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Air Force recruiters learn about innovations for next-gen Special Ops Airmen at JBSA-Lackland
July 30, 2018 — For the first time in the Department of Defense, a series of career field specialties is using human performance monitoring and a data collection system, as well as specialized recruiters... MORE

Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Jette undergoes a body composition measurement test at the 350th Battlefield Airman Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio June 28. Jette is a Special Operations recruiter based in Fresno, California.

Eligible veterans can seek refund for taxes on disability severance payment
July 18, 2018 — The Department of Defense has identified more than 130,000 veterans who may be eligible for a refund for taxes paid on their disability severance payment, a DOD tax expert said... MORE

Veterans who are eligible for a refund for taxes paid on their disability severance payment can submit a 1040X Amended U.S. Individual Tax Return for their reimbursement. Army Lt. Col. David Dulaney, the executive director for the Armed Forces Tax Council, said the Defense Department has identified more than 130,000 veterans who may be eligible for the refund.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center hosts employment workshop for transitioning service members
June 8, 2018 — Transitioning service members preparing for a career outside the military can learn about skills and tips to help them get a job at the “Confidence Outside the Uniform” workshop at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center, building 2797, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20... MORE

The workshop is open to all active-duty members transitioning out of the military, military spouses, veterans and Department of Defense civilians within JBSA, including JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Camp Bullis. The JBSA M&FRC Employment Readiness Program and the Texas Veterans Commission are conducting the workshop.

Research network works to combat number one disability claim among veterans
May 8, 2018 — The Collaborative Auditory & Vestibular Research Network, or CAVRN, was formed to bring together researchers with an auditory research focus to discuss current research efforts across the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs enterprises, providing unique opportunities for collaboration... MORE

Senior Airman Michelle Reidel, an Air Transportation specialist assigned to the 30th Aerial Port Squadron, Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y., wears her hearing and eye protection on the flight line before an aircraft unloading during Exercise Global Medic, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 20, 2013.

DOD releases annual report on sexual assault in military
May 2, 2018 — The Department of Defense released its annual report on sexual assault in the military April 30, which shows an increase in reporting of assaults, but officials stress that more work needs to be done to eliminate the crime from the ranks... MORE

The Defense Department has released its annual report on sexual assault in the military, which shows an increase in reporting of assaults, but officials stress that more work needs to be done to eliminate the crime from the ranks.

U.S. Army South sponsors vector control practices seminar in Chile
May 1, 2018 — Military doctors and veterinarians from the Chilean Army, U.S. Army, U.S Air Force and the Uruguayan Navy gathered in Santiago, Chile, for a vector control practices seminar April 17-18, hosted by the Chilean Army Health Command and sponsored by U.S. Army South. ... MORE

(From left) Chilean Army Lt. Col. Pablo Larraguibel, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Lombardini and Chilean Army Maj. Claudia Lucar participate an exercise focusing on a vector-borne risk assessment pre-deployment scenario April 17.

DOD, Homeland Security outline National Guard role in securing border
April 18, 2018 — National Guard troops are deploying to the U.S. border with Mexico to work in support functions for the Department of Homeland Security, including in aviation, operational and infrastructure missions, officials from the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security told reporters in Washington April 16... MORE

A Texas Guardsmen and a Customs and Border Patrol agent discuss the lay of the land April 10 on the shores of the Rio Grande River in Starr County, Texas as part of the federal call-up to the Texas Mexico border. Soldiers called to duty at the border support federal partners and primarily serve in observe-and-report roles.

Combat medics learn to save lives at Forward Operating Base Courage
April 6, 2018 — You may have never heard of Forward Operating Base Courage, but tucked into a corner of Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis is a unique military training area – the Soldier Medic Training Site... MORE

John Whitfield, medical laboratory technician with the Akeroyd Blood Donor Center, prepares to collect blood from Army Pvt. William Mulroney (foreground) while LaTonya Steward preps Army Pvt. Anthony Rosado. Both Soldiers are assigned to CompanyE, 232nd Medical Battalion.

Air Force launches new application tool for Airmen athletes
April 6, 2018 — Air Force Sports, managed by the Air Force Services Activity, recently launched an online application system to make it easier for Airmen athletes to apply for Air Force sports teams... MORE

The Air Force recently launched an online application system to make it easier for Airmen athletes to apply for Air Force sports teams. Tech. Sgt. Giselle Stone, NCOIC of Air Force Sports shows Airmen how to submit an application using the new APPTRAC tool.

