HomeNews

NATO Air Policing operations

U.S. Air Force News

  • Officers, enlisted members offered early retirement

    Technical and master sergeants, captains, majors and lieutenant colonels in certain Air Force specialties may apply to retire with fewer than 20 years of active service under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.Commonly referred to as the 15-year

  • Two combat controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

    For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task. Two Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.Staff Sgt. Brian

  • Air Force takes swift action against sexual assault

    It's not an overstatement to say that the past many years have been challenging for those in the military working to prevent sexual assault and sexual trauma. However, for those who've been victimized it has been much worse, and we should never forget that. The harm in this crime is not just

  • Air Force Cycling Team pedals across Iowa

    Come rain, wind or an average temperature of 90 degrees, 94 Airman began pedaling across Iowa as part of the Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, July 21.The Air Force Cycling Team, under the leadership of Senior Master Sgt. Larry Gallo, assigned to 433rd Airlift Wing,

  • Thunderbirds egress specialist finds fulfillment in service

    Many Airmen discover their paths early in life. Some join the Air Force after graduating high school, and others wait a few years before making the decision to enlist. For one Airman assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, deciding to join the Air Force took 11 years.Staff Sgt.

  • Two special operations Airmen earn Silver Stars

    Two Air Force Special Operations Command combat controllers stationed in San Antonio were each presented a Silver Star for gallantry in combat during a ceremony here July 22.The two combat controllers, Tech. Sgt. Ismael Villegas and Staff Sgt. Dale Young, were decorated by Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, the

  • CSAF thanks Schriever AFB, addresses importance of every Airman

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., July 19 to thank the team as well as provide some insights on current Air Force issues.As part of a two-day visit to Colorado, Welsh and his wife, Betty, met with Schriever AFB Airmen and their families at a key

  • Air Force, Army effort saves government money

    In a joint effort between the firefighters of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron and a deployed Army battalion, more than 60 Soldiers have been trained in the handling of hazardous materials, enhancing their emergency response skills and saving government dollars. Army Capt. Eric

  • Civil engineers build medical facility, save AF thousands

    Consistent with fluctuating operations in deployed locations, the ability to quickly and efficiently build structures to house new missions is crucial. The 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group here has specialized teams of Airmen who support projects to fulfill construction requirements. "When a

  • Through Airmen's Ears: A journey into music resonates success

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Under the steel-grey wings of an MQ-1L Predator A on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum here, visitors took their

  • Aircraft mishap at Sheppard AFB

    A T-38 Talon crashed at approximately 6:48 am today just south of here. It carried two people on board, a student pilot and instructor pilot. Both pilots ejected safely and one was taken to a local hospital. An investigation into the accident is underway. Additional details will be provided on the

  • Quality Assurance: Maintenance commander's 'eyes and ears'

    To ensure the safety of pilots and ground crews, aircraft maintainers are held to a high standard of proficiency and job knowledge in fulfilling their mission requirements.Their skills are monitored and inspected regularly by some of the career field's most knowledgeable maintainers."We cultivate a

  • Voluntary fiscal 2014 force management programs announced

    The Air Force will implement several officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal 2014, officials said today.Force management programs enable the Air Force to both size and balance the force, with the goal of meeting mandated end strength numbers in the right career fields and at the

  • CSAF says readiness harmed by steep cuts

    The rigid requirements of sequestration spending cuts have made it difficult for the Air Force to maintain readiness, the service's top officer said yesterday.Speaking to CNN's John King at the annual Aspen Institute Security Forum in Aspen, Colo., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III

  • Holding Airmen accountable: Mandatory discharge for sexual assault

    The Air Force recently adopted two new measures to eliminate sexual assault from within the ranks, including requiring discharge for Airmen who commit sexual assault, and requiring the Air Force's most senior commanders to review actions taken on these cases. According to Capt. Allison DeVito, chief

  • Mobile app helps iPhone users 'Be Ready'

    TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- The "Be Ready" mobile application is now available for download on most Apple devices like the iPhone and iPad.Previously offered for Motorola Android products only, this app was developed by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division

