The Air Force 
plans to start a wear test of four new airman battle uniform boot prototypes later this month at Luke AFB, Ariz. Service officials seek a new boot that is low-maintenance and resistant to staining from harsh chemicals, oils, and fuels. “The current boot turns black when exposed to chemicals, such as those associated with flightline operations,” said 1st Lt. Ashley Hawkes, ABU program manager at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Hawkes added that the winning boot design is expected to be one “that upholds a professional military image no matter the environment.” Low maintenance, in this case, means being able to wipe the boot with a damp cloth to clean it. Two hundred airmen will participate in the test, which will last 45 days. Their feedback will help shape the way forward in acquiring the new boot. (Wright-Patterson report by Brad Jessmer)
Concerned about how artificial intelligence might be used to generate target lists or operational plans, lawmakers want to expand limits on autonomous weapons to address mission planning and target selection. The House Armed Services Committee's version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization bill would direct the Pentagon to revise Defense…