The Air Force will soon begin training airmen on what is expected of them once the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy takes effect. “I know our airmen will approach this issue professionally, and will continue to adhere faithfully to our core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. Air Force officials are following the three-tiered training plan that senior Pentagon officials outlined last month. “This training explains the new policies and provides information about specific behaviors, statements, and actions to our airmen,” said Col. Jeff White, who leads the working group overseeing this training. Schwartz said implementing the repeal during time of war is challenging, but there’s “no doubt” the Air Force will do this in a manner that “minimizes operational impact.” (SAF/PA report by Maj. Joel Harper)
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.