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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.

Team Mildenhall Unite-D Newsletter

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

Fill out the downloadable Appointment Letter. Squadron Commanders will appoint squadron Unite POC(s) to the FSS Unite C3. 

2. Event Proposal

Complete the downloadable Event Proposal Form and email it to the C3 at [email protected]

The C3 will then submit the request for approval and initiate payments after approval has been acquired. 

3. Have Fun at the Event!

Enjoy your event! Be sure to take photos and send them to the C3 Coordinator, as this lets us pass them along to show Air Force Headquarters 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, which means we are relying on you to provide detailed after-action information. Your After-Action Report (AAR) will help us to improve the program. 

The downloadable AAR must be completed and emailed to the C3 at [email protected] within 3 business days after the event. 

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. 


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

  1. Unit POC contacts C3 (Community Cohesion Coordinator) to notify Unit interest in executing an event
  2. 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.
  3. Unit POC meets with their respective Squadron Commander / Civilian Leader with proposed event idea for approval
  4. 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

  1. Unit POC fills out request form for desired event
  2. C3 sends request to AFSVA (approval process may take 14 business days)
  3. Events is either approved or modifications are requested

Funding an Event

  1. Upon approval, units are allocated a specific budget for activities, food, and non-alcoholic beverages
  2. Funds are executed by the C3 and must have approval (do NOT use any other methods to execute funds)

Executing and Event

  1. Unit POC is responsible for event coordination and execution
  2. C3 assists as needed; provides overview and guidance for policies and procedures

Sharing Metrics from an Event

  1. Unit POC must complete AAR w/in 3 business days after the event and email to C3 - [email protected] 
  2. 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

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

    ICE Feedback

    How are we doing?

    Share your feedback about this facility through the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) Website.

    Contact


    • Unite Program

      Bldg 450, RAF Mildenhall

      Hours of Operation

      Currently Open
      Tuesday
      19 Mar 2024
      8:30 am - 2:30 pm
      Wednesday
      20 Mar 2024
      8:30 am - 2:30 pm
      Thursday
      21 Mar 2024
      8:30 am - 2:30 pm
      Friday
      22 Mar 2024
      8:30 am - 2:30 pm
      Saturday
      23 Mar 2024
      Closed
      Sunday
      24 Mar 2024
      Closed
      Monday
      25 Mar 2024
      8:30 am - 2:30 pm
      Family Days & Holidays - Closed