On August 15, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere approved the switch in a memo to Air Force leadership–the rationale being to allow a more ready fusion of radar, electromagnetic spectrum, sensor and battle management data for operators of the future bomber. Bussiere announced his retirement in October.

The new AFGSC policy of one pilot and one WSO per B-21 comes as the Air Force faces a shortage of 2,000 pilots, including 1,100 for fighters, and as concern emerges about the service’s WSO career field on such platforms, as the F-15E fighter. Among bomber pilots, there is concern that the change on the B-21 to one pilot and one WSO will add to stress and workload during high tempo combat missions. The recent Operation Midnight Hammer featured more than 30 hours of flight and multiple refuelings.