The new Secretary maintains that the Air Force has always been a joint service, but he wants it to seek out new missions instead of “waiting to be asked.” He calls this approach: “aggressively pursuing joint.” The Air Force already provides close air support, aerial mobility and refueling, indirect fire, intelligence, aeromedical evacuation, security, training, tactical communications, contracting, and convoy operations. Now, says Wynne, the question is “should we encroach a little bit more on unfamiliar territory.”
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.