Airmen serving in Afghanistan are flying combat missions, maintaining aircraft, revamping airfields, providing medical care, and more, including helping to train a new Afghan army. Some 19 airmen are part of a nine country coalition team mentoring Afghans going through Officer Candidate School, reports Air Force journalist SSgt. Carlos Diaz. Afghan and British instructors run the 23-week course.
The Department of the Air Force’s “pass through” budget—money that actually goes to other agencies—is slated to keep growing past $52 billion in 2027. Proportionally, though, it’s on the decline, especially compared to an explosion of classified spending in the Space Force.