Shaw AFB, S.C., plans to enter 85 members of its non-bargaining civilian workforce into the new National Security Personnel System on Jan. 21. The Pentagon still is embroiled in litigation over application of NSPS for union employees. New Defense Secretary Robert Gates told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing that he supported the NSPS concept and would review the program to see if changes needed to be made.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
