Feb. 5, 2021 DOD makes masks mandatory on all US military installations The Defense Department on Feb. 4 issued an order requiring all service members and civilians on U.S. military installations—whether indoors or outdoors—to wear a mask to try to limit the spread of COVID-19, with limited exceptions. However, vaccines against the new coronavirus remain voluntary, and
Jan. 20, 2021 Roth to serve as acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth will serve as the Acting Secretary of the Air Force as of Jan. 20, 2021 until the President nominates and the Senate confirms a permanent replacement.
Jan. 6, 2021 Department of the Air Force now tracking more administrative discipline data, including demographics A memorandum was published Dec. 21, directing Department of the Air Force commanders to track data from lesser disciplinary actions to assist in determining whether all discipline is being carried out in a fair and impartial manner.
Jan. 5, 2021 Department of the Air Force directs commanders to review unit emblems, mottos, nicknames, other official symbology The Department of the Air Force directed commanders to conduct a comprehensive review of official and unofficial unit emblems, morale patches, mottos, nicknames, coins and other forms of unit recognition and identity to ensure an inclusive and professional environment within 60 days from Dec. 23,
July 27, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion update The Department of the Air Force, on behalf of both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, stood up a special task force June 9, to address the issue of racial, ethnic and other demographic disparities and their impact on the forces.
July 13, 2020 Air Force building more inclusive culture through Dress and Appearance updates The changes, as outlined in an Air Force Guidance Memorandum dated July 1, 2020, include the removal of subjective language and other rules that may have been creating unintentional or unfair barriers for Air and Space Force uniformed members.
Oct. 22, 2019 Senate confirms Barrett to be Air Force secretary The 85 to 7 vote makes Barbara Barrett the third consecutive woman confirmed to lead the Air Force and its 685,000 total force Airmen. Barrett replaces Heather Wilson who resigned in May. Undersecretary Matthew Donovan served as acting secretary in the interim.