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  • Official outlines absentee voting options

    Federal officials are urging military members, their families and other Americans living outside the U.S. to register to vote and request an absentee ballot.Both can be done easily by downloading a federal postcard application on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, Bob Carey, the

  • First African-American pilot a war hero during WWI

    After watching his father narrowly escape a lynching in early 20th century Georgia, Eugene Bullard would escape the confines of racial tensions and a segregated country to become the first African-American combat pilot and one of the first African-American heroes of World War I.Bullard, who grew up

  • Air Force hosts national civic leader conference

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz met with prominent civic leaders from 32 states and Guam here Jan. 31.Schwartz began the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program's annual winter conference by discussing the hard choices the Air Force

  • Air Force leaders publish new strategy document

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz released the 'Air Force Priorities for a New Strategy with Constrained Budgets' white paper Feb 1."The Air Force has made the hard choices to closely align with the new strategic guidance in our FY13 budget

  • Bessie Coleman: Woman who 'dared to dream' made aviation history

    A young woman from rural east Texas, who grew up in a hardscrabble existence as one of 13 children born to poor sharecropper parents, became an unlikely choice to pave the way for future African-American accomplishments in aviation and the U.S. Air Force.Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman would go on to be

  • Program connects officer with family heritage

    (This story is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)People in the military understand that being able to relate across cultures is a very important skill. That ability has a more personal

  • Medical officer sees other side of care after injury

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)In Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, where East meets West in a struggle to defeat the Taliban, lies an air base that's home to 30,000

  • Air Force, Navy officers help develop Afghan hospital project

    A major step forward for Afghans living near Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, occurred Jan. 28 during the groundbreaking for a new hospital. The $5 million commander's emergency response program has an estimated completion timeframe of nine months. Air Force Maj. Wesley Morris, a comptroller adviser

  • Bagram Airmen work to deliver link to home

    The men and women of the 455th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Knowledge Operations Management Office dedicate themselves, day in and day out, to provide a valuable service to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing personnel and its Air Force tenant units...mail call. Although it is not within their

  • Airman making difference in Office of First Lady

    The former commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is one of four service members to have been accepted into the 15-member 2011-2012 class of White House Fellows.Lt. Col. Rodney Lewis, a C-17A Globemaster III pilot, began his fellowship in August 2011 when he was

  • ESC working to upgrade the 'heart' of control, reporting center

    The Electronic Systems Center is working to modernize the U.S. Air Force Control and Reporting Center and has recently put out a request for information to upgrade the CRC Operations Module. The CRC is a mobile command, control and communications radar element which provides a comprehensive air

  • Bazaar school reopens to Afghan children

    In a symbolic gesture, a young Afghan boy cut the ribbon of the new bazaar school during a ceremony Jan. 21.About 50 Afghan boys gathered around Netherlands Col. Kees Marselis, Kandahar Airfield deputy commander and chief of staff, as he spoke about the initiative that went into making the new

  • CSAF: AF will be smaller but superb force

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained the service's contributions to the new Defense Department strategy during a Pentagon press briefing here Jan. 27. Schwartz said that as the Air Force approaches future constrained budgets, service officials will trade size for quality in order

  • SecAF visits Colorado Springs, highlights budget priorities

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley received a warm welcome from the local community here Jan. 27 during remarks at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce to approximately 40 local community, military and business leaders. Donley said his trip to Colorado Springs provided a chance to visit

  • Airmen assist victims of avalanche, downed aircraft in Afghanistan

    A team of U.S. Air Force and Afghan air force aircrew and support personnel snapped into action Jan. 24 to provide life-saving support to 31 Afghan victims of an avalanche.Additionally, the team supported an Afghan aircrew that had downed their aircraft in an effort to rescue the victims of the

  • National Museum USAF displays formerly classified reconnaissance satellites

    Military, government and industry officials gathered Jan. 26 to officially place three formerly classified reconnaissance satellites on public display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here.The three satellites -- Gambit 1 KH-7, Gambit 3 KH-8 and Hexagon KH-9 --

  • AF officials announce Lance P. Sijan Award winners

    Air Force officials recently announced the winners of the 2011 Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award.The Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award recognizes Airmen who have demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities.The senior officer category winner is Maj. Laura Dejong, who is assigned to

