The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., is conducting flight tests with seven C-17s to see how well Globemaster III pilots can fly their aircraft in proximity to other C-17s using the airplane’s newly modified formation flight system. This equipment is meant to enable C-17 pilots to maintain a formation with other C-17s at the same altitude and distance in any weather condition. Tests are scheduled to continue this week, building upon a Sept. 14 drill. The test unit is using three C-17s that flew in from JB Charleston, S.C., three from JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., as well as one C-17 assigned to Edwards. Kenji Thuloweit, Edwards’ spokesman, told the Daily Report Monday that the FSS modifications are part of the C-17’s Block 17 upgrade. (Includes Edwards report by Kenji Thuloweit)
Some Guard Troops Won’t Get Paid Until Shutdown Ends
Oct. 29, 2025
The National Guard Bureau says most units are postponing drills during the shutdown, but some states are sticking to their training schedule, resulting in a patchwork of different policies and some confusion in the ranks.

