Air Force leaders have instructed public affairs personnel to use the phrase “force shaping,” rather than terms such as “downsizing” or “layoffs” whey they are discussing the upcoming personnel cuts. And, leaders have deemed as strictly taboo the obvious, logical, and traditional term “reduction in force.” Why? Senior leadership wants to emphasize that the service is deliberately moving toward a new and smaller organization, rather than having folks construe the cuts as a money-saving effort.
BAE Systems has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to install an upgraded Block 4 electronic warfare system into new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, as well as to retrofit some older jets.
