The Air Force is playing a big role in helping the federal government employ veterans, according to the Office of Personnel Management’s recently released annual report on federal employment of veterans. OPM figures showed that of the government’s 1,813,166 civilian employees, 456,254, or 25 percent, were veterans in Fiscal 2005. That figure marked a two percent increase from 2004. Moreover, the Air Force led all government agencies with the most veterans in its workforce, 47.3 percent in 2005, up slightly from the 47 percent posted in 2004.
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.