The last of 20 T-38C trainer aircraft arrived at Randolph AFB, Tex., completing their shift from Laughlin Air Force Base, also in the Lone Star state, as part of the Air Force’s consolidation of its Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training. Laughlin’s 434th Fighter Training Squadron relinquished these aircraft to Randolph’s 435th FTS. The latter will also gain 11 active duty instructor pilots, more than 30 support positions, and train approximately 80 additional students annually, according to service officials. The Air Force announced last May its plans to end IFF training at Laughlin and Vance AFB, Okla., leaving IFF training courses at Randolph, Columbus AFB, Miss., and Sheppard AFB, Tex. The final T-38C arrived at Randolph, a part of Joint Base San Antonio, on Jan. 18. (Randolph photo caption by Rich McFadden)
When Donald Trump begins his second term as president in January, national security law experts anticipate he may return to his old habit of issuing orders to the military via social media, a practice which could cause confusion in the ranks.