  • National database helps protect military from financial fraud

    Their presence outside military bases has become all too familiar: businesses peddling cars, electronics and other items with undisclosed conditions or sky-high interest rates that quickly become a financial nightmare for service members.Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced as

  • Barksdale AFB mourns fallen EOD hero

    Airmen and families here gathered to mourn the loss of a 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance technician Jan. 20.Senior Airman Bryan Bell, 23, was killed in action Jan. 5 by an improvised explosive device while performing his duties for Delta Company, 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal

  • Air Force leaders say strategy calls for F-22, F-35 capabilities

    Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here Jan. 24.Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, the service's director for

  • AF top boxers vie to compete at Armed Forces championships

    The goals are still the same for Air Force boxing coach Steven Franco during the Air Force Boxing Camp at the Chaparral Fitness Center: Defeat the other military branches to win medals."Like I tell these guys from day one, I don't care if I take one guy or all 10 guys from different weight classes,

  • AETC marks 70 years of training and education excellence

    The demand for flying training caused by the United States' entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, resulted in the creation of the Air Corps Flying Training Command January 23, 1942. Today marks Air Education and Training Command's 70th Anniversary. After several re-designations,

  • Old satellite teaching new lessons

    Since Jan. 13, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron here has been busy disposing of an old and trusted satellite. Squadron members could soon refer to the vehicle, known as SVN-30, as the satellite that keeps on giving because crews continues to garner invaluable information concerning how Global

  • Newest band member leads Ceremonial Brass on first American concert tour

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The newest member of the United States Air Force Band is leading the Ceremonial Brass as the conductor during their first American

  • Brass quintet conducts clinic with Florida university students

    The U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet performed a clinic for 25 students from Palm Beach Atlantic University during a visit to the school Jan. 20 here.The clinic involved the members of the Brass Quintet playing five pieces for the students, answering questions, and then working with the

  • 'Today's Air Force' highlights Airmen overcoming adversity

    The newest edition of "Today's Air Force" covers everything from a new program that's helping Airmen eat right and stay fit to a couple who overcame adversity together. Other stories include a piece by Airman 1st Class Roman Weber, who highlights the transition from M-16 to M-4 rifle qualification.

  • SF Airman rises to physical training challenge

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Fitness is important to Senior Airman Steven Evans; not just because he is his unit's fitness program manager, but because he's seen

  • New AF camp renamed in honor of JTAC

    The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing's newly acquired Canada 9 compound will soon be renamed to honor a joint terminal attack controller who was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his actions in January 2010.Recently approved by Kandahar Airfield officials, the compound was renamed Camp Bradley

  • Smaller carbon footprint means fewer risks, official says

    A hard push by the Defense Department and the military services to reduce dependence on fossil fuels will shrink risks on the battlefield along with the Pentagon's carbon footprint, a DOD official said yesterday.Oliver Fritz, the deputy director for policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of

  • CSAF: Airmen key to new defense strategy

    Airmen will play an important role in the joint team's effort to achieve the priorities laid out in the new defense strategic guidance, according to the Air Force's top uniformed officer.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz spoke to members of the World Affairs Council of Wilmington here

  • New RPA career field graduates first RQ-4 pilots

    Two members of Beale Air Force Base were recognized as the first RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots in the new 18X career field during a winging ceremony Jan. 13 here.Second Lts. Jacob and Scott began training Oct. 3, 2011, after a decision by Air Staff officials in June 2011 established undergraduate training

  • N.M. land grant expands AF training

    The U.S. Air Force accepted a land gift offer from the State of New Mexico during a ceremony in Santa Fe Jan. 18, hosted by the New Mexico State Land Office. The 11,000-acre land gift, valued at approximately $3.2 million, will support the Joint Air Force Special Operations mission at Cannon Air

  • AETC Airmen share lessons, vision at 2012 Symposium

    Thousands of Airmen from across Air Education and Training Command attended the 2012 AETC Symposium here Jan. 12-13 to learn about world-leading capabilities and technologies for educating, training, recruiting and innovating.More than 120 vendor booths, 70 seminars and panels, and a number of

  • Physical fitness motivates, bonds Afghan and American women

    Over the last few years, physical fitness has become a focal point for Airmen readiness across the U.S. Air Force. Here, at the Afghan air force compound, nine female AAF members and one American advisor are also making it a point of emphasis in their military training and daily lives.What began as

