Air Force Eyeing Major Personnel Cuts: USAF officials are considering slashing the service’s workforce by some 30,000 to 40,000 personnel between 2007 and 2011. Naturally word leaked out. According to Air Force spokeswoman Jean Schaefer, the subject is serious enough to warrant a top-level briefing for reporters next week at the Pentagon. “It’s a pretty fluid situation right now,” Schaefer told us Thursday afternoon, saying that she could not comment on speculation that the personnel would be cut to save funds for weapon systems. She said there would be more clarification at the briefing. Watch this space.
U.S. Northern Command plans to sign an agreement with its European and Pacific counterparts to enhance coordination and close security seams in the Arctic, a strategically vital region that spans all three commands. The agreement comes at an important moment in NORTHCOM's evolution, as its mission grows more complex.
