Armed Forces News

A new combat systems officer training program for Air Force navigators and electronic warfare officers begins at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 30 with the 562nd and 563rd Flying Training Squadrons. The new program responds to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper’s request to redesign current training to produce an aviator skilled in advanced navigation systems, electronic warfare and weapons use. Combat systems officer training will combine portions of navigator and electronic warfare training to give aviators a cross-flow capability between the two positions on combat aircraft. Future plans for aviator training also include consolidating the training with the Navy in a single location, said. Maj. Jim Griffin, Air Education and Training Command’s electronic warfare program manager.