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 Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.