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Language center students, instructors go the distance with distance learning
April 1, 2020 — Despite the changes and preventative measures that are part of COVID-19, students from the 637th Training Group, also known as the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, or DLIELC, have innovated and transferred to a digital learning environment during the past two weeks... MORE

The current COVID-19 pandemic generated rapid growth and innovation at DLIELC, with the team being afforded the opportunity to test the implementation of open source and government technologies to continue their mission of language education, despite geographical separation for faculty and students. Until two weeks ago, all of DLIELC’s academic instruction was conducted in a classroom setting using printed books. Distance learning had never been part of the DLIELC framework, until now.

Turn quarantine time into quality time
April 1, 2020 — During the global pandemic that we find ourselves in today, it is important to remember to stay connected to our Air Force mission. Mission readiness means keeping a sound body and mind during trying times like these. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control has encouraged that all social gatherings and personal interactions be kept to a minimum. How can you stay away from COVID-19 and keep yourself from going stir-crazy at the same time? ... MORE

Board games lay stacked on a table inside one of the parmanent party dormitories March 20, 2020 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Playing board games is one of the many activities that families can do to keep entertained while practicing social distancing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nilsa Garcia)

Moments of joy still ring out at Brooke Army Medical Center
April 1, 2020 — With words of love and gratitude for his family’s support, Air Force Master Sgt. William “Mac” McMillan rang the cowbell March 27, a joyful sound signifying his last round of radiation at Brooke Army Medical Center. The tinny sound echoed in the near-empty hall usually bustling with family and friends eager to celebrate their loved one’s milestone. ... MORE

Possible military pharmacy changes due to COVID-19
March 31, 2020 — Do you use a military pharmacy? If so, there may be temporary limitations that result in s decrease in service or closure at your pharmacy due to COVID-19. To maintain patient and personnel safety, you may have to temporarily switch your prescription to TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or to a TRICARE retail network pharmacy... MORE

AAFES installing clear shields at cash registers to prevent spread of COVID-19
March 31, 2020 — The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is installing clear acrylic shields at cash registers in stores worldwide to keep warfighters and associates safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. All Exchanges are expected to have the shields within the next week... MORE

Op Blue Hero: 97th AMW transports BMT grads to Keesler for technical training
March 31, 2020 — A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew assigned to the 58th Airlift Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, supported the transport of the Air Force’s newest Basic Military Training graduates from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to their technical training school at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 20, 2020... MORE

A C-17 airplane taxis into a parking spot

AETC Command Chief: 'We stand as a ready Air Force because of you'
March 31, 2020 — Normally the month of March is known for Women’s History Month and "Mustache March," however this past month will be remembered for when we were attacked by something that while challenging us mentally and physically, would also highlight our Airmen's resolve and true grit... MORE

photo collage with airplane, medics, other Airmen

Army leaders announce temporary changes to retention, promotion, as COVID-19 persists
March 31, 2020 — Army leaders announced new reenlistment and promotion policies that will last until Sept. 30, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change how the military operates... MORE

Mission and Installation Contracting Command serves strategic role in response to COVID-19
March 31, 2020 — Uniformed and civilian contracting professionals from across the Mission and Installation Contracting Command are serving a vital role in the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis... MORE

FAQ: COVID-19 impacts to BMT and technical training (UPDATED)
March 31, 2020 — These frequently asked questions act as a resource for anyone who has questions or concerns about themselves or a loved one that is part of the 37th Training Wing, including basic military training at the 737th Training Group and technical training at the 37th Training Group... MORE

Army seeks retired medical Soldiers to support COVID-19 efforts
March 30, 2020 — The U.S. Army is actively seeking retired officers, noncommissioned officers, and other Soldiers in certain medical specialties to assist with COVID-19 pandemic response efforts... MORE

Army engineers now eyeing 100-plus sites for COVID-19 response
March 30, 2020 — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified more than 110 sites across the country it could retrofit to help local hospitals deal with patient overflow amid the COVID-19 outbreak, its commander said March 27... MORE

Commissaries, support facilities designated mission-critical as part of DOD’s COVID-19 response
March 30, 2020 — The Defense Commissary Agency’s stores, central distribution centers and its central meat processing plant have been designated mission-critical in DOD’s response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic... MORE

Army South holds virtual town hall March 31
March 30, 2020 — Maj. Gen. Daniel Walrath, U.S. Army South commanding general, and ARSOUTH Command Sgt. Maj. William Rinehart personally invite the entire U.S. Army South Team – families, Soldiers and civilians – to take part in an U.S. Army South Virtual Town Hall via Army South FaceBookLive @ https://www.facebook.com/ArmySouth/ at 11 a.m. March 31... MORE

DOD issues Flexible Spending Account tips in response to COVID-19
March 30, 2020 — Flexible Spending Account participants may make changes to their Health Care FSA, Limited Expense Health Care FSA , or Dependent Care FSA elections if there has been a Qualifying Life Event, or QLE... MORE

Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service

Military OneSource, family and spouse programs still available
March 30, 2020 — Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that is both a call center and website that provides comprehensive information, support, and resources on every aspect of military life... MORE

President signs Executive Order calling up Air Force Reserve medics, other specialties
March 30, 2020 — On March 27, the President signed an Executive Order authorizing mobilization of the Reserve Component in response to COVID-19 operations. For the Air Force Reserve, personnel already serving in the Selected Reserve and Participating Individual Ready Reserve, as well as those assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve, may be asked to volunteer to activate in support of COVID-19 response. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tatiana Abasolo, a member of the Air Force Reserve’s 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, provides instruction on how to properly secure a patient for movement during an aeromedical staging and aerial port training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 3, 2019.

Local Navy recruiter produces face shields to fight against COVID-19
March 30, 2020 — Petty Officer 2nd Class Elias Grey, a recruiter assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Midland, is producing 3D-printed face shields for civilian medical personnel during his off-duty time... MORE

BAMC modifies services to reduce COVID-19 risk
March 29, 2020 — To ensure Brooke Army Medical Center's healthcare professionals are poised to support an increased need for acute patient care and minimize risk to all, certain services and programs have been delayed/reduced at this time... MORE

Sixteenth Air Force keeps the telework force in the fight
March 29, 2020 — In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) is working to ensure teleworkers across the Air Force keep government and personal computers and networks connected and protected... MORE