The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz for promotion to the grade of general to take command of Air Education and Training Command at Randolph AFB, Tex. Lorenz, currently head of Air University at Maxwell AFB, Ala., will succeed Gen. William R. Looney, who is retiring after 36 years of service, including leading AETC since June 2005. The Senate also approved Maj. Gen. Allen G. Peck to become a lieutenant general to replace Lorenz in the top Air University position. Peck has been serving as vice commander of the university.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.