  • First B-52 departs to depot for communications upgrade

    The first B-52H Stratofortress departed Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 16 is enroute to the depot at Tinker AFB, Okla., for the Combat Network Communications Technology, or CONECT, upgrade.The CONECT upgrade will allow B-52 crews to receive and send real-time digital information such as updated

  • Security Forces Airmen recall IDF attack, bringing members closer

    Members of the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron had just finished dinner and were on the way back to their compound on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan June 18. Heading south on a perimeter road, they passed a bus stop located about 50 yards from their compound, where service members were

  • F-35 aircrew flight equipment team named Air Force best

    One of the Air Force's newest aircrew flight equipment teams is now the Air Force's best.The 33rd Fighter Wing's aircrew flight equipment flight was chosen the best in the Air Force in the small program category for 2012. The wing is the only unit to fly and train on the F-35A Lightning II fifth

  • Special duties require commander nomination

    The selection process for 10 special duty positions now requires unit commander nomination and hiring authority certification, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. The process change implemented this month affects staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant positions in special

  • 10 special duties become developmental opportunities

    Selection for 10 special duty fields is now a nominative rather than volunteer-based process, Air Force officials announced today. In the past, any qualified Airman who met eligibility criteria defined in the special duty catalog could apply for a special duty opportunity. However, as resources

  • Additional F-35s coming to Luke AFB

    Air Force officials announced June 27 that Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., has been chosen as the location for 72 additional F-35A Lightning IIs, bringing the eventual total number of the fifth-generation fighters expected here to 144. The Air Force's initial decision to establish an F-35 pilot training

  • Sequestration impact looms despite resumed flying operations

    Air Force leaders announced July 15 that flying training would resume at numerous units, bringing an end to the three-month halt that resulted from the budget sequestration reductions. Congress approved a $1.8 billion reprogramming request that transferred money from several programs to pay for

  • Combat Air Forces to resume flying

    Combat Air Forces, or CAF, units from multiple commands began flying again today after many stopped flying in April of this year due to sequestration. The restored flying hour program represents Congressional action on the $1.8 billion overseas contingency operations reprogramming action made

  • Liberian soldiers employ training during medical outreach mission

    A team of Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers, U.S. service members and county health officials conducted a mobile medical outreach mission in Grand Cape Mount County recently. The mobile mission held from 1 - 4 July was a first for the AFL medics, who, until now, have been focusing their efforts on

  • First Airman Resilience Center opens at Altus AFB

    A new Airman Resilience Center opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony here July 11.The ARC is the first facility of its kind at the base. "The ARC includes five classrooms for training use, a theater room, a game room and an electronic gaming area," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Mathe, the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman reflects on journey from maintainer to pilot

    "I remember the first time I climbed into an F-16 (Fighting Falcon) and the canopy closed," he said. "I had my mask on, and it was so quiet. I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it was. At that moment, I knew the cockpit was where I was meant to be."To get into that cockpit, Maj. Robin Lytle had

  • Financial managers get certification program

    Air Force Financial Managers are joining forces with their sister services to create a more effective training and certification program. The new Department of Defense Financial Manager Certification Program will affect nearly 10,000 Air Force active duty officers, enlisted and civilian financial

  • VA announces $300 million in grants to help veteran homeless

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today the award of nearly $300 million in grants that will help approximately 120,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants have been awarded to 319 community agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto

  • Fanning makes first visit to Nellis, Creech AFBs

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning visited Airmen here and at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 8 as part of his first round of base visits since assuming the position in June.Fanning was confirmed as the 24th Under Secretary of the Air Force in April and took on the additional role of

  • Airman's actions lead to heroic rescue

    For Airman 1st Class Jake Bush, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron electro-mechanical technician, July 1 was a seemingly normal Monday. Just hours after completing a CPR refresher training course, Bush was put in an unlikely situation which required him to put his skills to good use. He rescued

  • Hagel calls DOD education support a strategic priority

    The Defense Department's commitment to military families and to quality education for military children is a strategic imperative that leaders will maintain, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in remarks July 9.During closing remarks at the Military Child Education Coalition's 15th National Training

