RAND Corporation intends to contact nearly 580,000 service members as part of a military workplace survey that is “unprecedented in its scale,” according to an Aug. 18 release. The study, which is being conducted independently from DOD, is designed to “help commanders at all levels evaluate current military workplace relations, professionalism, and personal safety,” states the release. The voluntary and confidential survey is customized so not all service members will see the same survey questions, states the release. The results “will influence policies that affect everyone in the services,” said defense officials, and “it will have important implications for how the military operates.” The study may also have an effect on military training, justice, and services. The full report is slated for release in May 2015.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…