Over the next two months, Air Mobility Command will be conducting a search for its next AMC Icon—a title loosely based on the popular television program, American Idol. During the competition, AMC contestants will compete in a vocal competition at their local bases for cash prizes, according to a June 20 release. Top ranked contestants will have the chance to compete for additional cash prices in a command-level contest. In previous years, base finalists traveled to AMC Headquarters at Scott AFB, Ill., for the final live round, but this year, finalists will submit a video performance and “celebrity judges” will decide on the winners. The top three finalists will receive $1,000, $600, and $400, respectively. This year’s competition also will feature a new category for AMC personnel who are not based at or near any AMC host bases, states the release. Those “participants can enter by forwarding a music video showcasing their talents.” Last year’s AMC Icon was 1st Lt. Nicole White, SSgt. Tiry Crane was the runner-up, and third place went to TSgt. Doug Boren.
A new report from the Government Accountability Office calls for the Pentagon’s Chief Technology Officer to have budget certification authority over the military services’ research and development accounts—a move the services say would add a burdensome and unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.
