Category: United States Defense

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force led its inaugural DAF Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification training event Sept. 21–22 at the University of Virginia Darden Center in Arlington.

The purpose of the training was to develop and increase knowledge of the strategic importance of a diverse workforce, inclusive leadership and the understanding of enhancing organizational cultures of trust to drive the innovation, agility and complex decision-making needed to meet the challenges in a contested global environment.

The Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Office partnered with the Human Capital Institute to pilot the DAF SDEI certification, which is professional credentialing recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management.

The event boasted a commendable attendance of 52 participants, not just from DAF but also from the broader Department of Defense community; furthermore, the event showcased the DAF’s forward-looking approach transitions from merely understanding foundational DEIA concepts such as inclusion, culture and bias to understanding the strategic importance of a diverse workforce, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the understanding of the importance of enhancing organizational cultures of trust.

According to Cheri Atkins, SAF/DI Education and Training division chief, the goal was to dissect DEIA as a “Readiness Problem with a People Solution,” emphasizing both workforce development and talent management.

“DEIA is not just an abstract concept or a box to be checked,” she said. “It’s an essential pillar for both workforce development and talent management. This emphasis on the human element aligns perfectly with the ethos of the HCI, a renowned entity in the human capital realm, whose collaboration with the Department of Defense has been transformative for human resource professionals.”

Atkins went on to say that the collaboration with HCI, renowned in the human capital domain and having affiliations with SHRM, helped assure the quality of the event; furthermore, HCI has a longstanding relationship with the DoD and has been pivotal in enhancing the strategic skills of human resource professionals.

Marianne Malizia, SAF/DI director, expressed her enthusiasm for the training event.

“This training event wasn’t just about equipping individuals with knowledge,” she said. “It was about seeding connections, encouraging conversations and forming networks that can thrust the entire DoD forward. We’re laying down a foundation, and the opportunities brought forth by this training will undeniably prepare us for a more inclusive and efficient future, one that prepares us to have a strategic advantage to be ready for the great power competition today, and in the future.”

Atkins extended gratitude to everyone who helped make the event possible and said their inputs were invaluable in shaping the delivery of SHRM-approved content, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on facilitation and practical exercises suited for the DoD and DAF landscapes.

Source: United States Air Force

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force’s Hispanic Empowerment and Action Team hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month conference Oct. 13 at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Voices and Journeys of Hispanic and Latino Leaders across our Armed Forces,” aimed to empower Airmen and Guardians and showcased the spectrum of talent, experience and dedication within the DAF’s ranks.

From active duty enlisted to officer, civilian to senior executive service, and Guard to Reserve, the event drew more than 160 members from across the DAF and even saw participation from members of sister services.

The conference underscored key HEAT messages — including the opportunity for success within the DAF, the possibility for everyone to reach their highest potential, and an open acknowledgment of existing challenges — all while emphasizing the resilience of the DAF Hispanic and Latino community and their collective drive to surpass any challenges.

“While it’s true that the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been immensely successful, that very success has inadvertently led many in the Hispanic and Latino community to perceive a career with the DAF as out of reach,” said Col. Angel Santiago, HEAT co-lead. “It’s essential to shatter such misconceptions. A fulfilling career in the DAF isn’t just attainable, it’s waiting for those who seek it. I urge our Hispanic and Latino Airmen and Guardians to continue to explore the myriad of opportunities that are available and embark on a journey defined by renewed purpose and vision.”

The conference also highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the HEAT. The team turned over all HEAT co-leads and over 80% of their line-of-effort leads by June 2023, and networking efforts saw the HEAT co-leads meet with national institutions and organizations such as Excelencia in Education, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Members also participated in events like the League of United American Citizens annual conference and briefed Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference.

Santiago said the HEAT’s outreach has been exemplary, and Facebook engagement showed significant growth, with a notable increase in membership and chapters being established across the DAF.

The HEAT’s FY 24 plans include the development of standard operating procedures, a transition plan, and the establishment of a HEAT website, among other objectives. The team’s emphasis is on fostering community and ensuring that Hispanic and Latino voices are represented, and their concerns addressed.

Santiago said overcoming language barriers is one of the group’s major initiatives. Efforts are in place to provide time extensions for English as a second Language test-takers, establish English language training solutions, and foster collaboration with the Pacific Islander/Asian American Community Team on related topics.

Furthermore, the HEAT has been fervently working on education, awareness and recruitment. Successful recruiting events were held in diverse regions such as Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C. and New York. In tandem with the Recruiting Squadron and Squadron Officer School, plans are afoot to roll out a targeted recruitment program.

Lastly, HEAT has placed great emphasis on mentorship, professional development and retention, including initiatives to amend the race and ethnicity identification process and expand mentorship opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets.

This year’s conference not only celebrated the rich heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino members, but also laid down a robust roadmap for the future, promising more inclusivity, empowerment and representation.

Marianne Malizia, SAF Diversity and Inclusion director, spoke at the event and emphasized the group’s broader vision.

“Today’s conference is more than just a celebration of heritage,” she said. “It’s a testament to the limitless potential of our Hispanic and Latino members. In the Department of the Air Force, we’re not just looking at today, but setting the stage for a more inclusive and brighter tomorrow. I see a future where every voice and all backgrounds contribute uniquely to our mission. Let this event remind us all: Together, we fly higher.”

Source: United States Air Force

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —  

AFWERX Airmen and several local media outlets gathered at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to witness one of the quietest Air Force aircraft flyovers ever. BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company and AFWERX Prime division partner, made several low passes in its ALIA electric aircraft as the audience celebrated its delivery to the Air Force Oct. 26, 2023. 

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the Air Force. This includes partnering with BETA and other electric aircraft companies to bring zero-emission aviation to the military along with other benefits, including a quiet noise profile and the cost savings to operate and maintain its fleet without dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

“We are really excited about companies like BETA when they invent things like this,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force. “It is going to transform the way we see air travel in the world, but it is also going to transform the way we have air power in the Air Force. We’re going to learn what we can do with vehicles like this and we’re going to take it to our warfighters.”

BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and is 90% quieter than a helicopter. While ALIA has the capability to transport five passengers, the Air Force test objective is to demonstrate its potential to support agile combat employment logistics with its payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.

Located 10 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base, Duke Field was strategically selected as the test field for ALIA. The field is home to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron.

“All of the testing will be contractor owned and operated, but the 413th FLTS wrote the test and safety plan,” said Maj. Riley Livermore, 413th Flight Test Squadron flight commander. “We are responsible for coordinating daily flight operations to include range scheduling and logistics support. Then we’ll write a report following the conclusion of the test deployment to report our findings.”

AFWERX first partnered with BETA in December 2019 and has since awarded the company several contracts. Over the years, BETA has provided AFWERX with three simulators, including a mobile simulator that has conducted pilot training and demonstrations and two Level-3 electric chargers. The charger at Duke Field was completed Oct. 16 and is the first charging station on a military installation.

“Part of the testing process was to install an aircraft charger on a military installation to capture lessons learned and hopefully inform and accelerate future projects at different bases,” Livermore said. “The fixed charging station will also help us write procedures and safety requirements for the Air Force. They’re currently not defined because the technology is new.”

The first ALIA flight test is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023.

About AFRL 

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.