Nine Air National Guard officers helped the Air Force determine whether it could open to non-rated officers the previously rated-only air liaison officer position, which was a special duty for rated officers. The Air Guard ALOs proved the concept, and the service just selected a new crop of non-rated officers to attend tactical air control party training. If they pass, they will serve in the new ALO career field (Air Force Specialty Code 13L). One of the Air Guardsmen, Lt. Col. William Wheeler, has served as an ALO for nearly 20 years and currently commands the Illinois ANG’s 168th Air Support Operations Squadron. Continue
The Air Force is renaming its traditional aviation bonus program in 2024 and continuing a new, experimental second program, ordered by Congress, aimed at getting aviators to extend their commitment sooner and for longer. While the programs can’t be doubled-up, aviators may be able to move from one to the…