  • Air Force brothers make fitness a family affair

    While fitness is an important part of Air Force life, two brothers have turned a passion for running and fitness into a lifestyle that impacts just about every facet of their and their families' lives. Lt. Col. Ryan Novotny, and his younger brother, Maj. Reid Novotny, have taken the sport of long

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Airman saves lives, delivers twins

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)It was a typical day for Senior Airman Rainier Jeffrey as he rode to the Upolu Hospital in Samoa. As a medical technician deployed out to sea with the

  • Airmen set world's record during exercise

    Airmen from the Dyess's 317th Airlift Group set a world's record for the largest C-130J formation during a Joint Operational Access exercise on June 19.JOAX is a 12-day combined military training exercise designed to prepare Airmen and Soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies."This

  • Deployed controllers deliver hope

    When serving on a remote forward operating base in Afghanistan, service members rely on deliveries of ammunition, tools, food, water and other supplies. Many times these vital provisions are airdropped by 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron cargo jets. "Cargo is the life blood of downrange

  • K-9 Airmen deploy with 'best friend'

    One of the most difficult parts of a deployment for service members is leaving behind friends and family. Security forces Airmen in the Military Working Dog section, however, have a unique opportunity when they deploy. "We get to deploy with our best friend," said Senior Airman Andrew Hanus, a 379th

  • AF leaders stand behind civilians during tough furlough times

    Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III send the following furlough message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:As you all know, Department of Defense civilian furloughs begin this week. With few exceptions, our civilian Airmen face

  • Pararescueman train with Army, military canines

    Look in the air ... it's a bird ... it's a plane ... Well, not quite: It's a German Shepard in a harness hanging from an HH-60G Pave Hawk.More than 15 U.S. Army tactical explosive detection dog handlers and their canines participated in rescue training scenarios June 21, with pararescuemen assigned

  • EOD Airmen remove 35 tons of ordnance from range

    Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron were joined by fellow EOD Airmen from nine different bases to perform the annual range clearance at Saylor Creek and Juniper Butte Range complexes, Idaho.Members from the 366th Fighter Wing and other units have spent the

  • 'Check Six' teaches deployed service members combatives

    When faced by an attacker, sometimes the only means of defense are ones instincts and ability to fight back. To hone those instincts, deployed service members are armed with basic, defensive fighting skills at the weekly Check Six combatives classes offered at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: On the Road to Recovery; A Wounded Warrior Story

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)The cool breeze and darkening night slowly embraced the German landscape. Everything seemed to be perfect and in place. However, events quickly turn

  • Deployed Airmen in right place, right time

    "There were people everywhere screaming and yelling," explained Capt. Cassie Cosentino, 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officer in charge, as she recalled being faced with a horrific encounter while supporting operations in Southwest Asia, April 10.Cosentino, Senior Airman Husein Khan,

  • Recent Academy grad now DOD's top women's triathlete

    Her heart beats faster and faster and beads of sweat drip down her face, as she sprints toward the finish line just seconds ahead of several other competitors. This race earned her the title of fastest woman triathlete in the Department of Defense.At the age of 15,  2nd Lt. Samantha Morrison, recent

  • Training for joint, U.K. F-35 programs heat up

    The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters ramped up to 28 aircraft June 25, bringing in new capability for the F-35 Integrated Training Center as the team trains to provide combat operations capability in the years ahead.The U.S. Navy's Strike Fighter Squadron-101 received a

  • Iron Airman challenge promotes fitness resiliency

    All Airmen must maintain fitness standards as a mission readiness requirement. However, fitness can also be used as a great motivator for people to achieve higher levels of resiliency. The Iron Airman Challenge, which consists of timed push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and a distance run, is a new program

  • Maintaining the maintainers

    Maintainers fix and keep aircraft flying; we all know what they do. But, how are our maintainers able to solve complex technical problems and keep our more than 50 year old tanker fleet in the air?Ask any maintainer and they will probably tell you the Maintenance Qualification Training Program is

  • Air Force JAG turns 20

    Celebrating 20 years of providing the Air Force with trained and qualified judge advocates, civilian attorneys and paralegals, the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School recently commemorated the historic occasion."The 20th anniversary of the JAG School building dedication is a momentous day in

