The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has just canceled the proposed Divine Strake experiment, which would have involved a large-scale, open air “mushroom cloud” detonation of a common blasting agent over an existing tunnel at the Nevada Test Site, about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The announcement itself last spring of the proposed test raised a robust cloud of protest and a lawsuit. In a Feb. 22 statement, DTRA chief James Tegnelia said, “I have become convinced that it’s time to look at alternative methods that obviate the need for this type large-scale test,” which was to provide data on defeating hardened underground targets. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said in a statement that Utah citizens “can rest easier tonight knowing the government listened.”
The Air Force plans to have its new Integrated Capabilities Command stood up by the end of 2024, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said May 2, offering new details of one of the signature reforms announced by the service earlier this year. Allvin said around 500-800 Airmen will…