Luring high school juniors and seniors to the sciences is the intent behind the National Guard’s new energy lab. This mobile classroom features interactive learning tools that are focused on the science and technology behind alternative energy. The lab requires students to use scientific knowledge to navigate through video game-like scenarios. The Guard debuted the lab Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C. Classrooms and Guard armories in 10 states are on the lab’s road-trip itinerary through early 2011. The Guard is targeting communities that lack the funding to expose students to such technology. CMSgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, senior enlisted advisor to the National Guard Bureau chief, said it “is totally fitting and appropriate” for the Guard to spearhead this initiative. “We are the face of your communities,” she said. (NGB report by Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.