In a speech to the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy Sunday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent criticism of US foreign policy, saying “We all face many common problems and challenges that must be addressed in partnership with other countries, including Russia.” Gates acknowledged that he and Putin share a Cold War intel background and said he had accepted an invitation from Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov to visit Russia.
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.