Four junior and 20 sophomore US Air Force Academy cadets on Feb. 25 received the first unmanned aerial systems-remotely piloted aircraft wings awarded in the institution’s 55-year history. “I’m thrilled to recognize the first class of cadets to graduate from Airmanship 200, Airmanship 201, and Airmanship 202 and become the catapult leaders for the [academy’s] UAS-RPA program,” said Brig. Gen. Dana Born, faculty dean. The juniors became the first RPA instructors in the academy’s history. “I’d tell you that you’re the wave of the future, but you’re not; you’re the wave of the present,” said Maj. Gen. James Poss, director of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance strategy, integration, and doctrine on the Air Staff. He added, “That’s the kind of impact you’re going to have.” Last August, the first class of cadets graduated from the academy’s UAS-ISR education program. (USAFA report by SSgt. Don Branum)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.