US Northern Command is studying which capability it needs to counter “low, slow airborne threats” to the US homeland, said Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, head of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and NORTHCOM boss. He told the House Armed Services Committee this week that command officials are “actively pursuing” this. “We have submitted this capability into the joint requirements process and have begun work on an analysis of alternatives,” he said. He added, “Based on our initial timelines, we anticipate having a way ahead by late summer.” In the past, US officials have described such threats as small-sized single-engine propeller aircraft or even rudimentary cruise missiles. (Jacoby’s prepared statement)
The Air Force is promoting 22.5 percent of eligible senior master sergeants to chief master sergeant in 2023, the service announced Nov. 28—the highest rate for E-9s in seven years. All told, 506 Airmen were selected from a pool of 2,249 eligible candidates. The full list of those selected will be…