Two Russian GLONASS operators last week descended upon Schriever AFB, Colo., meeting with GPS operators of the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. They were part of a group that included representatives from Europe and Japan, who were at the base to learn about the history and future of the Global Positioning System and its possible integration with GLONASS and future satellite navigation systems. GLONASS—Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System—was developed by the Soviets during the Cold War as the counterpoint to USAF’s Global Positioning System satellites.
Amid a high-profile recruiting crisis, Air Force leaders and experts have increasingly noted the challenging long-term trends the service will face in enticing young Americans to sign up—decreasing eligibility to serve, less propensity to do so, and less familiarity with the military. But while those same leaders say there’s no “silver…