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DAF celebrates National American Indian Heritage Month
November 6, 2023 — National American Indian Heritage Month is observed Nov. 1-30 annually. The observance month recognizes the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of American Indians and Alaskan Natives and honors their many distinct and important contributions to the US... MORE

DAF releases Women, Peace, Security Strategic Action Plan
June 16, 2023 — The DAF recently released its Women, Peace, and Security Strategic Action Plan to operationalize WPS concepts across the Air and Space Forces... MORE

Service members pose for a photo during the 33rd annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, Va., July 12, 2022. Event attendees discussed topics including diversity, inclusion, equity and the importance of intentionality when implementing those concepts. (Courtesy photo)

DOD announces six new measures to enhance well-being of military force and their families
March 23, 2023 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a comprehensive plan March 22, aimed at improving the lives of the dedicated U.S. military force and their families... MORE

LIVE’s VR experience provides dynamic decision-making moments aimed at growing inclusive leaders
February 2, 2023 — Air Education and Training Command officials are in the process of rolling out a virtual reality experience designed to help grow inclusive-minded leaders... MORE

Airmen in large room with avator on pull down screen

Seven online courses every Air Force leader should take
November 30, 2022 — If you’re looking to grow as a leader, consider enrolling in one of Air Education and Training Command’s free DigitalU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education and Training Courses. Any Airman -- active duty, Reserve, Guard or civilian -- can enroll in one of the 22 online courses specifically designed for people-focused leaders... MORE

Picture of Air Force Military Training Instructor, pilot, civilian and Airman

JBSA celebrates sixth annual Texas American Indian Heritage Day
October 4, 2022 — The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph American Indian Heritage Committee hosted the sixth annual American Indian Dance Exhibition for base attendees and local civic leaders in honor of Texas American Indian Heritage Day Sept. 29, 2022... MORE

DAF commissioning sources to develop initiatives to increase applicant pool diversity
August 30, 2022 — Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has directed Air and Space Force officer commissioning sources to develop diversity and inclusion outreach plans by Sept. 30 to achieve updated applicant pool demographic goals... MORE

AFROTC grants accommodations for first Sikh cadet
July 19, 2022 — The Air Force has granted religious accommodations for Air Force ROTC’s first Sikh cadet. ... MORE

Air Force ROTC Cadet Gursharan Virk, third from left, takes part in Detachment 255’s color guard ceremony at a football game at the University of Iowa in 2021. Virk is the first Sikh ROTC cadet to be granted religious accommodations by the Air Force in observation of his faith. The accommodations include wear of a turban and facial hair. (Courtesy photo)

JBSA, DOD honor LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month
May 31, 2022 — Joint Base San Antonio and the entire Department of Defense will join the nation in paying tribute to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community during Pride Month June 1-30, highlighting the way LGBTQ service members and civilians have strengthened America’s military... MORE

DAF recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility March 31
March 31, 2022 — President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation in 2021, officially recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility as an international awareness day dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of transgender and gender nonconforming people... MORE

In AFMC and AFIMSC: Our differences make us stronger
March 3, 2022 — The Air Force Materiel Command Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Office recently released a new slogan, “Our Differences Make Us Stronger,” to emphasize how recognizing and celebrating our differences can help us become the "AFMC We Need." ... MORE

MEDCoE appoints first STRIDE peer advocates
February 23, 2022 — The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, or MEDCoE, has implemented a new strategic program to help eradicate harmful behaviors that erode Army values within the organization and to further the Army’s people first initiative... MORE

AFIMSC council continues work toward improving diversity, inclusion
February 8, 2022 — Since standing up in the fall of 2020, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Diversity and Inclusion Council has taken several steps to help the center build an inclusive workplace that ensures a fair and just environment regardless of race, ethnicity or gender... MORE

Signature block pronouns now allowed for Airmen, Guardians
December 23, 2021 — The LGBTQ Initiatives Team, or LIT, a part of the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group, advocated for the change to include pronouns in the signature block's for Airmen and Guardians, one of the latest initiatives the DAF undertook to address barriers to service and promote a more inclusive culture... MORE

Air Force Women’s Initiative Team champions women’s health care
September 20, 2021 — In the past year, the WIT’s Female-Specialized Health Care Programs have driven several policy changes. In February, hair standard policies were changed based on feedback received from Airmen who identified numerous health concerns around the bun... MORE

As an outcome of the 101st Air Force uniform board, Air Force women will be able to wear their hair in up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades. In addition, women’s bangs may now touch their eyebrows, but not cover their eyes. These new changes will be effective upon publication of the new standards in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Feb. 10, 2021.

Commentary: Equality in the force
August 26, 2021 — Women’s equality. It’s a challenge that has been around for years and continues to this day. One hundred and one years ago, women had just gained the right to vote through the passing of the 19th Amendment, a right that had been guaranteed to others based on their gender... MORE

Women's Equality Day is celebrated annually in the United States on August 26, commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which granted women the right to vote. (U.S. Air Force graphic by David Perry)

Air Force releases additional dress, appearance changes
August 12, 2021 — New dress and appearance updates will soon be released following feedback, testing from Airmen and reviews conducted as a part of the 2020 Air Force Uniform Board... MORE

New dress and appearance changes are expected to be released in early October 2021 upon the updated publication of Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel. Changes include male bulk hair standards, cosmetic tattooing, female hair accessory size, optional hosiery in dress uniform, transparent piercing spacers and morale patches. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Elora J. McCutcheon)

Air Force readdresses women’s hair standard after feedback
June 11, 2021 — The change addresses feedback received since the previous guidance was originally published. Specifically, women voiced concerns over difficulty related to securing hair in a manner that does not extend beyond the head... MORE

The Air Force revises Air Force Instruction 36-2903 to address differences in hair density and texture June 25, 2021. When hair is secured behind the head, the hair may extend six inches to the left and to the right and six inches protruding from the point where the hair is gathered. The 12-inch total width must allow for proper wear of headgear. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

AFIMSC releases diversity survey results
May 29, 2021 — Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center leaders recently released results of the AFIMSC section of the Air Force Materiel Command Diversity and Inclusion Survey conducted late last year... MORE

graphic: The Air Force Materiel Command has released the results of its initial command-wide diversity and inclusion (D&I) survey, identifying areas of focus and improvement for initiatives across the command.

Air Force follows revised DOD transgender policies
May 13, 2021 — In March 2021, the Department of Defense recognized transgender and gender non-conforming people and their continued struggle for equality, security and dignity... MORE