Feb. 6, 2026 DRMC Airmen support certification of instrument landing systems U.S. Air Forces Central DRMC Airmen supported the commissioning and flight inspection of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s airfield instrument landing systems, ensuring they met required standards for safe operations during periods of reduced visibility.
Feb. 5, 2026 Shaping the future of airpower: Air Force requirements transformation industry day The United States Air Force hosted industry partners Jan. 29 as part of its effort to transform the Requirements Process, bringing together approximately 350 defense industry leaders.
Jan. 30, 2026 CSAF, CMSAF join Air University’s PCTT panel The panel shared key leadership insights on readiness, modernization, fostering warrior culture and quality of life initiatives, while reinforcing current DAF and DoW priorities with future command teams.
Jan. 28, 2026 Under Secretary of the Air Force visits Indo-Pacific to engage with Airmen, allies The under secretary's visit was an in-depth immersion to how the Department of the Air Force enhances regional stability by working in concert across all warfighting domains.
Jan. 27, 2026 AFMS Senior Leadership Workshop aligns purposeful execution with unmatched readiness The workshop united AFMS senior leaders on a shared vision of a more integrated and operationally focused medical force.
Jan. 27, 2026 Yokota supports first JGSDF-hosted multinational airborne exercise The exercise marked the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne operation conducted on Japanese soil and brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to enhance interoperability and airborne insertion capabilities.
Jan. 23, 2026 USAF to introduce Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 AEW 2.0 is an improved version of the legacy deployment construct and will be implemented in FY27.
Jan. 22, 2026 SECAF visits F.E. Warren AFB The senior leader assessed the readiness, sustainment, and modernization efforts supporting the land-based leg of the nation’s Nuclear Triad.
Jan. 22, 2026 ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet returns in 2026 ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet, a competition that brings together the best fighter and operations teams from across the Total Force—Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard—is scheduled to take place March 6–15, at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia.
Jan. 16, 2026 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Jan. 15, 2026 Air Force Safety Center announces Unit Risk Forecasting tool The tool utilizes over a decade of historical safety data, unit personnel data, predictive capabilities, and mitigation strategies developed by safety professionals to give commanders and decision makers a visual toolkit to minimize risk at the unit level.
Jan. 14, 2026 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.
Jan. 13, 2026 Total Force mobility leaders collaborate on readiness priorities at winter Phoenix Rally The two-day event focused on collaborating on shared priorities including readiness, modernization, warrior culture and taking care of Airmen.
Jan. 9, 2026 Air Force announces updates to dress and appearance regulation The Air Force releases guidance on its dress and personal appearance policy Jan. 9 providing updated standards for Airmen.
Jan. 8, 2026 Nellis AFB to gain electronic warfare squadron The Department of the Air Force has selected Nellis Air Force Base as the preferred and final location for the 562nd Electronic Warfare Squadron.
Jan. 6, 2026 Air Force updates fitness test requirements Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months.
Jan. 5, 2026 AFCENT caps 2025 with decisive operations, strengthened partnerships across CENTCOM AOR Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) closed out 2025 with a series of decisive victories, sustaining combat airpower against terrorist threats, expanding coalition integration across the USCENTCOM AOR, and advancing agile employment and base defense technologies to sharpen readiness and deterrence.
Dec. 31, 2025 332nd ELRS conducts first hot-pit refuel with R-20 expeditionary refueling system Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Dec. 23, 2025 CSAF, CMSAF connect with Airmen in CENTCOM AOR during holiday visit The senior leaders recently concluded a multi-day visit to bases across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, engaging with service members assigned to Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Dec. 18-22.
Dec. 20, 2025 CSAF, CMSAF visit 48 FW, highlight mission priorities The senior-leader visit kicked off a seven-base tour to meet with Airmen around the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM area of responsibility who stand watch 365 days a year.
Dec. 17, 2025 Pathfinders drive TOC-L innovation Pathfinder units are playing a crucial role in the Air Force’s modernization of command and control, with the 752nd Operations Support Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base guiding the effort for the Tactical Operations Center-Light.
Dec. 16, 2025 DAF updates medical shaving profile guidance to align with Secretary of War grooming policy The Department of the Air Force updated its medical guidance for shaving profiles to align with the Secretary of War’s grooming standards.
