Defense Secretary Leon Panetta quashed talk that he would quickly bail out on the second Obama Administration, telling reporters during a flight to Australia Nov. 12 that he believes he has a responsibility to deal with the current fiscal and strategic issues facing DOD. He said, “My goal is to basically meet my responsibilities in terms of dealing with those issues [which he cited as “sequestration, budget issues, issues related to planning on Afghanistan”] and that’s the most important focus I have right now.” However, when pressed as to whether he would stay for the next four years, Panetta replied, “Who the hell knows?” (Pentagon transcript)
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.