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Air Force Services Center software innovation enhances deployment readiness
October 19, 2020 — A decade-long mission gap impacting a wide range of military operations is closing, thanks to the Air Force Services Center and an innovative software system that tracks contingency quarters availability. ... MORE

Combat Support Wing exercise in April 2019

433rd TRS Reserve MTI STEPS to master sergeant
October 19, 2020 — Former Marine Corps field radio operator Martin Hernandez, now an Air Force Reserve military training instructor at the 433rd Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland was STEP-promoted to master sergeant during an October ceremony at JBSA-Lackland, attended by his MTI teammates and his flight of basic trainees. The 433rd TRS is one of seven squadrons assigned to the 340th Flying Training Group at JBSA-Randolph, and the only all-Reserve MTI squadron in the Air Force. ... MORE

502nd Air Base Wing hosts '5-0-2 Who?' competition
October 16, 2020 — "I know me... You know you... but who are WE?" In an effort to help build wing culture, unity, and brand identity, the 502nd Air Base Wing is hosting a friendly, fun competition known as “5-0-2 Who?”... MORE

Activation ceremony heralds new chapter in trainer aircraft maintenance story
October 16, 2020 — A trainer aircraft maintenance training center that will serve the needs of Air Education and Training Command for decades to come will be activated during a ceremony at 10:15 a.m., Oct. 29, in Hangar 62 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph... MORE

Ruben Pesina,12th Maintenance Group, repairs a panel from a T-38C Talon aircraft during a phase inspection at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. A trainer aircraft maintenance training center in Hangar 62 at JBSA-Randolph will soon be producing a new generation of trainer aircraft technicians to serve Air Education and Training Command.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Foreign affairs specialist provides diverse skill set
October 16, 2020 — After applying for a position with the Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph late last year, Andy Smith received an automated email telling him he was not qualified for the job. Then, something surprising happened... MORE

Andy Smith, far left, applied for a position through Schedule A, a hiring authority which allows federal agencies to hire individuals with disabilities directly into the workforce. Smith, who is wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, now works as a foreign affairs specialist.at the Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron.

Maintaining positive social media interactions important during COVID-19
October 16, 2020 — As the pandemic stretches into eight months and counting, more and more people are turning to social media as a substitute for risky in-person interactions. Facebook and other social media platforms have reported record use, compared to a year ago... MORE

Although a great communication tool with friends and family, service members need to be mindful of the pitfalls of social media.

Commentary: Cake with persistence
October 15, 2020 — Persistence keeps you moving. It is a drive within you that helps to steer you toward your goals. A lesson of persistence was given to me by my child after my husband baked a pumpkin candied pecan torte. ... MORE

Campbell Memorial Library dedicates Community of Kindness Quilt
October 15, 2020 — Patrons and staff members of the Campbell Memorial Library at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston have come up with a creative way to promote kindness... MORE

Patrons and staff members of the Campbell Memorial Library at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston have come up with a creative way to promote kindness.

CSA: ‘The time is now’ to transform the Army
October 15, 2020 — Not only are people the Army’s No. 1 priority but, according to its top officer, they will also play a critical role in transforming the Army as it moves into the future... MORE

Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Division learn about the importance of strong and trustworthy leadership from Gen. James C. McConville during his visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, July 22, 2019.

MICC contract enhances IMCOM emergency response communications
October 15, 2020 — Emergency response communications are getting a boost at 72 Army locations across the country and Puerto Rico following the September award of a contract for wireless devices and services by Mission and Installation Contracting Command officials at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston... MORE

Hurricane Hunters fly Delta missions from Joint Base San Antonio
October 15, 2020 — As Hurricane Delta made its way into the Gulf of Mexico Oct. 7 and headed for the Louisiana coastline, Joint Base San Antonio personnel jumped into action to support the evacuation of aircraft and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi... MORE

Staff Sgt. Tyler, 502nd Operations Support Squadron airfield management, looks up information for C-130 air crews in support of hurricane evacuation operations during hurricane Delta Oct. 7, 2020, at Joint San Antonio-Kelly Field, Texas.

