So far, it’s been no contest. Airmen and Air Force civilians have far surpassed their counterparts across the Defense Department in responding to Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ call for creative ideas on improving efficiency. Of the 10,464 total submittals as of mid-day Tuesday, a whopping 6,944 of them—or two-thirds—had come from Air Force personnel, according to DOD’s tracking figures. Here’s the remaining breakdown: Army, 1,428 (14 percent); OSD/Joint Staff/Defense agencies, 904 (9 percent); Navy, 869 (8 percent); and Marine Corps, 319 (3 percent). Sept. 24 is the deadline for proposals. Gates launched the INVEST initiative last month to give uniformed military and civilian defense personnel the chance to offer their thoughts on how DOD could become more efficient and shed overhead. OSD plans to award tiered $500 and $1,000 prizes to the ideas judged best.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.