News

NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

May 3, 2024
Around the Air Force: Warrant Officers Needed, Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Five & Thrive Expands

In this week’s look around the Air Force, Airmen can now submit applications to become warrant officers, two industry partners are awarded contracts under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, and the Five and Thrive initiatives expand.
April 25, 2024
Air Force to begin accepting warrant officer applications

The Air Force is now accepting applications for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields.
March 25, 2024
Aircrew Engagement Survey for officer, enlisted aircrew closing soon

A survey designed for total force aircrew to deliver feedback will close March 28.
Feb. 7, 2024
Retired officers, enlisted members can rejoin active duty to offset personnel shortfalls

The VRRAD program is a strategic enabler to embrace experienced talent, tapping into a valuable resource of retired members to fill critical roles to close the gap against our peer competitors.
Nov. 30, 2023
Air Force announces FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Programs

The Air Force recently announced the opening of two Regular Air Force FY24 Aviation Bonus programs.
Feb. 17, 2023
Around the Air Force: Earthquake Relief, BEYA STEM Awards, Recruiting Relaunch

This week’s look around the Air Force looks at how Airmen are playing a role in earthquake relief, Department of the Air Force personnel are recognized at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards, and recruiting rolls out a redesign of their website with the total force in mind. (Hosted by Senior
Feb. 6, 2023
Air Force Recruiting Service relaunches Airforce.com as a Total Force recruiting destination

The site builds upon the existing design and infrastructure of airforce.com while consolidating important information about joining the Air Force’s active component, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve into a single, integrated website
Feb. 2, 2023
DAF announces overseas spouse direct-hire authority pilot program

Direct-hire authority enables an agency to hire any qualified applicant through an expedited hiring process that eliminates many of the traditional steps, including consideration of competitive rankings and ratings.
Oct. 12, 2021
Air Force announces changes for enlisted promotion recommendation points

Air Force officials recently announced changes to the Enlisted Evaluation System’s promotion recommendation point matrix.
May 26, 2021
Air Force recruiting seeks to broaden applicant pool to find best, brightest

Air Force Recruiting Service is casting a wide net seeking out the best and brightest to become Airmen and Guardians. The goal is to reach out to underrepresented groups which will help diversify the force and tap into some areas that could pay dividends to manning and help inspire youth from all
May 13, 2021
FY21 voluntary force management programs conclude May 27

The Department of the Air Force will conclude fiscal year 2021 voluntary officer and enlisted force management programs May 27.
May 13, 2021
DAF to allow officers to opt out of promotion in certain circumstances

Eligible officers, who meet certain conditions, may soon request exclusion from consideration for the next higher grade. The new policy will go into effect beginning with the major, lieutenant colonel and colonel Space Force promotion boards set to convene Oct. 16, and will provide more flexible
May 13, 2021
ACC establishes task force to prepare for high-end fight

Air Combat Command leadership has created a task force to tackle the challenge of preparing combat air forces for strategic competition with a near peer, as outlined in the 2018 National Defense Strategy.
March 18, 2021
Air Force ROTC reduces length of enlisted assignments at detachments

Effective March 1, the reduction aligns the tour length with those of other special duty assignments, such as military training instructors and leaders, stateside enlisted professional military education instructors and technical training instructors.
Feb. 19, 2021
Around the Air Force: Tour Lengths, Female Body Armor, & Directed Energy Weapons

Today’s look Around the Air Force highlights a change in the length of some overseas assignments, the introduction of new female body armor, and the final testing phase of a new anti-drone weapon. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Brittain Crolley)
Feb. 11, 2021
Tour lengths increase for certain first-term overseas assignments

Effective March 1, Airmen and Guardians overseas tour lengths are now 36 months for first-term unaccompanied permanent assignments at certain overseas locations.
Feb. 1, 2021
Reserve, Guard ready to take force-shaping troops

The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to benefit from active-duty Air Force force-shaping actions made necessary by record Air Force retention levels.
Dec. 1, 2020
Air Force hits record retention levels, reviews voluntary force management efforts

The Department of the Air Force is seeing its highest retention levels in 20 years, second only to rates recorded shortly after 9/11 in 2002.
Sept. 30, 2020
Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey helps civilians voice their opinions

The FEVS is a government-wide, Office of Personnel Management administered annual survey that Air Force civilian employees have been participating in since 2006. The approximately 100-question survey takes 20-to-30 minutes to complete and is anonymous. The survey includes questions about employees’
July 19, 2020
Register now for "Pathway to Wings" accessions and rated boards brief Aug. 5

