Members of the Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th Civil Engineering Squadron at Forbes Field in Topeka have moved into their new 14,690 square-foot facility at the southeast corner of the base. The new building gives the squadron 3,000 additional square feet of floor space compared to its precious work areas, allowing room for the unit’s previously separated administrative and maintenance functions under one roof. “Efficiency and workflow are a lot better now,” said SSgt. Paul Harper, engineering technician with the unit. The facility’s construction began 12 months ago. The facility has features like a full kitchen and training room with 10 desktop computers. It utilizes ground-source heat and cooling systems that base officials expect will reduce energy costs. (Forbes report by TSgt. Angela Brees)
Amid a high-profile recruiting crisis, Air Force leaders and experts have increasingly noted the challenging long-term trends the service will face in enticing young Americans to sign up—decreasing eligibility to serve, less propensity to do so, and less familiarity with the military. But while those same leaders say there’s no “silver…