NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Airman wins for big IDEA

    It wasn't a contest or a lucky roll of the dice that earned Tech. Sgt. Justin Burt $7,633; it was a good idea.The 28th Maintenance Squadron structural maintenance craftsman was rewarded because he thought of a new way to repair the rubber seals on a B-1B Lancer's landing gear doors. He received a

  • Lesser-known UCMJ offenses

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

  • AMC commander signs order prohibiting use of spice

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

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

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

  • National prevention month highlights dangers of drunken driving

    As the end-of-year holidays approach, Airmen, like the rest of America, are busy planning, shopping and preparing for those few days when family and friends gather to relax and celebrate. Some may not care to think about tragedy at this time, but December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving

  • USAFE welcomes new commander

    U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen welcomed a new commander with the arrival of Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who assumed command during a ceremony here Dec. 13. "This command is in great shape," General Welsh said. "My goal is just to make things even better than they have been in the past."General Welsh

  • Nurse commissioning program officials seek enlisted applicants

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

  • New technology could save base millions

    Engineers here could soon be using an emerging technology to help clean the environment and save the Air Force money.Officials with the Robins Air Force Base Energy Office are conducting feasibility studies on the use of plasma arc technology, which offers environmentally safe measures for waste

  • Sun sets on Keen Sword exercise

    Servicemembers at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding the country wrapped up a seven-day joint, bilateral field-training exercise with their Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts as Exercise Keen Sword 11 came to an end Dec. 10.Identified as the

  • Scholarships for Military Children Program seeking applicants

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

  • Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

    A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff

  • President extends stop loss claims deadline

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

  • AFPC to host retirement webinar

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here are scheduled to host two webinars Dec. 9 and 10 to educate total force Airmen on the retirement application process.AFPC representatives also plan to discuss how to navigate through the virtual Military Personnel Flight secure application to help Airmen

  • Ellsworth Airman found dead

    An Airman assigned to the Air Force Financial Services Center here was found dead in his off-base residence Nov. 28. Staff Sgt. Ira Kaur, a military pay technician stationed here since August 2007, died from apparent gunshot wounds. "We mourn the loss of a valued member of Team Ellsworth and extend

  • Cheyenne Mountain receives 9/11 artifact

    A steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center arrived here Nov. 19 to be built into a memorial to commemorate the people who died Sept. 11, 2001.About 100 servicemembers and civilians gathered for the arrival of the beam, which was released by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials

  • Schriever Airmen treat gunshot victim

    Two security forces member's knowledge of first aid and a willingness to help others became critical when they encountered a gunshot victim Nov. 15.Airman 1st Class Tyler Chason and Airman Emmanuel Valenzuela, both from the 50th Security Forces Squadron, were dropping a friend off at an apartment

  • SECAF, CMSAF visit Airmen in Iraq on Thanksgiving holiday

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy visited here Nov. 25 for a Thanksgiving visitWhile at Balad, they took a turn at serving Thanksgiving dinner to the troops."It is great to be back at Joint Base Balad and the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing," the

  • C2 Constellation still integrating, piece by piece

    A program initiated in 2000 as an attempt to integrate all command and control systems continues to contribute to that goal today, albeit in a different way.While the C2 Constellation began as an effort to build an overarching architecture for all C2 systems, work now focuses on specific enterprise

  • Walt Disney animators draw inspiration from Edwards aircraft

    Here amid the number-crunching, data-streaming, hard-science world of flight test, nine artists from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., came in search of inspiration.They found it."There is nothing cooler than these planes," said Mike Gabriel, an art director at Walt Disney Studios. "Research

  • Influx of stop loss claims may cause approval delays

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

  • Airmen travel to Rwanda, teach maintenance management

    Members of the Rwanda air force paid a visit to the leaders in C-130 maintenance training at the 373rd Training Squadron Det. 4 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., which is part of the 982nd Training Group here, which turned into a follow up visit for two Det. 4 members to help build up the

  • Academy holds religious respect conference

    Leaders from national Christian, Jewish, Freethinker, Earth-Centered and interfaith religious organizations met here Nov. 15 to 16 to discuss how the Air Force Academy can best train cadets to respect other faiths and continue to foster an environment that encourages accommodation of religious

  • Defense undersecretary outlines cost-saving strategy

    Affordability, incentives and productivity growth are the ingredients to get the most out of the next Defense Department budget, a top Pentagon official said Nov. 17.The department will have to become more efficient to support troops while the budget flattens, Ashton B. Carter, undersecretary for

  • Photo essay: Little Rock honors veterans

    The honor guard here participates in the Veterans Day retreat ceremony Nov. 10. The retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose, signifying both the end of the official duty day, and providing an opportunity to pay respect to the nation's flag. View the slideshow.