The Pathway to Wings brief, hosted by AFRS Detachment 1, will give participants an overview of Air Force aviation careers, as well information about the different types of service, missions, aircraft and military lifestyle. Current Air Force aviators will be on the call to answer questions.
June 17, 2020
Million Piece Mission jigsaw features National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

As users enter the mission on AirForcepuzzle.com, they see the full image that shows a collection of aircraft on display at the museum’s fourth building.
May 15, 2020
Air Force creates new AFSC for operations research analyst officers

The change, which went into effect April 30, reflects the broader shift across the Air Force on the importance of information and data.
March 25, 2020
AFMC to host virtual STEM hiring event

The event will provide an opportunity for hiring officials and qualified candidates to connect directly via an interactive, online platform to fill immediate, critical vacancies as well as future positions at AFMC headquarters and center locations across the U.S.
Feb. 14, 2019
AFMC hiring effort draws new talent, faster

With a command mission that relies heavily on a more than 65,000 person civilian workforce, recruiting, developing and retaining top talent is critical to success. This is the driving force behind the ongoing AFMC effort to transform the civilian hiring process across the enterprise to meet mission
Dec. 21, 2017
AF releases 2018 squadron command slection list

More than 550 officers from more than 20 career fields, including support, medical, test and others, have been matched to squadron commander positions across the Air Force.Using the previously published squadron commander candidate lists, wing and group hiring officials selected individuals to fill
Nov. 15, 2017
AFPC offers follow-on option to Airmen taking short tours

Airmen selected for a dependent-restricted short tour for their second or later assignments can voluntarily apply to participate in the Follow-On assignment program, providing them greater flexibility in the assignment process and greater stability for their families.
Nov. 9, 2017
November enlisted in-system supplemental promotion list released

The Air Force selected 604 Airmen today for promotion via the enlisted in-system supplemental promotion process.
Nov. 9, 2017
Air Force selects 335 officers for advanced degrees, career broadening

The Air Force has selected 335 officers to participate in advanced academic degree and career-broadening opportunities in 2018 as part of the force development construct.
Oct. 17, 2017
AF officials release 2017 Air Force Handbook 1, Airman and enlisted promotion study guides

Air Force officials have released the 2017 Air Force Handbook 1, Airman and the Enlisted Promotions Study Guides. AFH-1 is available at http://static.epublishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afhandbook1/afhandbook1.pdf and also on every Airman’s government computer desktop. To find AFH-1 on
Sept. 27, 2017
AF expands Career Intermission Program opportunities

The Air Force has changed the Career Intermission Program to expand participation opportunities for Airmen from one application window each year to three. In addition, Airmen with humanitarian circumstances may submit out-of-cycle CIP applications, as can dual-military married Airmen when a join
Sept. 19, 2017
Master sergeants to use 2015 promotion study guide for testing

Master sergeants testing for promotion in the 18E8 promotion cycle will use the 2015 versions of Air Force Handbook 1 and professional development guide as study reference material, effective immediately.
Sept. 14, 2017
AF promotes 2,001 via September in-system supplemental process

The Air Force selected 2,001 enlisted Airmen today for promotion via the in-system supplemental promotion process.
Sept. 11, 2017
AF releases 2018 support, health professions squadron command candidate list

Development teams from airfield operations, support, materiel leader and health professions functional communities selected more than 800 officers as candidates for squadron command in 2018.
Aug. 30, 2017
Enlisted promotion advanced notification to squadron commanders extended

Creating a quick win for squadron commanders, the Air Force’s Personnel Center now grants senior raters and senior rater trusted agents access to enlisted promotion selects lists via the virtual Enlisted Promotion Release system one full calendar week in advance of the public release date.
Aug. 15, 2017
Air Force selects 14,181 for promotion to staff sergeant

Air Force officials have selected 14,181 senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant out of 32,006 eligible, a selection rate of 44.31 percent. The staff sergeant promotion list will be available on the Air Force Portal and myPers Aug. 24, at 8 a.m. CDT. Airmen will also be able to access their
Aug. 4, 2017
Air Force selects 398 for captain in CY17A quarterly selection process

The Air Force selected 398 first lieutenants for promotion to captain during the Calendar Year 2017A Captain Line of the Air Force, Chaplain, Line of the Air Force–Judge Advocate, Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps and Biomedical Sciences Corps quarterly selection process.
July 19, 2017
Air Force selects 2,311 BSC, LAF officers for promotion

