UNITE PROGRAM
In August 2016, Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF) General David Goldfein, released his letter to Airmen titled, “The Beating Heart of the Air Force…Squadrons!” In turn, AFSVA was asked to establish an activity-rich program that would empower Squadron/Unit with options to facilitate cohesion.
The Unite program provides Commanders with funding to initiate programs that will benefit all Airmen in their unit including assigned Active Duty and APF/NAF Civilians. Family members are welcome to participate in the program but must pay their expenses.
Eligibility
Assigned Active Duty, Reserve, and APF/NAF Civilians. Family members may participate after paying any applicable fees.
Paying For Unite
Your installation C3 will make Unite payments on your behalf via a purchasing card, though you must ensure budget limits are maintained at all times. Final attendance count is due at least 72 hours prior to your ON-BASE event and will be used to invoice meals planned at FSS facilities. If the actual number is greater than what was planned, you’ll be invoiced for the greater number. Off-base attendance requirements may differ.
Funding
Unite program funding is based on assigned unit members and is administered per calendar year. The installation C3 can confirm your allocations and will make all payments on your behalf up to your allocated limits.
CY23 Funding Allocations
$13.50 per person APF: Activity and supply expenses
• Items include: Admission fees, equipment rentals, program supplies, entertainment and decorations.
$5.00 per person NAF: Food and beverage expenses
• Food & beverages must be used in conjunction with a Unite event.
Utilization
Begin utilizing funding in 4 easy steps!
Step 1 – Complete Unite POC Appointment Letter (request by email) and submit to Unite Org Box. Commanders appoint squadron POC(s). Only unit POCs can submit requests.
Step 2 – Unite POCs receive initial Unite Training
Step 3 – Submit completed Event Requests for review and submission to AFSVC NLT 7 business days prior to event
Step 4 – Unite Team pays for your event!
Types of Events
Ready to Execute (RTE)
RTE programs are pre-made and easy to implement. FSS related events should be considered first.
Unit Developed Programs (UDP)
Squadron leaders are given the discretion to create UDPs that capitalize on opportunities available on base and in the local area. Events requiring vendors may need 4 weeks lead time.
Free/Volunteer
Charitable work provides a cost-effective team building activity that allows co-workers to see each other in a new light and can make a real difference in your community. Free events do not need approval, but we will need to capture the information.
Contact your local Unite Team for event ideas and local options!
Why Unite?
Our program goals are to support SQ leaders, maximize use of FSS facilities, measure impact, and provide maximum flexibility to SQ commanders. You can use this program for any of the following reasons.
- Develop a new skill or competency
- Improve physical fitness
- Increase esprit de corps, comradely, or moral
- Promote interaction between unit members
- Provide an opportunity for fun or relaxation
- Reinforce peer, squadron, or AF corps values
- Work on team-building exercise
Considerations
- Family member are welcome to participate, but must pay any associated fees.
- Funds cannot be used to augment holiday parties on or off the installation.
- Meals must be used in conjunction with an approved unite event.
- Funds cannot be used for alcohol or prizes.
- Unite funds cannot be combined with unit enhancement funds or SM&W funds.
- Private org funds may be used to supplement funding
- Unit driven events require Commander’s signature and approval from the AF Services Activity (may take up to 30 days).