The Senate approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Robin Rand to receive a fourth star to lead Air Education and Training Command at JBSA-Randolph, Tex. President Obama nominated Rand for the post in late June; the Senate’s confirmation came on Aug 1. As AETC commander, Rand will be responsible for the recruiting, training, and education of Air Force personnel. He will replace Gen. Edward Rice, who has been at AETC’s helm since November 2010. Rice is retiring from the Air Force, effective Dec. 1, after 35 years of service, according to his biography. Rand has commanded 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., since Dec. 2011.
The Pentagon agency charged with building and operating U.S. spy satellites recently declassified some details about a Cold War-era surveillance program called Jumpseat—a revelation it says sheds light on the importance of satellite imaging technology and how it has advanced in the decades since.
