In recognition for his work in forging self-sufficient Iraqi security forces at Al Kasik Military Training Base, Capt. Russell Waight, with the 18th Security Forces Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, has received the Bronze Star. On his year-long deployment, Waight led a six-person team in a multi-faceted mission that including writing security lesson plans, training and equipping 300 Iraqi troops to handle security on their own, and ensuring a safe environment for local and national elections.
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
