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 six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
