Renewed cries from Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) that American needs to reinstate a military draft have fallen flat as far as key Democrats are concerned. Soon-to-be House and Senate majority leaders told reporters they disagree with Rangel. They plan to implement other means to remedy what they see as an overtaxed US military force—namely a different strategy for Iraq. There also would seem to be evidence to dispute Rangel’s claim that the all-volunteer force comprises more recruits from the poorest families.
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft will be operational in the late 2020s, several years before the Next-Generation Air Dominance family of systems, Air Force officials told the House Armed Services tactical aviation panel. The CCAs will first be “shooters,” then electronic warfare platforms, then sensors, in that order, they added.