  • U.S., coalition nations form Wideband Global Satellite partnership

    Senior defense officials from six countries announced a multilateral partnership in wideband global satellite communication, which is valued at more than $10 billion, Jan. 17 here.The officials from Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the U.S. held an initial WGS

  • AMC passenger travel to be more predictable

    Select passenger terminals across Air Mobility Command are establishing pages on Facebook to provide passengers more predictability when it comes to space-available and space-required passengers.The overall goal of the AMC Space-A Facebook program is to use social media to expand knowledge about

  • The heat is on ... Afghan style

    As alarms sound and flames roar from the burning building, they run in while others run out.For years and years, firemen have trained for the eventuality that one day, they may have to save an innocent victim from the intense heat of a raging inferno. In Afghanistan, military fire training is no

  • Supervisor resource center moves to AF Portal

    Information, education and training critical to civilian supervisors is available at such online resources as the Supervisory Resource Center, which has moved to the Air Force Portal, SRC developers announced today.Formerly located on the Air Force Knowledge Now platform as a community of practice

  • State Partnership Program emphasizes building relationships

    A small, but innovative, program demonstrates the U.S. military's "very agile and flexible" capabilities in working with partners, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently.Meeting with reporters Jan. 5 after the announcement of President Barack Obama's new strategic guidance for

  • Quality assurance Airman turns hardship into strength

    (Editor's note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes". These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Tech. Sgt. Barry Armstrong grew up in a broken home, living with his mother and siblings moving from town to town looking for work just to make

  • CMSAF discusses top issues

    Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the Langley Theater on Jan. 11, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues. Roy spoke on topics such as training, force management programs and how the current budget will affect operations,

  • Air Force completes Kabul shooting investigation

    The Air Force completed its investigation into the April 27, 2011 shooting incident at the Afghanistan air force Headquarters located in Kabul, Afghanistan, in which eight U.S. Air Force Airmen and one civilian contractor were killed in the line of duty while serving in a combat zone. The incident

  • Tuskegee Airman honored during Ceremonial Brass concert

    A member of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored during a concert by the United States Air Force Band's Ceremonial Brass Jan. 14 at The First Academy Faith Hall here.Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard R. Hall, Jr., a Winter Park native, was attending Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans

  • Andersen takes aim: '90 at 90'

    Maintaining peak combat readiness begins and ends with healthy, motivated and well-trained Airmen. To ensure no one is left behind, base leaders are seeking to implement a new program pushing service members to the pinnacle of physical fitness.The new initiative, called "90 at 90", was set in motion

  • New airframe adds strike capability to Afghan air force

    In the Afghanistan government's continued effort to independently battle counterinsurgency, a new tool will be added to their arsenal designed to allow versatility, reconnaissance and precision weapons placement to the growing Afghan air force.Announced Dec. 30, the U.S. Air Force has approved a

  • 607th AOC integrates with 8th Army's Joint Interface Control Center team

    Members of 7th Air Force and the 607th Air and Space Operations Center welcomed the 8th Army Joint Interface Control Cell team to the Combat Operations Division here, a historic move that will help resolve issues from working in a joint environment. "Joint war fighting is all about the synergistic

  • Weapon system trainer to save taxpayer's dollars

    The first official KC-135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer in Air Mobility Command, slated to save the Air Force millions annually, opened during a ceremony Jan. 9 here.Training boom operators to perform in-flight refueling requires a tanker and a receiver. An eight-hour tanker

  • New F-35B joint strike fighters arrive at Eglin

    A resolution to be even more expeditionary will be met this year, now that Marines here received their first two F-35B Lightning II variants of DoD's fifth generation fighter Jan. 11.At the 33rd Fighter Wing, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 is the home for the new aircraft where its

  • NY airport greets aircrew with impromptu welcome home

    LaGuardia Airport personnel received an unexpected arrival Dec. 27, when the 4th Special Operations Squadron aircrew radioed the airport requesting permission to land.The unexpected arrival of an AC-130U Spooky Gunship, which was on deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn since

  • Airman turns adversity into positive approach to life

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Senior Airman Alex Cox started a life-changing family tradition when he joined the Air Force in 2008, but it wasn't the trend he started that

  • Man's best wingman

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Steven and his buddy Geri are American Airmen serving in Iraq. Both are alpha males, both are relentless and determined to win at all

