FAS

Contracting Adversary Aircraft, and More from CRS

11.20.17 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

The US Air Force and Navy might choose to train their fighter pilots in simulations using enemy aircraft that are flown by contractors, the Congressional Research Service said in a new brief.

“Particularly in the case of the Air Force, which has increasingly publicized a shortage of pilots, using contractors to provide adversary air may free up experienced uniformed pilots for other duties,” CRS said. Doing so would also “offer U.S. pilots the opportunity to fly against a diversity of aircraft types without the overhead and expense required to maintain a fleet of planes not otherwise in inventory.” See Contracting the Adversary, CRS Insight, November 16, 2017.

Other new or updated products of the Congressional Research Service include the following.

Zimbabwe: A Military-Compelled Transition?, CRS Insight, November 16, 2017

Private Flood Insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), CRS Insight, updated November 17, 2017

The Individual Mandate for Health Insurance Coverage: In Brief, updated November 16, 2017

Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), CRS Insight, November 17, 2017

Monuments and Memorials Authorized and Completed Under the Commemorative Works Act in the District of Columbia, updated November 17, 2017

Monuments and Memorials Authorized Under the Commemorative Works Act in the District of Columbia: Current Development of In-Progress and Lapsed Works, updated November 17, 2017

OPEC and Non-OPEC Crude Oil Production Agreement: Compliance Status, CRS Insight, November 16, 2017

publications
See all publications
Global Risk
Blog
When the Climate Shifts, So Do the Pathogens (And So Should We)

As humans expand our geographic reach, encroach on untouched natural territories, and interact more with animal populations, we will encounter novel zoonotic diseases that threaten the human body. The sooner we act to address these risks, the better.

09.11.26 | 7 min read
read more
State & Local Innovation
Report
Before Breaking Ground: A Local Government Guide to Better Data Center Policy and Community Benefits

This report serves as a landscape assessment and toolbox from which local governments can negotiate an informed position when it comes to the levers available to them and includes a first-of-its kind analysis of eight executed community benefits agreements.

09.10.26 | 42 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
Federal Data Help Communities Prepare for, Respond to, and Recover from Hurricanes. Data Terminations Will Make Them More Deadly.

When a hurricane hits, it’s all hands on deck – that goes for federal data, too. Pulling back from our investments in timely, accurate, and accessible public data will only make us less prepared and put us all at greater risk.

09.08.26 | 5 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
The Public Health Cost of Eliminating Race and Ethnicity Data

This is bigger than a singular elimination of race and ethnicity questions. It could accelerate the second wave of widespread reductions to demographic data, leaving public health officials with even less information to deliver better health outcomes for all Americans. 

09.04.26 | 6 min read
read more