Clearing the Air On the Nellis Boonie Hat Controversy
A social media storm kicked off earlier this month about whether Airmen at Nellis Air Force Base can wear boonie hats during the hot summer months.
Space Force Working on New Tailored PME for Noncommissioned Officers
The Space Force’s highest ranking enlisted leader offered more details on a new training program for noncommissioned officers, the latest move by the service to customize its training and development enterprise.
ACE Calls for More Air Bases. Can Air Force and Army Find a Way to Defend Them All?
The U.S. Air Force’s plan to operate from an expanded network of bases around the Pacific is facing a familiar but fundamental challenge: how to protect those locations from a Chinese missile attack. The Air Force and Army say they are working on a solution.
Air Force Delivers Its First EA-37 Electronic Attack Aircraft to Home Base
The Air Force’s first mission-ready EA-37 Compass Call aircraft flew into Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., last week, the start of a major upgrade to the service’s electronic warfare fleet.
McConnell Returns to Operations After Show-Stopping Storm
McConnell Air Force Base has recovered and injuries are few after a violent storm raked the flightline ahead of a large airshow on Aug. 25. Surprisingly little damage was inflicted on the 80 or so static display operational and historic aircraft on display.
Radar Sweep
Ukraine Deploys F-16s Against Russian Barrage but Says It Needs More
The Wall Street Journal
Ukraine said for the first time that it used U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters to intercept drones and missiles as Russia unleashed a massive volley of attacks across Ukraine, battering infrastructure and eroding the country’s air defenses for a second consecutive day.
US Military Open to Escorting Philippine Ships in the South China Sea, Senior Admiral Says
The Associated Press
The U.S. military is open to consultations about escorting Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Aug. 27 amid a spike in hostilities between Beijing and Manila in the disputed waters.
A Hostage in Gaza Is Rescued by Israel after 326 Days of Captivity
The Associated Press
Qaid Farhan Alkadi was alone underground Tuesday after 326 days of captivity in Gaza when Israeli forces scouring Hamas’ vast tunnel network found and freed him. ... He was the eighth hostage to be rescued by Israeli forces since about 250 were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attack that ignited the war, and the first to be found alive underground.
US Soldier Who Entered North Korea Will Plead Guilty to Desertion
The Washington Post
An Army private who crossed into North Korea without permission last year will plead guilty to desertion and other charges, according to his attorney. Travis King will plead guilty to five of the 14 offenses he was charged with—including three counts of disobeying an officer and assault on a noncommissioned officer—at a hearing in Fort Bliss, Tex., on Sept. 20.
Special Operators Hope AI Can Reduce Civilian Deaths in Combat
Defense One
While much has been said about the danger of allowing AI into military operations in a way that would allow AI to kill people, there has been far less discussion about using AI to make war safer for civilians. But that's what U.S. special operations are starting to look at now, Christopher Maier, the assistant defense secretary for special operations and low-intensity conflict, told reporters.
Securing US Space Assets Is Busting the Air Force Budget, Kendall Says
Defense News
The [Space Force] has made some progress over the last few years defining a more resilient space architecture, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told Defense News in a recent interview. He said he’s happy with the Space Force’s plan to achieve resiliency through fielding smaller satellites in a more diverse range of orbits. However, to field those satellites and ground systems, he said, the Space Force’s $30 billion budget needs to grow—whether that’s through internal Defense Department trades or an increase from Congress.
CYBERCOM Chief to Congress: Let Us Finish Our Study Before Directing an Examination for a Cyber Force
DefenseScoop
The commander of U.S. Cyber Command has a message for lawmakers calling for independent studies on creating a new Cyber Force: let us finish our review. Following a proposal in last year’s annual defense policy bill that was shut down, legislative provisions passed defense committees in both houses of Congress—and one passed the full House of Representatives—that would direct independent assessments examining the prospect of a new military service focused on cyber.
Thailand’s Air Force Supports Buying Gripen Fighters over F-16
Breaking Defense
Thailand’s military publicly endorsed the Saab Gripen E/F as its choice for its next fighter jet, a move the Swedish firm called “very positive” but preliminary. According to a statement posted to the Thai Air Force’s Facebook page, the Gripen has been identified as the “most suitable” option for modernizing its fleet. While that is not the final word—the government will make a final decision and can override the military’s recommendation—it does represent a major, and public, vote of support towards the Swedish company over its competitor Lockheed Martin and its F-16 Block 70/72.
Scathing Bomber Crash Report Unfairly Targeted Crew Member’s Body Weight, Family Member Says
Military.com
A relative of a crew member who survived a B-1B Lancer crash in South Dakota earlier this year said the official accident investigation report into the mishap wrongly criticized the Airman's weight and unfairly put blame on Ellsworth Air Force Base personnel.
United Kingdom’s F-35B Fleet Plans Under Threat as Defense Cuts Loom
The War Zone
Not for the first time, the commitment of the United Kingdom to the F-35B Lightning stealth fighter is under scrutiny, amid reports that the new government could make cuts to it as it grapples with financial woes. With the British government seemingly committed to the next-generation Tempest fighter, the ability to pay for two separate advanced combat aircraft programs is being questioned, while continued problems integrating new weapons on the F-35B also pose a threat to its long-term security.
Experts Warn US Falling Behind in Satellite Imaging Race: ‘We’ve Gone Backwards’
SpaceNews
The U.S. government’s support for the commercial remote sensing satellite industry is at a critical juncture amid growing military demand for real-time intelligence, industry experts said Aug. 27. The commercial remote sensing satellite industry is expanding, but it’s still not equipped to meet evolving U.S. military needs for tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), said David Gauthier, former head of commercial operations at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
Airmen Rescue Pregnant Woman from Flash Flood During Backcountry Hike
Task & Purpose
Seven Airmen assigned to the 857th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., were recently honored for rescuing four people including a pregnant woman during a flash flood at Zion National Park in Utah, Air Force officials have announced.