The 
Air Force is looking to the virtual world to recruit and train new airmen. Officials in the innovations and integration division at Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala., have created several prototype virtual learning communities in Second Life—an online world launched in 2003 by San Francisco-based Linden Lab. One is MyBase, a virtual Air Force base. Through an online personality, or avatar, users can learn what it’s like to go through basic training, to become a pilot or chaplain, or to be part of a medical team. The idea is to create an immersive experience where people can experience life in the Air Force. Among the features within MyBase is a training game called “Operation Relief Worker Rescue Challenge” to teach Air Force Academy cadets about leadership by having them interact with others to rescue hostages. (AFPS release by Cheryl Pellerin)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
