KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The U.S. Air Force this week published a new instruction manual on dress code and appearance that provides airmen with more specific guidance on acceptable uniform and personal grooming standards, as well as body art, jewelry, cosmetics and "dental ornamentation." Airmen say this is the first time all the regulations have been easily accessible in one document.

Air Force officials say that most of the changes in the 179-page manual involve the addition of more detail and clarification to existing policy, something that airmen working at Kaiserslautern-area bases say was long overdue.

"It was a mess before," said Staff Sgt. Richard Wynn, 28, referring to the disorganization and ambiguity of the previous guidance. "It was so confusing ... it was so outdated. If you were out of regulation, people didn't say anything because ‘you can't prove that.' "

The updated guidance will make it harder for airmen to get away with dress violations, airmen at Vogelweh said Tuesday, but it will also be easier for airmen to understand what the regulations are, and limit room for subjective decisions on what is and is not allowed.

"It's a big relief," Wynn said.

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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) -- Hundreds of aeromedical evacuation professionals will gather here July 20 to 21 for the first, U.S.-led international symposium on in-flight medical care.

The International Aeromedical Evacuation/En Route Care Conference features speakers from a variety of countries sharing their stories, advice and lessons learned with hundreds of fellow doctors, nurses, paramedics and medical specialists. Officials expect representatives from 28 nations to attend the event.

"Different countries call it different things, so we wanted an all-encompassing get-together for anyone who provides any level of medical care in an aerial transportation role," explained Col. Beverly Johnson, the Air Mobility Command chief of aeromedical evacuation at the command surgeon general's office. "What's most important is that we all have the opportunity to share with each other information about our respective capabilities. If we're all aware of we can each do, it's easier to come together and work quickly, effectively and seamlessly in a contingency situation.

"Really, it's all about how we can work together to save lives," she added.

The colonel played an instrumental role in creating the plan for evacuating Sailors and Marines after the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in October 2000. A conference like this, she said, would have been especially beneficial back then.

"When nations partner together before an emergency, it becomes a great deal easier to operate during an emergency," Johnson said. "It becomes easier to understand each other, easier to execute the mission and builds confidence among allies. And that's what this conference is all about."

Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., the AMC commander, will be the keynote speaker for the event. In addition, experts from around the Air Force as well as Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Jordan and New Zealand will address the group on a variety of subjects. Retired Airmen and civilians will also speak to the group.

"I'd like to see people find common ground and understanding when it comes to the aeromedical evacuation mission," Johnson said. "We all have similar challenges and resource constraints, so it's important to find ways to collaborate and help each other. This is especially true when it comes to teaching nations how to build their own AE capability, like in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The AE mission, however, isn't just restricted to wartime use, the colonel pointed out.

"That's one of the other things we want to show some of our international partners," she said. "We had a lot of success working with other countries after the volcano eruption in Iceland and in the wake of the earthquakes in Japan. There are a lot of lessons we all can learn from each other."

Several members of the South Korean air force are attending the conference as observers to learn how other countries perform their aeromedical evacuation missions.

"In Korea, we have limited experience with AE," said Maj. Kyungpil Choi, a South Korean air force flight surgeon. "I'm hoping to learn how other countries train and construct their teams and how they manage their transportation systems. We're pretty excited about it all."

The conference coincides with the lead-up to the 2011 Air Mobility Rodeo, a biennial international competition that focuses on mission readiness, featuring airdrops, aerial refueling and other events that showcase the skills of mobility crews from around the world.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- The tents are built, the signs are hung, and with Rainier Ranch construction almost complete, the combined 62nd Airlift Wing and 627th Air Base Group RODEO team is ready for action.

"One of the things we might forget about during RODEO is that we are not only a host, but a competitor as well," said Col. R. Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander, at a team introduction on July 8. "And our team is ready to win!"

The Air Force held its first RODEO in 1956 to showcase the reliability and capability of cargo planes. The bi-annual competition has grown to encompass all aspects of Air Mobility Command, including aerial port, aeromedical evacuation, maintenance, security forces, and for the first time, financial management.

"We've been practicing Self-Aid and Buddy Care, running through financial scenarios and even some M-16 and M-9 training," said Tech. Sgt. Kerry Robinson, financial management team chief. "Our team is more than ready!"

Each team prepares for different RODEO competitions. The financial management team will compete in performance-based scenarios, small arms and a fitness course. The aerial port team will compete in engine running on and offload, challenge course, 10k forklift driving and pallet buildup competitions. The aircrew team will compete in the airdrop, air refueling and joint airdrop inspection events.

"To prepare for RODEO, we did some off-station training last weekend, which included various low-level flying drills and air drops," said Maj. Scott Huffstetler, aircrew team chief. "My team is prepared and we're looking forward to the competition."

The maintenance team will be competing in daily pre- and post-flight observations and refueling events. The security forces team will be competing in combat tactics, combat weapons and combat endurance events.

"This team represents you and what this installation does every single day," said Colonel Elder. "Thank you for all the hard work you've done while preparing for this event."

