Back from August recess, lawmakers are quickly tackling the hot topic of national security—particularly the war in Iraq. A host of Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, sent a letter to President Bush, decrying “escalating violence, increasing instability in the region, and an overall strain on our troops that has reduced their readiness to levels not seen since Vietnam.” They urge the President to “change course,” including a “phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq before the end of the year.” Oh, and immediately, they would like the President to oust Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In response, the Senate Majority Whip, Mitch McConnell, issued a statement saying the Democratic leadership “finally agrees on something—unfortunately it’s retreat.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.