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

June 14, 2024
SecAF, CSAF sign AFMEDCOM PAD, align with key readiness priorities

The PAD authorizes the formation of the Air Force Medical Command as a direct reporting unit aligned with the Secretary of the Air Force’s readiness priorities and support capabilities lines of effort.
May 31, 2023
AFMS holds first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility conference

The Air Force Medical Service’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted their inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility conference May 24, with a thematic focus on informing attendees on the latest AFMS initiatives and inspiriting further action.
May 21, 2023
Mountain Home AFB leans forward on MEDIC-X training for future fight

MEDIC-X training will be offered across the Air Force July 1, but several bases like Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, have already started training their medical personnel to deliver care in the future fight.
April 30, 2023
New AF surgeon general program enhances support for EFMP families, Airmen, Guardians

The Air Force surgeon general has made improving support for military children one of his priorities.
March 10, 2023
Around the Air Force: AWACS Replacement, Reproductive Health Policies, African Air Chiefs Symposium

In this week’s look around the Air Force, a new prototype Airborne Battle Management aircraft is ordered, the Air Force announces new privacy protections for pregnant Airmen and policies for non-covered reproductive health care, and U.S. Air Forces Africa sponsors a meeting of African Air Chiefs.
July 15, 2022
Air Force focuses on future of Indo-Pacific alliances, Agile Combat Employment

Cope North tests how well medics from the three nations operate during challenging scenarios while strengthening partnerships and integrating Agile Combat Employment concepts.
June 3, 2022
Air Force Medical Service launches ‘Nutrition Kitchen’ series

The Nutrition Kitchen’s goal is to inspire healthy meal choices by providing options for service members to make realistic changes to foods they are already eating, while also providing the opportunity to learn the science behind those choices and “level up” their nutrition knowledge.
May 18, 2022
Future of nursing: Telehealth, more innovation, maybe some robots

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has fast-tracked many changes to the Military Health System and forced all providers - especially nurses - to innovate at near-quantum speed with agility and flexibility.
March 29, 2022
On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, AFMS celebrates aeromedical's role

While more than 58,000 Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, Air Force Medical Service improvements in aeromedical evacuation helped ensure wounded service members had a better chance for survival than ever before.
Feb. 27, 2022
Air Force medics continue deployments to civilian hospitals and care facilities

At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 1,000 U.S. Air Force active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard medics are serving in civilian hospitals, care facilities, and other public institutions.
Dec. 30, 2021
Air Force Medical Service Airmen discuss future of medicine at annual workshop

Leaders across the Air Force Medical Service met virtually and in-person for an annual Senior Leadership Workshop in Leesburg, Virginia to share ideas focused on recalibrating operational readiness.
Dec. 29, 2021
Air Force supports US global health policy priorities of 2021

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has established new policies in 2021 addressing global health security and the use of global health engagement to mitigate the current pandemic, as well as emerging and future biosecurity threats.
Nov. 20, 2021
Air Force Medical Service demonstrates reliable trifecta supporting patients, nation, world

Whether working behind the glass barrier of the pharmacy, the private room of the mental health clinic, or in the lab, medics take care of the vital mission of keeping beneficiaries healthy and service members ready. However, there is much more Air Force medics do.
Aug. 23, 2021
Air Force mental health leaders discuss future of field

Mental health leaders across the Air Force met virtually for an annual conference, August 9-13, to discuss military mental health care, telehealth, the impact of COVID-19 and embedded mental health support.
Jan. 25, 2021
The AFMS in the Persian Gulf War, the need for critical care

January 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of Desert Storm, and it also marks a turning point in Air Force Medical Service’s Critical Care Transport Teams.
Jan. 25, 2021
AFMS operations during Gulf War: Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm

In August and September 1990, the Air Force placed the first in-theater U.S. medical facilities capable of both surgery and chemical decontamination. The first Air Force medical teams arrived in the Arabian Peninsula two days after the combat units. These teams were the main source of medical
Oct. 10, 2020
Air Force medical entomology supports wide-reaching mission, seeks candidates

Operating with Public Health, medical entomologists study various insects, pests and the diseases they carry to determine how they could impact the health of service members.
June 23, 2020
Air Force Surgeon General authorizes 5-year shaving waivers

In a memorandum dated June 18, 2020, Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, Air Force Surgeon General authorized five-year shaving waivers for Air and Space professionals diagnosed with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, effective immediately.
Jan. 10, 2020
AFMC beta-tests diagnostic fitness assessments

As the Air Force continues to review the overall current fitness assessment guidance for Airmen, AFMC has elected to implement diagnostic testing as a potential part of the policy change.
Dec. 12, 2019
Air Force warns Airmen of electronic cigarette risks

The Air Force, much like the civilian population, is seeing a decrease in traditional tobacco use, but an increase in e-cigarette use.
Dec. 9, 2019
Air Force surgeon general updates Congress on medical reform

Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, Air Force surgeon general, testified Dec. 5 before the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel, updating them on medical reform in the Air Force.
July 22, 2019
315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron trains alongside Royal Air Force

Reservists from the U.S. Air Force Reserve 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Royal Auxiliary Air Force No. 4626 Squadron focused on sharing key aeromedical evacuation skills and leadership and teamwork experiences. Because both units are made up primarily of reservists, the training provided
July 3, 2019
Air Force stands up Air Force Medical Readiness Agency

Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, and incoming AFMRA commander Brig. Gen. Mark Koeniger, spoke at the ceremony, heralding a new era in Air Force Medicine.
June 27, 2019
Air Force Medical Service unveils new model for active duty care

Under the Air Force Medical Reform model, dedicated provider care teams will align to an operational medical readiness squadron, focused on proactively treating Total Force Airmen and improving their availability to support the warfighting mission.
June 24, 2019
NATO-IHS collaboration proves valuable for building partner capability, interoperability

Since 2017, the two organizations have collaboratively produced a First Responder Train-the-Trainer program designed to navigate language barriers between trainers and trainees. The FRTT course provides medical personnel with the skills needed to train others at varying levels to administer
April 24, 2019
New training prepares Airmen to save lives

Airmen are “arming up” their life-saving skills with Tactical Combat Casualty Care, also known as TCCC.TCCC is a standardized course created to equip every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine with the basic skills to save lives in combat operations.
Jan. 30, 2019
Virtual training platform maintains, improves military surgeons' skills

It is vital for medical Airmen to continuously maintain and improve their skills. To access more training opportunities, military surgeons are looking to virtual training platforms. The Air Force is working with sister services to study a virtual training platform called Crowd-Sourced Assessment of
Jan. 28, 2019
Biomedical Sciences Corps appreciation week

The 96th Medical Group will observe Biomedical Sciences Corps Appreciation Week beginning Jan. 23 to recognize the organization’s efforts and contributions to Air Force medicine.
Sept. 5, 2018
Air Force's first Invisible Wounds Center opens

The 96th Medical Group opened the Air Force’s first Invisible Wounds Center Aug. 30, at Eglin Air Force Base.
July 10, 2018
A peek behind the curtain: Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating, but there are therapies that can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and help Airmen return to duty.
June 28, 2018
Readiness, trauma at heart of C-STARS Baltimore partnership

(This story is part one of two in a series on medics embedded in the Baltimore Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills program.)
May 1, 2018
Air Force ramps up flying ICU teams

When the U.S. military needs to transport critically injured patients by air, it calls on Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams. The Air Force is increasing CCATT capabilities to meet the needs of the warfighter.
April 10, 2018
Secure Messaging makes communicating with your Air Force doctor simple

In today’s connected world, we expect most communication to be convenient and instantaneous. Why should communicating with your health provider be any different? That is why the Air Force Medical Service offers a secure messaging platform for patients and families to communicate safely and quickly
March 16, 2018
First-ever blood test for detecting brain injury cleared by FDA

Brain injuries can happen from a fall, while in combat or during training exercises. Thanks in part to research funded by the Defense Department and the Army, Banyan Biomarkers has created the first-ever brain trauma blood test. On Feb. 14, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration cleared marketing of
Jan. 24, 2018
International health specialists employ unique skills to build medical capabilities with partner nations

Healthcare is a critical avenue to strengthen partnerships with U.S. allies around the globe. The Air Force International Health Specialist program takes highly trained Air Force health personnel with unique skill sets, and puts them in Global Health Engagements around the world. There, they share
Jan. 2, 2018
Embracing the uncharted life as an amputee – An Airman’s story of resiliency (Part 2)

Maj. Stephanie Proellochs , a recent amputee, gazes up at the rock climbing wall at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s physical therapy center in Bethesda, Maryland. She recalled the time she witnessed a service member who had lost his arm effortlessly climb his way to the top.
Dec. 21, 2017
Every journey begins with a single step – An Airman’s story of resiliency (Part 1)

Maj. Stephanie Proellochs, a Medical Service Corps officer, was fighting cancer, overcoming the odds and set on returning to active duty. Unfortunately, just when the finish line was in sight, new challenges presented themselves.
Nov. 2, 2017
Nerve Scrambler Therapy lessens pain for warfighters, Tricare patients

At first glance, Nerve Scrambler Therapy is a name that some might confuse with an experimental, avant-garde rock band from the 1970s. Think The Velvet Underground, Electric Light Orchestra or Grand Funk Railroad.In reality, NST is one of the 79th Medical Wing’s most cutting edge methods for
Aug. 17, 2017
Annual consent for automatic prescription refills begins Sept. 1

