The potential introduction of the F-35 to Vermont by the state’s Air National Guard has raised concern among some residents—also the noise issue—according to the Burlington Free Press (report) and WCAX (report). But Vermont Air Guardsmen are urging their neighbors not to compare Vermont to, say, Florida, where some have taken a dim view of the new F-35 joint schoolhouse going in at Eglin Air Force Base. Vermont ANG Lt. Col. Chris Caputo believes the on-going environmental impact study for the Air Guard’s Burlington Airport facility would likely show less noise at takeoff than the current F-16 fighters, unlike Eglin where the training center’s numerous takeoffs and landings would necessarily generate more noise.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.