A panel of command chiefs fielded questions from enlisted and officers alike yesterday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in Washington. Asked what advice they would give to enlisted airmen contemplating applying for a college degree and seeking officer status, Air Mobility Command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Barron Jr. said he would advise an airman to pursue a college degree, but he would say hold off on applying for an officer slot until the personnel changes associated with the force-shaping effort simmer down. He and other chiefs noted that they’ve faced the situation of having to cut second lieutenants with prior enlisted service to meet previous force-shaping requirements.
As L3Harris proves its OA-1K Skyraider II special operations aircraft can carry a signals intelligence sensor and electronic attack weapon, a key congressional committee is poised to boost production of the converted Air Tractor prop plane.