JBSA retirement offices assist with gaining, maintaining benefits
October 15, 2020 — Joint Base San Antonio Retirement Services and Retiree Activities Offices assist, inform and prepare military members and their families during their transition to retirement. The offices are also available after the big day to keep them up-to-date on their rights, benefits and privileges... MORE

Joe Silvas Jr., military retirement services officer, 802nd Force Support Squadron, meets with a client to discuss available services at the Retirement Services Office on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 15, 2020.

Naval Medical Forces Support Command celebrates Navy birthday virtually
October 15, 2020 — COVID-19 has led to cancellations of many of the time-honored ceremonies that military members enjoy. As a way to commemorate the Navy’s birthday, Naval Medical Forces Support Command, or NMFSC, used virtual means to honor the day... MORE

Keesler Air Force Base, AETC keep BMT pipeline going
October 15, 2020 — When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived earlier this year, the way units and people operate in the Air Force changed. With a threat like this, there was a risk the training pipeline could have stopped, but due to the flexibility and adaptability of the 81st Training Group at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, the Basic Military Training pipeline has continued to supply the Air Force with the Airmen we need... MORE

Basic military training graduates from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, exit a commercial aircraft at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 29, 2020. BMT graduates used to be transported by bus from Lackland, but ever since COVID-19, they transitioned to being transported by aircraft to reduce the risk of infection among the students to keep the training pipeline going. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Suzie Plotnikov)

TRICARE Open Season runs Nov. 9 to Dec. 14
October 15, 2020 — With the 2020 TRICARE Open Season coming soon, now is the time to start thinking about your and your family’s health care needs... MORE

With the 2020 TRICARE Open Season coming soon, now is the time to start thinking about your and your family’s health care needs.

Army secretary announces people as top priority
October 14, 2020 — Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy announced Oct. 13 that "people" will now be the Army's top priority, as the force works to give junior leaders more time to build cohesive teams... MORE

National Guard Soldiers with the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team conduct training in the Boise National Forest, Idaho, Oct. 3. 2020. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy announced Oct. 13, 2020, that "people" will now be the Army's top priority, as the force works to give junior leaders more time to build cohesive teams.

Operation Warp Speed makes swift progress
October 14, 2020 — Unprecedented progress has been made recently on Operation Warp Speed — the effort by the Defense Department, Health and Human Services, other federal agencies and private industry to develop a coronavirus vaccine, an HHS official said Oct. 9... MORE

Airman 1st Class Kokou Dekadjevi, 96th Medical Group, administers a COVID-19 test Aug. 10 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Dekadjevi and the medical group’s diagnostic testing center employees administered more than 330 tests in a two-day span to 7th Special Forces Group Soldiers returning from a deployment.

Hatch Act limits political activities, even during telework
October 14, 2020 — The Hatch Act, a federal law passed in 1939, limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state, D.C., and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs, even during telework... MORE

The Hatch Act's purpose is to ensure federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion, to protect federal employees from political coercion in the workplace, and to ensure federal employees are advanced based on merit and not based on political affiliation.

Air Force recognizes Energy Awareness Month
October 13, 2020 — Every October, the Department of the Air Force recognizes Energy Awareness Month to promote energy resilience and acknowledge the critical role energy plays in mission assurance. As the battlefield grows increasingly complex, supplying power to our forces safely and reliably remains fundamental to our global mission... MORE

Energy=Capability Energy Awareness Month 2020

DLIELC resumes mobile training teams after COVID-19 pause
October 13, 2020 — On March 19, the Department of State advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In response to the global health advisory, the closing of international borders and the cancellations of international flights, Defense Language Institute English Language Center personnel on outside contiguous United States mobile training teams, or MTTs, repatriated... MORE

The Defense Language Institute English Language Center is a world-renowned institution in the field of English Language Training with a mission is to teach, monitor and conduct the Defense English Language Program while providing a look into American culture.