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Pilot Training Next, Air Force ROTC partner for distance learning instruction
February 11, 2020 — For the first time ever, Air Force ROTC cadets with Detachment 536 at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, received real-time instruction remotely from a fully qualified Air Force instructor pilot sitting an airport in Louisiana... MORE

Pilot Training Next helped make Air Force ROTC history while pushing the limits of technology and training during their recent partnership with Clarkson University.

AETC partners with UTSA to refine pilot candidate selection
February 7, 2020 — In an effort to gain more insight into what attributes could best predict the success of pilot training candidates, Air Education and Training Command turned to the data analytics program at the University of Texas-San Antonio to help them refine and validate the Pilot Candidate Selection Method as part of an Educational Partnership Agreement... MORE

In an effort to gain more insight into the predictable attributes of a successful pilot training candidate, Air Education and Training Command turned to the data analytics program at the University of Texas-San Antonio to help them continue their efforts to refine and validate the Pilot Candidate Selection Method as part of an Educational Partnership Agreement. (U.S. Air Force graphic / Dan Hawkins)

Air Force Chief of Staff offers optimistic update on AF’s evolution, future
January 28, 2020 — Creating a system that uses data, machine learning and state-of-the art software to seamlessly link “sensors to shooters” across all domains – air, land, sea, cyber and space – is among Goldfein’s highest priorities as the Air Force’s highest-ranking military officer... MORE

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during an appearance Jan. 27 at the Center for a New American Security, emphasized the importance of a strong presence in space and the need to harness data. Both, he said, are central to ensuring that the Air Force is able to meet and prevail against modern-day threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

AETC, AMC team up on VR solutions for modern C-130 training
January 27, 2020 — Headquarters Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and Air Education and Training Command have been working on a virtual-reality platform for maintenance training through Mass Virtual, a contractor that scans real-world objects to create virtual environments. ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth Renfrow, 19th Maintenance Group maintenance qualifications training instructor, uses a virtual reality headset

Air Force Aid Society launches new enhancements to its mobile budget app
January 15, 2020 — The initial version of the AFAS Budget Builder App was launched in 2018 and was created primarily as a budgeting tool to help Airmen and their families improve how they save and budget their money each month... MORE

Air Force moving to comply with new certification requirements for Security Cooperation Workforce
January 14, 2020 — The Defense Security Cooperation Agency developed the requirements in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which directed the Defense Department to establish a Defense Security Cooperation Workforce Development Program... MORE

The Air Force is moving aggressively to comply with new certification requirements for military and civilian Airmen assigned to positions in the Security Cooperation Workforce.

Air Force to solicit 75th birthday theme ideas
January 6, 2020 — In preparation for its 75th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2022, the Air Force is soliciting birthday theme ideas from Total Force Airmen and civilians. Every year in September, the Department of the Air Force dedicates a theme to celebrate the Air Force’s birthday... MORE

In preparation for the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2022, the Air Force is soliciting birthday theme ideas from Total Force Airmen and civilians. Every year in September, the Department of the Air Force dedicates a theme to celebrate the Air Force’s birthday.

Pilot Training Next begins third iteration January 2020
December 26, 2019 — The Pilot Training Next program is part of Air Education and Training Command’s initiative to “reimagine” how learning is delivered to Airmen... MORE

Royal Air Force Flight Officer Syd Janota (fore), Pilot Training Next 2.0 student, observes a fellow student flying a virtual-reality training sortie at the PTN facility at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Austin, Texas, March 18, 2019. The RAF have both a student-pilot and an instructor pilot participating in the class as they look to introduce PTN lessons learned into their flying training pipeline. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)

NORAD tracks Santa
December 24, 2019 — As the North American Aerospace Defense Command conducts its primary mission of defending the homeland, it stands ready to continue its tradition of tracking Santa’s journey around the globe Dec. 24... MORE

2020 Air Force Marathon registration opens Jan. 1
December 10, 2019 — The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020... MORE

The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. The Health & Fitness Expo is held at Wright State University’s Nutter Center and is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, and Friday, Sept. 18. The event will also feature a Breakfast of Champions and Gourmet Pasta Dinner scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18. Get more information about the race at www.usafmarathon.com. (U.S. Air Force photo/Michelle Gigante)

Veterans with Veteran Health ID Card can shop at Military Exchange starting Jan. 1
December 5, 2019 — The Department of Defense has announced expanded commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access beginning Jan. 1, 2020, and established a standard for physical access to military installations... MORE

The Defense Department has announced expanded commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access beginning Jan. 1, 2020, and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Veterans and primary family caregivers who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary family caregivers must have an eligibility letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Community Care.

Air Force Housing Helpline connects residents to support they seek
December 3, 2019 — The Air Force Civil Engineer Center Installations Directorate, which manages and executes the Air Force’s housing program, established a 24-hour helpline to address concerns raised regarding the military privatized housing program... MORE

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center's step-by-step guide to the established privatized housing dispute resolution process.

Air Force releases FY20 Selective Retention Bonus program
November 26, 2019 — The Selective Retention Bonus is a tool used to retain Airmen in undermanned specialties. The program is designed to improve readiness and capacity by targeting retention of experienced Airmen in stressed career fields or those with high training costs... MORE

Air Force says CBD products not ok to use, may cause positive drug test
November 19, 2019 — Cannabidiol oil, also known as CBD oil, is growing in popularity as an ingredient in health and pet products, but is it okay for service members and federal employees to use? The simple answer is no... MORE

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and related products are prohibited under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Air Force Instruction 36-3208. Because of this, military service members should avoid using any product with CBD as it could result in a positive drug test.

AFIMSC announces topics for I-WEPTAC 2020
November 12, 2019 — The topics have been selected and the chairpersons will be on board this month. What remains is determining who will fill the ranks of the four Mission Area Working Groups charged with tackling some of the Air Force’s biggest Agile Combat Support challenges at the 4th Annual Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference in April 2020. ... MORE

AFIMSC Installation and Mission Support Weapons and Tactics Conference 2020 graphic

Required financial readiness training for Reserve coming in November
November 6, 2019 — Beginning Nov. 15, financial readiness training will be required for all Reserve Airmen at defined key points throughout their military career... MORE

Beginning Nov. 15, financial readiness training will be required for all Reserve Airmen at defined key points throughout their military career.

Barrett publicly sworn in as secretary of the Air Force
November 4, 2019 — David Norquist, deputy secretary of defense, conducted the public swearing-in, which preceded Barrett’s first formal remarks since becoming the secretary. Barrett said her highest priority is protecting – and prolonging – the Air Force’s unrivaled excellence. ... MORE

Air Force announces NCO Career Status Program for Airmen with 12 years of service
October 30, 2019 — The Air Force announced Oct. 30 it will implement the new Noncommissioned Officer Career Status Program for active duty Airmen, which will affect reenlistment contracts executed on or after Nov. 18... MORE

Air Force releases criteria for new Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal
October 29, 2019 — The new medal, established by then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, is part of a continuing effort to recognize U.S. Air Force military members in a non-deployed status who directly participated in a Department of Defense combat operation from a remote location... MORE

Ollie Crawford: AF advocate laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Video)
August 5, 2019 — Oliver "Ollie" Crawford, lifelong pilot and advocate for the U.S. Air Force was laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, August 5th. Crawford died July 21st in San Antonio, Texas, two days after turning 94 years old... MORE