Category: US Air Force

Source: United States Air Force

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

U.S. Air Force aircrew operating across 20 different rotor, tilt-wing, and fixed-wing aircraft – including but not limited to CV-22 Ospreys, HH-60G Pave Hawks, C-130 Hercules, and C-17 Globemaster IIIs – will receive new body armor carrier systems as part of an effort to update and replace older models. 

“We are replacing approximately 7,300 current legacy body armor carrier systems and components because they are either no longer being sustained by the Defense Logistics Agency or they are impacting mission readiness due to their weight and particular design,” said 1st Lt. Diego Martinez, program manager for Aviation Body Armor within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Division. “This effort is crucial because aircrew often operate in hostile environments where they are in real danger, and having the right body armor on the operator or inside the aircraft can be lifesaving.” 

The body armor carriers are unique and designed specifically for aircrew. 

“Aircrew have very different mission sets compared to other Air Force career fields that may require body armor,” Martinez added. “For example, aircrew body armor carrier systems need extraction capabilities in the event they [aircrew] need to be extracted for medical reasons.” 

One of the benefits of the new carrier systems is that they will weigh less than the legacy systems. 

“In the past, weight wasn’t looked at as too much of a big item because people thought that body armor is just heavy inherently,” Martinez said. “But there have been lots of recent efforts by manufacturers to develop different types of materials or different designs to specifically reduce weight.”   

So far, the division has identified two potential replacement systems for aircrew, including the Aviation Body Armor Vest and the Army Aircrew Combat Equipment. 

Testing to evaluate operational use and safety of the two systems is scheduled to begin in October 2023 and will conclude by summer of 2024. The selected system(s) will be fielded by individual units between the summer of 2024 and the summer of 2025.

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force is set to amend childcare fees, effective Dec. 31, in keeping with the new Department of Defense Program Fee Policy for school year 2023-2024.

“The Defense Department is adjusting how much service members pay in childcare fees for the 2023-2024 school year to reduce the burden on lower-income families and meet the intent of Executive Order 14095,” according to a DoD release.

Executive Order 14095, “Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers,” directs the DoD to improve the affordability of childcare on military installations.

The new fee policy reduces the number of fee categories from 14 to 11, modifies the total family income categories and increases the highest income category to $160,001 and above.

“These adjustments provide a more equitable division of fees based on total family income,” said Lesley Smith, Air Force Services Center chief of Air Force Child and Youth Programs.

“We’re mission enablers and our goal is to care for Air and Space Forces families not only through our traditional programs, but in our local communities as well. These adjusted fees will allow our members to receive high-quality care at a reasonable cost,” she said.

The new fee policy also increases the fee assistance provider rate cap for community-based providers and military-certified family childcare providers up to $100 a month per child.

“Changes to the fee policy will ensure DoD can continue to invest in our service members by providing quality, affordable childcare through both installation-based programs and community-based fee assistance,” said Grier Martin, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “We recognize the importance of providing military families and DoD civilians with access to quality and affordable childcare, and we’re committed to addressing the increased demand and challenges for this critical issue which directly impacts the readiness of the Total Force.”

Following routine, all-inclusive assessments of childcare fees, the school year 2023-2024 fee policy was developed to make the cost of childcare more equitable and affordable for families with the greatest economic need by reducing the percentage of income that lower income families devote to their childcare needs, according to the DoD news release.

The DoD is also expanding eligibility to service members for Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. Service members can enroll during the 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season in mid-November through mid-December 2023, and accounts will start for those enrolled on Jan. 1.

Overall, these childcare fee policy changes will help the DoD continue to provide quality child development services to military families, “which is consistent with our ongoing efforts to both improve the affordability of childcare and recruit and retain CDP workers,” Martin said.

The updated DAF fee policy will be released in the next few weeks and will provide more guidance for Air and Space Forces families.

Source: United States Air Force

DUKE FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) —  

AFWERX and one of its Prime division partners, BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, broke ground on the first electric aircraft charging station on a military installation at Duke Field Sept. 19.

The expected completion date for the Level 3 direct current electric vehicle fast charging station construction project is Oct. 13, weeks before BETA’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft arrives for testing.

“Level 1 is a typical home power outlet and would take days to charge an eVTOL. Level 2 is a dryer or air conditioning outlet and would take hours. Level 3 is a supercharger and only takes minutes,” said Maj. Riley Livermore, 413th Flight Test Squadron flight commander.

