The Pentagon on March 31 reversed its policy on transgender troops, formally opening the door to service for those who meet military standards. “The Secretary of Defense strongly believes that the all-volunteer force thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the high standards for military service, an inclusive force that strengthens our national security posture,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a March 31 briefing.

The Air Force might look to a “family of systems” for strategic airlift in the future, as it looks beyond the C-17 to see the mobility needs in future high-end fights. Air Mobility Command boss Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost said ongoing wargames looking at great power competition are feeding into what the group of systems could require to meet a heavy cargo capability. “As we look into what capabilities I’m asking for, when I work with the Marine Corps and the Army, what is it they need to transport? What types of timelines” What kind of capabilities and where might they be positioned?” Van Ovost said during a March 31 Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies event.

Regional combatant commanders are anxious to use new connectivity and artificial intelligence systems that have worked well in exercises, but are frustrated with the slow pace of introducing them, U.S. Northern Command chief Gen. Glen D. VanHerck said March 31. An exercise last week highlighted a number of these systems, and VanHerck said he can put them to use immediately, but the acquisition system must catch up.

U.S. military officials are reaching out to Russian and Ukrainian counterparts as Moscow has sent a buildup of forces to the border between the two countries. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley on March 31 talked with his counterparts in both the countries as Russian military armor and other systems have been seen deploying to the Crimea region. U.S. outreach to Russia has “just started” and the Pentagon is pressing for no more incursions into Ukrainian territory, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

At the Air Force Association's virtual Aerospace Warfare Symposium on Feb. 25, Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond laid out in plain language the serious threats facing U.S. and allied space capabilities. In a spirited discussion with renowned author and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the space Chief and the Scientist shared their common view of the value, opportunities, and vulnerabilities of space in the modern context. Now you can watch the segment or read the transcript here.