  • Maintenance squadron embraces continuous improvement principles

    For one small aircraft maintenance squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, embracing the principles of continuous improvement has reaped tangible results. The 571st AMXS, Operating Location-Alpha, has completed maintenance on their 300th consecutive T-38 Talon on time and on cost, and in

  • ADL creator adds to AF e-learning

    Learning. For John Hawk it often starts here with someone needing to train thousands of Airmen as effective and easy and economical as possible.Hawk is the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center's creator of Advanced Distributive Learning products for the Air National Guard. He sorts though loads

  • First KC-46 assembly begins

    Boeing's announcement this past week that they have begun assembly of the first KC-46 wing spar is a significant event for the Air Force tanker program. It marks the start of assembly of the first KC-46 Engineering and Manufacturing Development aircraft. "We are excited and pleased that KC-46

  • Security Airmen take action while under attack

    A quick and efficient response by Afghan and U.S. Air Force security forces personnel helped defeat an attack by insurgents at Kabul International Airport earlier this month, according to U.S. military officials. The attack began at about 4:30 a.m. on the morning of June 10. Within minutes, security

  • Airmen played 'opfor' during Pacific exercise

    The 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed here from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in exercise Pacific Bond 2013 June 24 and 25, in support of the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force fleet defense training.Two B-52 Stratofortresses from the 23rd EBS

  • Academy cadets deploy, experience expeditionary life

    More than 40 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here to observe deployed operations first-hand and interact with deployed U.S. and coalition forces."Being out here really broadens our horizons, allowing us to truly take in what it means to be an Airman," said

  • Davis-Monthan Airmen work to end veteran homelessness by 2015

    Col Michael T. Rawls, the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, spoke at a press conference about ending veteran homelessness by 2015 June, 21 in Tucson, AZ.The White House has announced an initiative to end veterans homelessness by 2015, and Tucson is one of 25 flagship cities selected to lead this

  • Jennies to jets to stealth: Bomb wing turns 90

    From Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing's history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank

  • Concentration camp survivor to fighter pilot: 'Freedom a beautiful thing'

    "I was pretty young with all this but I was probably, at first, more revengeful than I should have been. When the occasion arose, I did not give the Germans very much of a chance. I took it out on them. I may have been wrong but I guess I was very vengeful so I didn't give them a break, but I

  • Pilots, combat systems officers may be eligible for retention incentives

    Eligible active duty aviators have until Sept. 30 to apply for the 2013 Aviator Retention Pay Program, Air Force officials said today. The purpose of the program is to retain highly-qualified aircrew members at a fraction of the cost incurred to train new rated officers, said Lt. Col. Stuart Rubio,

  • Alert Reaper Airmen find IED

    Most Airmen can mentally rewind to the Combat Airman Skills Training course and recall the frustration and apprehension of not being able to locate all the improvised-explosive devices set out in the training lanes. Because the training is so realistic, at first, most Airmen trigger the training

  • Luke AFB F-16 crashes, pilots safely eject

    An F-16 fighter jet with the 309th Fighter Squadron crashed here shortly before 7 p.m. in a field just west of the base. There were two pilots on board. Both safely ejected and have been recovered. Neither pilot was injured. The aircraft went down in a field adjacent to the base, and no damage to

  • 352nd SOG welcomes Osprey to fleet

    The 352nd Special Operations Group resurrected a key capability when two CV-22B Ospreys touched down June 24 here.The Ospreys are the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd SOG expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.The CV-22 fills part of the role previously accomplished by

  • Squadron's lone female gunner aims high

    Fresh out of training, the only female aerial gunner assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron arrived here.After graduating from East Valley High School in 2010, Airman 1st Class Natasha Libby said she realized she couldn't afford college. She found a job at a sandwich shop where she worked for 11

  • Training helps deployed Airman save lives

    "I wouldn't really consider these lifesaving gestures, I was just doing what I am trained to do," said Senior Airman David Kitchen, 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, aerial transportation journeyman.In many circumstances training acquired in the military helps airmen save lives, but for

  • Civil engineers recall, reflect 17 years after Khobar Towers bombing

    On the night of June 25, 1996, near Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia, terrorists positioned a tanker truck filled with explosives less than 100 feet away from a building in the Khobar Towers complex that housed deployed Airmen. Shortly before 10 p.m. local time, the bomb detonated, killing 19 Airmen

