The Senate on Feb. 4 confirmed Army Lt. Gen. John Nicholson for his fourth star and new role as commander of US operations in Afghanistan. Nicholson, who will assume command of Operation Resolute Support from retiring Gen. John Campbell, was quickly confirmed by voice vote on Feb. 4. As commander, Nicholson will oversee thousands of US and coalition troops as the Afghan forces attempt to take the lead during the summer fighting season. Campbell told a Senate committee Feb. 4 that he recommends 9,800 US troops remain in the country throughout the summer, though he said he is still preparing to draw down to 5,500 by Jan. 1, 2017.
The $4.26 billion Small Business Innovation Research contracting program widely used by the Air Force went into hibernation as the government shut down Oct. 1, but unless lawmakers strike a deal on reforms, the program could reach an abrupt end.
