The Air Force issued a new standardized guideline spelling out the Chief of Staff’s expectations of every unit commander, entitled Commander’s Responsibilities. “For the first time, the Air Force now has an instruction which sets the minimum standard for successful command,” said Air Force Inspector General Lt. Gen. Stephen Mueller, in a May 21 release. “A great byproduct of this instruction is a standardized template for evaluating and inspecting all Air Force commander’s along four common major graded areas,” explained Mueller. “It’s important for all of us to be on the same page, especially when it comes to standards and conduct,” added Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh. The six-page Air Force Instruction specifies that commanders are responsible for leadership, mission execution, resource management, and unit improvement. They also are expected to “display exemplary conduct … be above reproach, both morally and ethically, and exemplify Air Force core values,” according to the release.
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
