Responding to a reporter who asked whether the Air Force was gambling that Congress would add more C-17 airlifters, Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood insisted that Air Force leaders ”don’t play politics.” He maintained that gambling isn’t a healthy way to plan a force. He added that the idea hasn’t come up, even once.
Budget Calls for More Airmen, More Guardians in 2027
April 21, 2026
The Air Force and Space Force would both expand their ranks next year under the Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion 2027 budget.