Have you noticed the lack of official Pentagon comment on the BRAC commission final recommendations last week? The jury must still be out in DOD minds. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said Monday that he has yet to decide whether he will recommend President Bush approve the finalized list, according to the Associated Press. Asked for comment during a visit to the Army training center at Ft. Irwin, Calif., Monday, he said the commissioners emphasized economics more than military value.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.