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 has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.