The New World of Fighter Helmets: 
The 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, Calif., recently completed their evaluation of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s new helmet, which is a step beyond today’s heads-up display. The F-35 helmet carries its own display system, enabling the pilot to have all data in front of him at all times—which could pose a problem. Capt. Chris Jenkins, the pilot vehicle interface lead for the JSF Integrated Test Force, says the focus of the 412th’s work was “risk reduction,” essentially working to help optimize the data to ensure the pilot “can actually see the outside world through all the symbology.” Jenkins says that the helmet system uses the normal HUD symbology when the pilot looks straight ahead and has a tracker that senses when the pilot looks away from the centerline, telling the display to turn off some information while turning on other information.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