The Air Force selected 2,311 active-duty officers for promotion to colonel, lieutenant colonel and major during the 2017B Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel Biomedical Sciences Corps and Major Line of the Air Force and Biomedical Sciences Corps central selection boards.
July 17, 2017
Air Force rolls out phased retirement program for eligible civilians

Eligible Air Force civilian employees now have the option of working part time in a “semi-retired” status, according to new Air Force Instruction 36-817, Civilian Phased Retirement Program.
June 21, 2017
Air Force leaders continue to emphasize air and space priorities on Capitol Hill

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein briefed congressional leaders on the Senate’s Defense Appropriations Committee on the future of air and space power during testimony on Capitol Hill June 21.
June 20, 2017
Application window opens for Air Force undergraduate flying training

Application packages for the next Undergraduate Flying Training selection board are due to the Rated Officer Assignments branch of the Air Force Personnel Center by Nov. 17, 2017. The board, set for Jan. 22-25, 2018, will consider active-duty officer applicants to attend training as early as spring
June 5, 2017
Air Force announces significant changes to Aviation Bonus Program

As part of its retention efforts, the Air Force released details on the fiscal year 2017 Aviation Bonus Program (AvB) June 5, 2017. This year’s program implements an increase in maximum bonus amounts authorized in the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act in addition to more flexibility in
May 25, 2017
Follow-on options available to Airmen who volunteer for extended deployment

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Airmen, both officers and enlisted, who volunteer for an extended 365-day deployment can apply for one of two assignment options: either an advanced assignment or a two-year deferment from a permanent change of station, if eligible.
May 24, 2017
AF proposes 1,600 personnel increase to command support staffs

The Air Force plans to increase commander support staff manning across the force by 1,600 by fiscal year 2022 increasing total authorizations to more than 6,300. Currently, the personnel increase calls for 170 officers, 469 enlisted and 961 civilians with all civilian hires authorized for fiscal
March 7, 2017
Civilian developmental education window open through May 1

Eligible Air Force civilians have until May 1 to submit their civilian developmental education (CDE) program applications to the Air Force Personnel Center.
Feb. 22, 2017
AF offers new 2-year degree program for civilians

The Air Force is expanding development opportunities for the civilian workforce by offering an associate degree at little to no cost.Graduates of the online program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Air Force leadership and management studies. The 60-credit hour program is
Feb. 9, 2017
AF releases new guidance on civilian hiring freeze

The Air Force has released additional guidance in regard to the federal civilian hiring freeze implemented Jan. 23.
Feb. 8, 2017
AF selects 818 officers for field grade promotions

The Air Force has selected 818 active duty officers for promotion to colonel, lieutenant colonel and major during the 2016C Colonel Line of the Air Force, Line of the Air Force Judge Advocate, Nurse Corps and Chaplain; Lieutenant Colonel Chaplain, Nurse Corps and Line of the Air Force Judge
Feb. 1, 2017
AF responds to hiring freeze

The Air Force is working with the Defense Department to provide additional guidance on the federal civilian hiring freeze implemented Jan. 23.
Jan. 27, 2017
Physician Assistant Program seeks applicants by Jan. 30

The Interservice Physician Assistant Program is accepting applications from active-duty officers and enlisted Airmen through the end of January for the annual March selection boards.
Jan. 27, 2017
AF selects 534 for promotion to colonel, lieutenant colonel, major

The Air Force has selected 534 active-duty officers for promotion as a result the 2016A Medical and Dental Corps central selection boards for colonel, lieutenant colonel and major.
Jan. 26, 2017
Officer developmental education application window opens Jan. 30

Eligible active duty officers can apply for intermediate and senior developmental education opportunities starting Jan. 30, 2017.
Dec. 16, 2016
Command opportunity found in financial management leadership program

Active-duty officers in year groups 2004 to 2008 can apply for a special command opportunity through the 2017 Financial Management Leadership Program.
Nov. 21, 2014
AF closes FY14 force management programs

Airmen who met the service’s reduction in force board were notified of the board’s results Nov. 19, bringing the fiscal year 2014 force management programs to an end.
Nov. 10, 2014
Services continue strong recruiting through September

All four active services met or exceeded their numerical accession goals for fiscal year 2014 through September, and each service also exceeded Department of Defense quality benchmarks for new recruits, DOD officials announced Nov. 10.
Nov. 10, 2014
Benefits claim process for voluntary separatees

Records for all Airmen separated or retired under the fiscal year 2014 Voluntary Separation Pay program were updated Nov. 5 to reflect eligibility for transitional medical benefits.
Oct. 1, 2014
Oct. 1 – Pulse on AF force management

