Effective Tuesday, warfighters serving in Afghanistan and Iraq for 270 days or more are eligible for 15 days of administrative absence. The Defense Department announced the changes on Monday, saying Afghanistan and Iraq have been designated as nonchargeable rest and recuperation locations at the request of US Central Command. “This designation provides an additional benefit specifically for those service members deployed to the most arduous combat areas,” said Sam Retherford, the Pentagon’s director for officer and enlisted personnel management. These R&R days, in conjunction with government-funded transportation, allow servicemembers to retain their annual leave for reintegration with their families and communities when they return home, he said. (SAF/PA release)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.