On the other hand, AFMC chief Gen. Bruce Carlson says Materiel Command has been told to shed some 3,000 military personnel, which it has in far fewer numbers than civilians. (See above.) Many of the command’s military comprise critical base specialties, such as firefighters and civil engineers, without which he says, “I can’t keep the base open.” Carlson revealed that he’s considering letting go more civilian slots to save some key military personnel. He asserted, “The Chief [of Staff] and the Secretary and I know we’re not going to get this right the first time.” However, he added that they think there’s enough “flex” to get things about right and adjust if needed.
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.
