Air Force Space Command is seeing the benefits of applying the principals of the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative to execute its missions more effectively and efficiently without sacrificing quality. For example, the 460th Space Wing’s space-based infrared satellite network support work centers have adjusted manning from 24/7 operations to more efficient nine-hour work days (with 15-hour stand-by times) by cross-training crews and, in the process, have eliminated the need for seven billets. Another example is the new process instituted by the 21st Space Wing to evaluate contracts. With it, wing officials were able to award the contract for the perimeter acquisition radar attack characterization system at $8.7 million under the original government estimate. Once standardized, this process has the potential “to save tens of millions of dollars in contract costs,” said 21st Space Wing AFSO 21 chief Rick Hughes. (Peterson report by SSgt. Daylena Gonzalez) (For more, read Air Force Magazine’s AFSO21 Progress Report)
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…
