Congressional authorizers want DOD to conduct a new “requirements-based study” to consider the appropriate size and mix of fixed-wing intertheater and intratheater airlift assets. This is a product of the 2008 defense policy bill conference report, merging the Senate desire for a focus on strategic airlifters and House preference to broaden the scope to cover all fixed-wing airlift capability, including commercial assets and tactical airlift, such as the Joint Cargo Aircraft. The conference report also calls for a “thorough review” of an internal Air Force briefing that covered the potential retirement of 30 older model C-5s and purchase of 30 additional C-17s—known as the “30/30 Plan.” The study is to include airlift capability provided by current and future air refueling aircraft. Congress expects a study plan from a DOD-selected federally funded research and development center 60 days after enactment of the defense bill. In this report, lawmakers want to see options that would include continuing to upgrade all C-5s (see above) and buying additional C-17s and doing neither.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
