The US military still faces a looming capability gap in moving Army medium-weight weapon systems by air within a combat theater, the Government Accountability Office warned in a report Thursday. GAO said “only” the C-17 is currently capable of transporting heavier equipment, such as armored Strykers and MRAPs, within theater, as these are “too large and bulky” for C-130s. Yet, C-17s cannot transport these vehicles “into austere, short, or unimproved landing areas,” according to GAO. While the Air Force-Army joint future theater lift concept to replace older C-130s will address this shortfall, JFTL fielding is not expected until 2024, based on current planning, said GAO. This means that C-17s may have to be used more in tactical heavy lift roles to mitigate—but not fill—this gap between 2016 and when JFTL is available, potentially impacting the C-17’s “primary role as a strategic airlifter,” said GAO.
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.