More than 80 US, partner, and coalition aircraft began 2008’s first Red Flag air combat exercise on Jan. 12 at Nellis AFB, Nev., and will continue with the realistic training activities through Jan. 26. Participating aircraft include F-22A Raptors (acting as the Blue force), F-16s (in the role of the aggressor force), B-1B bombers, Navy EA-6B Prowlers, Singaporean Air Force F-16s out of Luke AFB, Ariz., a Canadian C-130, and a Royal Air Force E-3D AWACS. The next Red Flag is scheduled for Feb. 4 to Feb. 15.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…