Air Education and Training Command recently began a beta test at Columbus AFB, Miss., to gauge the viability of using commercial electronic tablets as part of the curriculum for specialized undergraduate pilot training. “No other base is doing exactly what we are doing,” said 1st Lt. Justin Davison of Columbus’ 14th Communications Squadron in the base’s mid-February release. “As far as training goes, this is the first time these have been deployed in a SUPT class,” he said. The beta test began on Jan. 15 when seven SUPT students from 50th Flying Training Squadron received Samsung tablets for their T-38 curriculum. “It is a new way of education and a new way of learning,” said Capt. Bill Staley of the 14th Student Squadron. The beta test will conclude in July when these airmen are scheduled to graduate. If adopted, the use of tablets could also save the Air Force money on printing costs, states the release. (Columbus report by 2nd Lt. Joshua Benedetti)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.