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March 20, 2020
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Edited by Amy McCullough with Brian W. Everstine and Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory
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 An Iraqi Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon approaches the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during a training mission above Iraq on May 26, 2019. USAF photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf. |
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By Brian W. Everstine
The U.S.-led coalition in Iraq has suspended its training mission as the new coronavirus outbreak spreads. The training mission in Afghanistan is continuing with changes to mitigate risks. However, the military has stopped deployments to Afghanistan, a move that will keep some service members in that country longer.
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By Brian W. Everstine
The Air Force has postponed upcoming fitness tests until at least June 2020 as the new coronavirus outbreak spreads, pushing back the testing dates of those who have already been scheduled until the fall. "While testing is postponed, remember to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle," the Air Force said in a release. "Commitment to fitness is a commitment to the mission."
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By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory
National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel said a federal activation of the National Guard to fight the COVID-19 pandemic would be an illogical and inefficient move. “I think you can get everything you need from the National Guard more efficiently and more effectively if you leave them in a state status,” he said March 19. Federalizing the Guard would “cost billions and billions and billions of dollars,” and since the pandemic doesn’t yet demand all hands on deck, “a lot of people won’t have things to do” under a Title 10 activation, Lengyel said, adding that a federal activation also would inhibit troops’ ability to backup state and local law enforcement during the crisis.
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By Amy McCullough
The 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan, recently completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise to test whether small teams of Airmen can quickly deploy and operate in austere locations. In order to work, Airmen can no longer focus on a single Air Force Specialty Code, but must also have a general idea of how to do other jobs when deployed. “Our world is changing,” said Master Sgt. Alexander Wieczorek, 35th Fighter Wing Inspector General. “The Air Expeditionary Force concept, where large force modules deployed forward at established air bases—that time is coming to an end, and we have to be predictive of the future.”
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Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein announced the assignment of seven general officers, while U.S. Space Force boss Gen. Jay Raymond announced one new assignment.
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Radar Sweep
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Snapshot: DOD and COVID-19
Air Force Magazine
Here's a look at how the Defense Department is being impacted by and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Air Force Wants to Acquire Losing T-X Jet Trainers to Help Revolutionize Pilot Training
The Drive
The Air Force wants advanced jet trainers to start experimenting with radical new pilot training concepts now before its first T-7A Red Hawks arrive.
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The Pentagon Has Sent a New Legislative Proposal on the Space Force to Congress
Defense News
The Pentagon has sent proposed legislation to Capitol Hill that would help clarify the role of the Space Force and fill in some details on how the new service will be organized. But while the proposal was initially anticipated to answer some major questions—like whether the service will have a vice chief or how to incorporate the Guard and Reserve forces—the version sent to Capitol Hill earlier this month kicks most of those issues down the road. Instead of submitting a single proposal, the Pentagon has split the more controversial policy issues into a separate document currently under consideration by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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Space Force to Deliver Report to Congress on Proposed Changes to Acquisitions
Space News
A report due to Congress on March 31 will recommend changes to how Space Force procurement programs are funded and managed. The report is in final draft and on track to be delivered on time, Shawn Barnes, head of the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, told SpaceNews March 18.
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Five Airstrikes Target al-Shabab in Somalia
AFRICOM release
U.S. Africa Command conducted five airstrikes against al-Shabab terrorists near Janaale, Somalia, March 16-17. Somali security forces continue to lead operations alongside African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces to increase security and seize ground from al-Shabaab.
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Veteran Cemeteries to Limit Funeral Size During Pandemic
Military.com
Veterans cemeteries are open to the public during the novel coronavirus outbreak, but are adhering to official guidance on how to avoid spreading COVID-19. In the latest development, the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has limited funeral parties to no more than 10 people.
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Government’s Maximum Telework Policy Overlooks Contractors
Nextgov
This week the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo asking federal agencies and departments to offer “maximum telework flexibilities” to eligible employees. A top representative for the federal services industry says it won’t do much good for contractors—or public health—if contracting officers aren’t specifically told to modify the relevant legal agreements.
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DoDEA Schools on Air Force Bases in Japan to Temporarily Close, Employ Virtual Learning
Military Times
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools in Japan at Misawa Air Base, Yokota Air Base, and Kadena Air Base are temporarily closing amid the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 19, DoDEA Pacific announced that schools would close starting March 23 and virtual learning for students at schools would kick off on March 25. Schools will be deep cleaned and are slated to re-open on April 13.
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Statement from AFA Chairman on the Death of Retired Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Gwaltney
Air Force Association release
“Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Gwaltney, USAF (Ret.), passed away Saturday, March 15,” the statement from Air Force Association chairman Gerald Murray, the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, reads. “Tom was a long-time member and field leader in the Air Force Association, including the Montgomery Chapter President, Alabama State President, and South East Region President. All of us at AFA offer our sincere condolences to Tom’s wife Helen and their son and two daughters."
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Faster Acquisition
Air Force Magazine
The Air Force is leveraging emerging technologies and new legislation to accelerate acquisition decisions and streamline sustainment. Read more here.
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One More Thing
A Brick Too Far: How General Mattis Used Legos to Plan Out the Invasion of Iraq
Task and Purpose
Marines are often teased for being nothing but a bunch of dumb crayon-eaters, but in reality, they also like to play with Legos while deciding how best to destroy America’s enemies. At least, that’s how Gen. Jim Mattis and his staff came up with a way to keep the 5,000 vehicles and 20,000 Marines of the 1st Marine Division chugging into southern Iraq—a region where even the Iraqis thought their roads were of questionable quality—without a massive traffic jam.
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