Since their inception a few years ago, demand for the Air Force’s Fly Away Security Teams has grown markedly. In fact, Stars and Stripes reported May 9 that they are being considered for use on Army helicopters in addition to their current roles in protecting fixed-wing USAF transports and their crews and VIP passengers during flights in Afghanistan and Iraq—especially into remote areas that may lack extensive security. Each FAST consists of two-to-six specially trained airmen that perform tasks such as guarding the cockpit against hijacking in the air and then securing the area around the aircraft after landing. Becoming a FAST member is also popular among airmen because it allows them to travel around as opposed to static guard duty, according to the newspaper.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.