E-Mail Programs Help Deployed Airmen

By: fedweek

The Air Force is providing deployed Airmen and their families with two Web-based communication tools, allowing e-mail and instant messaging from virtually anywhere in the world. The Instant Messenger and Global Internet Mail programs are not new, but officials want to increase awareness of them by Airmen and their family members. Air Force Instant Messenger, which is accessed via the Air Force Portal, enables real-time instant messaging with other portal users, including family members. In addition to AFIM, deployed Airmen and some family members have the option of communicating via the GI Mail Web-based e-mail service. GI Mail is for Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System-verified Department of Defense employees — active duty, Guard, Reserve, civil service, and their authorized family members, except dependent children. To access AFIM, go to http://www.my.af.mil. Under the heading, "Friends and Family," click on "Access Friends and Family." To access GI Mail, go to http://www.gimail.af.mil,