The head of the National Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, said Tuesday that a key factor in the Air National Guard’s decision to opt out of Air Force plans to reduce personnel was that the Air Guard helps keep vital talent in the Air Force personnel pool. “Where will those talented experienced airmen and officers go and have an opportunity to serve in the Air Force if there are no part time opportunities in the Guard,” Blum asked rhetorically during a breakfast meeting with defense reporters. Blum explained that the Air Guard has discussed its plans with Air Force senior leadership. He added that ANG and Air Force Reserve Command both are working with the Air Force to find workable solutions to the coming money crunch that will include some significant adjustments in skills sets and capabilities.
Skyborg Makes First Flight Aboard Kratos Mako
May 5, 2021
The Skyborg software and hardware suite allowing unmanned aircraft to team with crewed ones flew for the first time April 29, the Air Force said, launching a series of experiments meant to prove the safety and effectiveness of the approach.