The DOD Inspector General has decided that retired Adm. Dennis Blair did not corrupt the Institute for Defense Analyses review of the F-22A program, despite having a stake in a minor subcontractor. The IG does believe that IDA-head Blair “violated IDA’s conflict of interest standards” for not disqualifying himself, states the IG report. It goes on to state that his failure to do so had “no impact” on IDA’s F-22 work. Following the Congressional uproar over the issue this summer, Blair stepped down from his position on the EDO board.
The United States Air Force is flying less than historic norms and funding for acquisition and readiness is on a path to further hollow out this too small and old force to that is incapable of sustaining an enduring combat air campaign.
