Foreign militaries don’t just visit USAF units to learn about the combat strike or mobility forces. They even want to see how US airmen manage the stores of parts and equipment needed to keep the combat elements flying. Five members of the Botswana Defense Force recently took in an eyeful at Ramstein AB, Germany, where they reviewed the operation of the 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Maj. Pako Plattjie, with the BDF crew, said, “We are trying to model procedures with the best.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.