Rachel S. Cohen
Rachel Cohen joined Air Force Magazine as a senior editor in January 2019. She covers science and technology programs, space, Congress, the nuclear enterprise, C4ISR, and more. The Michigan native graduated from American University and previously worked at Inside Defense, Inside Health Policy, the Frederick News-Post (Md.), the Washington Post, and others.
Recent stories by Rachel S. Cohen
Senate’s $852 Billion Defense Budget Saves Wedgetail, Keeps Space Force Flat
Senators this week advanced a $852 billion defense spending bill for 2026 that would block cancellation of the Air Force’s E-7 early-warning aircraft program, continue military aid to Ukraine, and replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles in a rebuke of certain Trump administration priorities in the year ...
Airman’s Death Prompts Investigation into Safety of M18 Pistols
The Air Force has launched an investigation into whether the pistol carried by its security forces is safe, after 21-year-old Airman Brayden Lovan died July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, in an incident involving a discharged firearm, the service said July 24.
Lohmeier Confirmed as Air Force’s No. 2 Civilian Leader
The Senate confirmed Matthew Lohmeier to serve as Air Force undersecretary in a 52-46 vote July 24, elevating the former Space Force officer to the service’s No. 2 civilian job four years after he was fired from command amid an investigation into whether his comments ...
Aviator, Missileer Cancer Rates Get Renewed Attention on Capitol Hill
Congressional lawmakers are pushing for more insight into the disproportionate rate of cancer diagnoses among military aviators as attention to the problem mounts in Washington and beyond.
A Budget Season Like No Other
Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill. Now for the 2026 Budget. ...
Air Force Investigating Airman’s Death at Nuclear Missile Base
A security forces Airman died early July 20 while on duty at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., the 90th Missile Wing said in a brief release.
Lawmakers Push Pentagon to Speed Small Drone Use—and Counter Threats
Lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill are pressing the Pentagon to get serious about the threat cheap, small drones pose to U.S. forces at home and abroad—and to put them in the hands of American troops as quickly as possible.
What to Watch for the Air Force as House, Senate Advance Differing Defense Bills
The Senate Armed Services Committee this week released the full text of its version of the 2026 defense policy bill—often referred to as the National Defense Authorization Act—that would allow the Air Force and Space Force to spend billions of dollars more than the services ...
HASC’s Draft Authorization Would Save E-7, Block A-10 Retirements
The House Armed Services Committee on July 15 passed its draft of the 2026 defense policy bill, 55-2, in a late-night vote following nearly 14 hours of debate over hot-button issues ranging from President Donald Trump’s desire to use a Qatari jet as Air Force ...
House Makes Moves to Block Pentagon from Canceling E-7 Wedgetail
House lawmakers are moving to keep the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail development program alive after the Pentagon announced plans to wind it down in the coming years.
Trump Signs Reconciliation Bill, Securing Billions for Air Force and Space Force Programs
President Donald Trump on July 4 signed into law $150 billion in defense funds as part of the tax-and-spending package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” after congressional Republicans approved the legislation in narrow, drawn-out votes earlier this week.
Senate Passes Reconciliation Bill with Billions for Air Force and Space Force
The Senate passed Republicans’ sweeping tax-and-spending package July 1 in a 51-50 vote, the culmination of a 27-hour marathon legislative session. The package—often called the reconciliation bill—includes a $150 billion package of defense funds that accounts for a significant portion of the money the Air ...
Senate Confirms New Commanders for Europe, Middle East, ACC
The Senate confirmed new leaders of U.S. forces in Europe and the Middle East over the weekend. Lawmakers on June 29 also approved a reshuffling of Air Force officials that will put new faces in the service’s Pentagon headquarters as well as at its largest ...
‘Excess’ Nuclear Missile Funds Used to Modify Trump’s New Air Force One
The Air Force diverted what it says was excess funding from its delayed new nuclear missile program to modify a former Qatari royal jet for use as President Donald Trump’s Air Force One, the service’s top civilian said June 26.
Air Force Set to Cancel E-7 Wedgetail Buy
The Air Force plans to cancel its program to purchase a fleet of E-7 Wedgetail airborne target-tracking jets as part of the fiscal 2026 budget, a senior defense official confirmed June 26.
