Not Even a Handshake?: The Air Force has been steadily revamping its personnel operations to trim the number of personnelists needed at each base and to eliminate the need for an airman to stand in line at the local personnel office. The service wants a virtual 24/7 capability. Officials say the most recent changes of several to be implemented through December 2007 make it possible for airmen to correct duty-history mistakes and—get this—apply for retirement online. If an individual’s retirement application flies, the Air Force would send the airman a final DD Form 214 in the mail—goodbye.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.