Aircraft simulators must evolve to meet the adversary threat, leaders from the 53rd Wing told Air Force Magazine. Once mainly used for initial qualification training, the Air Force is moving toward a paradigm of simulator training known as the "common synthetic environment" that will create non-proprietary, interchangeable training devices and environments for aircrews to train, conduct mission rehearsals, and even test new weapons and other capabilities in a virtual environment. The development is in the initial stages, with a building constructed to house the Virtual Test and Training Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The VTTC is also exploring technologies for blending synthetic scenarios with live flying at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Male Airmen and Guardians dreaming of one day sporting a beard in uniform got a boost of hope recently, as documents for a proposed study of “inclusive male grooming” standards leaked on social media. But don’t put away those razors just yet—the service says the proposal is still in a draft phase and has not been approved.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall indicated that the Air Force could incorporate the Australian-made Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone into the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, according to media reports. Citing China’s technological superiority and aggressive acts in the region, Kendall also said the U.S. may be willing to cooperate with Australia on long-range strike capability.

The post-World War II drawdown left the Air Force ill-prepared for conflict. The parallels with today are enlightening.