MARK YOUR CALENDARS: AETC FAMILY DAY SCHEDULE CHANGES Published July 2, 2007 By AETC Safety Directorate Air Education and Training Command -- Air Education and Training Command has revised its 2007 Family Day schedule. The previously approved family days, which were printed in the 2007 Torch Calendar, were July 3, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The new dates are July 5, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 (2008). Basically, the changes give people the day after the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Years holidays versus the day prior. The guidelines in Air Force Instruction 36-3003, military leave program, must be followed regarding passes and chargeable leave. For military members required to perform duty during these holidays, commanders are encouraged to grant compensatory time-off during the first week following the holiday, mission requirements permitting. Under current rules for Department of Defense civilians, commanders can encourage liberal leave, use of previously-earned compensatory time, or use of already approved time-off awards. Group time-off awards, specifically for the purpose of giving the day off, are prohibited by AFI 36-1004, managing the civilian recognition program. Specifically, Paragraph 3.3.7 states, "Time-off awards shall not be granted to create the effect of a holiday or treated as administrative excuse or leave;" e.g., they shall not be granted in conjunction with a military "down" or "training" day, or the like, which would grant the entire civilian employee population or a majority of the civilian population, a time-off award to be used on a specified day. Your civilian personnel officers can provide more information on current rules and available options. During your holiday activities, please think safety first. Use common sense, drive defensively, and wear your seat belts. Commanders and supervisors must provide a safety briefing to their personnel to ensure they understand that risk management should be used on and off duty. So mark the changes on your calendar, be safe, and enjoy the holidays!