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.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.