  • VA officials test programs to expedite payments to disabled veterans

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials launched two pilot programs to test new procedures that will speed the payment of VA compensation benefits to veterans with disabilities connected to their military service. These new programs are part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki's

  • Air Force officials to host Renewable Energy Industry Day

    Renewable energy companies, innovators and entrepreneurs will get the chance to learn about potential energy project opportunities at the Air Force's Renewable Energy Industry Day Dec. 8 at the Wyndham Hotel in Irving, Texas.Air Force officials, including Terry A. Yonkers, assistant secretary of the

  • Falcons dominate Lobos, 48-23

    The Air Force Academy Falcons dominated the New Mexico Lobos with their rushing offense, beating the Lobos 48-23 in the final home game of the season at Falcon Stadium.Senior Day at the Academy proved too much for New Mexico to handle as the Falcons totaled 461 yards to the Lobos' 258 in the

  • Guard senior enlisted advisor celebrates history of American fighting women

    Women who served in the Women's Army Corps, the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Services ... were not always considered equals, but they continued to voluntarily serve in defense of their nation ... they continued to prove their mettle, the senior

  • Former commander in chief pays tribute to wounded warriors during visit

    Some 1,500 people, including eight wounded warriors along with families of military members killed in action in the past 10 years, welcomed former President George W. Bush when he took the stage inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Nov. 11. It marked President Bush's third visit to the

  • President Bush salutes veterans during visit to Air Force Museum

    Former President George W. Bush praised veterans, active-duty personnel and their families during a speech at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Nov. 11, 2010.  The 43rd president served as the keynote speaker for a special Veterans Day tribute there.President Bush began by talking about his

  • Air Force leaders send Veterans 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 send the following Veterans Day message:In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the belligerent parties of World War I ceased

  • 21st Operational Weather Squadron equipment 'forecast' saved millions

    As the Sembach Annex realignment plan pushes forward to transfer control to the Army of the former Air Force base, members of the 21st Operational Weather Squadron are making smart resource choices to save taxpayer dollars in unnecessary equipment moves. As one of the last Air Force assets left on

  • 'Stand down' serves homeless veterans in Charleston

    More than 2,068 homeless people, both veterans and civilians, received aid from local volunteers at the 11th annual Stand Down Against Homelessness, Oct. 28 and 29, at North Charleston Armory Park, S.C.More than 300 local military and civilian volunteers supported the event. Sponsored by the Ralph

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters visits 3rd Operations Group

    As he dangled from parachute risers, 12-year old Keegan Hall looked down at a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier sailing in the Pacific. Deftly controlling his parachute's toggles, Keegan successfully maneuvered into a stand-up landing on the ship's pitching deck.Peering through virtual reality

  • Two in Air Force among DOD's best employees

    Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III paid tribute to eight people who distinguished themselves among more than 700,000 others and were selected to receive the Defense Department's annual top civilian employee awards."They understand that working for the department is a public trust that

  • Admiral, Mrs. Mullen speak out on veterans' challenges

    With Veterans Day around the corner, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah, sat down with reporters this week to raise visibility on issues important to military families and veterans.The Mullens' interviews Nov. 3 with the Pentagon Channel and other news

  • USAJOBS to be single source for Air Force job seekers

    Current civilian employees will have a single source to apply for vacant Air Force positions beginning Nov. 15 when they join other job seekers already using USAJOBS.Air Force civilian personnel officials announced the decision in October that almost all hiring will be accomplished through USAJOBS

  • Energy conscious consumers share a ride

    Energy conservationists had a good thing going when the city of Colorado Springs offered bus service here. Fuel, wear and tear on personal vehicles and the long drive out from distant parts of the city made riding the bus a smart move.But when budget cuts forced the city to end bus service here in

