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.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
