Some 25 airmen from the 85th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Tex., decided that the highway area outside the base’s main gate could use a new landmark—for pilots approaching the training base. After securing the necessary approval from civil entities, the airmen painted a median section of Highway 90 near the main gate with the squadron patch and the words: “CHECK HANDLE DOWN THREE GREEN FLAPS TAKEOFF.”
With a fresh directive from the president, the department could opt to repeat its unconventional—and potentially unlawful—move to pay troops using unused non-personnel appropriations.