  • Open season set for three civilian benefit programs

    Office of Personnel Management officials have announced open season for three civilian benefit programs beginning Nov. 8 and lasting through Dec. 13. The three programs are the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and the Federal

  • Affordable Care Act impacts federal benefits

    Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented Jan. 1 affecting eligibility and benefits for appropriated civilian employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Flexible Spending Account programs.One of the provisions of Public Law 111-148 changes FEHB

  • VA officials begin paying benefits for new Agent Orange claims

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials have begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure."The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam veterans with treatment

  • AFIT graduates first class of cyberspace warriors

    Officials with the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence conducted the first Cyber 200 and 300 course graduation here Oct. 28. Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, served as keynote speaker for this first class of

  • 'Stop Loss' special pay application deadline approaches

    Defense Department officials are working to remind veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the "Stop Loss" program to apply for special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.Servicemembers whose service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was

  • Motorcycle group supports military funerals

    As the U.S. Supreme Court contemplates whether protestors outside military funerals are protected under First Amendment free-speech rights, a motorcycle group that travels the country attending those funerals as a show of support and respect rides on, undeterred by the political fray.About 200,000

  • South Dakota officials to pay veterans bonus

    Since World War 1, South Dakota officials have paid a bonus to residents who served on active duty during a wartime period and this tradition continues today. The current bonus program authorizes payments of up to $500 to current or former members of the Armed Forces who were legal residents of the

  • Scammers prey on servicemembers

    Scams can include any trick used to gain information, money or resources. Scammers accomplish this by preying on a person until the scammer can piece together information or convince the individual to meet the scammers' needs. Even though servicemembers are a prominent part of the nation, they can

  • Air Force officials announce civilian service award winners

    Air Force officials have selected their nominees for the 55th Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.The award is the highest honor given by the secretary of Defense to career civilian personnel. It is presented annually to a small number of DOD civilian employees whose

  • Military spouses are heroes, first lady says

    The needs and concerns of military spouses, whose sacrifices benefit the nation, should be of concern to all Americans, First Lady Michelle Obama said Oct. 26."These women and men -- they are heroes, and it's time that we recognize the challenges they face and the obstacles they overcome and the

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

    In this edition of "Today's Air Force," Airmen get out on the water with environmental protection in mind. Plus, weapons loaders test their speed and skill as they prepare aircraft for war. And, servicemembers pay homage to long-dead Airmen in a battlefield far from home. The 30-minute, weekly news

  • Flu shot options are many for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries

    TRICARE For Life beneficiaries have a wealth of options when it comes to staying protected during the fall and winter flu season. Influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare at no cost to TFL beneficiaries as long as they are administered by a Medicare provider who agrees to accept the

  • Gen. McKinley: Collaboration saved Minnesota fighter wing

    Collaboration between Duluth, Minn., and the Minnesota Air National Guard officials saved the 148th Fighter Wing from closure and will help it grow in the future, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Oct. 22."You don't see many chambers who recognize their local military," Gen. Craig R.

  • Special operations members garner awards

    Twelve members of the Air Force special operations community recently received annual awards presented by Lt. Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, the deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements. The awards ceremony recognized the 2009 United States Air Force Combat Rescue Officer of the Year,

  • Hurlburt Field intelligence flight earns AF level award

    The 1st Special Operations Support Squadron received the 2009 Outstanding Operations Group Intelligence/Operations Support Flight Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unit of the Year award Oct. 14 here for their tremendous accomplishments at Hurlburt Field. Brig. Gen. Robert "Bob" P. Otto,

  • Nellis remembers fallen Airman

    For more than 200 years, individuals have volunteered to serve in the U.S. military. Since 2001 more than 4,900 servicemembers have lost their lives in service to their country. These members took an oath to protect the ideals and freedoms allotted to citizens by the U.S. Constitution and to help

  • Officials tout Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

    With more than 260,000 students attending about 6,000 colleges and universities this fall under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, officials are continuing an active outreach effort to ensure current military members and veterans don't miss out on the new program's education benefits.Participation is up

  • JET Airmen: 'Fit to fight any given day'

