The Air Force has given contracts to two companies to further a decision on whether the service should pursue the Alternative Infrared Satellite System, which could serve as a replacement or alter ego for the increasingly expensive and technically challenged Space Based Infrared System satellite. General Dynamics has received $23.4 million and Northrop Grumman $24.8 million to perform system definition and develop technical requirements documents for various subsystems. Each is to complete its work by May 2008, when USAF must decide whether to pursue SBIRS or go with AIRSS.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…