Queried by a reporter at the Pentagon yesterday about how the Army can continue its present and projected pace without more free use of reserve forces, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld replied: “There are a variety of things you can do. You can continue to do what we’re doing, moving military people out of civilian posts that civilians can occupy; you can use the Air Force and the Navy to a greater extent than they’ve been used.” Perhaps realizing what he had just said, Rumsfeld quickly added, “They’re leaning very far forward already and have done a terrific job in both Iraq and Afghanistan and in various other backup activities.” Yikes.
Contracts for F-35 airframes in Lot 18 and 19 should be signed in the spring, but an engine deal is still not in hand and could take months longer. The delays don't seem to be driven by anticipation of how the new Trump administration will influence the program.