The Air Force and Space Force achieved annual recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule, contracting 32,000 new active-duty Airmen and Guardians needed for the fiscal year. To date, both services have sent nearly 25,000 active-duty recruits to basic military training, while the remaining personnel are scheduled to begin training by Sept. 30.

Eligible active-duty aviators have from April 1 until May 31 to apply for the fiscal year 2026 aviation bonus, Air Force officials announced April 1, 2026.

The Department of the Air Force updated its Air Force and Space Force SkillBridge programs to balance operational readiness and transition assistance to Airmen and Guardians. This update adjusts the length of program participation into rank-specific categories and clarifies specific commander levels required to approve applications related to a service member’s rank.

The Department of the Air Force released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, on Feb. 26. The revision incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements.

Policy documentation and links to additional information