The first group of recruits to undergo USAF’s new 8.5-week basic training regimen arrives at Lackland AFB, Tex. USAF leaders decided in 2006 to change the basic military training course from 6.5 weeks-in being since the 1960s-to 8.5 weeks to incorporate war skills training.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.
