The Air National Guard achieved 96 percent of its recruiting goal for the month of August, a much better showing than in the previous few months. The August numbers should keep the Air Guard’s overall total for the fiscal year close to target. And, as the Pentagon notes, retention remains good. The active Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command each made 100 percent of their monthly goals for August. AFRC says it already has reached its goal for the year.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.