    Airmen often have a reputation of being "behind the scenes," never in the action, but persona is changing with Air Force's heavy involvement in joint tasking operations where Airmen are performing non-traditional jobs and missions alongside sister service members.There are many Joint Expeditionary

  • A different way to take the pain

    Acupuncture has long been a form of medical care, originating in ancient China and moving west through the world. It has only recently started to gain momentum during the last few decades in the U.S.Recently, military medical officials have begun investigating a type of acupuncture and its benefits

  • Vandenberg officials hold memorial service for fallen Airman

    A memorial service was held for a fallen Airman Oct. 13, at the Base Chapel here. Hundreds of people filled the chapel's pews to pay their final respects to Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician who was killed in action Oct. 5, west of

  • Don't 'bank' on COLA

    A cost-of-living allowance is designed to help offset expenses incurred from living in a local economy. However, officials stress that Airmen should not view COLA as a reliable source of income, and they encourage them to save it where possible for times of spikes in the exchange rate or for

  • Test center fuses old, new technology for light attack

    Test pilots and engineers here are learning what happens when high-tech systems are combined with low-tech airframes for a new, cost effective, light-attack aircraft.Light attack, a revitalized concept in the Air Force, addresses the need for an airplane that offers surveillance as well as strike

  • Spouse jobs program set to relaunch

    The Military Spouse Career Advancement Program Accounts program is set to resume Oct. 25, but with significant changes.Changes include limiting the availability of financial aid to spouses of active-duty servicemembers in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2. Financial aid also will be

  • Air Force Security Forces Museum exhibit honors fallen Airmen

    There was no hesitation for the mother of a fallen security forces Airman when the invitation was extended three months ago.I'm going, she thought about the memorial run/walk and opening of a new exhibit at the Air Force Security Forces Museum Sept. 28 here. The events honored the eight security

  • Strategic leadership courses available for civilians

    Civilian leadership development officials here are seeking nominations for an out-of-cycle selection board to identify senior-level civilians for strategic leadership development opportunities in the 2011 academic year.Strategic Leadership Education Level I is open to Air Force civil service

  • Amendment provision could put more money in spouse's paycheck

    Military spouses in states that collect state income taxes could be able to pocket a little more of their paycheck under an amendment that allows spouses to retain their legal residency in their home state.A November 2009 amendment to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act included a provision that

  • Service demographics offer snapshot of force

    Air Force Personnel Center officials here recently published a demographics report offering a snapshot of the service's active-duty and civilian force. This data is current as of Sept. 30 and can also be found on the Air Force personnel statistics Web page.Statistics are rounded to the nearest

  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing goes 'green' with recycling program

    Officials in the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing are striving to go "green" as part of the Air Force's continuing effort to eliminate waste and become more energy efficient.An on-base recycling program, run by 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron officials, collects more than 60 metric tons of

  • Top chief discusses training, wingmanship during Academy visit

    The chief master sergeant of the Air Force visited with the Air Force Academy's enlisted cadre Oct. 1 and talked about the way ahead for the Air Force, professional military education and taking care of Airmen and families.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy was in Colorado

  • Secretary Gates urges servicemembers to claim Stop-Loss pay

    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged servicemembers whose military service was involuntarily extended between 2001 and 2009 under the "Stop Loss" program to claim their special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.More than 145,000 people are eligible for the special pay, but fewer than half have

  • Mullen: Communities, veterans can help each other

    The United States owes a debt to its veterans and their families that America's communities and their leaders can help repay, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Oct. 1.Speaking to hundreds of people during a town hall meeting at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

  • President extends deadline for stop loss benefit

    Eligible Airmen, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until Dec. 3 to apply for retroactive stop loss special pay following an extension in the continuing resolution signed by the president Sept. 30.The new Dec. 3 deadline extends the original Oct. 21 cutoff for applications and allows eligible

  • Schriever Airmen get serious with Happy Hour

    Schriever Air Force Base Airmen were invited Sept. 24 to "Happy Hour" by base leadership where jokes about nagging wives, drugs, sex and drunken behavior filled the auditorium of Building 300 here.No, this wasn't a social-mixer, nor was it a happy hour, in the traditional sense."Happy Hour" is a

