Faiz Mohd Ramaki, an Afghan translator who has worked with coalition forces for five years, will be the first cadet from Afghanistan to undergo pilot training in the US under the US Air Force’s Aviation Leadership Program. SSgt. Julie Weckerlein reports that Ramaki expressed surprise at his selection, saying “It’s still like a dream to me; I can not believe it.” However, US officers he has worked with believe the Afghan National Army Air Corps cadet has the motivation and capability to succeed.
The House Armed Services Committee on July 15 passed its draft of the 2026 defense policy bill, 55-2, in a late-night vote following nearly 14 hours of debate over hot-button issues ranging from President Donald Trump’s desire to use a Qatari jet as Air Force One to cutting military aid…