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.
High year of tenure changes take effect in 2013
High year of tenure changes announced in December will go into effect in September 2013, Air Force Personnel Center officials reminded affected Airmen in August.
Changes will affect senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants, said Lt. Col. Tara White, AFPC retirements and separations chief, who explained that high year of tenure refers to the maximum number of years enlisted Airmen in each grade may remain on active duty.
In 2003, HYT was adjusted upward to retain experienced Airmen during a robust economic era. In 2010, the Air Force began the process to normalize HYT, reducing senior airman, technical sergeant, master sergeant and senior master sergeant levels. In December 2011, the Air Force announced that HYT would continue to be adjusted beginning in 2013.
Beginning in 2013, high year of tenure limits for senior airmen will be reduced from 10 years to eight years; staff sergeant 20 years to 15 years; and technical sergeant 22 years to 20 years.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123314515
Hotel tax exemptions could help AF save millions
During a time of increasing Defense Department budget constraints, the Air Force continuously looks for innovative solutions that save money and positively impacts the mission.
Air Education and Training Command’s Financial Management office said Air Force travelers could help save millions of dollars by taking advantage of tax exemptions while using the government travel card at hotels in select states.
Those traveling to Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas or Wisconsin and staying in off-base lodging are exempt from paying state sales tax for the hotel room. Visit https://smartpay.gsa.gov/about-gsa-smartpay/tax-information/state-response-letter for a list states hyperlinked to more information about the tax exemptions.
http://www.aetc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123314376
New instruction puts spotlight on standards, culture
When referencing fundamental standards, Airmen now have a single source: Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards.
As one of the capstone acts of his 39-year career, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, put his signature on the brand new instruction, which communicates in one document the required standards of conduct, performance and discipline expected of every uniformed Airman.
The instruction – the first and only to be signed and certified by the chief of staff – was preceded by Air Force Policy Directive 1, Air Force Culture, in which the secretary of the Air Force directed the chief of staff to develop and execute policy related to standards.
The new instruction is particularly noteworthy not because it offers many new standards, but because it consolidates many of the standards that had been spread among many separate instructions, officials said. In a single document, the instruction conveniently summarizes the expected standards of conduct for uniformed Airmen.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123313864
Donley emphasizes standards at AFSA conference
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed Airmen Aug. 15 at the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airmen’s Conference.
During the honors banquet that concluded the conference, Donley said the Air Force would be able to meet the challenges of a dynamic strategic environment and current fiscal constraints due to the unrivaled quality and professionalism of America’s Airmen — in particular its NCOs.
“Our NCO corps is the envy of every other military in the world,” Donley said. “The world has seen nothing like it. And for that, we owe many of you here tonight a great debt of gratitude.”
Considering the importance of a professional force, the secretary said it is vital that the Air Force continue to develop the quality Airmen the service needs: Airmen who uphold standards, embrace the Air Force culture and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the service’s core values.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123314405
