With the increasing call for Air Force personnel to handle jobs normally done by soldiers, the service has tasked Air Education and Training Command’s 2nd Air Force with oversight for training of these so-called “in lieu of” airmen. The ILO airmen go through Army ground combat skills training at one of 14 designated Army training locations around the country. While the airmen are under the tutelage of the Army, says Maj. Gen. Michael Gould, 2nd AF commander, his staff must oversee their needs.
The Pentagon announced new long-term agreements with four defense companies May 13 to develop and produce large numbers of low-cost cruise missiles. And while the effort will focus mostly on the Army to start, it pairs with Air Force efforts to find more affordable munitions.