Ribbons in order of precedence; devices; specialty berets.
Personnel
The U.S. Space Force was created on Dec. 20, 2019. The Space Force exists as a separate military service within the Department of the Air Force, lead by the Chief of Space Operations.
Air Force Global Strike Command’s sweeping study of cancer cases in the intercontinental ballistic missile community will expand this summer to include environmental samples from the launch facilities themselves, one of several next steps officials detailed during a virtual town hall June 5.
An Air Force combat controller earned the Air Force Cross—the service’s second-highest decoration for valor in combat behind only the Medal of Honor—for his actions during a fierce battle in Syria in 2018. His identity, however, remains publicly unknown.
The Department of the Air Force is allowing Airmen and Guardians to reenlist up to year ahead of their term of service expiring, one of several moves it says are meant to provide more career flexibility that could also boost retention.
Competition for promotions to lieutenant colonel eased for much of the Air Force in 2024, driven by a smaller pool of majors considered.
Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman has been named vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and will step in as interim superintendent until Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind is confirmed by the Senate, the school announced May 29.
Vice President Kamala Harris extolled the importance of air and spacepower during a graduation address at the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 30, arguing the nation needs dominance in both domains to secure its interests and ensure global stability.
Air Force Reservists specializing in space-related roles can apply to become full-time Guardians from June 1 to Nov. 30. Applications for part-time Guardian roles will open in 2026.
