Building 685
Angela R. Staudt
Community Cohesion Coordinator (C3)
DSN: 268.3511
COMM: 01480.84.3511
UNITE Program
The purpose of the program is to provide squadron leaders with the maximum flexibility to deliver activities that build cohesion of personnel within their unit.
Personnel includes assigned Active Duty, as well as both APF and NAF Civilians.
How to Host a UNITE Event
The UNITE program is here to provide squadron leaders with the maximum flexibility to deliver programs that build cohesion for personnel within their unit. This includes assigned Active Duty, Civilians, and Reservists.
Think you’re ready to host a UNITE event in your unit? Click to learn more.
1. Establish your Person(s) of Contact
Squadron Commanders will appoint squadron Unite POC(s) to the FSS Unite C3. It will list their duties.
2. Event Request
Click Here for the Event Proposal Form
Complete and send to C3 – angela.staudt@us.af.mil.
They will then initiate payments after approval has been acquired.
3. Have Fun at the Event
Enjoy your event! Take lots of photos as this lets us pass them along to show BIG Air Force what your squadron is doing to Unite!
Please submit your best top 5 photos via email along with your After Action Report.
4. Submit After Action Information
The C3 will not be attending your Unite events so we are relying on you to provide detailed after action information so that we may improve the program.
AARs must be completed and sent to the C3 within 3 business days after the event.
Click Here for the After Action Report Form
Email the C3 at angela.staudt@us.af.mil.
UNITE Activities
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!”
UNITE is here to provide squadron leaders with the maximum flexibility to deliver programs that build cohesion for all airmen “Big A” within their unit. This includes assigned Air Force and Space Force Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and APF/NAF Civilians (LN and MOD included). Squadron commanders can authorize spouses, dependents, and partners to utilize funding, but it does not increase allocated UNITE funding.
Types Of Events
Ready to Execute FSS Events
RTE programs are pre-approved and easy to implement. They keep funds on the installation and should be considered first.
- Bowling
- Outdoor Recreation
- ITT Day Trips (movies, amusement parks, castles, etc.)
- Arts & Crafts
- M&FRC
- Fitness
- Community Center
Unit Developed Events
You have the freedom to design an event unique to your squadron on or off of the installation. Unit driven events require your Commander’s signature and approval from the AF Services Activity which may take up to 7 business days. (TAX EXEMPTION APPLIES)
- Local off-base activities
- Go Karts
- Paintball
- Go Ape
Free Events
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 prior approval, but we still need to capture the event information.
- Cook Off
- Game Night
- Museums
- Fitness Competition Days
Things to Consider
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, comradery, or morale
- Promote interaction between unit members
- Provide an opportunity for fun or relaxation
- Reinforce peer, squadron, or AF core values
- Work on team-building exercise
Eligibility
Assigned Active Duty, Reserve, Guard and APF/NAF Civilians (LN and MOD included).
Know Before You Call
- Squadron Commanders can authorize spouses, dependents, and partners to utilize funding, but it does not increase allocated UNITE funding.
- 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.
- Unutilized funds will be returned to AFSVA Dec 31 each calendar year.
Additional Checklists and Information
Maximize the benefit by using UNITE funds for equipment rentals, program supplies, decorations, and entertainment.
Read more about how to plan, how we can and cannot support events, information on training, and more. If you have any further questions please email the UNITE program for details.
How Can We Support
*Beverages do not include alcohol. Our support can only go towards unit cohesion events.
What We Cannot Support
UNITE funds cannot be used for:
- Holiday parties, end of year events, balls and banquets.
- Equipment purchases (rentals are okay).
- Squadron training/meetings.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Dining in/out and Combat Dining Out.
- Gambling.
- Combining with any other appropriated or non-appropriated funding.
- Purchasing prizes, giveaways, promotional/personalized items.
- Lodging and transportation.
- Portable toilets, trash services, cleaning fees or cleaning companies.
- Decorations cannot exceed 10% of the total cost of the event.
- Funding cannot be divided based on rank, pay grade, age, race, gender or religion.
- Covering the cost of damage or late fees and taxes, tips, or gratuities.
- While contractors can participate, UNITE funds cannot be used to pay for them.
Volunteer / Free Events Can Be Organized With Unite
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.
Suggested Programs:
- Fun Runs / Obstacle Courses
- Alpha Warrior Challenge / Fitness Events
- Food Banks / Animal Shelter
- Park/Trail Clean-up
What You Can Get With Unite Programs
- Squadrons will build unit cohesion
- Develop new skills or competency
- Improve physical fitness
- Increase esprit de corps, comradery, or morale
- Promote interaction between unit members
- Provide an opportunity for fun or relaxation
- Reinforce peer, squadron, or AF corps values
- Work on a team-building exercise
Rules of Engagement
Planning an Event
- Unit POC contacts C3 (Community Cohesion Coordinator) to notify Unit interest in executing an event.
- C3 provides Catalog of ‘Ready-to-Execute’ (RTE) Programs as well as Partnerships from the community. Units can either choose a RTE program, select from established partnerships, or create their own.
- Unit POC meets with their respective Squadron Commander / Civilian Leader with proposed event idea for approval.
- An event request is created by the unit POC with the help of the C3 and signed by the Squadron Commander / Civilian Leader.
Requesting an Event
- Unit POC fills out request form for desired event.
- C3 sends request to AFSVA (approval process may take 14 business days).
- Event is either approved or modifications are requested.
Funding an Event
- Upon approval, units are allocated a specific budget for activities, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Funds are executed by the C3 and must have approval (do NOT use any other methods to execute funds).
- Before the C3 can make any payments to an off-base vendor, Government Purchase Card Regulations require that the vendor complete a Form 889.
Executing an Event
- Unit POC is responsible for event coordination and execution.
- C3 assists as needed; provides overview and guidance for policies and procedures.
Sharing Metrics from an Event
- Unit POC must complete AAR w/in 3 business days after the event and email to C3 – angela.staudt@us.af.mil
FAQ
What activities and funding are available to use for our “cohesive” event?
APF and NAF funding is designated to pay or offset the cost of a chosen activity such as: Unit Developed, Volunteer, Virtual or Ready to Execute FSS MWR events such as: Bowling and ODR rental/programs, Squadron fun days, and off- base recreational activities.
What are the rules for using APF funding?
Can my family attend our squadron event?
Squadron Commanders can authorize spouses, dependents, and partners to utilize funding, but it does not increase allocated UNITE funding.
