The Long-Term Force:

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At his confirmation hearing Tuesday to become the next Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee, “Whatever changed approach or strategy we come up with, … we are still going to have to have some level of American support there for the Iraqi military.” He said that there will be “some [US] presence in Iraq for a long time” and that would include logistical support and—you guessed it—air power. Said Gates, “They have no airpower of their own.”

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org