Changes to the Air Force’s special-duty program taking effect on Oct. 1 will require airmen to receive a nomination and go through a vetting process, announced Air Combat Command officials. Under the new procedures, commanders and those in leadership roles will recommend top-performing airmen for positions previously filled on a volunteer basis, such as military training instructors, airman and family readiness noncommissioned officers, and enlisted accessions recruiters, states ACC’s Sept. 5 release. “The Air Force is looking for the best-qualified airmen who have qualities of a leader and will be able to prosper in these positions,” said CMSgt. Michael Helfer, chief enlisted manager for manpower, personnel, and services. Airmen nominated for these special-duty positions will still have to meet basic eligibility requirements and specific criteria for the position, states the release. The Air Force will still take qualified volunteers, in some cases, if there are vacancies to fill. (Langley report by SSgt. Candice C. Page)
DNI: Cyber Is The Common Weapon Among Top Adversaries
April 17, 2021
The top four U.S. adversaries—China, Russia, Iran and North Korea—are improving their military capabilities but relying increasingly on cyber means to challenge the U.S. and blunt its influence around the world, the intelligence community's annual threat assessment says. The report comes amid military tensions with both China and Russia.