156th Wing uses AF Connect mobile app to enhance communication

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Brandon Patterson
  • 156th Wing/Public Affairs

The 156th Wing has introduced the new AF Connect mobile app to help connect and communicate with the entire force, but specifically, the Puerto Rico citizen Airmen.

The original launch timeline moved forward due to the COVID-19 response. As the Puerto Rico Air National Guard leadership team tried to determine how to best disseminate information, the app seemed to be the most worthy solution.

The app is equipped with features designed to enable, engage and empower Airmen. The app provides Airmen a one-stop shop for locating base information and being able to communicate in real time and on the go.

“An opportunity to engage in real time with our 156th members is one we cannot afford to waste, this app provides that robust capability,” said Col. Pete Boone, the 156th Wing commander. “This app keeps us on the cutting edge of technology and allows us to stay connected with our citizen Airmen and is a central hub for them to receive information. Our citizen Airmen often wear multiple hats. They have to maintain a military career and a civilian career, if we can provide them with the essential information they need, on the go, that’s the goal.”

Airmen can access local content by adding their unit as a “Favorite” within the AF Connect app.

“Having this mobile app will help us improve and route the flow of information to one location,” said Col. Humberto Pabon, the 156th Wing vice commander.  “We hope that having this kind of access at our fingertips will drive more awareness to the resources we offer and ultimately, aid our Airmen and their families.”

In the future, the app will give our citizen Airmen more flexibility. One of these features the app developers are working on will allow members to file travel vouchers within the app. The feature uses a common access card reader that plugs into the mobile device, which when used with the service member’s Common Access Card, will allow the user to authenticate their identity.

This added functionality will also allow members to access the Air Force Portal, ARCNet, military email and many other applications.

Boone added, we hope the information is useful to our entire team. The 156th Wing Public Affairs office asks for feedback to improve the user’s experience and to ensure the app continues to provide the most relevant information. Users can submit comments via the “Contact Us” feature under “About” in the app.

AF Connect is available free on Android and iOS from the Google Play store and Apple App store.