Roger That: Air Force to allow enlisted airmen to pilot aircraft for first time since WW II

The Air Force just made it official: Airmen will be allowed to fly some remotely piloted aircraft, according to Air Force Times.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced Thursday that enlisted airmen will be able to fly RQ-4 Global Hawks, unarmed RPAs that fly high-altitude reconnaissance missions. James’ announcement marks the first time since World War II that enlisted service members may serve as aircraft pilots.

“There are no weapons on the RQ-4. However, there are not limitations on enlisted members employing weapons,” said Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Karns. “The Air Force employs enlisted airmen on other aircraft where they are responsible for employing lethal force where necessary.”

***

Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the first mission by a new team of special operations forces into Syria was successful in identifying Syrian Arab fighters the coalition can work with to oust Islamic State militants from their self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, according to Military.com.

Speaking after meeting with several members of the team and commanders, Carter said the U.S. commandos went into Syria to “identify and link up with local forces, especially Syrian Arab forces that were willing to fight ISIL but needed our help.”

***

The United States has delivered a fresh supply of ammunition to Syrian Arab fighters ahead of an expected stiff battle with Islamic State as they push toward the Syrian town of al-Shadadi, a key logistics hub for the group, U.S. officials tell Reuters.

The munitions were shipped into Syria over land in recent days to Syrian Arab forces fighting in the northeast part of the country, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operation. It appeared to be the third delivery of ammunition to the Syrian Arabs since the United States started supplying them with an airdrop in October.

***

Women may apply to enter the Navy SEALs starting next year, but the legendary special operations outfit has no plans to alter their strenuous physical fitness standards to accommodate them, according to the Navy's personnel boss, according to Navy Times.

After a review by Naval Special Warfare and U.S. Special Operations Command, the tried-and-true run, swim, sit-ups, pullups and push-ups scheme used by the SEAL and Special Warfare Combat Crewman communities will stay, the chief of naval personnel said.

The service chiefs have until Jan. 1 to submit their integration plans and timetables to the secretary of defense for approval, with an April 1 roll-out date.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 12:24 PM with the headline "Roger That: Air Force to allow enlisted airmen to pilot aircraft for first time since WW II."