With the increasing call for Air Force personnel to handle jobs normally done by soldiers, the service has tasked Air Education and Training Command’s 2nd Air Force with oversight for training of these so-called “in lieu of” airmen. The ILO airmen go through Army ground combat skills training at one of 14 designated Army training locations around the country. While the airmen are under the tutelage of the Army, says Maj. Gen. Michael Gould, 2nd AF commander, his staff must oversee their needs.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
