Although the Pentagon did not propose closing Eielson AFB, Alaska, it does want to remove the active units, thereby saving some $229 million a year. Whoa, says Alaskan officials, including the state’s Adjutant General. In a letter to BRAC commissioners, Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell cites a recent Air Force study saying the estimated residual active force of 400 personnel would be way short of need. Campbell believes the Pentagon may short change the base, leaving the 168th Air Refueling Wing in the cold.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
