All enlisted airmen are now eligible to apply to become RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots. The move expands the pool of possible aviators to the entire service; previously, only career-enlisted aviators were eligible to apply. Airmen have from Sept. 1 to Oct. 14 to take the computer-based Air Force Enlisted Pilot Qualifying Test and the Test of Basic Aviation Skills, according to an Air Force release. Board packages are due by Dec. 16. Applicants must be a staff sergeant through senior master sergeant and retainable for six years after graduation. Even though all Air Force Specialty Codes are now eligible for the program, a career field manager release is required for airmen who already receive a critical skills retention bonus. The results of the first Air Force Enlisted RPA Pilot Selection Board will be released in late February 2017.
Maj. Gen. Jason T. Hinds has been nominated for a third star and to take over as deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, the Pentagon announced May 8. If confirmed, Hinds would serve as the No. 2 behind Gen. James B. Hecker.