Shortly after the Pentagon revealed a new directive that labels stability operations as a “core US military mission,” President Bush formally appointed the Secretary of State as the lead authority on efforts to rebuild and stabilize nations after conflicts or during civil strife. The White House announcement says State will coordinate stability ops with Defense when US military operations are planned or ongoing. The DOD directive states that the US military will give stability ops “priority comparable to combat operations.” Neither action should come as a big surprise.
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.