Unite Program

The Unite program provides Commanders with funding to initiate programs that will benefit all Airmen in their unit including assigned Active Duty, Reservists, and APF/NAF Civilians. Family members and contractors are welcome to participate in the program but must pay their own expenses.

Vol 1 - 2022

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.

How to Host in 4 Easy Steps

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.

Click here for the Letter of Appointment

2. Event Proposal

Click Here for the Event Proposal Form

Complete and send to C3- bethzaida.cooper.1@us.af.mil - The C3 will then submit the request for approval.

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 bethzaida.cooper.1@us.af.mil

Appointment Letter

Event Proposal

After Action Report

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 Active Duty and APF/NAF Civilians. Family members are welcome to participate, but they must pay any associated fees.

Types of Events

Ready to Execute (RTE)

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
Galaxy Club
Fitness

Unit Developed Program (UDP)

Unite 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 30 days. (TAX EXEMPTION APPLIES)

Local off-base activities
Go Karts
Paintball
Go Ape

Free or Volunteer Events

Free or 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 corps values
Work on team-building exercise

Elibigility

Assigned Active Duty, Reserve, and APF/NAF Civilians.

Know Before You Call

Family members are welcome to participate, but they 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.
One beverage limit per meal.
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).
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.

Plan Timeline & Supply Checklist

POC Training Slides

Contact the UNITE Program

How Can We Support

We can help you with funding for your Unite events. Currently, we can pay for food and beverages up to $5 per person attending and $13.50 towards the event cost.

*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. Base wide special events. Purchasing prizes, giveaways, promotional/personalized items. Movies, concerts or theater events. Lodging and transportation. Portable toilets, trash services, cleaning fees or cleaning companies. Decorations should not 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 family members and 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
Beach/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)
Events 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)

Executing and 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 - bethzaida.cooper.1@us.af.mil
Unit POC passes on ICE link and encourages participants to complete an ICE Comment when the event concludes (ICE link is sent via us.af.mil email)

For more information, check the "Host Your First Unite Event with Five Easy Steps" links below.

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?

Must be recreational & unit cohesive in nature. Up to $13.50 per person for recreational activities.

Can my family attend our squadron event?

Family members are encouraged to participate they are just not included in your funding allocation per person for your event and must pay “Out of Pocket” expenses to attend.

Testimonials

Escape Room
Escape Room
Axe Throwing & Darts
Team Building
Virtuam
Top Golf
Paintball
Go Ape Thetford
The Evidence Room Bury St Edmunds
Bowling
Laser Tag
Punting
Team Sports Days
Historical Scavenger Hunt
Axe Throwing & Darts
Team Building
Virtuam
Top Golf
Paintball
Go Ape Thetford
Escape Rooms

"Our UNITE event went GREAT!!! Everyone had a fantastic time and I just wanted to say thank you for the assistance on making it happen!"

"The Unite funds are a great way to get coworkers together without the members having to pay out of pocket. This is a great tool to encourage bonding within the Unit."

"The process was very easy and simple! Requirements were easily obtainable, and the process flow was smooth."

"I thought the Unite event was great! I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt leading up to it, it gave us a chance to work as a team, brainstorm and hang out while getting in some cardio."