Washington’s latest over-used phrase—“rethinking the defense budget”—has, for many policymakers, come to mean “what can we cut next?” On Tuesday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs convened to identify solutions to tame the growing defense budget. The thinly veiled premise behind the hearing …
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQiTMnt4ebw[/youtube] America’s Air Reserve Component has shifted to an operational reserve engaged around the world and essential to today’s fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the pace of combat operations continues unabated, Pentagon resources are rapidly declining. Unfortunately, defense budget cuts tend to disproportionately affect the National Guard and Reserves. …
Defense Secretary Robert Gates indicated on September 1st that staff would recommend President Obama veto any legislation that continues to fund the F136, the alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). “We feel strongly there is not a need for the second engine,” he told reporters. That same …
For some, the ongoing recession means tightening the belt on gratuitous spending. Congress clearly doesn’t share this sentiment. Curiously, they seem to believe now is the perfect time to upgrade their private jet fleet. At a measly $550 million taxpayer dollars, why not? After scolding “The Big Three” auto executives …
If President Obama is intent on listening to military commanders, as he promised during the campaign, why is he now ignoring the military’s own requirement for additional F-22s? Why would the President want to compromise America’s half-century dominance in the air that has led to one powerful result: There has …
America’s ability to secure its vital national security interests is intrinsically linked to the capabilities of our Air Force. As the joint enabler, the Air Force’s core capabilities, such as air dominance and strategic lift, serve to enhance the capacity of the entire military. However, the Air Force is at …
The 2009 Defense Authorization Bill passed by Congress last week, only authorizes the Air Force the funds needed to keep 317,050 airmen in uniform. This is 11,550 less than the 328,600 airmen Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he needs. Apparently this isn’t even Congress’ fault. Air Force Times reports: The …
The Associated Press reports, “In unusually blunt terms, Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday challenged the Air Force, whose leaders are under fire on several fronts, to contribute more to immediate wartime needs and to promote new thinking.” The secretary made the remarks at the Air Force’s Air University at Maxwell …
