The Air Force on March 26 activated the 422nd Joint Tactics Squadron under the Air Force Expeditionary Center at JB McGuire, N.J. The new unit, formerly just a division within the center, will be the central repository for expeditionary combat support lessons learned and tactics, techniques, and procedures. “This squadron will ultimately enable airmen to receive the most current training and timely updates to TTPs prior to deploying,” said Lt. Col. Scott Robinson, the new unit’s commander. He added, “This not only helps save lives, it eliminates the need for additional training-in theater. It is really a force multiplier.” The 422nd JTS is the first of its kind within the Air Force for ground combat, but its work parallels that of the 561st JTS at Nellis AFB, Nev., that gathers and disseminates flying TTPs for aviators, according to USAF officials. (McGuire report by SSgt. Zachary Wilson)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.