The Air Force’s share of the increase in the military’s European Reassurance Initiative will focus on new rotations of aircraft through the continent and more exercises for aircrews, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said Feb. 12 at an AFA-sponsored Air Force breakfast in Arlington, Va. The Defense Department in its Fiscal 2017 budget request is asking for $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative, a quadrupling of Fiscal 2016 funding. The Air Force’s share will be between $350-$400 million, James said. The service will use the funding to increase rotations of combat aircraft throughout Europe, and to send more units on training exercises with partner nations. President Obama in announcing the funding said the money shows the US will “stand firm” with allies in Europe. The majority of the money will go toward pre-positioning equipment throughout the continent, Defense Secretary Ash Carter has said.
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.