Editor’s Note: The “People First” section is compiled from information from the Air Force Personnel Center, TRICARE, 56th Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Veterans Affairs, the civilian personnel office and armed forces news services. For the complete story, go to the web address listed at the end of the story.
Special operations command opportunities available
Rated and nonrated officers interested in special operations command opportunities must update their Airman Development Plan with a command statement of intent and submit the ADP to the Air Force Personnel Center by September, AFPC officials said.
The Commando Eagle selection board will meet in conjunction with the fall special operations development team meeting to select command candidates and identify officers for developmental education opportunities, said Maj. Evart Outlaw, from AFPC special operations forces-rated assignments.
Rated command opportunities exist for lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel selects with an April 1, 2009, or later date of rank, experience in a special operations weapon system within the past eight years, and no previous flying squadron command experience. Eligible officers cannot apply if they have been suspended from flying (except to attend certain schools), or have applied for separation or retirement.
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123312039
AF cyclists ride the world’s longest bicycle tour
A group of four cyclists from Scott Air Force Base left July 20 to participate in the 40th Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa July 22 to 28. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world and has been a tradition for U.S. Air Force members for 13 years now.
The group from Scott AFB consisted of four cyclist and two support members who carried equipment. The six members met up with the rest of the Air Force Cycling Team before the race. Although the Air Force does not officially sponsor the AFCT, it provides support transportation. The cyclists paid for most of the trip including registration fees, camping fees, jerseys, transportation to Iowa and food. Each year the route is different.
According to Capt. Rob Lounsbury, the base’s AFCT lead, the Air Force had more than 40 riders participate in this year’s annual event.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123311767
End of an era for Academy’s gliders
The TG-10C gliders that have been the Academy’s sailplane of choice for basic and aerobatic training for the last decade ascended for its final flight Monday.
The TG-10 trainer, which has been replaced by the new German TG-16A model, was flown for the last time on Academy grounds by Cadet 2nd Class Kurt Luithly, who flew the plane as a check ride to upgrade as a cadet instructor pilot. His evaluator, Lt. Col. Jeff Riddlebarger, an Air Force reservist, said it was one of the best check rides he’d seen.
“Luithly was very successful due to excellent discipline standards and leadership,” said Lt. Col. Richard Roller, commander of the 94th Flying Training Squadron. “That’s what the soaring program is all about: discipline, enthusiasm and teamwork.”
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123311662
Field guidance helps ensure seamless personnel, pay support
Because of guidance released July 24, base-level military personnel and finance sections will be better able to seamlessly serve military members’ needs during the December Military Personnel Data System upgrade, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.
MilPDS is a records database for personnel data and actions that occur throughout every total force Airman’s career. MilPDS is also used to initiate Airman pay actions, maintain Air Force accountability and strength data and support a host of interactions with other Air Force processes and systems that rely on personnel data.
Air Force Personnel Operations Agency officials are upgrading and transferring MilPDS to the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Defense Enterprise Computing Center in December. The upgrade project is scheduled to take about 23 days to complete.
To help prevent problems, AFPC fielded a guidance package that includes detailed information and instructions on processing critical total force personnel and pay transactions during the MilPDS upgrade.