Beginning Sept. 1, 2017, Express Scripts will need annual consent from patients who want to receive automatic refills of their maintenance medications enrolled in TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. This means that just before one of your prescriptions runs out of refills, Express Scripts will reach out
Aug. 12, 2017
Air Force Military Treatment Facilities pilot medical readiness

Air Force Medicine has a non-stop global readiness mission. Medical Airmen must be prepared to deploy on short notice to provide life-saving and performance-enhancing healthcare in diverse, austere and isolated locations, and all Airmen must be medically ready to deploy. To achieve this readiness
July 7, 2017
New Air Force health mobile app available for patients

The Air Force Medical Service has launched a new mobile app to connect Airmen and patients to news and information about the AFMS. The new app is a mobile version of the AFMS website, and lets users customize their experience based on the Air Force military treatment facility they use. This way,
June 22, 2017
PTSD treatment confronts the trauma behind the disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered one of the “signature wounds” of the current conflicts in the Middle East. But many people may not know that there are highly effective treatments for this invisible wound being deployed at Air Force hospitals and clinics today.
May 26, 2017
JB Anacostia-Bolling nurse earns top Air Force civilian award

Joy Anderson, a registered nurse at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Outpatient Clinic in Washington, D.C., was recently named the Air Force Medical Service’s 2016 Civilian Nurse of the Year.
May 14, 2017
Don’t suffer alone – mental health disorders have effective treatments

Mental health disorders are relatively common within civilian and military communities, but with early treatment, most mental health disorders can be effectively treated, and patients can return to mental wellness.
March 22, 2017
Overcoming the shadow of death: An Airman’s fight against depression

Staff Sgt. Srun Sookmeewiriya or Sook, as many people know him, may seem like a happy and carefree Airman at first glance. The 313th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of reports regularly puts forth an earnest effort to keep his unit alive and running, so his dark past and
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. 17, 2017
Utility of genetics clinical study seeks volunteers across AF

In partnership with the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative, recruitment has begun for Phase II of the Air Force Medical Service Personalized Medicine Clinical Utility Study. The aim of the study is to evaluate the utility of genetics and genomics in clinical care.
Dec. 28, 2016
New Year, new you: Take control of your own health

A new year can mean new opportunities, new discoveries and maybe a few new goals. While the New Year’s Resolution is a common tradition, many of them get abandoned long before the new year is gone again. Setting goals for a healthier you is something everyone can do, if you do it right.
Dec. 13, 2016
Special ops surgical team saves hundreds during deployment

If they stood on the roof of the abandoned one-story home they were working out of, at night they could see bombs dropping on the city three kilometers north. Limited resources, limited manpower, limited backup, and limited time didn’t stop this Air Force Special Operations Surgical Team from
Nov. 17, 2016
Deployed electronic health records training available

The Air Force Medical Service is developing an Electronic Health Record that will enable medical Airmen to treat those who are wounded while deployed in a harsh or isolated environment.
Oct. 21, 2016
TRICARE to expand preventive service coverage

TRICARE has always had excellent coverage of important preventive services and they are making it better. TRICARE is adding preventive services to ensure alignment with recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s guidelines.
Oct. 4, 2016
From England to France: Swimming the channel

After approximately two years of training and regimented swimming schedules, two Airmen swam the English Channel from Dover, England, to the western coastline of France Sept. 27 and Oct. 3.
Oct. 4, 2016
Break the cycle of bullying

Bullying is not just a part of life that stops in the schoolyard; it can have consequences that stretch into adulthood and impact people for the rest of their lives.
Sept. 1, 2016
Every Airman plays a role in suicide prevention

The Air Force is determined to prevent suicide, but an Airman doesn’t need to be a specialist or doctor to do that. Sometimes all it takes is starting a conversation. Everyone has a role to play. That’s a key part of the Defense Department’s #BeThere campaign, which encourages making a difference
Aug. 30, 2016
Influenza vaccine update for Airmen, families

This year's influenza vaccine will be different for service members due to a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to not use the live attenuated influenza vaccine, commonly known as FluMist.
Aug. 1, 2016
Preventive measures lead to a healthier Air Force

Preventing illness or injury is the goal of the Air Force’s Preventive Medicine program, a topic that is highlighted in August during Preventive Health Month.
Aug. 1, 2016
Air Force modifies long-range radar solicitation

The Air Force is working diligently to improve battlespace awareness with the next generation of long-range radars and has issued an amendment to a current solicitation.
July 24, 2016
AF begins study on noise exposures

An Air Force Surgeon General initiative called Total Exposure Health will soon advance from a concept to a real-world demonstration at an operational base. Total Exposure Health focuses on primary prevention, which includes exposures in the workplace, the environment and lifestyles, in order to
July 13, 2016
Residency program serves military, civilian medical personnel

