Airmen can make a “big impact” on the service’s overall budget just by making small changes to conserve energy, said the service leadership in a letter to airmen marking October as energy action month. The Air Force has adopted the theme “I am Air Force Energy” to emphasize the role of each airman in being a good energy steward, state Secretary Michael Donley, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, and CMSAF James Roy in the Sept. 28 missive. Airmen’s contributions can be in the form of “flying our aircraft at energy-efficient altitudes, not letting vehicles or equipment idle, or simply turning off the lights,” they write. This year, almost 10 percent—or roughly $10 billion—of the Air Force’s budget will be dedicated to energy, according to the letter. While the service “has made great progress” in operating more efficiently, “every airman must participate in order to achieve our vision of an assured energy advantage in air, space, and cyberspace,” states the letter. (See also Oct. 1 Washington, D.C., release.)
Active-duty Airmen and Guardians haven’t missed any paychecks yet as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. But with tens of thousands of military spouses working as civilians for the federal government, many families still face financial strain and stress.