“And that’s what these companies need, because if you want to make it viable from a commercial or military perspective, I can’t wait 24 hours to charge my airplane. They need to do it in less than an hour.” – Maj. Riley Livermore, 413th Flight Test Squadron flight commander

To achieve the speeds necessary for fast charging, Level 3 chargers require an extremely high-powered current. To provide enough power to the 480-volt, 400-amp charging station, Livermore said the base had to upgrade its power grid and bought a 1000-kilowatt volt-amp transformer that can increase or decrease the voltage and intensity of an electric current while keeping electricity flow consistent.

“You can power roughly 250 homes simultaneously with the amount of power one charger is using,” Livermore added.

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

“The 413th has a breadth of experience testing a variety of rotor wing aircraft and we’re looking to those experts to assist with the testing of eVTOL aircraft,” said Maj. Anthony Zartman, AFWERX Agility Prime program lead. “We’ve grown to the point now with our partners that we’re ready to put hardware at multiple bases and take a close look at possible use cases. It’s an exciting time for our program.”

AFWERX is partnering with the eVTOL commercial industry 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.

“Our mission is to continue to be at the leading edge of emerging technologies in the aerospace industry,” Zartman added. “AFWERX has integrated with each of these eVTOL companies as early as possible, so we can potentially influence those designs and also be up to speed on the pros and cons of current technology. Then we’ll decide whether or not to continue to pursue those technologies, or perhaps pursue them in different ways. When the technology is advanced to a level where it provides a capability for the warfighter, we’ll be ready to pull the trigger and execute.”

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Melissa Dalton was nominated as under secretary of the Air Force by President Joe Biden Sept. 21.

If confirmed, Dalton would be the 28th official to hold the position.

“On behalf of the Department of the Air Force, we congratulate the Honorable Melissa Dalton on her nomination to serve as the next Under Secretary of the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “I look forward to the Senate’s consideration of her nomination and, if confirmed, working with her on behalf of all Airmen and Guardians.”

The position of under secretary of the Air Force assists the Secretary of the Air Force to manage the Department of the Air Force, made up of two military services, the Air Force and the Space Force. Duties of the position include assisting with the development and implementation of policy for organizing, training, and equipping Air Forces and Space Forces comprised of 700,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen and Guardians and their families serving around the world.

“Melissa has a distinguished career of service to the nation and service members and their families, including as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities and now assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs,” Kendall said. “Her experience and deep expertise will serve the Air Force and Space Force well. I commend President Biden and Secretary Austin for her nomination.”

Kristyn E. Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, has performed the duties of the vacated role of under secretary of the Air Force since March 6, 2023.

“The Honorable Kristyn Jones will continue to perform the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force, pending Melissa’s confirmation,” Kendall said. “Kristyn’s dedicated leadership and many contributions to the Department are deeply appreciated.”

Source: United States Air Force

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) —  

In this week’s look around the Air Force, leaders talk about how the department is changing in light of great power competition in their keynote speeches at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Maryland. (Hosted by Senior Airman Saomy Sabournin)

Watch on DVIDS | Watch on YouTube
For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.

Source: United States Air Force

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —  

Air, ground and naval forces from the United States and Canada under the authority of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command successfully completed maneuvers near Shemya, Attu and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Sept. 10, as part of a long-planned, bi-national operation to detect, deter and safeguard against potential threats to North America and the Arctic region.

Forces in support of Operation Noble Defender, an operation supporting the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Homeland Defense Campaign plan, demonstrated their ability to operate in the dynamic Arctic region including unfavorable weather and the austere environment.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, said as the environment continues to change, interest in the Arctic region increases and that makes the ability to execute operations there more important than ever.

“As strategic competitors take advantage of greater access and influence in the region, NORAD and USNORTHCOM must demonstrate the readiness and capability to persistently operate in the arctic,” he said. “Access to ready forces, trained and equipped to operate in the arctic is vital to the defense of North America and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous region.”

Operation Noble Defender included USNORTHCOM air, ground, naval and special forces components conducting Operation Polar Dagger, designed to integrate joint special operations units and test new capabilities while defending critical infrastructure, enhancing all-domain awareness and strengthening the force’s understanding of the region.

USNORTHCOM contributes additional capabilities to Operation Noble Defender events to enhance integrated deterrence across strategic opportunities.

