The new Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course established at Vance AFB, Okla., just flew its first sortie earlier this month. Vance’s new 3rd Fighter Training Squadron formed earlier this year. This first class comprises six students, recent graduates of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance, reports Capt. Tony Wickman. “In 18 months, these pilots are going to be the ones in the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Tyson, 3rd FTS commander.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.

