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 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.