Some airmen in Southwest Asia call themselves “the ghosts of the base” when they perform escort duty—standing and watching silently—for local nationals working on coalition facilities, reports Air Force public affairs officer Maj. Ann Knabe. These airmen get two days training, then start their duty, often shepherding more than 300 “third country nationals,” or TCNs, on a typical day. On one day there may be as many as 150 airmen working as escorts. The TCNs, themselves, work at any number of jobs, including aiding security force efforts by identifying security breaches.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