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: One Airman's journey to a brighter future

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)As a teenager, Airman 1st Class Michael Gray, 86th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, had to support himself. Gray had to pay for everything, from the

  • Fanning becomes acting Air Force secretary

    Under Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning became the acting secretary of the Air Force June 21, succeeding Michael Donley, who departed the position after more than five years.Fanning was confirmed under secretary by the Senate April 18 and, under federal law, automatically assumes the job of

  • AF seeks scholarship, fellowship candidates

    Eligible Airmen interested in unique scholarships and fellowships must submit completed, endorsed applications by July 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.Opportunities offered annually include the Olmsted Scholar Program, the White House Fellowship Program, the Mansfield Fellowship

  • F-35 is backbone of Air Force's future fighter fleet, Welsh says

    The Air Force's most advanced strike aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is a vital capability that the nation needs to stay ahead of adversary technological gains, the Air Force chief of staff told a Senate panel here, June 19.Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on

  • Hagel discusses 'State of DOD' in Nebraska speech

    In a wide-ranging speech given today at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, his alma mater, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel talked about the necessity of adapting the nation's military to operate in a world that's undergoing far-reaching geopolitical, technological and economic change."The world is

  • Ramstein Airmen build capability with Polish air force

    The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 435th Contingency Response Group continuously train to meet sustainable medical readiness throughout the European theater here.Training not only benefits Ramstein Airmen, but also other allies like the Polish air force who have consistently engaged in AE

  • Program fights mosquitoes, trains Airmen

    Air Force Reserve Command is expanding its Innovative Readiness Training, or IRT, program this summer to help communities control mosquitoes.C-130 Hercules aircrews will spray Williston and Minot in North Dakota June 30-July 3, and York County and the City of Poquoson in Virginia July 22-26. These

  • SecAF farewell ceremony set for June 21

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley will be honored during a ceremony June 21 at 1 p.m., at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The ceremony will be live online at Air Force Link's video page (here), and broadcast on the Pentagon Channel, which is available Verizon FIOS, Dish Network and numerous cable

  • Fighter squadron inactivation signals end of A-10s in Europe

    The Air Force inactivated the 81st Fighter Squadron June 18, here, in support of force-shaping procedures across the service.The squadron employed the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the closure signals the end of A-10 operations in Europe."For 71 years, the men and women of this fine squadron have ensured

  • NASA selects Airman for 2013 astronaut candidate class

    NASA officials selected an Airman as one of the eight military and civilian candidates to become an astronaut trainee. After a 1 ½ year search, officials chose Lt. Col. Tyler N. Hague, the Department of Defense deputy chief of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, out of more

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Student pilot survives lymphoma, continues dream

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Capt. Dakota Olsen, a 310th Fighter Squadron student here, envisioned becoming a pilot starting at age 5. As Olsen looked into careers in high school,

  • Joint readiness training wraps up in Hawaii

    Reserve component medical personnel from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Air National Guard came together for medical innovative readiness training June 2-15, on the islands of Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii.The medics provided free health care clinics and performed community service projects for

  • New Professional Development Guide available

    The new Professional Development Guide, or PDG, AFPAM 36-2241, is now available at www.e-publishing.af.mil. Printed guides will be distributed to all promotion-eligible active duty Airmen in the grades of E-4 through E-8 and airmen first class with at least two years in service. Base and unit

  • Skies to conquer: Langley Airman scales Mount Everest

    In the early hours of May 19, Capt. Kyle Martin battled cutting winds gusting at 100 mph as he fought to summit the highest point on earth. After nine hours of technical climbing, he and the rest of the Air Force 7 Summits team stood atop 29,029 feet of rock and ice. Martin, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • African airmen return to Air University for U.S. Air Forces Africa symposium

    Military officers from the air forces of 16 African countries returned to Air University for the African Airmen Alumni Symposium June 11-13.The symposium, held at Air War College and sponsored by U.S. Air Forces Africa, is geared toward strengthening key partnerships, enhancing regional cooperation,