Operation Noble Defender also included an air component, Operation Polar Arrow, to demonstrate the ability to deploy assets in concert with special operations elements, as well as the ability to maintain air sovereignty over North America.

United States and Canadian NORAD assets such as F-16 Fighting Falcons, CF-18 Hornets, E-3 airborne warning and control system and KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrated the interoperability needed by this bi-national command as part of the layered defense structure required to defend North America.

Operation Noble Defender is a recurring NORAD air defense operation that demonstrates and strengthens the command’s ability to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations.

Source: United States Air Force

VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —  

At the request of the Philippine government, the 505th Training Squadron located at Hurlburt Field, Florida sent a team of U.S. Air Force Air Operations Center Formal Training Unit instructors to Villamor Air Base, Philippines, Aug. 10-19.

The instructors trained 28 members of the Philippine Air Force’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing and 5th Fighter Wing. The bilateral training focused on joint planning processes; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fundamentals; and best practices for ISR support to operations.

Source: United States Air Force

RIMBA AIR FORCE BASE, Brunei (AFNS) —  

Pacific Angel 23-3 Brunei wrapped up at Rimba Air Force Base, Sept.15, after four days of multiple search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response training operations.

More than 100 Airmen from across the Pacific Air Forces joined forces with the Royal Brunei Air Force to improve their collective ability to respond effectively to humanitarian crises, disaster situations and search and rescue missions, solidifying their commitment to regional security and collaboration.

“Increasing capacity and readiness alongside the Royal Brunei Air Force solidifies our ability to jointly manage a wide range of contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Eric Thorstad, Pacific Angel 23-3 commander. “In Pacific Angel, we have a framework to collaborate and extend a legacy of success in humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

This iteration of Pacific Angel is focused on regional search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response capacity-building interoperability with partnering nations.

“Our shared commitment to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region is the foundation of the U.S.-Brunei relationship,” said Caryn R. McClelland, U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. “Collaborative exercises such as Pacific Angel 23-3 not only strengthen our humanitarian relief capabilities but also foster meaningful people-to-people ties between our nations.”

Pacific Angel 23-3 demonstrated PACAF’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its allies and partners.

“We have witnessed remarkable success in our collective efforts over the past week,” Thorstad said. “PACAF is committed to building ongoing collaboration.”

Source: United States Air Force

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force’s top officials provided a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions at the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 11-13.

The leaders spoke with a common theme of the critical need for DAF modernization and reorientation to counteract strategic competition in the Air, Space, and Cyber domains.

Read on for a synopsis of DAF senior leader keynotes and panels.

Secretary of the Air Force provides assessment of future threats

Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall‘s keynote address Sept. 11 reviewed the People’s Republic of China’s transformation into a U.S. strategic competitor as well as highlighted current DAF initiatives. He emphasized the need for the Air Force and Space Force to quickly modernize and adapt, sharing his view that the PRC now poses a more direct security challenge than violent extremist organizations. He urged Congress to overcome challenges in confirming general officer nominations, passing a full-year defense budget and preventing legislative gridlock.

Kendall also reviewed his seven Operational Imperatives, which align with the U.S. National Security Strategy and aim to reshape the Air Force and Space Force to meet the challenges posed by adversaries. Kendall emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of DAF’s organizational structure, training initiatives and equipment lifecycles. Kendall also expressed confidence that DAF is supporting the Joint Force, along with allies and partners, to unite and focus on deterring the pacing challenge.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force on accelerating change in order to meet global security challenges

Emphasizing themes that are now familiar, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. stated that the U.S. Air Force must continue to change to meet the challenges of today’s complex security environment or risk losing the certainty with which we have defended our national interests for decades. Brown outlined the progress on Accelerate Change or Lose and issued his 2020 blueprint for the Air Force, which has been characterized by four ‘action orders’ aimed at developing Airmen with the attributes needed for a high-end fight, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making processes, reshaping the service’s culture and mindset to address strategic competition and designing the force required for the future.

