Two pararescuemen on Oct. 1 received Bronze Stars with Valor for their roles in saving the lives of partner forces in two separate fights in Afghanistan in 2019. Master Sgt. Adam Fagan and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Brudnicki, Airmen serving in the 48th Rescue Squadron, received the nation’s fourth-highest military honor during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. They credited training before their deployment for saving the lives of special operations forces overseas. “The experience and brotherhood created with my team overseas is the most valuable piece for me,” Brudnicki said in a release.

Wireless networking initiatives are spreading across the Defense Department as the military embraces 5G technology. On Oct. 8, the Pentagon awarded $600 million in contracts to several companies that will test out uses of fifth-generation wireless networks at military installations nationwide. Those projects advance alongside the Air Force’s rollout of 5G at its own bases. This is DOD's first round of 5G experimentation contracts, and it will announce work at more sites in the future.

The Pentagon this month debuted an overarching data strategy to move the military toward cloud storage, information-crunching algorithms, and predictive analytics for digital-age warfare. “Adversaries are also racing to amass data superiority, and whichever side can better leverage data will gain military advantage,” Deputy Defense Secretary David L. Norquist. “Our ability to fight and win wars requires that we become world leaders in operationalizing and protecting our data resources at speed and scale.” A new Chief Data Officer Council will help turn plans into reality.

Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams took over as the 13th command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard during an Oct. 9 ceremony at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Williams, previously the senior enlisted adviser of the Kansas National Guard, replaces Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson. “He’s been there on the frontlines with each and every one of our Airmen,” Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh said at the ceremony. “He knows what they feel, he knows how they act, he knows the tough things we do when we’re deployed away form home and how our families feel.”

The Outstanding Airman Program annually recognizes 12 enlisted members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. The Air Force Association drove the creation of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year program, which debuted at AFA’s 10th annual convention in 1956. Airmen selected receive the Outstanding Airman of the Year ribbon with bronze service star device; they also wear the Outstanding Airman badge for a full year. This year’s honorees were chosen by a selection board from among nominees advanced by commands in the Air Force and Space Force.

On March 23, the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies will host a virtual Nuclear Deterrence Series event featuring Scowcroft Group Principal Frank Miller. At a time when nuclear modernization programs are accelerating around the world, proposals to recapitalize the U.S. nuclear arsenal are at the forefront of debates over defense spending. Miller will share his insights into the prospects for U.S. nuclear modernization programs and the value of nuclear deterrence in today's competitive security environment. The think tank will post event video on its website and YouTube page after the live event.