  • As Nellis AFB grounds aircraft, training goes virtual

    The sky over southern Nevada is quieter than they have been in quite some time due to the June 1 Air Combat Command directed stand down of flying operations.Despite the stand down, the 64th Aggressor Squadron remains committed to accomplishing their mission, said Lt. Col. Michael Shepherd, the 64th

  • Making the trip: Airmen tackle life at missile facilities

    Senior Airman Jacob Petersen is packing for the "trip." Extra uniforms, underwear, socks, some special snacks. He kneels to give his 18-month-old daughter an extra hug and kiss before heading out the door. But Petersen isn't going on a deployment or an extended TDY or school. On this morning,

  • Date of separation rollback phase II underway

    The Air Force has implemented fiscal 2013 force management enlisted date of separation rollback program phase II, Air Force Personnel Center officials said June 12.DOS rollback is one of several voluntary and non-voluntary programs implemented during fiscal 2013 to help bring overall force numbers

  • 2014 ROTC instructor opportunities open

    Eligible lieutenants, captains and majors interested in Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor opportunities must submit their statement of intent, via the Airman Development Plan, to the Air Force Personnel Center by July 3, AFPC officials said today.Academic year 2014 instructor positions will

  • Fleet grows, training increases for F-35

     The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5.The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded

  • DOD research chief says science, tech skills vital

    The Defense Department needs to be thinking now about how to best recruit a workforce skilled in science and technology, which will be increasingly vital to national security, a senior DOD official said here yesterday.Reginald Brothers, deputy assistant secretary of defense for research, told a

  • Doors open at first AF collocated sexual assault victim support facility

    A collocated Special Victims' Council and sexual assault response coordinator office began operations here June 3, marking an Air Force first and the arrival of a revolutionary Air Force pilot program, providing specialized legal assistance to victims of sexual assault throughout the United

  • Former safety chief heads sexual assault prevention efforts

    Senior officials announced June 6 that they have appointed a two-star general to lead the Air Force's effort to reduce sexual assault within the ranks, and provide victims the support they need.Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward was appointed the new director of the reorganized Air Force Sexual Assault

  • Academy cadets operate small unmanned aircraft systems

    Eleven U.S. Air Force Academy cadets learned to operate RQ-11B Raven small unmanned aircraft systems, or SUAS, during an initial qualification training course at Choctaw Airfield, Fla., June 3-14.The RQ-11B Raven is a lightweight and low-altitude, remotely piloted system that provides real-time

  • DOD Announces 2013 REPI Buffer Program Challenge Award winners

    Defense Department officials announced June 10 the selection of two winning partnership projects, in the states of Florida and Washington as part of its "Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Challenge." The REPI Challenge will provide projects at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and

  • Women's leadership discussion: 'Why are women leaving the Air Force'

    Deployments, starting a family, bad mentorship and losing passion for the job are just a few reasons mentioned by uniformed and prior-service women during a panel discussion about why women are leaving the Air Force, at the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium here June 7.The Air Force panel

  • Missile officer recertification program makes great strides

    Ten of the 19 missile crew members from the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB, N.D., have been recertified and are able to fully perform their alert duties.The remaining officers continue to progress through the retraining program with the remaining decertified crew members expected to return to

  • Logistics Airmen own the night during joint-service training

    A joint-coalition team led by the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron peers into a dark, moonless sky in preparation for a nighttime helicopter sling load mission. All of their other senses are heightened to compensate for the reduced visibility as a UH-60 Black Hawk flown by Soldiers

  • F-35A completes 1st in-flight missile launch

    An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5. It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor

  • Air Force changes military funeral honors requirements

    Due to the impact sequestration has on resources, Air Force Services is adjusting requirements for military funeral honors of retirees. Air Force policy will revert to requiring a minimum of two personnel for retiree MFH details, consistent with statute and DoD policy. The Air Force historically

  • T-1 Jayhawk modifications take electronic warfare training airborne

    The 451st Flying Training Squadron completed the final step of a long journey when a T-1A Jayhawk modified for electronic warfare training took flight on a training sortie June 4. This is the first time in Air Force history an undergraduate aviation program has formally incorporated the fundamentals