Intel officer gets inside look at Afghan culture

Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team convoys traveling to the far reaches of the Afghan border scoping out potential sites for construction of schools, medical facilities or water purification facilities provide many locals the rare opportunity to interact with Americans. The mission of the Paktya

Air Force officials mull 9th Air Force, AFCENT separation

As Air Force leaders continue to balance mission requirements and available resources, they are proposing a separation between the stateside numbered air force and its warfighting component to the U.S. Central Command. Currently, a three-star general commands both 9th Air Force at Shaw Air Force

Emergency aid reaches Pakistan refugees

A third U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft landed here today bringing emergency aid promised by the Department of Defense to the people of Pakistan who have evacuated the war-torn Swat Valley. Over the past 24 hours, three such aircraft delivered relief supplies here, part of $10 million

Joint motor pool keeps MRAPs in the fight

Airmen from the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron are working with their Army compatriots in the base motor pool to keep the squadron's tactical vehicles running like clockwork. Four members of the Air Force security forces unit are part of a joint motor pool and learning more than they

U.S. airlift aids Pakistan's war-torn Swat Valley

In response to specific requests for support from the Government of Pakistan, the Department of Defense has arranged for the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance to aid in caring for the estimated 1.7 million Pakistanis displaced by current military operations against violent extremists in the

Airmen transport humanitarian aid to Pakistan

Local high school students get inside look at 386th

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing hosted 75 high school students from the local America-Mideast Educational and Training Services language training center during a visit to the base May 16. The visit marks first time the school has been to the base. Members of the 386th along with Soldiers, Navy

Airmen support Soldiers by putting bombs on targets

On a battlefield they plan, request and direct air strikes against enemy targets in close proximity to friendly forces, namely the army units on the front lines who may need close-air support in the blink of an eye."I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I am supporting my Army counterparts," said

NCO kicks up dust in Afghanistan

Rotor blades sound in the distance. Ground control radios the aircraft. Helo is five minutes out. Soon, a Blackhawk hovers overhead - kicking up sand and debris. Military personnel and civilians receive a signal to board. The crew lifts off for another stop. Mission complete. Next mission up. Staff

Panjshir PRT medics improve medical sanitation

As soon as the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team arrived in the Panjshir Valley in November 2008, they noticed a need for a more sanitary way of disposing of contaminated needles. "We saw that they were using cardboard boxes and buckets for [sharps] disposal. We also observed needles laying