March 12, 2013

Air Force suspends military tuition assistance

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — In the wake of sequestration, the Air Force officially suspended military tuition assistance March 11.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced the Air Force has officially suspended military TA for the remainder of fiscal 2013. The program will continue to be evaluated to determine the way ahead in fiscal 2014. The Defense Department's

March 12, 2013

Warning: TSP Funds iPhone app not recommended

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga — The Thrift Savings Plan website issued a warning to iPhone users to avoid using the "TSP Funds" app from the Apple App store.The free app is not sactioned by TSP because it asks participants for account login information. This app is not being offered through the TSP and the TSP does not recommend using this application to access TSP accounts. TSP

March 8, 2013

Sequestration impacts ripple across Air Force

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Air Force senior leaders issued updated guidance to leaders of Air Force major commands and addressed the service's Airmen last week on how the service will operate under sequestration and a continuing resolution for the remainder of the fiscal year.Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry

March 3, 2013

Honorary commanders inducted

Beale Air Firce Base, Calif. — The 940th Wing inducted eight honorary commanders during a ceremony held March 1 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The ceremony introduced the group of newly appointed civic leaders to the wing's senior leaders as the first step in a program designed to help foster relationships between the wing and local communities. Lt. Col. Patricia Brewer, 940th

March 3, 2013

Squadron deactivation prompts career fair

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The 940th Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., held a career fair during their March Unit Training Assembly in an attempt to find new jobs for the members of the 13th Reconnaissance Squadron.In February, officials from Air Force Reserve Command announced the deactivation of the 13 RS on Sept. 29, 2013, due to budgetary constraints."We have to find

March 1, 2013

CSAF discusses impact of sequester

WASHINGTON (AFPS) — America's military superiority is founded on training and readiness, and the fiscal crisis facing the country threatens to strip away that edge, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress Feb. 26.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, along with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W.

Feb. 26, 2013

Yeager brings 'Right Stuff' to symposium

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) — The first person ever to travel faster than the speed of sound didn't know anything about airplanes when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1941. But retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager did have a knack for fixing machines and a willingness to do whatever his duty required of him and to take advantage of any opportunity that presented

Feb. 25, 2013

AF releases criteria for new combat medal

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Air Force officials released nomination criteria for the new Distinguished Warfare Medal Feb. 15, following defense officials' announcement of the new decoration days prior. The DWM will be awarded to honor individuals for single acts of extraordinary achievement, not involving acts of valor, that directly impact combat or other military operations

Feb. 21, 2013

If sequestration triggers, furloughs begin in late April

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — If sequestration is triggered next week, unpaid furloughs for civilian Defense Department employees will start in late April, Pentagon officials said here today.Sequestration is a provision in budget law that will trigger major across-the-board spending cuts March 1 unless Congress agrees on an alternative.DOD Comptroller Robert F. Hale told

Feb. 10, 2013

713th COS leadership changes hands

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif — Colonel Mark Metz handed over command of the 713th Combat Operations Squadron during a change of command ceremony, February 9, on Beale Air Force Base, Calif. Colonel Thomas Klingensmith assumed command of the 713 COS as Metz transitions to his role as Mobilization Assistant to the Vice Commander, 7th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Korea. Metz began