Dec. 10, 2025 B-52 Stratofortress completes ferry flight after radar modification A B-52 Stratofortress, equipped with a modernized radar system, completed a significant milestone as part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, ensuring the bomber remains a vital component of U.S. airpower.
Dec. 10, 2025 Jackson Barracks to gain ANG cyber operations squadron Jackson Barracks has been selected as the preferred location for an Air National Guard cyber operations squadron
Dec. 5, 2025 T-7A Red Hawk lands at JBSA-Randolph The U.S. Air Force’s first T-7A Red Hawk assigned to AETC arrived at the 12th Flying Training Wing, marking a major milestone in the modernization of pilot training.
Dec. 5, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 3, 2025 USecAF visits Columbus AFB Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited Columbus Air Force Base to engage with Airmen, gain insight into modernization initiatives, and reinforce the importance of readiness across the force.
Dec. 2, 2025 Air Force announces changes to officer developmental education The Air Force announced updates, Dec. 2, to in-residence intermediate and senior developmental education for active-duty members.
Dec. 2, 2025 Hurricane Hunters wrap up 2025 season after flying into three Category 5 storms The squadron flew 927.9 hours this year across the Atlantic, eastern Pacific and central Pacific basins, collecting critical data that improved forecasts, saved lives and once again, demonstrated the unit's no-fail mission.
Dec. 2, 2025 Update on recent DAF efforts In a memorandum to commanders, the SecAF and CSAF said: “The Air Force must be prepared to fly and fix so we can fight and win. We will maintain this posture through increased focus on readiness and modernization in a commander-focused service.”
Dec. 2, 2025 AFCENT strengthens international partnerships through Ferocious Falcon 6 U.S. refueling and fighter aircraft from USAFCENT participated alongside five nations in Ferocious Falcon 6, a biennial Qatar-led exercise carried out to raise combat efficiency by building integrated command and control systems capable of achieving joint combat readiness.
Nov. 25, 2025 USAF, ROKAF ‘Top Cops’ meet on JBA U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force security forces leadership met to strengthen their relationship, exchange perspectives on shared regional security challenges and discuss commitment to exploring future training exchange opportunities.
Nov. 19, 2025 McGhee Tyson ANGB will host KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7 The DAF has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn., as the preferred location to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7, replacing all KC-135 Stratotankers to bring enhanced capabilities.
Sept. 29, 2025 Bushido Guardian 25: Trilateral exercise kicks off in the Pacific The U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Air Force commenced the first trilateral Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 at Misawa Air Base.
Sept. 26, 2025 Pacific Air Forces commander emphasizes importance of C2 to operate at scale in the Pacific The commander of Pacific Air Forces highlighted the importance of command and control during a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 25, 2025 PACAF command chief discusses the importance of building the military community Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool emphasized the impact of communities on military readiness as the Air Force prepares for future operational challenges, during a panel at the Air and Space Force Association’s Warfare Symposium.
Sept. 25, 2025 Air Force Reserve combat-capable, ready now force Air Force leaders discussed enhancing readiness and generating combat forces during a panel discussion at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 24, 2025 Cleaning up the battlefield: Altus Airmen take on CBRN training with Fort Sill Airmen traveled to Fort Sill to support the U.S. Army’s 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion in achieving its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training objectives.
Sept. 24, 2025 Air Force updates physical fitness program In support of the “Culture of Fitness” initiative, the Air Force unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program.
Sept. 23, 2025 War Department continues nuclear modernization Modernizing the nuclear triad was discussed at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 22, 2025 Allvin highlights readiness, charges Airmen to move at a pace to win Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin delivers his keynote address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 20, 2025 Air Force Marathon showcases endurance, spirit, legacy On the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, more than 7,600 runners representing 50 states and 11 foreign countries, gathered Sept. 20 to take part in the 29th annual Air Force Marathon.
Sept. 19, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Sept. 18, 2025 DAF launches Culture of Fitness initiative The initiative aims to reinvigorate a holistic culture of well-being that empowers Airmen and Guardians to be more dominant, agile and lethal through physical fitness.
