The Air Force has been meeting goals as it expands its force of much-in-demand battlefield airmen, according to Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel. The service is gaining new members for these critical specialties from a combination of cross training from other fields and external recruiting efforts. The Air Force also has started conducting some “prep coursework” to offset the high attrition rate as prospective recruits undergo the demanding training needed to enter one of the battlefield airmen fields, explained Brady. Consequently, he said, the recruits are better prepared for the grueling tests. (Learn more about “The Ground Warriors of Airpower.”)
The Space Force is playing a key role in planning for “Golden Dome,” President Donald Trump’s initiative for comprehensive air and missile defense of the homeland, leaders said this week. But actually building and fielding the ambitious idea will require a major concerted effort across the Pentagon and intelligence community.