The general court martial for SSgt. Luis Walker, a basic military training instructor facing multiple counts of sexual misconduct, began on July 16. Walker, who is assigned to the 737th Training Group at JBSA-Lackland, Tex., faces a total of 28 counts, including rape, adultery, aggravated sexual assault, and violating a lawful order regarding unprofessional relationships with trainees from October 2010 to June 2011, according to an Air Education and Training Command release. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Walker is one of at least 12 MTIs under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with trainees. Last month, the Air Force launched an investigation, looking for other abuses of power at all AETC training facilities. Since then, several other MTIs have come forward with allegations of abuse at San Antonio-Lackland, states the release. “The fact that MTIs stepped forward . . . cannot be overlooked,” said Col. Polly Kenny, 2nd Air Force staff judge advocate. “It demonstrates that these [non-commissioned officers] care about the integrity of the MTI corps, and are not willing to tolerate behavior that will tarnish a hallowed Air Force institution.”
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.