Air traffic controllers didn't warn a B-52 bomber crew about a nearby airliner, the Air Force says

[groundloop]

2. Minot has outside contractors staffing the control tower.

The controllers there are outside contractors, not FAA employees. The FAA started using outside contractors at some airports in 1982 under Reagan, now there are around 250 airports that use contract controllers.

It's been my opinion as a private pilot & flight instructor that the service provided by towers with contract controllers is occasionally not as good as at those staffed by FAA controllers.

In this case, assuming what the Air Force is saying is true, that controller made a royal screw up.