Airmen from 13th Air Force and six Japan Air Self Defense Force liaison officers are engrossed in Exercise Keen Edge ’07 at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, in an effort to increase combat readiness as well as interoperability with JASDF. The intent of the Japan-led exercise is to deter aggression, ensure Japan’s defense and protect common interests within the Pacific Region. The command post exercise uses computer simulation of force employment. By working with Japan’s officers, the 613th Air and Space Operation Center members will learn to integrate each country’s forces to respond to contingency operations, natural disasters and humanitarian efforts.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…