Air Combat Command’s demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, is scheduled to perform more than 70 aerial demonstrations in 27 states—a busy schedule and one that will also include the unit’s first female pilot, Capt. Nicole Malachowski. The T Birds are already looking beyond 2006 to the 2007-08 season, for which officials say they need seven new officers to replace those rotating off the team. It’s a two-year gig. Read more here.
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.