The 2009 wing RODEO team brought home five awards. They included the best post-flight team, best aerial port challenge course team, best C-17 Globemaster III team, best airdrop team and, the competition's top award, best air mobility wing. This year, the teams hope to build on those accomplishments and take the lessons they've learned back to hone their skills.

"We are so proud of you," said Colonel Elder to the team at the end of the introductions. "We look forward to bringing home those trophies."

WASHINGTON  -- Combatant and major command officials provided testimony to members of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower to propose a reduction of strategic airlift aircraft numbers in a session here July 13. 

Gen. Raymond Johns, the Air Mobility Command commander, and Gen. Duncan McNabb, the U. S. Transportation Command commander, provided the committee with information supporting an Air Force request to lower the aircraft inventory requirement of 316 C-17 Globemaster III, C-5A Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft to a minimum of 301 strategic airlift aircraft.

"AMC is charged with maintaining our strategic airlift fleet and ensuring it has the capability and capacity required by United States Transportation Command and the geographic combatant commander's," Johns said. 

He added that AMC officials are "keenly aware" of the financial difficulties facing the nation and the command's goal is to fulfill mission requirements in a fiscally responsible manner. 

The retirement of a portion of older C-5A aircraft would not diminish Air Force airlift capability and potentially save $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars in future years defense planning, Johns said. 

"Our ability to manage the strategic airlift over the coming years will enable us to be more fiscally responsible to our nation," McNabb added. 

He said the reduction of aircraft would not hinder USTRANSCOM ability to support combatant commanders around the globe. 

The requirement to maintain a bottom limit of 316 aircraft came from the Mobility Requirements Study completed in 2001. With changing requirements and an additional 40 more C-17's in the inventory than anticipated when that study was completed, Johns said, the exact mix of aircraft used in that study is less critical than the mission capability of the newer C-17 airframe. 

McNabb agreed. 

"As more capable aircraft like the C-17 and the C-5M enter the inventory, requirements can be maintained with fewer aircraft. The 316 strategic airlift floor requires us to keep unneeded, the less capable C-5A in the inventory."

McNabb added the fiscal savings are important but not as important as taking care of the Airmen who fly and maintain the aircraft and the use of manpower is absolutely critical to mission success.

"I need to be able to put my best people on my best assets," McNabb said. 

"Reducing the fleet would reduce the workload on our Airmen," Johns added. 

Johns said there is no reason for the Air Force to maintain a capability that is not needed and the ultimate goal of both AMC and USTRANSCOM is to maintain the best streamlined, economically sound fleet possible.    

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Along with constant training, the 446th Airlift Wing saw a lot of changes at McChord Field during the July Reserve weekend.

The event-filled weekend began July 9 with an All Call led by Fourth Air Force commander, Brig. Gen. Mark Kyle,. Kyle talked with Citizen Airmen about command priorities and fielded questions from the audience about force development and supplying the fight.

An Assumption of Command ceremony welcomed Col. Bruce Bowers, as our new wing commander, July 9. Kyle presided over the event attended by Reservists, active-duty members of the Air Force and Army, and local civic leaders.

Marking his new role as 446th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. James Dignan assumed command July 10.

The 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron also bid farewell to Col. Karen Winter, 446th ASTS commander, who retired and passed the torch to Lt. Col. Rob Richardson during change of command and retirement ceremony July 10.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- A 9-year-old boy got off an aircraft simulator and said, "I hope I'll remember this for the rest of my life."

That boy from Grayland, Wash., is battling cystic fibrosis and recently had an opportunity to sport a flight suit and step into the shoes of an Airman when he visited Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of the Pilot for a Day program.

Evan Waara, "Pilot for a Day" and soon-to-be 4th grader, was hosted by the 62nd Airlift Wing's 4th Airlift Squadron. The purpose of the program is to devote an entire day for local children with serious or chronic conditions and give them a chance to experience the Air Force firsthand. Participants are usually selected through a partnership with a community hospital or foster program.

"It makes me so proud that we, in the 4th Airlift Squadron, are part of something bigger than our mission," said Maj. Michael Masuda, 4th AS pilot and program coordinator. "I really enjoyed taking Evan around and bringing light to a child who has faced many health challenges."

During the visit, Evan was able to watch a military working dog demonstration by the 627th Security Forces Squadron, interact with the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit, visit the air traffic control tower, eat lunch with the 4th AS and get an up-close look at a C-17 Globemaster III.

"We are very thankful that Evan was given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Carl and Liisa Waara, Evan's parents. "Seeing him experience everything was really neat and everybody we've met has been so friendly and welcoming."

Other highlights of Evan's day included "flying" in a C-17 aircraft simulator and being strapped on a virtual reality parachute simulator, where he practiced "parachuting" in different environments.

"My favorite part was flying the C-17," said Evan. "It was so cool and I didn't crash!"

After the C-17 aircraft simulator, Evan left with more than his very own flight suit and Air Force memorabilia from the different units, he went home with a very big smile on his face.

