently introduced a new initiative that will streamline final processing for Airmen retiring or separating from overseas areas. With this change, additional travel to a separation processing base, or SPB, is no longer required. The new procedure is part of

  • AFPC officials to offer personnel course for commanders

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are launching a new course designed to provide squadron commanders outside the personnel career field with the latest military and civilian personnel programs and procedures.The course also provides information on the air and space expeditionary force

  • JABS knock out communication problems for warfighters

    Joint Airborne Battle Staff members here are similar to 911 operators in the air as they ensure convoys operating throughout Iraq are never without communications. JABS crews flying on board C-130 Hercules aircraft fill in the gap wherever ground communication is limited in the war zone, which is

  • Program raises awareness about global AIDS epidemic

    The Defense Department's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, or DHAPP, is making progress with partner nations by supporting implementation of HIV prevention, care and treatment programs, educating their militaries and creating awareness of the global epidemic, a senior official working in the program

  • AFSO 21 experts tour Robins

    Military and civilian leaders came to Robins Air Force Base Dec. 16 to see how Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century efforts have found better ways to get things done here. Nineteen general officers toured parts of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center then spent an afternoon discussing

  • Admiral Mullen sends best wishes for the holiday

    Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends the following holiday message: Throughout our history, when faced with war at this special time of the year, American servicemen and women have risen with crisis and fought with valor while providing their fellow citizens precious

  • Today's Air Force' features personnel recovery exercise

    This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights Angel Thunder, a personnel recovery exercise in New Mexico with more than 850 ground recovery forces. Also, the Base Realignment Committee, or BRAC, is allowing the U.S. military to become a more integrated force with many services. See how the Army and

  • President Bush sends holiday greetings to all

    President Bush has taped a special video message to servicemembers and their families this holiday season. "Laura and I send greetings to all the men and women of the United States military this holiday season," he says in his one minute and 30 second message.  "In this dangerous time, I thank you

  • Policy update to make civilian hiring quicker

     To increase the efficiency in filling civilian vacancies, effective Jan. 1, selecting officials will have 45 days instead of 90 to choose the best-qualified candidate. "We continue to refine the civilian hiring process where we can to speed up the hiring action," said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, Air

  • First security guardsmen dispatched into missile fields

    Officials at the Minot-based 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing have dispatched security Airmen into the missile fields at Minot Air Force Base for the first time. "Putting guardsmen into the field to work side by side with the active duty is a