A joint DOD-State report unearthed by the New York Times reportedly says the US-led effort to train an Afghan police force has fallen far short of its goal, with no way to determine how many Afghan officers are working or the location of thousands of trucks and other equipment. The report is making the rounds on Capitol Hill, so no doubt lawmakers will be asking for an accounting of the $1.1 billion training program.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.