FROM AIR FORCE SENIOR LEADERS
CSAF's Vector: The Way Ahead
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz shares his vision for the way ahead in his latest Vector, in which he discusses five priorities: continuing the Air Force nuclear enterprise; partnering with the joint and coalition team to win today's fight; developing and caring for Airmen and their families; modernizing air and space inventories, organization and training; and recapturing acquisition excellence.
Air Force officials discuss training, energy compatibility at Nevada Forum
Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin C. Conaton, the service's senior energy official, attended the Nevada Forum in Las Vegas along with representatives from government, industry and the Department of Defense. The forum's main purpose was to facilitate an open dialog between stakeholders on how to achieve safe, compatible, renewable energy development while ensuring military operations and training are not impeded.
PERSONNEL ISSUES
2011 retraining program in full swing
Airmen still have time to voluntarily retrain in Phase I of the 2011 NCO Retraining Program before the program's involuntary Phase II begins Sept. 20. For more information about the fiscal 2011 NCORP, visit the AFPC personnel services website.
Air Force Statement regarding Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage pattern
"We are committed to equipping Airmen with the most advanced capabilities available at the earliest time possible. Based on feedback from Airmen, we believe the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern provides advanced protection to servicemembers while operating outside the wire in Afghanistan. Army (officials), while beginning an aggressive fielding schedule, (are) working with Air Force (officials) to support developing a long-term joint fielding strategy later this year."
Language program application deadline nears
Air Force officials are accepting application packages through Sept. 13 for officers interested in participating in the Language Enabled Airman Program, which offers an opportunity to develop a foreign language skill throughout an Airman's career. For more information on language qualifications and application procedures, visit www.culture.af.edu.
Air Force encourages employees to cash in on ideas
A multi-service focused contest, called the Innovation for New Value, Efficiency & Savings Tomorrow Awards, runs Aug. 9 through Sept. 24. The Department of Defense-led program is designed to produce money-saving ideas that improve the way the DOD operates. Civilian and military employees are encouraged to share their ideas online at
www.defense.gov/invest.
FAMILY, HEALTH
Direct communication between Airmen key to suicide prevention
The
Air Force Suicide Prevention Program has implemented 11 initiatives that address suicide prevention from the individual level up to the command level.
FINANCES AND EDUCATION
VA's home loan program continues to stay strong
Mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest rate for serious delinquency and foreclosures in the industry. For more information, visit the
VA Home Loan Guaranty Program website, or call the VA at 877-827-3702.
AFI 36-2301 outlines new developmental education guidance
Substantial revision has been made to Air Force Instruction 36-2301, establishing policy and responsibility for developmental education.