Sept. 17, 2025 Decisive actions in cockpit earn 2024 Kolligian Trophy CSAF awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The honor recognizes aviators whose exceptional skill prevents or minimizes the impact of flight mishaps.
Sept. 17, 2025 Air Force Reserve expands international partnerships across Europe The tour advances the Reserve Allies and Partners Program's mission to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen international partnerships in support of combatant commander priorities.
Sept. 12, 2025 Final basing decision for Special Operations Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB, revisions to maximize effectiveness The Department of the Air Force has selected Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the new location for the 492nd Special Operations Wing.
Sept. 11, 2025 US Air Force announces arrival of second B-21 test aircraft at Edwards AFB The DAF announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft marking a significant step toward operational readiness of the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber.
Sept. 11, 2025 Wright ANGB to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons The DAF selected a location for two ANG cyber operations squadrons.
Sept. 10, 2025 ACC focuses on readiness, warfighter excellence during USecAF visit Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier visited Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Sept. 9, to gain a deeper understanding of how ACC headquarters trains and develops air combat forces for U.S. warfighting commanders.
Sept. 10, 2025 Allies unite in tactical, operational C2 during Bamboo Eagle 25-3 The exercise tested joint and coalition responses to complex short-notice threats, sharpening speed, flexibility and cooperation to defend national and allied interests.
Sept. 5, 2025 Around the Air Force: Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Alternative Navigation Milestone, Testing Helicopters vs. Fighters In this week's look around the Air Force, a new CCA platform takes a big step toward flying alongside manned fighter jets, alternative navigation software tests internal GPS measures, and the ANG tests helicopter countermeasures against fighter jets.
Sept. 2, 2025 Space Force to accept Air Force Reserve volunteers for part-time positions Air Force Reservists in space-related career fields interested in volunteering to join the U.S. Space Force as Guardians serving in a part-time capacity can apply.
Sept. 2, 2025 Northern Edge 2025 wraps up across Alaska Northern Edge 2025, a multi-domain, joint field-training exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and held throughout Alaska, concluded this week after showcasing the U.S. military’s expanded capabilities in the Arctic and north-western Pacific theater.
Aug. 29, 2025 Around the Air Force: DLE Lessons Learned, X-37B Lifts Off, Guardian Uniform Guidance In this week's look around the Air Force, the DLE series concludes after one month of readiness and interoperability training missions, the eighth X-37B OTV mission successfully launches, and the Space Force publishes new instruction outlining dress and appearance standards for Guardians.
Aug. 28, 2025 Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 wraps, strengthening alliances The annual combined joint all-domain military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield 25, concluded on Aug. 28, reinforcing the strength and readiness of the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance in the face of evolving regional security threats.
Aug. 27, 2025 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, YFQ-42A takes to the air for flight testing The Department of the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch.
Aug. 27, 2025 Air Force tests helicopter countermeasures over water in Total Force exercise A first-of-its-kind exercise evaluated the effectiveness of countermeasures in a maritime environment and evaluated the helicopters' defensive capabilities against modern aerial threats.
Aug. 26, 2025 US Air Force Reserve leaders strengthen ties with Philippine air force A U.S. Air Force Reserve delegation visited Manila to meet with Philippine air force leaders and discuss the Reserve Allies and Partners Program.
Aug. 22, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 22, 2025 Around the Air Force: Emerald Warrior Highlights Flexibility, Bamboo Eagle Tests C2, Vanguard Launch Boosts GPS In this week's look around the Air Force, AFSOC wraps up Emerald Warrior 25, Bamboo Eagle 25-3 concludes, and the first national security launch takes off to contribute to a more resilient space architecture.
Aug. 21, 2025 Building a more agile, integrated force: DAF cements inaugural DLE After a month-long series of exercises across the Indo-Pacific, The Department of the Air Force has concluded its Department-Level Exercises and looks to lessons learned.
Aug. 21, 2025 CMSAF visits Incirlik AB, engages with Airmen CMSAF Flosi visited Incirlik Air Base and engaged with Airmen across various units and work centers to reinforce the importance of readiness in this strategically vital location.
Aug. 21, 2025 EW 25.2: AFSOC heightens warfighting readiness during landmark DLE series AFSOC tested its warfighting readiness during Emerald Warrior 25.2, the command’s premier operational exercise held across Arizona and California from July 21 - Aug. 11.
