Under newly adopted policy, the Air Force will discharge any airman found to have committed a sexual assault, and senior commanders must review actions taken on these cases, announced service officials on Thursday. These requirements, which took effect on July 2 and June 27, respectively, are aimed at helping to eliminate sexual assault from within the service’s ranks, states the Air Force’s July 18 release. Under the changes, once a commander has information alleging a sexual assault, the commander must promptly refer the case to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. If an airman is found to have committed a sexual assault, the commander—after completing any disciplinary action—must initiate administrative discharge processing for that airman, whether officer or enlisted, states the release. Further, any commander who makes a disciplinary decision regarding an airman for a sexual assault must report that decision to his servicing general court-martial convening authority who has attained the rank of brigadier general or higher, states the release. The general court-martial convening authority will then review the intended disposition and take any further action deemed appropriate. (Washington, D.C., report by SSgt. David Salanitri)
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.