The Air Force's new technical training transition program was implemented Nov. 15, after test periods here and at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.
"Over the past 18 years, the enlisted phase program had transformed into a bloated management tool used to control and manage Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Edward Bradley, the training chief of 2nd Air Force's military, in explaining why the change was necessary.
In an effort to create a more descriptive way to explain the duties of their position, military training leaders have gone through a few title changes, from student training adviser to military training managers to MTLs.
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Airmen on the ground whose mission is to help deliver close-air support will soon receive a set of tools that will help them do their jobs better while lightening the loads they're required to carry.
Tactical air control party Airmen are assigned to Army units that engage in all levels of operations, ranging from dismounted patrols to convoy escort duty, and to command elements at operations centers. The TACP is the vital link between the ground commander and the combat aircraft pilot, whose job is to deliver close-air support to troops in contact with the enemy.
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Florida guardsmen perform diagnostics on an F-15 Eagle engine to trace an error code revealed during an engine test run here Nov. 10.
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Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Nov. 30 urged the Senate to repeal the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law this year.
Secretary Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon news conference unveiling the recommendations of the working group tasked with looking at the issues associated with implementing a repeal of the law that bans gays from serving openly in the military.
Secretary Gates said any change causes short-term disruptions, but that the military can handle longer-term impacts.
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Department of Veterans Affairs officials are working to significantly reduce the average time needed to obtain health-care records from private physicians with the help of a private contractor and the Internet to speed claims decisions.
"Innovations that will speed, simplify or improve our services to Veterans are receiving rigorous tests at VA," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We are committed to harnessing the best technology and the brightest minds in the government and private sector to ensure Veterans receive the benefits they have earned."
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A change in the law that bans gay men and women from serving openly in the military can be implemented without irreparable harm, the co-chair of a Pentagon working group that studied the matter said Nov. 29.
"It's my belief, having now looked this matter extensively over nine months, that the leaders of our services -- all services, all components -- are so good today, so experienced today, that they can effectively implement this change, maintain unit cohesion and a strong focus on mission accomplishment," said Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe.
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Space Vehicle Number 23, Global Positioning System constellation, is a testament to how Air Force officials continue to meet and exceed their operational requirements with GPS.
GPS Block IIA-10 (SVN-23), built by Boeing (formerly Rockwell Corporation), was launched Nov. 26, 1990, and set healthy to navigation and timing users Dec. 10, 1990. The satellite was the first in the series of GPS IIA satellites to be launched with a design life of 7.5 years. To date, the satellite has operated longer than any other satellite and is predicted to last another 12 to 18 months.
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The 2010 Caring for People Survey gives total force Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents an opportunity to voice their concerns on how the Air Force can better address their quality-of-life needs.
With Airmen deploying in support of global contingency operations for two decades, developing and caring for Airmen and their families continues to be a high priority for Air Force leaders.
"We need to provide for the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual well-being of our Airmen and their families," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during remarks at an Air Force Sergeants Association convention in August. "The needs of Airmen and their families, however changing they may be, are enduring, and we must continue to understand their needs and support."
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As leaders we're expected to be experts at our job, but our jobs require us to have a bigger picture of how processes work and how different organizations on base interoperate. In doing so, we run the risk of losing the tactical view of how the job is really accomplished. How can we be experts, when more often than not, we're entrenched in daily management, enlisted performance reports, declarations, awards and taking care of our Airmen?
There's an easy fix: take time to get back to the basics. Crack open the newest version of the technical order, Air Force instructions and checklists that govern your specialty and analyze the changes that have been written into them. Bounce those changes against the way the job is done and think about the ramifications for the person doing the job and the customer. Does it make sense? Set the standard per the guidance and hold your Airmen to it. It's what they want.
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An 88th Communication Squadron voice network systems technician wounded in action one year ago in Afghanistan, died Nov. 28.
Senior Airman Tre Porfirio passed away while visiting friends over the Thanksgiving holiday in Missouri. He was 22 years old.
"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Airman Porfirio," said Col. Amanda Gladney, the 88th Air Base Wing commander. "During his all too short time on this Earth, he truly made a difference, both in trying to help create a free and stable society in Afghanistan, and in stretching the boundaries of medical knowledge. He was a warrior and a patriot who gave his all to a grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time."
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