Airmen undergoing technical training at Sheppard AFB, Tex., are feeling a little less restricted under a new Air Force Education and Training Command plan to enable the young airmen to “experience what they’ll experience at their first duty station,” said SMSgt. Terry Neuharth, 82nd Training Wing superintendent of military training. The base has revamped its traditional four-phase program of gradual privilege escalation over a 91-day period into one that offers more freedoms—and more responsibility—after the first 36 days. According to one trainee, most of whom come directly from basic training, morale is up. A1C Aimee Zalenski, an F-16 crew chief trainee, said, “We all feel more like adults.”
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.