Chief of Space Operations on securing America’s interests in space

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman delivered a keynote address Sept. 12, discussing the increasingly contested and congested space domain. He explained how the Space Force was created for this new era, increasingly characterized by great power competition and tying the service’s new mission statement, “Secure our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space,” to the core functions Guardians provide for the Joint Force: space superiority, global mission operations, and assured space access. Finally, he discussed the need to create new Force Design, Force Development, Force Generation, and Force Employment schemas to build the Space Force we need to address current and future challenges.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force speaks on culture, goals, and vision

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass spoke Sept. 13, expressing gratitude for the dedication of Airmen and the vital roles they play in projecting airpower globally. She highlighted the need for the Air Force to continuously improve to meet challenges in the Pacific region. Bass stressed the significance of understanding and harnessing the power of information and artificial intelligence in the digital age. She also discussed the importance of Airmen thinking critically, challenging the status quo and embracing innovation.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force stresses importance of changing the game

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman spoke to the AFA audience Sept. 13, discussing the Space Force core values, or “4 C’s,” the importance of creating winning teams, and the Space Force’s new Polaris Award. He detailed how the 4 Cs: Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage, were developed by Guardians and were being incorporated into the promotion board process. He also reflected on his service as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force ahead of his change of responsibility to Chief Master Sergeant John F. Bentivegna, Sept. 15.

Senior leaders assemble to discuss challenges for military families

Gen. Brown and his wife, Sharene Brown; Gen. Saltzman and his wife, Jennifer Saltzman; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Bass and her husband, Rahn Bass; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Towberman and his wife, Rachel Rush engaged in a panel discussion about the evolving nature of military families, including the rise of dual-working families, dual military families, and single parent families. The leaders highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives and programs on military installations to maintain family connections and mentioned specific resources, including the Cohen Veterans Network, Joint Service School Liaison Program, and the Exceptional Family Member Program. They also touched on the unique challenges faced by Airmen and Guardians supporting high operational tempo units from home stations, emphasizing the need to provide ways to mitigate the stressors of the “deployed in-place” concept.

Summary

The Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference provided a platform for Department of the Air Force senior leaders to discuss their perspectives for modernization and readiness to address evolving security threats to an audience of uniformed and civilian military members and industry partners. It also provided a forum for DAF civic engagements, bilateral discussions, media panels and recognition events for outstanding servicemembers.

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

A new Department of the Air Force website supports the development of a coaching culture throughout the service by offering a variety of resources tailored to the needs of Airmen and Guardians.

At the Department of the Air Force’s Coaching site, members can explore how to find a professional coach and become a coach. Additional resources are available to support the development of the DAF’s internal coaching culture.

Coaching is a structured, formalized, goal-oriented process where a certified coach focuses on helping individuals overcome specific challenges, develop new skills and reach desired outcomes. Coaches employ active listening, powerful questioning, and feedback tools and techniques, empowering individuals to find their own solutions to certain challenges and build self-awareness.

“Coaching is a crucial component for our Total Force development ecosystem,” said Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services. “It empowers our members to unlock their greatest potential, generate personal growth and better contribute to the service’s mission.”

Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of space operations for Human Capital, expanded on coaching culture’s benefit to the DAF.

“Coaching is an investment that will pay dividends for our people,” she said. “It challenges members to self-reflect on their strengths and grow in new ways personally and professionally.”

According to Crystal Moore, director of Air Force Force Development, coaching and mentoring have key differences that each contribute to individual growth.

“It’s essential to understand the difference between coaching and mentoring to maximize the capabilities of both methodologies,” Moore said. “Mentoring is a relationship-based approach that centers on sharing knowledge, experience and advice while helping mentees achieve their career goals. Mentoring relationships may be longer-term and address a broad range of personal and professional growth areas. A coach encourages individuals to develop their own approaches to a challenge through thoughtful questioning and are shorter-term in nature.”

Moore summarized the techniques’ divergence by illustrating a difference in the guide’s role.

“Essentially, a mentor talks to you with advice; a coach empowers you,” she said.

While mentoring is the more familiar practice in the DAF, creating a coaching culture can enhance efforts to develop the total force.

The services believe coaching can significantly impact one’s professional and personal life. A coach’s objective guidance can help individuals overcome challenges, develop new skills and achieve desired outcomes more efficiently. Coaching can also foster self-awareness and resilience, enabling Airmen and Guardians to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Leadership recognizes that becoming a coach requires dedication, training and a genuine desire to help others grow. Coaches enhance the force’s effectiveness and adaptability by assisting others to realize their potential.

“Through coaching, the services can foster a culture of continuous growth, ensuring our members are ready to face any challenges and uphold our Air and Space Superiority,” Miller said.

For questions about the DAF coaching program, visit the coaching page, or email af.a1di.coaching@us.af.mil.