Airmen voted the Air Force the 18th best place to work in the federal government in 2011. The rating is based on the Partnership for Public Service’s survey of 33 large federal agencies. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization says its ratings are “the most comprehensive and authoritative” gauge of “employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government.” Like the Air Force, the other services finished in the middle of the pack, with the Navy ending up in 15th place and the Army taking the 16th spot. First among the 33 large agencies was the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Coming in last was the National Archives and Records Administration. The survey measured factors including: effective leadership; performance-based rewards and advancement; training and development; pay; family friendly culture and benefits; support for diversity; and work-life balance.
Lockheed Martin plans to enter the Advanced Tactical Trainer fray to supply the Air Force with a new jet to bridge between undergraduate flight instruction and fighter training units, but declined to say whether it will offer a T-50A derivative, a different non-developmental airplane, or a clean-sheet design. It's comments…