Air Education and Training Command opened its new innovation center April 30 at Randolph AFB, Tex. The center is meant to support AETC’s future learning division in promoting out-of-the-box thinking and generating creative ideas to aid recruiting, training, and education of airmen. Inspiration for the center came from similar facilities used by leading universities and major corporations. The center features an “electronic laboratory” for service members and civilians to explore better training and educational methods and has state-of-the art computer and gaming equipment, as well as other learning tools and materials. The innovation center held its first brainstorming session the day following its opening. “We are excited about exploring new concepts and the art of the possible, and invite everyone interested in cutting-edge education and training to visit and participate in our AETC future learning initiatives,” said AETC Commander Gen. Stephen Lorenz. (Randolph report by TSgt. Jennifer Lindsey)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.