Aug. 20, 2025 AMC enables agile and sustained logistics in the Indo-Pacific region during the 2025 DLE series AMC has sustained operations as part of the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 DLE series across the Indo-Pacific region validating its ability to project and sustain combat power, alongside allies and partners, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region
Aug. 20, 2025 DAF holds service’s first 'National Signing Day' at Capitol Hill The U.S. Air Force and Space Force held its first National Signing Day ceremony at the historic Rayburn House Office building, Aug. 15.
Aug. 18, 2025 CMSAF visits the 378th AEW Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi visited the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing to see the mission firsthand.
Aug. 15, 2025 Chaplain Corps Summit reinforces spiritual readiness, unveils new vision The Air Force Chaplain Corps wrapped up its annual summit, bringing together Religious Support Teams from across the Total Force to focus on spiritual readiness and alignment under the Chaplain Corps’ new motto: HC Ready!
Aug. 15, 2025 Around the Air Force: REFORPAC Wraps, Deployable Combat Wings, Mapping Space In this week's look around the Air Force, REFORPAC 25 concludes after 30 days of exercising across the Indo-Pacific, Deployable Combat Wings reorganize forces to meet requirements in any theater, and the Space Force approves an upgrade toward advancing Space Domain Awareness.
Aug. 8, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 8, 2025 REFORPAC 2025 comes to a close Misawa AB’s 35th FW wrapped up exercise REFORPAC25, marking a milestone month of agile combat employment, joint integration and combat readiness across the Indo-Pacific.
Aug. 8, 2025 Around the Air Force: Deployment to Employment, Milestone for the Sentinel, Sleeker Skies In this week's look around the Air Force, AMC shows how to project and sustain combat power as part of the DLE series, modernizing the nation's land based nuclear deterrent reaches a critical milestone, and drag reduction devices called Finlets undergo flight testing to enhance fuel efficiency.
Aug. 7, 2025 JCSE enables DAF’s DLE series Service members from the Joint Communications Support Element deployed to the Indo-Pacific AOR to provide the backbone of information technology support across all elements of the exercise series.
Aug. 5, 2025 In control: Training push ensures skies are safe during REFORPAC The training was designed to certify air traffic controllers in four different roles to support REFORPAC, effectively increasing ATC manpower by 50%.
Aug. 1, 2025 19th AW, mission partners deliver during DLE 25 Airmen from Little Rock AFB teamed up with Dyess AFB in DLE 2025, a large-scale training event and includes elements designed to test and refine the U.S. Air Force's rapid global mobility capabilities.
Aug. 1, 2025 Around the Air Force: Emerald Warrior Department Level Exercise, Next-Gen Command and Control, New Cyber Office In this week's look around the Air Force, AFSOC hosts Emerald Warrior 25.2 as part of the DLE series, the TOC-Light capability gets an upgrade with the Major Release 2 prototype, and the DAF creates a new AF/A6 DCS office dedicated to warfighter comms. and cyber systems.
July 31, 2025 Allied eyes on the fight: US, Australian ground C2 team powers the kill chain at TS25 The U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force are jointly operating ground-based command and control systems during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 to enhance military interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.
July 30, 2025 Lining up for the mission When large-scale operations, such as exercise Resolute Force Pacific, Talisman Sabre, or Bamboo Eagle require rapid deployment, the PDF line kicks into gear.
July 30, 2025 354th AEW takes ACE, interoperability to the skies for REFORPAC 25 The intent of the exercise was to enhance interoperability between allied and partnered multi-national air forces while working in Agile Combat Employment conditions, relying on the launching, recovering and maintaining aircraft from dispersed locations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
July 29, 2025 Air Force, Northrop Grumman advance Sentinel ICBM modernization with stage-two rocket motor test The U.S. Air Force, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, completed a full-scale qualification test of the stage-two solid rocket motor for the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, July 20, by the 717th Test Squadron at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
July 28, 2025 REFORPAC 2025: US, JASDF medics conduct aeromedical evacuation training U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 35th Medical Group, partnered with the 36th Airlift Squadron and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Misawa Medical Squadron, to conduct a mass casualty exercise and subject matter expert exchange during REFORPAC 2025.
