WASHINGTON — The fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, signed into law last month, significantly changes the Uniform Code of Military Justice, known as UCMJ, in cases pertaining to rape and sexual assault. All of the UCMJ amendments contained in the NDAA pertain to investigating and prosecuting sexual assault crimes and victim…

Airmen backstroke as a unit during a water survival training refresher course. The group activity focused on getting aircrew members accustomed to working together while in water so they are able to preserve energy in the event of a ditched aircraft. Staff Sgt. Whitni Levering, 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron airborne linguist, is dragged through the…

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Beginning this month, Citibank is issuing chip and PIN-enabled government travel cards (GTC) to new card applicants, individuals whose cards will expire in 2015 and individuals who have reported lost or stolen cards. This is the first phase in a multi-phased rollout, which will enhance the security and convenience of government travel…

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Eight-hundred fewer Active-Duty Airmen experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact in fiscal year 2014 than in fiscal 2012, and 500 more Airmen reported the crime over the same period. This data was part of a report provided to the President, Dec. 2, that summarizes the progress the Department of Defense and…

Flu season is in full swing and health care professionals have seen an uptick in the number of patients reporting with flu-like symptoms. There are steps that can be taken to protect you and your family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that normally influenza activity is at its peak during the months…

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  — As the holiday season quickly approaches, many Airmen become stressed when they try to figure out how to deal with visiting families, preparing large meals and buying gifts for loved ones. For others, stress can manifest because this could be their first time away from family during the holidays. Different…

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) — It’s that time of year when holiday parties and late night celebrations begin to fill our calendars and we look forward to spending time with family and friends to celebrate our own special reasons for the season. Every Christmas Eve, I celebrate my life and I give thanks…

OINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —  Active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard officers and enlisted members who want to maintain copies of their pre-July 2010 fitness records need to access the Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS) and save or print their records by Dec. 30, Air Force Personnel Center officials said…

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — Assorted sweets are a big attraction on display in stores and are advertised in television commercials. Despite the effort to escape purchasing them and knowing they’re not healthy, people still tend to crave, buy and gobble them up. On top of the negative impact these treats have on health…