Typically, when an airman has a question about a personnel issue - a problem with pay, for instance, or a question about PCS orders or retirement - he or she stops by the personnel office to work it out. But this isn't always possible - especially when the service member is deployed.

In 2012, the Air Force launched myPers, a retooled version of the Air Force's personnel website. It brought together a plethora of information that Airmen could access from around the world at the touch of a few buttons.  

"We're always looking for better ways to serve those who serve," said Col. Pat Blassie, commander, Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center (AFPC) in a press release shortly after the myPers site was launched in 2012. "Each technological advancement we can offer our customers from the Total Force Service Center is part of a longer-term strategy to deliver human resource services as quickly, as seamlessly, and as efficiently as possible anytime and anywhere an airman might be; myPers is another outstanding refinement to that end."

Last year, myPers added a feature that allows airmen to chat about personnel issues from anywhere in the world in real time - with real people.

The online chat feature "gives airmen a fast and convenient way to get answers directly from subject matter experts on specific questions that may not be available on the website," said 2nd Lt. Zachary Newman, AFPC Transitions Branch support officer, in a recent AFPC press release.

The secure, single-access site can be accessed from either a military or personal computer. Users need a common access card or login identification and password.

myPers allows airmen in the field to chat in real time with personnel specialists Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During a live chat, they can receive information about retirement, separation or retraining, ask specific questions and get real-time answers. The site is customized for each user, and following each chat session, the service member is emailed a transcript for his or her records.

Information on the site is continually updated to offer airmen the most up-to-date information. "We want to ensure airmen always know where they can find the most current information. This is especially important in this climate of transformation," Newman said. "We do everything possible to ease the stress that is inherent whenever major policy changes occur. myPers offers answers to questions covering a vast array of Air Force Personnel issues, such as separations, base-of-preference, and the latest news on the upcoming force management programs." 

myPers should be the first place airmen should visit when they need information or access to personnel services.  "However," added Newman, "if they find they need further assistance, they can call the Total Force Service Center to speak to a customer service representative. To contact the TFSC, call 210.565.0102 or toll free 800.525.0102. Airmen can also select the myPers "contact us" link to email questions to the TFSC.

"We are constantly seeking new ways to better serve our airmen," said Newman. "The myPers website with its multitude of topics and information gives airmen efficient and timely tools to access and manage their personnel information anytime and anywhere they might be."