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 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.
