Input sought
AIR Force is at a challenging juncture in its history. Stretched by a high operational tempo, personnel and experience shortfalls and ageing platforms, it faces significant challenges in maintaining and developing capability.
Future workforce trend analysis suggests additional problems in attracting and retaining people in the future.
Looking to the future, the Air Force faces the requirement to maintain personnel numbers, address the rejuvention of our people and culture and to manage the obsolescence of many of its operational platforms during the period 2008-2020.
At the 2002 RAAF Aerospace Conference Air Commodore John Blackburn led a team presentation which addressed a potential future Aerospace Force of the year 2020. The presentation was intended to initiate a dialogue with Defence people in order to engage them in the Air Force's strategic planning process.
A copy of the team's presentation and some of the documents which supported their ideas are presented on the Air Force People Capability web site which can be accessed at http:// defweb2cbr.defence.gov.au/afpc/
Over the next three months, ideas and input are welcome through the e-mail address afpc@cbr.defence.gov.au
You will also be able to view feedback from across Defence at the above web site. Your input will be collated and passed to Air Force Headquarters staff to assist with the development of Air Force's plans.
Group Captain Ian MacFarling
Director Aerospace Centre,
RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra

Heartfelt thanks
On behalf of my wife Lee and daughters Danielle and Kate, I would like to thank all our many friends in the services and wider Defence family who provided us with such wonderful support during the weeks following our son Tim's recent tragic accident.
We were overwhelmed and quite humbled at the tremendous concern, prayers and well wishes we received from so many people which gave us much strength and encouragement during his hospitalisation.
Unfortunately Tim succumbed to his injuries, passing away on May 10.
We also thank you for the many donations received in his name that have been forwarded on and gratefully appreciated by the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
Air Commodore Chris Beatty, DFC, AFC
Commander Training
Headquarters Training Command
RAAF Williams, Laverton, Victoria

Homeschool option
One of the problems which Air Force families face constantly relates to the question of proper schools for their children. The fact that Air Force families might be constantly on the move can make it difficult for the children to adjust to the school environment. However there is another option - homeschooling.
Through homeschooling, parents or guardians are the prime educators of their children.
Some parents worry about the legality. My understanding is that it is legal but you should check with the education authorities of your State.
Other parents ask me about the socialisation of the children. We have homeschooled my daughter and son for 10 years and nine years respectively. They never had any problems in that regard. My daughter went to one of the local colleges and in no time at all she became the president of the Students' Representative Council. There are also a lot of resources and people willing to help you.
Remember, General Patton was homeschooled. It is not for the faint-hearted but the satisfaction that you get is worth all the effort.
Karmenu Attard
Dickson, ACT