  • Tuskegee Airmen: A legacy of love

    (This commentary is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Last week I had the opportunity to learn about some Air Force history as well as family history. There was a screening of a new

  • From Baghdad, on Veterans Day

    (Editor's Note: This story is part of "Through Airmen's Eyes." These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)On Veterans Day, when the nation formally recognizes the contributions of millions of past and present men and women in uniform, I want to pass

  • Record long-range bomber flight turns 50

    Fifty years ago on Jan. 11, 1962, a crew of eight Airmen embarked on a historic feat that would take them half way across the globe and reaffirm to the world America's dominance in long-range aircraft strike capabilities.Piloting the newest model of long-range bombers, the B-52H Stratofortress,

  • Air Force medics train host nation on emergency response

    Airmen deployed to the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group joined with fellow healthcare professionals from the host nation air force for patient transport training Jan. 11.The doctors, nurses and medical technicians from both countries instructed each other on how to load their different litters and

  • Airman wins big on 'The Price Is Right'

    "Come on down!"This simple request ended with a big pay-off in a showcase showdown for a Vandenberg Fire Department member and his family.Tech. Sgt. Armando Galaviz II, the VFD North battalion chief, attended a showing of "The Price is Right" in August and won the grand prize worth more than

  • Air Force chief of staff releases 2012 reading List

    The Air Force chief of staff announced his latest professional reading list Jan. 6.In a letter to all Air Force personnel, Gen. Norton Schwartz said today's Airmen are among the military's best educated and most inquisitive. "We Airmen are innovators because we embrace the word 'why' and mine it for

  • War yields lessons in preventing, treating eye injuries

    Ten years of conflict has given rise not only to the world's best body armor and state-of-the-art battlefield technologies, but also a new understanding about ways to prevent eye injuries and treat those who suffer from them.When the war in Afghanistan kicked off in 2002, ballistic goggles were hard

  • 727th EACS takes control of new mission

    The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron changed missions Dec. 30 as it supported the end of Operation New Dawn and began supporting the air defense of the Arabian Gulf.The timing of the transition allowed for a full-circle moment for members of the 727th EACS, who are deployed from the 606th

  • LivingFit helps Airmen, families reach weight loss goals

    A new year often begins with resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. Air Force services officials recently launched a new program designed to help Airmen and families accomplish this common goal through proper nutrition and activity.The USAF FitFamily website now includes LivingFit, an online

  • Afghan announcers broadcast peace to listeners

    In an area with an illiteracy rate of approximately 70 percent, radio communication can be critical when sharing news and current events in Paktya province of Afghanistan. The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team recently partnered with local radio announcers in the unveiling of "Caravan Radio," an

  • Afghanistan airdrops surpass record levels in 2011

    In 2011, mobility Airmen delivering airdrops reached a new annual record with 75,956,235 pounds of cargo delivered. That's nearly 16 million more pounds delivered than the previous record set in 2010 of 60,400,000.At more than 75.9 million pounds - that's the equivalent of standing on a mountain top

  • DOD leaders: U.S. will remain world's strongest military

    The Defense Department's new, 10-year strategy will ensure the U.S. remains the world's strongest military power, DOD leaders emphasized in weekend interviews.In an interview with Bob Schieffer that aired Jan. 8 on the CBS news program "Face the Nation," Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Joint

  • Even with cuts, military will remain capable, official says

    Defense Department officials will use the military strategy guidance that President Barack Obama announced yesterday to tie numbers to the department's fiscal 2013 budget request, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Jan. 6.The budget request is expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill in

  • First Transit Center commander reflects on decade of change

    Even in his wildest dreams, he never could have envisioned what he started 10 years ago would turn into what he sees now. But when the Transit Center's first commander, then-Brig. Gen. Chris Kelly, landed on Runway 08 at the Manas International Airport on Dec. 16, 2001, he saw potential of what this

  • Air Force maintenance icon dies

    Retired Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez died Dec. 30 in Albuquerque, N.M., at age 79.Throughout his 33-year career, Marquez is credited with revolutionizing the maintenance and logistics career field."In my many encounters with General Leo Marquez, he always lived up to his reputation as being one of those

  • Obama: Future force will be smaller, agile, ready

    At a moment of national transition, the U.S. is reshaping defense priorities and its military force to sustain U.S. global leadership and respond to changing security and fiscal needs, President Barack Obama said Jan. 5 at the Pentagon.Obama, the first president to address reporters in the Pentagon

  • New defense strategic guidance detailed in near future

    Specifics on how the new defense strategic guidance will affect the Pentagon's budget will take shape in the weeks to come as White House and Defense Department officials prepare President Barack Obama's 2013 budget request.Obama, joined by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E.