"I'm so glad that Evan had a great time," said Major Masuda. "I hope that he will remember this for the rest of his life."

The original "Pilot for a Day" program began in December 1994, organized by Captain Rory "Ox" Blackburn at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The concept has since spread to several bases across the country, including the 62nd AW at JBLM.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- In his first year, a new Reserve recruiter has exceeded not only his personal goals, but those of the Western Recruiting Squadron, Tacoma, Wash.

Master Sgt. Chris Brown is a line recruiter with the Western Recruiting who sets high personal goals and delivers solid results. The 10-year Reservist has already exceeded his recruiting command goals by 152 percent with more than 35 enlistments or accessions.

"I started recruiting in October 2010 and set my goals to be rookie of the year and receive the Sentry Club award," said Brown. "Rookie of the year is based on every first-year recruiter nationwide with the most accessions in a fiscal year."

According to Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening, WRS senior recruiter, The Sentry Club award is given to less than 5 percent of recruiters nationwide who exceed their annual recruiting goals by at least 150 percent.

"With a narrow margin separating Sergeant Brown from recruiting competitors, he is doing well toward his goals," said Terpening.

"Because of Sergeant Brown's outstanding performance and Airmanship, he was selected to represent the WRS and 446th Airlift Wing at a Noncommissioned Officer Association conference in July," said Terpening.

Brown said his future plans include returning to Utah to be near his family.

McChord Field, Wash. -- There will be a FREE screening of the IMAX film "Rescue" at the Galaxy Theaters in Tacoma, Wash., 2208 Mildred St. W. on Thursday, July 21 at 6 p.m.

Six Reservists with the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron appeared in the movie. The film highlights the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010. It shows the massive effort of responders from around the world that helped the victims of one of the biggest humanitarian disasters of the century. Rescue is a journey of real-world disaster and emergency response captured in 3D.

This screening is FREE and open to all that would like to attend. We encourage everyone to come out to support the outstanding AE Squadron of the 446th AW. There is a limit of 200 people, and tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Please email denise.hauser.2@us.af.mil to reserve your seat. Tickets will be available for pickup in the 446th Public Affairs office located in Bldg 1214, Room 110.

The movie starts at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to be at the theater at 6 p.m. to be part of the welcoming crowd to cheer as the movie stars arrive. We are going to "roll out the red carpet." They will be driven up to the theater in Air Force Reserve vehicles, and arrive Hollywood style. There will be media present for interviews. So come out and join us for an evening of "Rescue."

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force officials recently selected the service's top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011.

An Air Force selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.

The nominees are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon, while the 12 winners will wear the bronze service star device on the ribbon. The winners will also wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.

The winners are:
-- Staff Sgt. Jordan Bishopp, Air Force Materiel Command
-- Tech. Sgt. Ricardo Chavez, Air Force Reserve Command
-- Tech. Sgt. Dustin Goodwin, U.S. Air Forces in Europe
-- Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Jones, Air Mobility Command
-- Senior Airman Nora Limjoco, Air Force Space Command
-- Senior Master Sgt. Kathleen McCool, Air Education and Training Command
-- Senior Master Sgt. David Newman, Air Force District of Washington
-- Staff Sgt. John Norris, Air National Guard
-- Senior Airman Daniel Skidmore, Air Force Special Operations Command
-- Senior Airman Ulla Stromberg, Air Combat Command
-- Senior Airman Raven Taylor, Pacific Air Forces
-- Tech. Sgt. Bradley Williams, Air Force Global Strike Command

Air Force Association officials will honor the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year in September during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington.

For more information on Air Force recognition programs, visit the Air Force personnel services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/.

The Missile Defense Agency successfully completed a flight test involving the launch of a Short Range Air Launched Target (SRALT) at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division-Point Mugu Sea Range, California. This flight test, designated FTX-17, successfully demonstrated an upgraded air launch and umbilical pull separation system, which had been redesigned to correct problems identified during previous tests.

At 7:04 p.m. PDT (10:04 p.m. EDT) on July 8, 2011, the SRALT missile was deployed from a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft over the Pacific Ocean approximately 500 miles west of the California coast. The target missile was extracted from the rear of
the C-17 aircraft by parachute. The missile's rocket motor then ignited, sending it on a planned trajectory over the Pacific Ocean.

The target missile's flight was successfully tracked by several missile defense sensors in California, including an AN/TPS-59 Tactical Missile Defense Radar at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, an X-band AN/TPY-2 radar at Vandenberg AFB, and the Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale AFB. Preliminary indications are that all data collection objectives were met.

This flight test was also used as a target of opportunity for several emerging missile defense technologies. Two Space Tracking Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites tracked the target and transmitted data to the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). This was the first demonstration of stereo acquisition and track handover of a short range target by the STSS
satellites. Other participants included the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) Experimentation Laboratory, Integrated Sensor Manager, Enterprise Sensors Laboratory (ESL), Near-Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE), and the Airborne Infrared (ABIR) program.