Adding credence to the need for acquiring more than 180 C-17 airlifters is a Defense Science Board report (dated September 2005, but just released), in which the well-respected panel rings alarm bells over the 2008 cutoff of C-17 production. The DSB recommends the Pentagon keep open the option to “continue C-17 production beyond 2008.” The panel also recommended continued “evolutionary improvements” to both the C-17 and C-5 to increase their capabilities.
Air Force Basic Military Training leaders say changes implemented as part of BMT 2.0 are generating positive results so far—especially when it comes to creating “airminded” new Airmen.