Retiree News: Photocopying federal IDs violates U.S. code
April 5, 2018 — Recent incidents regarding the photocopying of military identification cards and common access cards by commercial establishments to verify military affiliation or provide government rates for service, have been reported... MORE

AMEDD Center & School conducts sixth clinical pharmacy course
March 29, 2018 — Students attended the Clinical Pharmacy Course, or CPC, at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston during the third week of March 2018... MORE

Cmdr. Janel Rossetto practices needle placement for battle field acupuncture on Dr. Adam Lang during the Clinical Pharmacy Course, or CPC, at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston during the third week of March 2018.

59th Medical Wing sets Air Force work station upgrade bar
March 20, 2018 — The 59th Medical Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, migrated a record number of computers from relic operating systems to a new version, from the end of January through the first of March 2018... MORE

Staff Sgt. Kayce Crisp, an informatinon systems technician from the 59th Medical Wing, explains the process of upgrading a computer's operating system March 13, 2018 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The 59th MDW information technician staff upgraded a record amount of more than 3,700 systems to maintain Air Force standards.

Pentagon Releases New Policy on Nondeployable Members
February 16, 2018 — The Defense Department has released a new policy on military retention for nondeployable service members as it seeks to provide more ready and lethal forces, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness told Congress Feb. 15... MORE

The Defense Department has released a new retention policy that requires service members to be worldwide deployable, with the focus on readiness, safeguarding the nation and fighting and winning the nation’s wars.

President’s Fiscal 2019 Defense Budget Request Calls for $686.1 Billion
February 13, 2018 — The president’s fiscal year 2019 defense budget request calls for $686.1 billion in spending and will reverse years of military erosion, defense officials said in Washington Feb. 12... MORE

Army Lt. Gen. Anthony Ierardi (left), the Joint Staff's director of force structure, resources and assessment, and Defense Department Comptroller David L. Norquist (right), discuss the president's fiscal 2019 defense budget request during a news conference at the Pentagon Feb. 12.

Safety of DOD Members, Families Drives Electronic Device Review
February 2, 2018 — The safety and security of Defense Department members and their families is Defense Secretary James N. Mattis’ top priority as he reviews the use of electronic devices at DOD locations worldwide, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said Feb. 1... MORE

A service member looks at a fitness app on his smartphone at the Pentagon, Feb. 1, 2018. The Defense Department is concerned about a “possible vulnerability” of the use of GPS-enabled electronic devices after a Strava heat map showed the routes of exercise enthusiasts who used the app to track their fitness activities, including at military installations worldwide.

DOD Seeks to Connect With America Through ‘This Is Your Military’ Initiative
February 1, 2018 — The Department of Defense has launched an initiative called “This Is Your Military” to highlight the work of service members, dispel myths about military service, and increase awareness among the American people, the deputy assistant to the secretary of defense for outreach announced last month... MORE

The Defense Department launched its “This Is Your Military” initiative Feb. 1 to highlight the work of the men and women of the military, dispel myths about military service and increase awareness among the American public.

DOD looking into the impact of fitness trackers on service member safety
January 30, 2018 — Department of Defense officials are studying security issues raised by physical conditioning trackers that also can be used to track service members' whereabouts, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters Jan. 29... MORE

The Department of Defense urges service members and DOD civilians with wearable electronic devices to use the strictest privacy setting. Officials made the suggestion after publication of a "heat map" showing concentration of U.S military personnel overseas.

DOD, VA Release Online Tool to Help Vets With Discharge Upgrade Process
January 30, 2018 — A joint initiative between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments has yielded a web-based tool that will provide customized guidance to veterans who desire to upgrade or change the conditions of their military discharge... MORE

Retiring from the military can be a difficult time but if Soldiers stick to the Army's guidelines, they can have a smooth transition into the civilian world.

Leadership in the Social Media Age
January 29, 2018 — Is social media prone to misuse or abuse? The unfortunate answer to this question is, "Yes." Using the internet and social media brings risk to individuals, businesses, and other public organizations... MORE

Social media is a powerful tool that allows noncommissioned officers to extend their leadership influence. This includes teaching Soldiers how to exploit its advantages while upholding Army values.

U.S. Army North commander relates lessons learned during 2017 hurricane season
December 19, 2017 — The most recent hurricane season was not unprecedented in terms of the number of storms, but it was unprecedented in terms of damage, the commander of U.S. Army North at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston said in a recent interview... MORE

Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, commander, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, speaks with civil engineer Airmen from the 85th Engineering Installation Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., at a communication tower located in the mountains of Pugnado Adentro in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Nov. 8, 2017. Several civil engineer Airmen were assisting local contractors repair the communication tower that works as a main communication radio hub for the island.