  • Education center to enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that will place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, "The Wall.""There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names," said

  • 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

  • Absentee Voters Week 2010

    Absentee Voters Week, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, has been set aside by Department of Defense officials for voters to recognize the military's focus on preserving the right to vote and encouraging absentee voters to do so. The goals of Absentee Voters Week are to emphasize and encourage voters to

  • Collaboration improves treatment of unseen scars of war

    Several times every week, a team of about 50 specialists gathers around a conference table at the National Naval Medical Center here to assess the progress of every wounded warrior undergoing treatment at the hospital. They bring an array of expertise to the discussion, with specialties in

  • Family advocates take cause to Capitol Hill

    Dozens of military family members took to the nation's capital Sept. 21 to educate lawmakers about their most pressing issues.Those issues were revealed in the Blue Star Families' 2010 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which the military family advocacy group unveiled in the Capitol Visitors Center

  • 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

  • Airman inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

    Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger was posthumously inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a ceremony Sept. 22 following presentation of the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before."Today, we bring honor to Chief Etchberger's memory and our nation's highest tribute to

  • German partnership enhances mission, saves JTACs money

    From energy conservation practices to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives, Airmen are looking for more efficient ways of conducting business. One task that has Air Force leaders here thinking outside the box is continued support for joint terminal attack controller training

  • AETC: Fatality free Critical Days of Summer

    Air Education and Training Command officials announced the command ended its Critical Days of Summer campaign with no fatalities.This year was AETC's first fatality free Critical Days of Summer since 1960.The Air Force campaigns for safety every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day to encourage

  • President presents posthumous Medal of Honor to hero's sons

    President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry to the family of an Air Force chief master sergeant killed in action 42 years ago in Laos during a ceremony Sept. 21. "Today, we present the Medal of Honor to an American who displayed such gallantry more than four decades

  • Technology improving veterans' access to health, benefits information

    Department of Veterans Affairs officials are launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management, or VRM, that will greatly improve veterans' access to health care and benefits information. "VRM will transform veterans' interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century

  • 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

  • RPAT responsibly moving equipment out of Iraq

    Airmen assigned to Redistribution Property Assistance Team here have been working alongside Soldiers, contractors and Department of the Army civilians to ensure equipment leaving Iraq gets to its proper location, and in a usable condition as U.S. forces continue to draw down forces in Iraq.First Lt.

  • AFPC officials keep families of missing personnel informed

    One of the most difficult personal hardships for families is not knowing how their deployed Airman is doing. When an Airman is declared "unaccounted for," that hardship becomes agony.This was especially prevalent during the Vietnam and Korean wars where more than 1,400 Airmen were declared missing

  • President Obama reaches out to veterans

    President Barack Obama said he wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program get the retroactive pay they deserve."You served with honor," President Obama said. "You did your duty. And when your country

  • 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

  • Members of Kunsan Air Base remember Sept. 11 events

    A quiet and somber crowd gathered here early Sept. 10 to remember the events in America Sept. 11, 2001, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day.Airmen representing firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services, among official guests and others, attended the 8th Fighter

  • Air Force's top uniformed leaders visit Shaw

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy met with Airmen from across the installation here during a base visit Sept. 7 and 8.After touring areas and meeting with representatives of the 9th Air Force, Air Forces Central and the 20th Fighter

  • 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

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Airmen pay homage to fallen hero

    Airmen from the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard transfer Capt. David A. Wisniewski on to a caisson Aug. 23, 2010, at Arlington National Cemetery while HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters fly overhead. Captain Wisniewski died July 2 from injuries suffered during a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He was with

  • 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.

  • Gates: War in Iraq over, U.S. transitioning to Iraqi forces

    The war in Iraq is over and the United States is entering the final phase of the U.S. engagement in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Sept. 1.U.S. combat operations have ceased, the secretary said. American forces are still participating in some counterinsurgency operations with the

  • Space and Missile Systems Center officials save energy, money

    Most people would agree that saving energy, especially when it saves money and resources, is a good thing. But developing concrete ways to conserve and actually produce tangible results can often be difficult to accomplish. Ed Wilson, the energy manager at Los Angeles Air Force Base, and his team

  • 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