Featured in this force management update are details regarding changes to the reduction in force board eligibility and ongoing civilian force management programs.
Sept. 23, 2014
Phased rollout to improve enlisted evaluation system

The Air Force chief of enlisted force policy outlined the implementation of the new enlisted evaluation and promotion systems at the 2014 Air Force Association’s Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition here Sept. 17.
Sept. 10, 2014
Sept. 10 – Pulse on AF force management

Featured in this force management update are details regarding changes to the reduction in force board eligibility, force shaping board results and ongoing civilian force management programs.
Sept. 5, 2014
Four officer AFSCs by year group will not meet October RIF board

Line of the Air Force officers in four Air Force specialty codes by year group are no longer scheduled to meet the fiscal year 2015 Force Management Reduction in Force board slated for Oct. 1, 2014.
Aug. 19, 2014
Changes to academic degree and developmental education expectations

Air Force officials announced actions designed to set clear expectations, restore Airmen's time and refocus officer promotions on job performance.The Air Force has addressed long-standing perceptions that to be promoted, officers must complete an advanced academic degree, and those officers selected
Aug. 15, 2014
Aug. 15 – Pulse on AF force management

Featured in this force management update are details regarding changes to the reduction in force board eligibility, enlisted retention and force shaping board results and the ongoing civilian force management programs.  
Aug. 7, 2014
AF implements intel officer retention program

Eligible intelligence officers have until Sept. 22 to apply for a critical skills retention bonus implemented by the Air Force this month, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.
Aug. 1, 2014
Aug. 1 – Pulse on AF force management

Featured in this force management update are details regarding civilian force management program expansions, ongoing officer force shaping boards and the upcoming reduction in force board.
July 18, 2014
Air Force focuses fourth round of VERA/VSIP on headquarters reductions

In an effort to lead its force management actions with voluntary programs, the Air Force announced a fourth round of civilian workforce shaping measures beginning July 21.
July 17, 2014
CMSAF tours Edwards AFB, discusses fiscal realities, changes

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody, the 17th chief master sergeant appointed to the service's highest enlisted rank, and his wife, Athena, visited the high desert to meet with and thank Airmen and their families, and to get an up-close look at the local mission.
July 14, 2014
Air Force announces changes to headquarters organization

Air Force leaders announced changes to headquarters staff manning and organization July 14.
June 25, 2014
Pilots, combat systems officers may be eligible for retention incentives

Eligible active-duty pilots and combat systems officers have until Sept. 30 to apply for the fiscal year 2014 Aviator Retention Pay Program, Air Force officials said June 25.
June 20, 2014
June 19 – Pulse on AF force management

Air Force leaders recently decided to bolster manning for nuclear-related career fields, an intention to make adjustments to account for budgetary uncertainties tied to proposed force structure changes. Those actions, coupled with previously approved voluntary applications and recent increases in
June 13, 2014
Some AFSCs removed from eligibility for retention boards

Fewer Airmen than originally expected will meet involuntary retention boards this summer and fall, Air Force officials said June 13.
May 27, 2014
May 23 – Pulse on AF force management

This week’s force management update focuses on the chief master sergeant retention board, voluntary separation pay, officer reduction in force boards, quality force review board, civilian force management and total force opportunities in a continued effort to bring Airmen the latest, most accurate
May 21, 2014
Diversity and force management go hand-in-hand

Force management and diversity were the two main talking points for Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, during his presentation at the Air Force Association monthly breakfast May 15th.
May 16, 2014
May 16 – Pulse on AF force management

The latest news on Air Force force management.
May 7, 2014
Fiscal year 2015 reduction in force board to convene Oct. 1

The Air Force will convene a fiscal year 2015 force management reduction in force board Oct. 1, 2014, to evaluate some captains and majors for continued retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said May 6.
May 6, 2014
May 5 – Pulse on AF force management

The latest news on Air Force force management.
April 30, 2014
Biomedical sciences corps Lt Cols will not meet ESERB

Biomedical sciences corps, or BSC, lieutenant colonels originally slated to meet the June 16 enhanced selective early retirement board, or ESERB, will not meet the board, Air Force Personnel Center officials said April 30.
April 30, 2014
April 28 – Pulse on AF force management

The latest news on Air Force force management.
April 23, 2014
April 23 – Pulse on AF force management

The latest news on Air Force force management.
April 21, 2014
CMSAF addresses force management, taking care of Airmen during base visit

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody recently concluded a six-day trip through Southwest Asia with a visit to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 17.
April 15, 2014
April 14 - Pulse on AF force management