  • Strategy calls for military to handle full range of contingencies

    The American military will be leaner in the years ahead, but it will remain lethal and without a match in the world, President Barack Obama said at the Pentagon on Jan. 5.Obama, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed the

  • SecDef calls deployed Air Force NCO to ring in new year

    The NCO picked up the phone in his office at Kabul International Airport and on the other end was the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta who called Jan. 1, 2012, to wish him a happy New Year.Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Heathman, a rotary wing maintenance adviser with the 438th Air Expeditionary

  • New law eases airport screening for troops, families

    President Barack Obama signed a bill into law Jan. 3 to streamline airport screening procedures for service members and their families traveling on official orders.The Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to

  • F-15 sale to Saudi Arabia part of broader effort

    The recently announced $29.4 billion sale of F-15SA fighter aircraft to Saudi Arabia is just one part of a broader U.S.-Saudi military sales and defense cooperation effort that's central to regional security, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.U.S. officials announced an agreement Dec. 29

  • Defense bill affects pay, separation bonuses, more

    President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 31, 2011, which increases active-duty and reserve pay by 1.6 percent and governs Defense Department activities, from procurement to military personnel policy.Several provisions in this year's act will potentially

  • TRICARE beneficiaries have several pharmacy options

    Despite questions about whether the Walgreens pharmacy chain will continue as a TRICARE provider, beneficiaries will have several options for filling prescriptions, Defense Department spokeswoman Eileen M. Lainez said today.The retail pharmacy contract between Express Scripts Inc., or ESI, and the

  • American300 Warrior Tour brings 'never quit' message to 24th Air Force, JBSA

    No one complained about the rain during 24th Air Force's war fit physical training here Dec. 19. Complaining was not an option when two amputees from American300 Warrior Tours led the way.Chad Crittenden, a CBS' Survivor contestant, and Mike Schultz, an ESPN's X Games adaptive gold medalist, didn't

  • Panetta 'will not tolerate' bullying, hazing

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta added a pointed anti-bullying directive to a holiday message sent Dec. 23 to service members around the world."I cannot be more proud of who you are and what you represent as you serve and sacrifice for our great nation," the message read, in part. "With that honor,

  • DOD releases sexual assault report, announces new policies

    Defense Department officials released the "Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies" on Dec. 27, covering the academic year from June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011.The report shows an increase in reports of sexual assault, with 65 reports of sexual assault

  • Air expeditionary units inactivate after last Airmen leave Iraq

    Four air expeditionary units that were the air and space components to U.S. Forces-Iraq inactivated during a flag-casing ceremony Dec. 18 here. The 467th Air Expeditionary Group, 368th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task

  • Air Force officials release high year tenure details

    Air Force officials announced Dec. 19, high year of tenure limit changes for the grades of senior airman, staff sergeant and technical sergeant that go into effect in 2013. The changes are a part of additional force management programs that are ongoing to continue to size and shape the force to

  • Air Force officials announce additional force management measures

    In on-going efforts to continue to size and shape the force to current and future requirements, Air Force officials announced additional force management programs. The Air Force ended fiscal year 2011 about 1,200 Airmen over endstrength.For enlisted Airmen, voluntary programs from last year will

  • Last Airmen out of Iraq arrive home for Christmas

    America welcomed home from Iraq more than 200 of her Air Force sons and daughters Dec. 20 at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.The Airmen were the last of the Air Force contingent in Iraq and were home in time for the winter holidays as stated by the president.Among the

  • New energy module provides awareness tool for Airmen

    The Air Force continues to place emphasis on energy awareness throughout the entire year. A new voluntary energy awareness module was made available to all Air Force members Dec. 1."The module provides an overview of energy strategies of the Air Force, what actions the Air Force is taking to build

  • New capability keeps deployers notified of changes

    Airmen getting ready to deploy have a new capability to help them prepare for their tasking. A recent change to the Air Force Reporting Instruction Tool now allows users to sign-up for instant email notifications when they occur.Prior to this change, members had to check the website often to ensure

