Earlier this month, 20 US Air Force Academy cadets deployed to Southwest Asia to spend time with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. This time in the war theater is part of the annual program called Operation Air Force that places cadets at operational Air Force bases worldwide for career shadowing, mentoring, and familiarization. The goal, said Capt. Sean Lovell, 386th AEW antiterrorism officer, is meant to broaden the cadets’ knowledge of the Air Force and make them more well-rounded officers. The cadets had to prepare and train for the deployment just as any active duty airmen would, Lovell said. Cadet 1st Class Selena Rodts, one of the OAF participants, said the deployment will be invaluable since her instructors do their best to explain what to expect on a deployment, “but you never really know until you experience it for yourself.” (386th AEW report by Capt. Angelic Dolan)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.