Looks like the USAF is thinking about how to solve the “tyranny of distance” that is made immensely worse by the standoff capabilities of our adversaries. There looks to be 2 roads right now: make tankers more survivable, or make more (cheaper) expendable tankers. For prospective pilots? Looks like more tanker cockpits no matter what.

https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/us-air-force-efforts-give-stealthy-agile-tankers-new-momentum