  • EO officials aim to set the standard for federal agencies

    Air Force equal opportunity officials have expanded a pilot program that reduces processing times for civilian equal employment opportunity complaints to five months versus the standard six months. The move is part of an Air Force effort to set the EO standard for federal agencies. In 2010, the Air

  • 24-hour stay for shutdown

    On Dec. 16, Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed a new continuing resolution that will provide funding for the Air Force through the end of Dec. 17. As a result, the Air Force will continue normal operations and will not be shutting down today. Air Force leaders know how difficult this

  • KC-10 cargo load training facility opens doors

    The new KC-10 cargo load training facility was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 16. The structure is the first of its kind in the Air Force, as a facility for cargo load training on the KC-10 Extender did not exist before today. The building will allow Airmen to train on cargo

  • Alaska National Guard brings Operation Santa Claus to Wales

    Santa, Mrs. Claus and 35 helpers brought Operation Santa Claus and holiday cheer on an Alaska National Guard C-130 Hercules to the small, remote Alaska village of Wales Dec. 9. The C-130 landed on the village's airstrip and was warmly greeted by community members on snow mobiles. Operation Santa

  • AF Wounded Warrior Program helps Airmen transition, become self-sufficient

    For wounded warriors who are being medically retired, the fear of leaving the service can be a frightening reality. Unfortunately, there are many more hurdles they must face during their transition.While the Air Force has many programs in place to help these Airmen, the Wounded Warrior Program care

  • Lockheed Martin rolls-out final F-22 Raptor

    The final F-22 Raptor to be built for the U.S. Air Force, tail number 4195, rolled off the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics assembly line during a ceremony Dec. 13 at the company's Marietta plant. The fighter jet is the last of 187 F-22s produced, marking a bittersweet moment for members of the F-22

  • Panetta concludes Iraq mission noting service, sacrifice

    Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta joined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and other U.S. and Iraq leaders in honoring eight years of service and sacrifice as they commemorated the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq."No words, no ceremony can provide full

  • Electronic flight bags could boost operational safety, effectiveness

    Improved safety, operational effectiveness and efficiency are just a few reasons Air Mobility Command officials are looking into using tablet devices such as electronic flight bags for aircrew members reference materials in the cockpit during in-flight emergencies."Moving from a paper-based to an

  • Thrift savings plan contribution limits increase in 2012

    The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has announced the 2012 elective deferral limit for regular Thrift Savings Plan contributions has increased from $16,500 to $17,000 for 2012, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The TSP catch-up plan contribution limit will remain at $5,500. TSP

  • National Guard unveils peer hotline

    The National Guard unveiled its Vets4Warriors service members' counseling program at a Capitol Hill ceremony Dec. 13.Vets4Warriors is a toll-free, peer-to-peer counseling hotline that provides Guard members and Reserve component members with the ability to speak with counselors on the phone or

  • New showerheads help conserve water at Andersen AFB

    The Air Force prides itself in conserving energy and resources, and Airmen here are doing their part with the recent installation of low-flow showerheads in base housing. Brig. Gen. John Doucette, the 36th Wing commander, was the first to install the energy efficient appliance Dec. 6."By lowering

  • Holloman scientist receives Harold Brown Award

    A chief scientist from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., received the 2011 Harold Brown Award on Dec. 12 for his role in significant advances in hypersonic missile research.Dr. Michael Hooser's work with the Holloman High Speed Test Track's artificial rain environment established benchmarks against

  • First Afghan pilot class in 30 years kicks off at Shindand

    The Afghan air force marked the beginning of its first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years during a ceremony Dec. 10 here. More than 200 Afghan and coalition service members attended the ceremony.The first class will consist of seven Afghan air

  • Air Force safety magazine gets new website

    Wingman, the Air Force's official quarterly safety magazine, has a new digital home. Readers can find the current and all future issues of Wingman at www.wingmanmagazine.af.mil. Due to a Department of Defense initiative for organizations to find greater efficiencies, Air Force Safety Center

  • Blended e-learning courses mix accessibility, personal touch

    As part of the effort to modernize Air Force training programs, the Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development here has taken to cyberspace recently with five new blended e-learning courses. Using a combination of online webinars and self-paced curriculum, the e-learning courses allow students