The Air Force set out to change its culture of fitness July 1 when it implemented tough new fitness requirements, and it appears airmen were up to the challenge. The percentage of Total Force airmen who have passed the fitness test has jumped from 77.9 percent to 82.6 percent in three months since the new rules took effect, according to USAF data. The number of airmen scoring 90 points or higher also has nearly doubled since 2009. “We’re already seeing a cultural change, even for airmen engaged in combat operations in extreme environments,” said CMSAF James Roy. Airmen have already exceeded the Air Force’s projected passing rate of 75 percent to 80 percent, he noted. “We still have more opportunity for improvement, but so far, airmen have risen to the challenge. We’re very pleased,” said Roy. (SAF/PA release by TSgt. Amaani Lyle)
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.