August 22, 2014 - Air Force Magazine

Pentagon Says Defeating ISIL Cannot Be Done by Airstrikes Alone

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists rampaging through Iraq and Syria are “an imminent threat” to the United States and it will require a prolonged struggle to defeat them. The US-led...

Pentagon Leaders: Unsuccessful Hostage Rescue Was “Flawless Operation”

By Otto Kreisher

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Martin Dempsey said the attempt to rescue American hostages, including journalist James Foley, being held hostage by ISIL extremists in Syria was a “flawless operation,” but did not succeed because...

Senators Seeks Investigation into Academy’s Handling of Sexual Assaults

By Otto Kreisher

Two US senators are asking the Pentagon’s Special Counsel and Inspector General to investigate allegations that Air Force Academy officials retaliated against an Air Force investigator and a cadet who disclosed sexual assaults by academy football players. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand...

Russian-Made Engines Arrive in Alabama

By Autumn A. Arnett

Two Russian-built RD-180 engines, which power United Launch Alliance rockets, arrived at the ULA facility in Decatur, Ala., on Wednesday despite earlier claims by Russian leaders that the engines would no longer be shipped to the US for government or...

Russia Begins Work on New Space System

Russia is planning to develop a new satellite communication system for government and military use, reported the state-run news agency Ria Novosti. The approximately $1.8 billion project would allow simultaneous coverage of nearly one million high-speed terminals. It is projected...

Tyndall Wraps F-22 Simulated Deployment Drill

By Marc V. Schanz

The 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Fla., recently concluded a two phase exercise at the base to simulate a week-long deployment and employment of F-22 Raptors. Over 500 personnel, including planners, maintainers, and inspectors, participated in the event which...

Airmen Aid Task Force Sinai in Egypt

By Marc V. Schanz

Mobility airmen from 62nd Airlift Wing at JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., deployed to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt to help retrieve a disabled Black Hawk needed for peacekeeping operations, according to an Air Force release. The airmen landed at a remote...

ISR Experts Consider How to Operate in Degraded Conditions

Tacticians and subject matter experts on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance held their annual meeting recently, with a focus on conducing ISR in a contested, degraded operation (CDO) environment, according to an Air Force release. For the first time, the Aug....

Work Visits South Korea

By Marc V. Schanz

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work wrapped up a two-day visit to South Korea on Thursday, visiting US troops at Osan AB, Camp Humphreys, and Command Post Tango, as well as South Korean leaders in Seoul. Work reviewed progress on modernizing...