The Mobility Forum Archive Stories

Drones have many functions, including monitoring infrastructure, crops, and wildlife; gathering, shipping, and delivering small goods; inspecting industrial sites; mapping and surveying land; responding to emergencies; protecting assets; firefighting; relaying communications; photographing; and filming. These applications would not be possible without the colorful history of drone innovation within the U.S. Air Force (UASF), including contributions from two well-known Hollywood actors—one of whom became a U.S. president.

The members of Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the U.S. military are the best in the world when it comes to protecting national security. Unfortunately, their own financial security is often not as well served. Military families often have more debt than civilian families and fewer assets. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Pioneer Services, Veterans are twice as likely as civilians to carry credit card debt over several months and often become homeless due to escalating money issues. However, by using a few simple money-management strategies, Veterans and active duty service members alike can fortify their financial situation.

Flexibility is the key to any higher education program geared toward military personnel. Putting your college degree in the hands of an online program can be a safe choice—as long as you know how to select a program and college and use the resources available.

It was 12:45 p.m. on an unusually warm Sunday in fall 2013. My mother, my sister, and I had just finished brunch after returning home from church when the sky began to darken ominously. I looked out a window and saw dirt swirling up in the open farm field in a way I had never seen. We all had the same thought, which I said aloud—“There’s a tornado!”

Using the grill for a family barbecue is a favorite American summer pastime. Most people do not think about safety when grilling, but a grill fire can start easily and spread quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills are involved in about 10,200 home fires per year. These outdoor cooking safety tips will help keep your home and family safe this summer while enjoying the sun!

You are working on routine vehicle maintenance, and suddenly a hose bursts, spraying a hot substance your way. This chore quickly turns into a medical situation. Maybe you are channeling your inner Gordon Ramsay and a missed flip splashes sizzling oil on you. Maybe a fun night around the campfire goes awry. No matter the cause, burns can be painful and proper medical care is essential.

The physical fitness assessment for the U.S. Air Force was updated in 2022 after close to 20 years. Endurance is tested with the Air Force’s Basic Military Training (BMT) physical fitness test (PFT), which measures cardiorespiratory fitness, physical strengths, and abilities. In order to graduate from boot camp and then continue to the advanced individual training, you are required to pass the BMT PFT.

Executive Order (EO) 13859, “Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI),” states that it is the policy of the U.S. Government to “sustain and enhance the scientific, technological, and economic leadership position of the United States in AI research and development and deployment through a coordinated Federal Government strategy.” Signed by the President of the United States in 2019, this strategy is guided by five principles, one of which declares that “the United States must drive technological breakthroughs in AI across the Federal Government, industry, and academia in order to promote scientific discovery, economic competitiveness, and national security.”

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular source of summer entertainment. Whether you like mountains, prairies, dunes, or beaches, you can take an ATV there. If you do not own an ATV, they are often available for rent at venues that offer off-road riding opportunities. What better way to soak up the sun and fresh air with family or friends than on an ATV?

10,000 Hours 312th Airlift Squadron, Travis AFB, CA SMSgt James V. Grant 7,500 Hours 182 AW, Peoria, IL Lt Col Jeffrey S. Teuscher 6,500 Hours…

Risk Management is a foundational tenant of a sound safety culture. Preemptively identifying hazards allows personnel to assess the inherent risks within a mission and effectively develop mitigation strategies to address these potential hurdles. Additionally, this process highlights hazards to the appropriate risk acceptance authority, permitting leadership to provide supplemental guidance while also determining if the identified risk is acceptable.

Capt Courtney Smith, 60th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate Chief of Administrative Separations, speaks with Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets during a Project Tuskegee, Aviation Inspiration Mentorship event at Travis Air Force Base (AFB), CA, April 28, 2023.