Pulse on Air Force force management, is an ongoing effort to bring Airmen the latest, most accurate information concerning the complex and dynamic force management programs.
April 10, 2014
Readiness key to Air Force responsiveness

Air Force readiness is critical, especially as the time or place of the next crisis is never certain and is rarely what was expected, the Air Force vice chief of staff told a House panel April 10.
April 10, 2014
SecAF, CSAF testify on Air Force posture

The fiscal and security challenges triggered by budgetary constraints are posing problems for Air Force strategy, the service’s secretary told the Senate Armed Services Committee April 10.
April 8, 2014
April 8 – Pulse on AF force management

A limited number of Airmen who received notice that their previously approved applications for early retirement had been declined will be given the option to retire if they still desire to do so, officials announced April 8.
April 8, 2014
Top AF leaders speak at Nellis AFB

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, along with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, took time out of their base visit April 7, here, to engage Airmen in a town-hall style meeting in the Lighting Aircraft Maintenance Unit hangar.
April 4, 2014
AF updates officer, enlisted voluntary force management eligibility lists

Select Airmen in specific categories who were not formerly eligible for fiscal year 2014 force management voluntary separation are now being offered voluntary separation. These individuals will not be subject to involuntary programs in Fiscal 2014.
April 4, 2014
AFPC has expanded voluntary FM program waiver authority

The Air Force Personnel Center has been granted expanded waiver authority to waive some active duty service commitments, or ADSCs, for Airmen interested in voluntary separation under the fiscal year 2014 force management program, AFPC officials announced April 3.
April 3, 2014
April 3 - Pulse on AF force management

Beginning April 3, regular force management updates will be published at www.af.mil, including program updates, reports on voluntary program applications received at AFPC and changes to program eligibility.
March 26, 2014
Additional FY14 civilian workforce shaping now parallel with military programs

Air Force officials announced additional civilian workforce shaping initiatives March 26 in compliance with mandatory funding targets and continuing civilian workforce rebalance to meet skill demands for fiscal 2014 and beyond.
March 15, 2014
Air Force continues force management programs

Air Force leaders announced a resumption of all force management programs March 15 following a recently discussed strategic pause.
March 12, 2014
Voluntary application processing continues during force management pause

Late last week, Air Force officials initiated a strategic pause to all force management programs to fully evaluate potential changes to the timing, composition and eligibility criteria for each program based on budget adjustments and early lessons learned.
March 7, 2014
Superintendent announces Academy fiscal 2015 budget impact

Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson announced on March 4 how the fiscal year 2015 budget, if enacted by Congress, will impact the Academy.
Jan. 28, 2014
AF convenes officer RIF board, offers voluntary separation pay

The Air Force will convene an officer reduction in force board June 16 to evaluate eligible officers for retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Jan. 27. Officers who meet the RIF board and are not selected for retention must separate by Jan. 31, 2015.RIF is among several fiscal 2014
Jan. 28, 2014
Force shaping board to convene in July

The Air Force will convene a fiscal 2014 Force Shaping Board here July 14 to consider eligible officers within competitive categories for continued retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said Jan. 27.
Jan. 3, 2014
AF to convene enhanced selective early retirement board in June

The Air Force will convene an enhanced selective early retirement board here June 16 to consider eligible officers for early retirement, Air Force Personnel Center officials said today.ESERB, a new authority granted in the fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, applies to regular,
Jan. 3, 2014
Enlisted quality force review board to be held in May

A quality force review board will convene here May 5-16 to consider eligible Airmen for retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.
Dec. 30, 2013
Enlisted retention board to convene in June

An enlisted retention board will convene here in June to consider eligible senior airmen through senior master sergeants for retention, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.
Dec. 23, 2013
Force management programs necessary despite budget deal

Despite a congressional budget deal that lessens the impact of sequestration on the Air Force, it doesn’t go far enough to halt actions to shrink the service, service senior officials said.
Dec. 11, 2013
AF announces additional force management programs to reduce force size

Air Force leaders announced force management programs today designed to reduce the force by thousands of Airmen over the next five years as a result of sequestration.Fiscal 2014 force management initiatives are in addition to the announcement made in July, stating the Air Force will implement
Nov. 26, 2013
AF implements new personnel policies as it prepares to get smaller

The Air Force will implement new personnel policies to posture for future force management programs as it prepares to become smaller, officials announced today. In the absence of Congressional direction to mitigate the impact of sequestration, the Air Force must proceed with changes to personnel

U.S. Air Force News