The Family Medicine Residency Program brings together military and civilian medical personnel while building a partnership of collaboration and a well-rounded learning environment for program participants, which strengthens their abilities to take care of their patients.
July 12, 2016
59th MDW brings normalcy to wounded patients

Most people have no idea what “maxillofacial” means, but to wounded warriors with traumatic injuries the word inspires hope. Disfigured by circumstances while abroad or at home, maxillofacial prosthodontics gives wounded warriors, veterans and civilians a chance at living a normal life.
June 30, 2016
Changing Air Force health care through innovation

Air Force Medical Service Innovations and Personalized Medicine program personnel are conducting innovative research to find new solutions to improve healthcare throughout the Air Force.
June 29, 2016
AF has openings for civilian medical professionals

The Air Force is looking for qualified civilian medical professionals to work with the Air Force Medical Service.
June 27, 2016
PTSD awareness leads to positive treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating in some patients, but thanks to advancements in research and the continued training of mental health providers, treatments are getting better all the time. Maj. Joel Foster, the chief of Air Force Deployment Mental Health, said treating PTSD has
June 23, 2016
Health literacy key for better health, better care

At the core of health literacy is communication between patients and their health care providers. In order to make the best decisions about their health, patients need clear information they can understand. Through patient-centered care, the Air Force is working to educate health professionals to
June 22, 2016
AF medics enhance skills, build relationships in Dominican Republic

Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing are improving their clinical skills and building international relationships during a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored readiness training exercise in the Dominican Republic.
June 22, 2016
Airmen join multinational effort, offer medical care in Cambodia

Medical professionals from several nations and agencies recently came together in Pacific Angel 16-2 to promote interoperability with partner nations while delivering humanitarian aid to Cambodians in the Kampot province.
June 21, 2016
Family first: A story for Air Force spouses

Jeff Hogg knows the role of the military spouse better than most because he understands the needs of the military lifestyle and the military family. He served in the Air Force for over 20 years before retiring and is the spouse of Maj. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, the Air Force deputy surgeon general.
June 14, 2016
Coping with stress through healthy thinking

Stress. Even the mention of the word can increase anxiety for some. Everyone deals with stress differently, but how a person copes with daily stressors can have great impacts on their quality of life and overall health.
April 12, 2016
AF New Parent Support Program helps families care for infants, toddlers

The Air Force New Parent Support Program provides information, support and guidance to parents as they care for their newborns, infants and toddlers. The program helps military families learn about the growth and development of infants and toddlers, to prepare for the changes that come as a baby is
Feb. 16, 2016
Air Force continues to improve care in the air

The Air Mobility Command Surgeon General’s office and researchers across the Air Force, to include the 711th Human Resource Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, have been working together to improve how the Air Force provides care in the air. The AMC/SG is responsible for clinical
Jan. 14, 2016
Gulf War created need for better critical care

January 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Desert Storm, and also a turning point in Air Force Medical Service’s Critical Care Transport Teams.
Dec. 29, 2015
Air Force Medical Service’s Year in Review

In 2015, the doctors, nurses and technicians of the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) made a difference in the Air Force’s mission, while new AFMS technologies and training exercises ensured air and space superiority.
June 9, 2015
AF welcomes new surgeon general

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Mark A. Ediger was promoted by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry O. Spencer, as the 22nd Air Force surgeon general, in a ceremony June 8, at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
May 5, 2015
Active-duty Airmen to have direct access to physical therapy clinics

The Air Force Medical Operations Agency has recently directed all Air Force military treatment facilities (MTF) to establish direct access physical therapy clinics for active-duty members. The policy shift will now allow an active-duty member with an acute musculoskeletal injury to make an
Oct. 30, 2014
Air Force medical trainers arrive in Monrovia

A team of Air Force medical trainers has arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, to train non-U.S. medical personnel as part of Operation United Assistance, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said Oct. 30.
March 24, 2014
AF healthcare messaging service now fully implemented

The Air Force has recently completed implementation of its secure healthcare-messaging system, MiCare, to all 76 of its medical treatment facilities worldwide.
Oct. 8, 2013
New Defense Health Agency to streamline functions

The government shutdown did not stop the official opening Oct. 1 of the Defense Health Agency, a major streamlining of military medicine that has been in the works for three decades and signed into law earlier this year.
Aug. 19, 2013
Airmen asked to participate in DOD anti-tobacco video competition

The Department of Defense, Health Affairs, has recently announced a new countermarketing video competition that aims to target tobacco as an enemy of the military that degrades service members' health, fitness, mission readiness and work productivity. The competition entitled, "Fight the Enemy,"
Aug. 19, 2013
Through Airmen's Eyes: Lieutenant follows father's path to silver wings

Second Lt. Jon Koritz graduated from undergraduate pilot training Aug. 16, joining a long list of military aviators, including his late father, Maj. Tom Koritz.

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