July 25, 2025 SecAF visits Asia-Pacific to strengthen alliances, assess readiness Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink departed July 24 on his first international trip as SecAF, traveling throughout the U.S. Asia-Pacific area of responsibility to reinforce international partnerships and meet with Airmen and Guardians supporting the 2025 Department-Level Exercise.
July 25, 2025 Cloudy with a chance of aircraft: 36th OSS forecasts the force during REFORPAC 2025 The 36th Operations Support Squadron provides daily forecasts during real-world operations and exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025
July 24, 2025 Air Force stands up A6 for warfighter communications, cyber systems The Department of the Air Force has created a new AF/A6 Deputy Chief of Staff office dedicated to warfighter communications and cyber systems.
July 23, 2025 Holloman AFB medics enhance fitness and expeditionary capabilities in Medic-X exercise By incorporating field tactics and wartime medical practice in a Medic-X exercise, the 49th Medical Group added a new layer of depth to their monthly training day.
July 23, 2025 Surging airpower in the Pacific: Lamontagne observes allied mobility in action The commander of AMC visited the 515th AMOW squadrons during the U.S. Air Force Department-Level Exercise, to see how the Pacific-oriented AMC wing conducts an operational surge.
July 23, 2025 Next-gen TOC-L systems announced to boost agile C2 capabilities The DAF has announced the upgrade of the Tactical Operations Center-Light capability with its Major Release 2 prototype, designed to advance contributions to Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control.
July 22, 2025 CMSAF Flosi highlights Airmen’s agility, readiness during East Africa tour CMSAF Flosi met with Airmen during a recent multi-base visit, where he observed how small, agile teams are delivering results in one of the most strategically significant and operationally complex regions in the world.
July 21, 2025 Nordhaus, Raines see heroism, partnerships in Central Texas Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding. Within hours, Texas National Guard members sprang into action, launching search and rescue operations alongside civil authorities.
July 21, 2025 RIAT 2025 highlights global readiness, cooperation During the Royal International Air Tattoo, the U.S. Air Force, alongside NATO allies and partners from around the globe, showcased what the strength of multinational relationships can achieve.
July 18, 2025 US, Australian C-17s spearhead multinational joint force entry during Talisman Sabre 25 Multiple U.S. Air Force and RAAF C-17s executed a joint force-entry operation into Australia, deploying U.S. Army and international paratroopers in support of Talisman Sabre 25.
July 18, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 17, 2025 SOUTHERN STAR ’25: 27th Special Operations Wing projects power with partners in Chile The multinational training exercise emphasizes operational and tactical missions, bringing together joint, combined, interagency and military forces to strengthen coordination and interoperability within a unified special operations command.
July 14, 2025 354th AEW provides combat airpower to REFORPAC 25 During the exercise the 354th AEW will rapidly deploy and regionally maneuver fifth-generation capabilities like the F-35A Lightning II while executing Agile Combat Employment techniques.
July 14, 2025 SecAF, CSAF visit Whiteman AFB following Operation Midnight Hammer Department of the Air Force leaders commended top performers within the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings during a visit to Whiteman AFB.
July 11, 2025 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
July 11, 2025 Around the Air Force: Department Level Exercise, Aeromedical Readiness, Recruiting Exceeds Goals In this week’s look Around the Air Force, a DLE kicks off in multiple locations across the U.S. States and Indo-Pacific, a TAES exercise tests patient movement capabilities in contested environments, and the Air Force exceeds annual recruiting goals with its strongest DEP in the past decade.
July 10, 2025 Arkansas Air Guard participates in REFORPAC 25 The Arkansas ANG’s 188th Wing is playing a pivotal role in REFORPAC 25, PACAF’s most comprehensive contingency response exercise.
July 10, 2025 US, allies launch largest Pacific air exercise with REFORPAC 2025 The exercise aims to demonstrate PACAF’s ability to generate, sustain and adapt airpower in a contested environment while working alongside regional allies.
July 10, 2025 Tucano Tales: A-29C operations formally begin at the USAF Test Pilot School The A-29C Super Tucano fleet's integration into the school's curriculum offers students a modern platform for spin training, sensor and mission systems instruction, as well as other uses.