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AF implements options for Exceptional Family Members during pandemic
April 10, 2020 — The Exceptional Family Member Program instituted new support to minimize the impact caused by department COVID-19 policies, including the Stop Movement order and social distancing guidelines. ... MORE

The Air Force is providing additional support to Airmen with exceptional family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning April 15, Exceptional Family Member Program families can initiate their Family Member Travel Screening package online. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

Commentary: Five simple words for our coronavirus heroes
April 10, 2020 — As service members, we are often approached by strangers who want to reach out and say, “thank you for your service.” This kind gesture is something I’ve always appreciated. Serving my nation is a source of pride and a way to be a part of something that is bigger than myself... MORE

59th MDW leverages telehealth to keep patients, staff safe
April 9, 2020 — While San Antonio is under a “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, members of the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland have found new ways to continue providing high-reliability care through virtual appointments while keeping patients and staff safe... MORE

Capt. (Dr.) Shane Riggs, 59th Medical Operations Squadron psychiatrist, conducts a virtual medical appointment in San Antonio, Texas April 7, 2020. Telehealth appointments can be scheduled by calling the Consult Appointment Management Office at (210) 916-9900. At the time of the appointment, a provider calls or sends the patient a link to the audiovisual platform being used for the visit. The link can be accessed on a patient’s home or work computer, cell phone or tablet, without creating an account.

Learn tips for effective teleworking
April 9, 2020 — “Teleworking has never been more important.” This is the message of Telework.gov, the official website of the federal government’s telework program. In this time of COVID-19 and the requisite social distancing, the message rings true... MORE

CARES Act to provide financial relief
April 9, 2020 — The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, became law March 27, 2020. Among the important benefits the act will provide are: emergency financial assistance, unemployment insurance, rent and mortgage payment relief, penalty-free IRA and 401(k) early withdrawals, and funds for food banks and other food security programs... MORE

Army publishes guidance about leases affected by DOD travel restrictions
April 9, 2020 — The U.S. Army has published guidance to assist Soldiers with permanent change of station orders who are affected by the current Department of Defense COVID-19 travel restrictions and face potential conflict with landlords... MORE

BMT proof of concept begins at Keesler Air Force Base
April 9, 2020 — Sixty trainees arrived to the proof of concept Basic Military Training detachment at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 7, marking a historic moment for the Air Force’s training program... MORE

BMT adapts during COVID-19: adds masks, shortens pipeline
April 9, 2020 — To prioritize safety and continue providing ready Airmen to fuel tomorrow’s Air Force, BMT is moving to a 7.5-week training pipeline. The 7.5-week training program is one of many measures implemented at BMT to limit the spread of COVID-19... MORE

Trainees in basic military training (BMT) learn defensive fighting positions in preparation for BEAST (Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training) on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 8. This was the first day mask wear was implemented at BMT as a required safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local family donates facemasks to BAMC
April 9, 2020 — Arisa and Junko Lawhon donate handmade face coverings for Brooke Army Medical Center non-clinical staff April 8, 2020... MORE

Army’s top chaplain: more social distancing, less disconnection
April 8, 2020 — While officials have relied on “social distancing” to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Army’s top chaplain says the term doesn’t mean stopping all contact with friends and family... MORE

CID warns of increase in COVID-19 related fraud, scams
April 8, 2020 — Opportunistic scammers continue to find creative ways to obtain and use someone’s personal and financial information. From fake stimulus checks to Medicare fraud, cybercriminals will undertake extreme measures to separate individuals from their money... MORE

Army delays recruit movement to basic training, offers incentive pay
April 7, 2020 — To help slow the spread of coronavirus, the Army will halt the movement of new recruits to basic combat training for at least two weeks, service leaders said April 6. New recruits may also be eligible to receive up to $6,000 of delayed shipping incentive pay added to any existing bonuses, depending on the length of delay... MORE

AETC Command Team virtual town hall available on "The Air Force Starts Here" podcast
April 7, 2020 — An audio-only version of the Apr. 3 virtual town hall featuring the command team of Air Education and Training Command is available now on “The Air Force Starts Here” podcast... MORE

"The Air Force Starts Here" is Air Education and Training Command's professional development podcast. The professional development podcasts are designed to help communicate and inform Total Force Airmen across the globe on relevant, timely topics related to the recruiting, training, education and development fields and can be listened to on the government network on the AETC website, or via mobile application as well as on Apple Podcasts (iTunes). For Android or Google mobile users, the podcast can be found on their favorite third-party podcast phone application. (U.S. Air Force graphic / 1st Lt. Robert Guest)

With COVID-19 comes scams – let the buyer beware!
April 7, 2020 — Playing on our fears about COVID-19 and the economy in general, scammers are trying to sell things like fake medical treatments and equipment using ads on social media, unsolicited text messages and robocalls... MORE

Update: Air Force BMT Graduation and Schedule
April 7, 2020 — To fully maximize training effectiveness and space utilization to mitigate COVID-19, the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training will accelerate BMT from eight and half weeks to seven weeks of training... MORE

To fully maximize training effectiveness and space utilization to mitigate COVID-19, the USAF Basic Military Training will accelerate Basic Military Training (BMT) from eight and half weeks to seven weeks of training according to Col Newsom, the Commander of Basic Military Training.

558th Flying Training Squadron holds virtual change of command
April 7, 2020 — The 558th Flying Training Squadron conducted a virtual change of command ceremony April 3 at Crawford Hall, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph... MORE

The 558th Flying Training Squadron is located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

433rd AW mobilizes medics for COVID-19 response
April 6, 2020 — In less than 36 hours, nine medics from the 433rd Airlift Wing and an Individual Mobilization Augmentee from the 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland mobilized and deployed to New York City on a C-5M Super Galaxy April 5, 2020, to respond to the COVID-19 crisis... MORE

Medical technicians in the 433rd Airlift Wing mobilize and depart Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to respond to the COVID-19 crisis April 5, 2020.

IAFAA adapts to COVID-19 demands
April 6, 2020 — In the rapidly evolving environment around the new coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has implemented a number of precautions and safety measures to ensure the safety of the faculty and students... MORE

The Inter-American Air Forces Academy provides military education and training to military personnel of the Americas and other eligible Partner Nations.

AFIMSC leans on technology to keep mission going
April 6, 2020 — Cancelled conferences, travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t getting in the way of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s global mission... MORE

AFIMSC commander hosts virtual town hall

COVID-19 test results may take longer
April 6, 2020 — Due to the influx of COVID-19 tests being run, results are taking longer than originally anticipated. While most results are returning within 7-8 business days, some are taking up to 10 business days. Please be assured that tests are being processed, and you will be called as soon as the test result is received, whether positive or negative. ... MORE