In light of cost curbs and efficiencies first put forward under former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Air Education and Training Command has made several adjustments to operations, trimming funds for recruiting advertising and marketing, combining certain developmental education efforts, and cutting back on publications. Even flying hours have not been spared. “All of us have reduced the cost of our operations from last year—we have had to make some adjustments,” said AETC’s Gen. Edward Rice in a meeting with reporters Monday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference. Flying hours for training have also been reduced in the last few years, with some training shifting to high fidelity simulators. In other cases, AETC is taking a close look at the flight training curriculum itself and deciding whether technology or other means would allow the command to change how certain curriculums are run. However, Rice added, “We believe it’s important to maintain a very strong training base as we reduce our portfolio in some areas.”
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
