JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas, December 11, 2013 (AFNS) – With the new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time for Airmen to double check and, if necessary, update their contact information, secure web account access and emergency records, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.
The traditional move season is over, so some Airmen may have outdated work and home email addresses, and family status may have changed for others, as well, said Timothy Clary, the AFPC Total Force Service Center director.
“We’re a global force, and every day, especially during the winter, we face potential hazards, so it’s important that we not only have accurate contact information, but more than one method of contacting Airmen,” he explained.
One way Airmen can support that need is by providing alternate email addresses, which will ensure they receive important messages, on or off duty.
Military Airmen can update their official email address via the AFPC secure site and civilian Airmen can update theirs via myBiz. Both sites are accessible through MyPers. Updating personal email can be done through the member’s myPers account profile, as well.
“In addition, Airmen who are housebound due to illness or inclement weather can still access their records, secure web apps and more if they take the time before a problem occurs to establish user identification and passwords for secure applications,” Clary said.
For example, myPers is a secure site normally accessed with the common access card, but Airmen who have a user ID and strong password can access the site from their home computer. That will enable them to stay current on personnel programs, policies and processes that may affect their careers.
“A strong, 15-character password is critical to protect your privacy and to maintain a secure site,” Clary said.
Since Airmen will be reviewing and updating information, the director suggested they also double-check their DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, the source document required by law to provide emergency contact information and beneficiary designations in the event an Airman becomes a casualty.
“The virtual form, or vRED, is accessible through the virtual MPF, so while you’re in the site updating email, it makes sense to update the emergency data as well,” he said.
Maintaining accurate, up-to-date access, contact and emergency information is part of every Airman’s duty, and the new year ahead presents the perfect opportunity to get all the updates done and out of the way, Clary said.
To access vMPF, myBiz or your myPers account profile, go to https://mypers.af.mil. A link to the account profile is in the left column above the “contact us” link. The MyBiz and AFPC secure links are in the “I would like to” section.