Backtalk: Cancel this show

Cancel this show
By Robert F. Dorr

Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley seem imprisoned in a two-man, two-act stage play with two incompatible story lines.

In Act One, which takes place in the spring, they testify on Capitol Hill about the administration’s military budget request.

They adhere rigidly to official policy. They must. The White House is watching and, closer to home, they’re being scrutinized by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, a no-nonsense taskmaster.

So they say production of C-17 Globemaster IIIs will end with airplane No. 190; the Air Force will acquire only 183 F-22 Raptor fighters, and production of the F-22 and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter will occur at a purposely slow rate.

In fall’s Act Two, Wynne and Moseley argue for equipment the administration hasn’t requested and that can’t be purchased under agreed-upon fiscal constraints — including more C-17s, and more and faster production of F-22s. They warn of dire consequences if their pleas aren’t heeded.

Addressing the needs of troops and taxpayers in this fashion is a disservice to all. And it creates all sorts of mischief.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_backtalk_reenginedc5s_071112/