Air Force Personnel Center officials believe Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will formally approve within a few weeks the new physical fitness instruction senior service leaders unveiled in June. According to an Aug. 21 release, the new rules take effect Jan. 1, 2010, and AFPC officials recommend that airmen not wait for that date before embracing the new regimen. CMSgt. Mark Long, USAF’s enlisted promotions, evaluations, and physical fitness chief, said that the new rules would “bring about not only increased fitness, but greater clarity and understanding for both commanders and airmen.” (AFPC report by Daniel Elkins)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.